IHC executes a deal worth AED 110 million using the stablecoin "DDSC" 22 May 2026 00:55 Abu Dhabi (Al-Ittihad) International Holding Company (IHC) announced the completion of a significant deal worth AED 110 million (equivalent to $30 million), using the stablecoin backed by the UAE dirham "DDSC", via the blockchain network of ADI Foundation, an advanced layer-2 technology developed by the foundation for institutional use. Having recently obtained approval from the Central Bank of the UAE to launch DDSC, this transaction marks an important milestone for the DDSC ecosystem, confirming its operational readiness, scalability, and practical feasibility for executing large-scale institutional transactions. The stablecoin backed by the UAE dirham "DDSC" was launched following a strategic collaboration between IHC, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Sirius International Holding, based on the blockchain infrastructure of ADI Foundation. This initiative aims to support and facilitate secure, highly efficient digital transactions that comply with regulatory frameworks for institutions, companies, and individuals, enabling efficient and seamless transfer and settlement operations across global markets. Executing a transaction of this size is tangible proof of the strength and efficiency of the infrastructure underpinning both DDSC and the ADI network, moving the initiative from development to actual application and operation. It also confirms the ecosystem's ability to support recurring, large-scale financial flows, including cross-border payments, treasury operations, and trade settlements. This achievement coincides with growing demand for more efficient, transparent, and compliant alternatives to traditional payment channels, especially in emerging markets that continue to face tangible challenges related to processing time, cost, and operational complexities. Sayed Basar Shueib, CEO of IHC, said: "This transaction confirms that the UAE's digital infrastructure is now ready, flexible, and capable of supporting actual institutional-level financial activities. As one of the founding entities of the DDSC ecosystem, IHC is committed to advancing solutions that contribute to developing mechanisms for capital movement across markets. Executing an AED 110 million transaction using the DDSC digital currency via the ADI network is a clear indicator that we have entered a new phase where institutionally designed digital assets are not just feasible solutions but operational ecosystems capable of working at scale." With the practical use of DDSC on the ADI network now underway, the focus will shift toward expanding institutional participation, developing additional use cases, and strengthening cross-border payment and trade corridors to connect the Middle East with major global markets. This achievement bolsters the UAE's position at the forefront of digital asset innovation and reflects the growing role of infrastructure aligned with sovereign directives in shaping the future of the global financial system.

Crypto.com partners with UAE's Sirius to integrate ADI Chain. Sirius International Holding, a technology investment leader and the digital arm of International Holding Company (IHC), today announced a strategic partnership with Crypto.com. The collaboration aims to strengthen the UAE's position as a leader in digital assets by advancing blockchain adoption, tokenization infrastructure and real-world asset utility. As part of the partnership, Crypto.com will initially explore an integration of the ADI Chain, a high-performance blockchain launched by the ADI Foundation, the Abu Dhabi-based nonprofit founded by Sirius International Holding. This integration will support the growth of sovereign-grade digital infrastructure in the UAE and unlock new avenues for tokenization at regional and global scale. The two organizations will also assess opportunities to list digital assets connected to Sirius' ecosystem, including tokenized real-world assets and stablecoins. All listings will be subject to Crypto.com's rigorous listing assessment processes and obtaining relevant regulatory approvals. The collaboration also extends to assessing the use of Crypto.com Pay across Sirius' portfolio companies. In parallel, both organizations will explore institutional opportunities through Crypto.com Exchange, the world's leading USD-supporting cryptocurrency exchange by spot market volume. Eric Anziani, President and Chief Operating Officer of Crypto.com said, "Increasing everyday utility of cryptocurrencies is central to our vision at Crypto.com and we're encouraged by the UAE's commitment to advancing blockchain adoption. Sirius International Holding has an impressive portfolio of companies that share our vision and we look forward to working closely with them in our collective pursuit." Alain Yacine, President of Middle East and Latin America of Crypto.com said, "The UAE is driving crypto innovation with a global influence. Blockchain is proving to be a revolutionary force in redefining the financial ecosystem, and we are proud to partner with Sirius International Holding to expand digital asset utility across the region." Ajay Bhatia, CEO of Sirius International Holding and Principal Council Member at ADI Foundation said, "This partnership marks a defining step in how the UAE will shape the next era of digital finance. By aligning Sirius' sovereign-grade infrastructure and the ADI Chain with one of the world's most trusted exchanges, we are creating the rails for global-scale tokenization anchored by the upcoming Dirham-backed stablecoin. This collaboration forms the foundation of a new regional and international digital-asset economy." By building on the strengths of both ecosystems, the partnership creates a foundation that can scale far beyond the UAE. The collaboration positions Sirius International Holding and Crypto.com to export cutting-edge digital asset capabilities to markets that are ready for secure, institutional-grade adoption. About Sirius International Holding. Sirius International Holding, a subsidiary of International Holding Company (IHC) headquartered in Abu Dhabi, stands at the forefront of the future of sustainability through technology and the digital transformation landscape. With a vision to drive profound change and ignite the possibilities of a better future, Sirius International Holding comprises of more than 20 subsidiaries globally, each contributing to shape today's health, climate and digital eco-system. About Crypto.com. Founded in 2016, Crypto.com is trusted by millions of users worldwide and is the industry leader in regulatory compliance, security and privacy. Its vision is simple: Cryptocurrency in Every Wallet(TM). Crypto.com is committed to accelerating the adoption of cryptocurrency through innovation. About ADI Foundation. ADI Foundation is an Abu-Dhabi based non-profit organization founded by Sirius International Holding (a subsidiary of IHC), dedicated to empowering governments and institutions in emerging markets through blockchain infrastructure and partnerships needed to unlock sovereign digital economies and drive large-scale social and economic inclusion. Its mission is to bring 1 billion people into the digital economy by 2030, building on a strong foundation of 400+ million people already within its reach. Through strategic partnerships in over 20 countries and a growing portfolio of use cases such as a new UAE stablecoin backed by Dirhams, ADI is redefining what is possible at the intersection of technology and impact. Positioned in Abu Dhabi which is rapidly emerging as the Silicon Valley of inclusive tech-finance, ADI Foundation is proud to lead the transformation by turning visionary policy into practical, scalable systems that empower people, businesses, and governments alike.