The Middle East continues to gain strength as a global cryptocurrency hub
Circle has received regulatory approval to operate in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), becoming the latest crypto-friendly company to expand into the UAE’s rapidly growing digital-asset hub. The firm announced that it secured a Financial Services Permission license from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority, allowing it to function as a Money Services Provider within the financial free zone.
Circle expands its regulatory footprint in the UAE
Announced at Abu Dhabi Finance Week:
→ Secured an @ADGlobalMarket FSRA Financial Services Permission to operate as a Money Services ProviderThis milestone builds on USDC and EURC being the first stablecoins recognized by… pic.twitter.com/BCSDOpo3mb
— Circle (@circle) December 9, 2025
The approval gives Circle the green light to deepen the regional use of USDC, its USD-backed stablecoin. Alongside the license, the company appointed Saeeda Jaffar as managing director for the Middle East and Africa. Jaffar, who also holds senior roles within Visa’s Gulf operations, will lead Circle’s efforts to build partnerships and advance stablecoin adoption across the region.
Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire said the ADGM’s regulatory structure sets strict standards for transparency and risk management, which he believes are essential for stablecoins to support payment systems at scale. The company’s entry comes at a time when the UAE is welcoming a wave of crypto-related businesses.
In recent weeks, Tether was granted approval for its USDt stablecoin, and Ripple also won authorization for its own dollar-pegged token. Binance received three licenses allowing it to operate an exchange, clearing house, and broker-dealer services in Abu Dhabi, following earlier approvals granted to Bybit.
The UAE is working to position itself as a global center for digital finance, introducing new rules for decentralized finance and Web3 activity. The updated framework requires licenses for platforms involved in payments, lending, custody, and other crypto-related services. Regulators have also stepped up enforcement, targeting unlicensed firms operating in the country.
Circle’s approval further signals Abu Dhabi’s commitment to regulated digital-asset innovation and strengthens the region’s role as a destination for companies seeking clearer oversight and broader market access.
