Key Insights
- On December 8, 2025, ADGM formally acknowledged USDT as an Accepted Fiat-Referenced Token (AFRT), increasing its earlier approval from 2024.
- USDT is now supported on 12 blockchains, together with Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, Aptos, Celo, Cosmos, Kaia, Close to, Polkadot, Tezos, TON, and TRON.
- With a market cap of $185.7 billion, USDT’s endorsement boosts its adoption in the Center East and North Africa.
Tether’s USDT stablecoin has reached a brand new milestone in Abu Dhabi and doubtlessly in the general Center East and North Africa (MENA) area. On December 8, 2025, the Monetary Providers Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi World Market (ADGM) acknowledged USDT as an Accepted Fiat-Referenced Token (AFRT). Tether shared the official approval determination in a Monday press release.
This approval expands its earlier recognition from October 2024. Licensed establishments can now use USDT throughout twelve blockchains.
The choice strengthens Tether’s authorized standing in the Center East. USDT’s market cap now stands at about $185.7 billion, exhibiting its international dominance.
Growth Throughout A number of Blockchains
The brand new approval permits USDT to function on 9 extra networks. These embrace Aptos, Celo, Cosmos, Kaia, Close to, Polkadot, Tezos, TON, and TRON.
This builds on the sooner approval in October 2024. That recognition coated Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche. With this growth, USDT is now supported on twelve blockchains. This makes it a flexible software for cross-chain operations.
ADGM-licensed corporations comparable to banks, exchanges, custodians, and fee suppliers can now legally custody, switch, and use USDT. They’ll combine the stablecoin into regulated monetary actions.
Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, mentioned the choice reveals each entities’ dedication to monetary inclusion and innovation. He emphasised that the approval aligns with Tether’s efforts to enhance transparency and compliance.
Abu Dhabi’s Regulatory Framework
The ADGM was established in 2015 on Al Maryah Island. It has shortly change into a blockchain-friendly jurisdiction. In 2024, ADGM launched a complete stablecoin regulatory framework.
This framework requires issuers to keep up full reserves. It additionally mandates common audits and strict compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements.
USDT now joins different authorised stablecoins in the ADGM registry. These embrace Circle’s USDC, PayPal’s PYUSD, and USD1. This recognition underscores the UAE’s ambition to change into the “crypto capital” of the Center East.
The UAE has invested closely in digital belongings. With its oil wealth and strategic location, the nation goals to diversify its economic system.
ADGM’s progressive insurance policies have attracted main gamers comparable to Binance and Kraken. Plans for an AED-pegged stablecoin additionally present the intent to attach blockchain with conventional finance.
Impression on Tether and the Area
For Tether, the approval may speed up USDT’s integration into sectors like actual property and conventional finance. Earlier partnerships, comparable to with Reelly Tech for property transactions in the UAE, spotlight the potential of stablecoins in high-value offers.
Business consultants see this as a strategic win for Tether. The corporate has confronted scrutiny over reserves and transparency. It settled with the New York Legal professional Basic in 2021 and continues to face debates about its backing.
Regardless of controversies, Tether stays dominant in the stablecoin market. The ADGM endorsement provides legitimacy. It could ease issues for institutional customers and regulators worldwide.
On the social media platform X, the information sparked pleasure. Some pointed to the position of regulated adoption in Abu Dhabi.
Analysts predict elevated USDT utilization in the Center East and North Africa. Remittances and commerce in the area depend on environment friendly fee rails. With international stablecoin transaction volumes surpassing $10 trillion yearly, ADGM’s framework positions the UAE to seize progress.
Challenges stay. Geopolitical tensions and evolving laws, such because the EU’s MiCA framework, will form the trade’s future.
Nonetheless, Tether’s multi-chain recognition in ADGM strengthens its edge in opposition to rivals like USDC. It additionally reinforces the UAE’s position as a world hub for digital finance innovation.
Moses Okay is a crypto journalist protecting markets, regulation, and blockchain developments. He has written for The Coin Republic, Coinchapter, Cryptopolitan, Cryptotale, Coinspeaker, and MPost. Identified for his concise, data-driven reporting, Moses focuses on value evaluation, on-chain metrics, and coverage developments shaping the worldwide digital asset panorama.
