DDSC and Network International have launched the UAE’s first in-store pilot for payments using a Central Bank of the UAE-licensed stablecoin (a cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value) backed one-to-one by the UAE dirham. The trial is live at the Marks & Spencer branch in Al-Futtaim’s Dubai Festival City and LuLu Hypermarket at Khalidiyah Mall in Abu Dhabi. Customers with supported wallets scan a QR code generated by existing Network International point-of-sale terminals, while merchants can settle transactions in DDSC or UAE dirhams under their agreed arrangements. Network International plans to expand acceptance across its UAE merchant network after testing, but has not provided a timetable. DDSC launched on ADI Chain in February after approval and licensing under the central bank’s Payment Token Services Regulation. It was developed by International Holding Company, First Abu Dhabi Bank and Sirius International Holding, and is backed by segregated reserves. The pilot extends DDSC from blockchain settlement infrastructure into physical retail payments, as other regulated stablecoins and crypto payment systems gain access to UAE payment channels.