Circle Doubles Down on Global Expansion With Abu Dhabi License

Circle, the company behind the popular stablecoin USDC, is expanding its global footprint after securing a key regulatory license in the United Arab Emirates.

The company announced it had been approved as a money services provider by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), a move that could signal greater stablecoin adoption across the region.

This new license allows Circle to offer its services directly within the UAE’s rapidly growing digital economy. According to CEO Jeremy Allaire, Abu Dhabi’s commitment to financial innovation makes it a natural partner for companies helping to build the future of internet-native finance.

As part of its UAE strategy, Circle is teaming up with Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s leading tech hub. The collaboration will integrate Circle into Hub71’s growing network of startups and investors, providing opportunities for early-stage fintech and crypto-focused businesses to tap into global expertise. Hub71’s CEO Ahmad Ali Alwan emphasized that bringing Circle into their ecosystem will boost Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to be a major fintech powerhouse.

READ MORE:

Institutional Demand Fuels Bitcoin Optimism as $210K Target Looms

Meanwhile, Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief of Market Development at ADGM, praised Circle’s entry as a sign of the UAE’s growing role in the evolving global digital asset landscape. He highlighted Circle’s strong regulatory mindset and industry leadership as key assets to the local market.

Circle’s expansion into Abu Dhabi comes at a time when regional interest in crypto regulation and digital assets is heating up. As major companies seek friendly jurisdictions, the UAE continues to present itself as a welcoming home for blockchain innovation.

The approval follows a wave of crypto-friendly initiatives across the UAE, including the launch of new stablecoin projects and regulatory moves to position the country as a global hub for digital finance.

Alexander Stefanov