> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.d-x.ae/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # AED-Backed Stablecoin DDSC Begins Real Checkout Trials at UAE Retail Stores - URL: https://www.d-x.ae/aed-backed-stablecoin-ddsc-begins-real-checkout-trials-at-uae-retail-stores/ - Published: 2026-09-11T04:54:51.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-11T04:54:51.000Z - Author: Decode-X - Tags: Developments Network International announced on 9 September 2026 that it had begun an in-store pilot allowing customers with supported DDSC wallets to pay using the AED-backed token through its existing point-of-sale terminals. The pilot was conducted at the Marks & Spencer branch at Al-Futtaim’s Dubai Festival City and LuLu Hypermarket at Khalidiyah Mall in Abu Dhabi. ### How the Pilot Works At checkout, the point-of-sale device displays a QR code for the customer to scan using a DDSC-supported wallet. Once the transfer is confirmed, the merchant receives a payment notification through Network International’s existing acceptance infrastructure. The pilot uses Network International’s existing point-of-sale devices rather than a separate checkout system. Settlement can be made either in DDSC to a supported merchant wallet or in UAE dirhams, depending on the merchant’s arrangement with Network International. ### DDSC and the UAE Payment Token Framework DDSC is a UAE dirham-backed payment token pegged 1:1 to the dirham. It was developed through a collaboration involving International Holding Company, First Abu Dhabi Bank and Sirius International Holding, and settles on ADI Chain. The Central Bank of the UAE approved DDSC to go live in February 2026. The CBUAE’s public register lists AEDC Stable Coin-L.L.C. under Dirham Payment Token Issuance and AEDC Stable Coin Network And Distribution-L.L.C. under Payment Token Conversion. DDSC’s official website also identifies AEDC Stable Coin Network and Distribution L.L.C. as licensed by the CBUAE under the Payment Token Services Regulation and Stored Value Facilities Regulation. DDSC states that each token is backed 1:1 by dirham reserves held in ring-fenced accounts. More broadly, the CBUAE’s Payment Token Services Regulation requires licensed payment token issuers to maintain reserve assets at least equal to the fiat face value of tokens in circulation, with safeguarding, reconciliation and external-audit requirements. The regulation also restricts who may provide or promote Payment Token Services in the UAE and prohibits the issuance and promotion of algorithmic stablecoins and privacy tokens. These rules are separate from Dubai’s virtual-asset framework and are important when distinguishing a regulated payment token from other types of virtual assets. ### A Limited Retail Test The announcement does not represent a nationwide rollout across Network International’s merchant base. Network said it plans to expand DDSC acceptance across its UAE merchant network after testing is completed, but it did not provide a fixed timetable for wider availability. DDSC has also received regulatory clearance for another part of its rollout. On 3 July 2026, Emirates News Agency reported that the CBUAE had issued a No Objection Certificate allowing DDSC to go live on selected VARA-regulated exchange platforms, subject to meeting the NOC requirements. That does not mean DDSC is available on every VARA-regulated platform. For consumers and businesses following UAE digital payments, the development is specific: a CBUAE-regulated dirham payment token has been tested through existing retail checkout infrastructure at two named locations. Wider availability, supported wallets, fees, redemption arrangements and merchant coverage may differ as the service develops, so those details should be checked through official providers and regulatory sources before use. **Key Takeaways** - Network International announced an in-store DDSC payment pilot on 9 September 2026, conducted at Marks & Spencer in Dubai Festival City and LuLu Hypermarket at Khalidiyah Mall in Abu Dhabi. - Customers use a supported wallet to scan a QR code generated by an existing Network International point-of-sale device, while merchants can receive settlement in DDSC or UAE dirhams depending on their arrangement. - DDSC is pegged 1:1 to the UAE dirham and operates within the CBUAE’s Payment Token Services regulatory framework. - The retail test remains limited in scope. Network International plans wider merchant acceptance after testing, but no fixed expansion timetable has been announced. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/31/5b31839b-65ca-403d-ac7b-509cf7237573/content/images/2026/09/image-10.png) **Sources:** [Network International](https://www.network.ae/en/about-us/press-and-media/news/network-international-launches-uae-s-first-in-store-ddsc-payment-pilot-for-aed-backed-stablecoin-transactions?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com), [CBUAE Payment Token Services Regulation](https://rulebook.centralbank.ae/en/rulebook/payment-token-services-regulation?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com), [CBUAE Public Register](https://www.centralbank.ae/media/ohzjcplq/cb-register-feb-2026.pdf?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com), [Emirates News Agency — DDSC launch approval](https://www.wam.ae/en/article/172j8aa-cbuae-approves-launch-uae-dirham-backed-stablecoin?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com), [Emirates News Agency — VARA-platform NOC](https://www.wam.ae/en/article/c11agvb-ddsc-receives-central-bank-approval-partner-with?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com), [DDSC official website](https://www.ddsc.ai/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com). --- **Disclaimer:** This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, investment, cybersecurity, medical, business, career, or other professional advice. Verify important information with official sources or qualified professionals before acting.