- Abu Dhabi taxis now accept AE Coin for fast and affordable crypto payments.
- AE Coin enables stable, low-cost transactions backed 1:1 with the UAE Dirham.
- Crypto adoption expands as Air Arabia joins AE Coin’s growing utility network.
You can now pay your taxi fare in Abu Dhabi using crypto. Yes, seriously. This isn’t a pilot or some vague future plan. It’s live. Riders across the city can now use AE Coin , a Dirham-backed stablecoin, to pay for their taxi trips. This move makes the UAE one of the first countries to bring blockchain payments to everyday public transport. It’s a bold step toward blending finance and convenience in a single tap.
AE Coin Powers the New Payment Option
AE Coin is no ordinary cryptocurrency. It’s pegged 1:1 to the UAE Dirham , ensuring price stability. The token was launched by Al Maryah Community Bank under full regulatory oversight. It earned a license from the Central Bank in December 2024. This stablecoin aims to simplify digital payments with fast settlements and almost zero transaction costs. That makes it perfect for frequent services like taxis.
The rollout comes from a partnership between the Integrated Transport Center and MBank. Together, they introduced AE Coin to modernize how people pay for public rides. The plan forms part of Abu Dhabi’s larger smart city initiative . Tawasul Transport’s General Manager, Ghena Jbour, believes this move supports a more flexible, sustainable future. Passengers get more choices, and drivers spend less time managing cash.
AE Coin Moves Beyond the Curb
MBank CEO Mohammed Wassim Khayata says the project fits perfectly into the UAE’s Digital Government Strategy. That national roadmap pushes digital adoption across sectors. Taxis just became the latest example of progress in motion. Taxi rides are only the beginning. Air Arabia now accepts AE Coin for flight bookings. This expands the coin’s real-world use case across both land and air.
The adoption is picking up momentum across the UAE. In the past year alone, the MENA region recorded $338.7 billion in crypto transactions. The UAE contributed $34 billion of that, ranking third in the region. AE Coin General Manager Ramez Rafeek said this shows stablecoins work in everyday life. Crypto doesn’t need to stay in the wallet anymore. You can now spend it just like cash.
This move isn’t just about tech. It’s about giving people smarter ways to handle money. Whether booking a flight or calling a cab, AE Coin now fits smoothly into daily life. Abu Dhabi’s taxis now offer more than just a ride. They offer a glimpse into the future. AE Coin brings crypto into the real world, one fare at a time. From highways to runways, digital payments are here to stay.
