UAE Air Arabia uses AED stablecoin for payments

UAE Air Arabia uses AED stablecoin for payments

UAE based Air Arabia airline is now accepting the AED stablecoin, AE Coin, developed by MBank ( Al Maryah Bank) for payments such as flight booking. The airline is the first in MENA to offer a stablecoin based payment option. Users can book their flights using the AEC Wallet application developed by MBank.

As the UAE’s first regulated AED-backed stablecoin, AE Coin is pegged 1:1 to the UAE dirham, ensuring price stability, security, and low transaction fees. With this integration, Air Arabia’s customers can now select the AEC Wallet at checkout when booking via the airline’s website.

Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia said: “We are proud to partner with Mbank to introduce AE Coin as a secure and innovative payment option for our customers. At Air Arabia, we are committed to embracing digitalization across our operations, and this partnership reflects our efforts to enhance our customer experience through technology. The newly introduced payment option through AEC Wallet reflects our ongoing efforts to adopt smart solutions that bring greater value, choice and flexibility to our growing customer base.”

Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Mbank, commented: “We are proud to partner with Air Arabia to offer AE Coin as a payment option for travelers. Air Arabia’s strong reputation as a leading low-cost carrier operator serving a diverse customer base aligns perfectly with our mission to provide accessible, secure, and affordable digital payment solutions to our community. Through this partnership, we are not only enhancing the booking process but also contributing to the UAE’s broader goal of creating a truly inclusive, digitally empowered financial ecosystem.”

Ramez Rafeek, General Manager of AED Stablecoin, added: “This partnership with Air Arabia is a key milestone for AE Coin as it makes digital currency even more accessible to everyday consumers. By integrating AE Coin into flight bookings, we are simplifying the payment experience for travelers and enabling a seamless cashless solution that aligns with the growing digital economy. Air Arabia’s leadership in adopting digital payment solutions within the aviation industry is an exciting development that will set the stage for wider adoption of digital currencies in the region.”

UAE MBank offers AED to crypto conversion for Changer.ae crypto custodian

UAE MBank offers AED to crypto conversion for Changer.ae crypto custodian

UAE MBank, Al Maryah Community Bank the first fully integrated digital bank in the UAE, is offering AED secure and regulated AED dirham to crypto conversions and trades, AED Escrow Account Services, executed at UAE regulated Changer.ae platform, a global crypto custodian service provider.

The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) has officially approved Mbank to open an AED Escrow Account for Changer.ae. This approval enables secure and compliant holding of AED funds in escrow through Mbank’s digital infrastructure, while the conversion of virtual assets and stablecoins such as USDT and USDC into AED is carried out by Changer.ae.

As per the press release, the service is a significant step toward bridging the gap between traditional finance and the digital asset economy. Mbank provides AED Escrow Account Services to Changer.ae clients allowing them to safely utilize a Dirham escrow account powered by the bank, while all conversions between dirhams and crypto assets are executed by Changer.ae.

Mbank and Changer.ae announcement of the Dirham-based crypto conversion service, including a fully regulated fiat escrow account in AED for crypto transactions, was made during TOKEN2049 Dubai, with Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Mbank and Board Member of Changer.ae, and Wang Hao, Senior Executive Officer at Changer.ae.

For customers, this means they can confidently and immediately convert their digital assets into local currency within a fully regulated and secure environment, eliminating the uncertainty and delays often associated with fiat, in on-ramp and off-ramp transactions. The service is entirely online, providing fast, transparent, and seamless access to funds, and allows individuals and businesses to manage crypto-to-fiat flows with ease, backed by Mbank’s trusted digital banking platform.


The cooperation between Mbank and Changer.ae enables individuals to exchange supported cryptocurrencies and stablecoins into AED via Changer.ae, with the converted Dirham funds held securely in escrow by Mbank. It also provides businesses with the tools to operate transactions entirely within a regulated, blockchain-enabled system, with real-time access to fiat and crypto balances.


This escrow service supports Crypto to Dirham and Dirham to Crypto conversions executed by Changer.ae, while the customers’ Dirham funds and transactions are fully protected through a comprehensive regulatory compliance and by Mbank’s secure technology infrastructure. Furthermore, this service facilitates fast movement of customer’s AED funds, in and out, within the UAE banking system.


Mr. Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Mbank and Board Member of Changer.ae, stated, “We are excited to offer this unique service to our customers, providing a seamless way to integrate Dirhams and crypto-related transactions with confidence. By providing AED Escrow Account Services to Changer.ae, we ensure secure and regulated dirham to crypto conversions for Changer clients. This partnership with Changer.ae aligns with our mission to drive innovation in the UAE’s financial ecosystem by offering regulated and secure financial infrastructure. The launch of this escrow account demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to becoming a global crypto hub while maintaining the highest standards of security and regulatory compliance.”


Mr. Wang Hao, Senior Executive Officer at Changer.ae, said, “At Changer.ae, we are thrilled to bring this innovative product to the market in collaboration with Mbank. With the approval from CBUAE, we are enhancing our service offerings by providing a secure, reliable, and convenient way for customers to access crypto services. This product reflects our continued dedication to bridge the gap between traditional finance world and the rapidly growing world.”


Mr. Tarek Soubra, Chief Technology Officer at Mbank noted that the AED escrow account service was an exciting leap forward, as it was developed in house with the highest standards of security, reliability and compliance without relying on third-party crypto custody platform.

He added, “The seamless and straight forward integration between the systems of Mbank and Changer.ae,callow our customers to benefit from a safe, fast, and transparent crypto-to-fiat experience. Customers can now convert their cryptocurrencies into AED through Changer.ae and then use their converted AED funds immediately and seamlessly, with Mbank holding the AED funds in escrow. Alternatively, Mwallet customers can now receive their converted AED funds immediately into their wallets and use them for any supported transactions or for immediate cash withdrawal, using Jaywan ATM card.”

MBank received Payment Token Services approval from UAE Central Bank

Al Maryah Community Bank also received approval from the Central Bank of the UAE to provide Payment Token Services within the country. This new capability allows merchants to open accounts and accept payments through the AEC Wallet, further reinforcing Mbank’s role in supporting a regulated and innovative crypto payments ecosystem in the UAE.

Previously Mbank also launched the first regulated stablecoin AE Coin.

UAE Mbank now offering the first AED stablecoin

UAE Mbank now offering the first AED stablecoin

Mbank has announced that it is the first bank to be offering the AE Coin licensed stablecoin. It has become the first bank to make the first-ever regulated stablecoin in the United Arab Emirates available through its AEC wallet.

Through AEC Wallet, powered by Mbank, customers will be able to purchase AE Coin and make secure, stable virtual financial transactions. In line with the Central Bank of the UAE’s digital payment token services framework and the government’s future-oriented vision.

AE Coin, is the first stablecoin of its kind, designed to provide secure, stable, and fully regulated transactions. With a focus on stability, scalability, and efficiency, AE Coin enables fast, low-cost transactions, all while operating under the regulatory oversight of the Central Bank of the UAE, adhering to the highest standards of security and compliance in digital finance. It combines the reliability of fiat-backed stability with the agility of blockchain technology, ensuring that each coin is fully supported by the Dirham.

Through Mbank, retail and corporate customers can open an AEC Wallet account and enjoy seamless, instantaneous, hassle-free AE Coin transactions with minimal fees, compared to that of traditional banking. Customers will be able to make secure transactions with AE Coin across e-commerce platforms, simplifying the entire payment procedure.

Mohammed Wassim Khayata, Chief Executive Officer at Mbank, commented on the partnership saying, “We are very proud to be the first entity to make AE Coin available as a digital currency, integrate it in our system, and offer our customers, whether individuals or businesses, a new era of transparent, cost-effective financial services where they can use AE Coin’s stable and regulated currency for easy, instant, and secure payments. By being a vessel for AE Coin, we are fostering economic growth, providing individuals and businesses with new opportunities to thrive in the digital economy, and making financial services more accessible to everyone”.

Ramez Rafeek, General Manager of AE Coin, added, “We are very pleased to partner with Mbank as it makes AE Coin available as a digital currency and integrates it into its system, redefining the way customers engage with money in the digital world. AE Coin harnesses the speed and efficiency of blockchain technology, facilitating instant, secure, and cost-effective transactions. It simplifies domestic transfers, making financial transactions faster and more efficient. In a rapidly evolving digital world, AE Coin sets the standard for trust, security, and innovation in digital currency”.

Mbank launches first blockchain enabled national debit card in UAE

Mbank launches first blockchain enabled national debit card in UAE

In celebration of the UAE’s 53rd National Day, UAE based Mbank (Al Maryah Community Bank) , a digital bank, launched Jaywan Cards, the UAE’s first National Debit Card, on its blockchain enabled Mbank Wallet platform.

As per the press release, the national debit card is powered by advanced blockchain technology. It empowers customers with the ability to pay seamlessly at all POS terminals across the UAE, transfer money internationally with ease, and enjoy zero fees for cash withdrawals. By leveraging the security and efficiency of blockchain, Mbank sets a new benchmark in financial convenience and inclusivity, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and serving the diverse needs of its customers.

The press release added, that the launch of Jaywan Cards reflects Mbank’s commitment to fostering financial inclusion, serving the local community, and enhancing its position in the UAE’s financial ecosystem.

This initiative aligns with the Central Bank of the UAE and Al Etihad Payments’ strategic timeline, supporting the introduction of over 10 million new debit cards into the UAE market over the next two years. Mbank extends its gratitude to Al Etihad Payments for their unwavering support and collaboration, which has been instrumental in bringing this transformative initiative to life and advancing the UAE’s payment infrastructure.

The Mbank Wallet offers a full suite of payment solutions, giving users the ability to manage their finances on the app while using Jaywan Cards for in-person transactions.

The Mbank Wallet is the UAE’s first national digital wallet built on decentralized blockchain technology, offering:

  • Payments Through All POS Terminals in the UAE: Jaywan Cards are widely accepted across the country for seamless transactions.
  • Instant Payments with QR Technology: Secure and quick payments for in-store and online purchases.
  • Cross-Border Transactions: International transfers facilitated through Lulu Exchange.
  • No Bank Account Needed: Customers can send, receive, and request payments using an IBAN, eliminating the need for a bank account.
  • Zero Fees for Cash Withdrawals: A fee-free experience at ATMs, ensuring greater financial accessibility.
  • Digital E-Vouchers: Simplify the process of purchasing gift vouchers from a wide range of top merchants

“As we celebrate the UAE’s 53rd National Day, we take immense pride in introducing a transformative step forward with the launch of Jaywan Cards through the Mbank Wallet,” said Mr. Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Al Maryah Community Bank. “This groundbreaking initiative is a testament to our unwavering commitment to empowering the nation’s financial landscape, enhancing customer experiences, and driving the UAE’s vision of becoming a leader in financial inclusion and digital innovation.”

He added, “With Jaywan Cards and the Mbank Wallet, we are not just redefining the banking experience but also reinforcing the UAE’s position as a hub for cutting-edge financial solutions. Our focus is on creating meaningful impacts that bring convenience and accessibility to every customer, reflecting the spirit of progress and innovation that defines our nation.”

This announcement comes after AED Stablecoin LLC stated that the Central Bank of UAE provided it with in principle approval to launch and establish its own stablecoin, AE Coin.