Ripple (XRP) Secures Landmark Dubai License for Crypto Payments

Blockchain Giant Gains Full Approval to Expand Operations in UAE

Ripple has officially received full regulatory approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), granting the company the ability to offer cross-border crypto payment services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Announced on March 13, this approval allows Ripple to operate within the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), a free-economic zone that boasts its own regulatory framework and tax policies. This milestone comes nearly six months after Ripple first disclosed that it had secured in-principle approval for the DFSA license. Back on October 1, 2024, the company revealed its ambitions to become fully licensed in Dubai as part of its broader strategy to expand its digital asset infrastructure in the region.

Powering Blockchain-Based Global Payments in the UAE

With this newly acquired license, Ripple can now bring its blockchain-driven payment solutions to businesses across the UAE. The company aims to support financial institutions seeking innovative ways to integrate digital assets into their operations.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse emphasized the UAE's strong position in fostering technological and crypto advancements. In a statement shared with Cointelegraph, he highlighted the region's early leadership and regulatory clarity as key drivers for growth:

“We are entering an unprecedented period of growth for the crypto industry, driven by greater regulatory clarity around the world and increasing institutional adoption.”

The company also noted a rising demand for cross-border payments across the Middle East, extending beyond crypto-native firms to include traditional financial institutions looking to streamline international transactions.

Ripple Becomes DIFC’s First Crypto Payment Provider

By securing DFSA approval, Ripple has achieved another major milestone - becoming the first blockchain-powered payments provider to operate within DIFC’s free-economic zone.

DIFC CEO Arif Amiri welcomed the development, stating:

"We are thrilled that Ripple is deepening their commitment to Dubai by securing a DFSA license that makes them the first blockchain-enabled payments provider in DIFC."

This regulatory green light positions Ripple to tap into vast opportunities within the UAE and the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, solidifying its presence in one of the world's most crypto-friendly jurisdictions.