Dubai Embraces Ripple’s RLUSD and Real Estate Tokenization

The DFSA's approval enables RLUSD to be incorporated into Ripple's licensed payment platform, facilitating its use by other DFSA-registered entities. RLUSD is designed to enhance cross-border payment efficiency, offering real-time settlement capabilities that surpass traditional banking systems, which often require days to process transactions.

Reece Merrick, Ripple's Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa (MEA), highlighted the UAE’s leadership in shaping global standards for digital asset innovation and regulation. “The UAE continues to set a global benchmark for forward-thinking digital asset regulation and innovation,” said Reece Merrick. “The DFSA’s approval of RLUSD is yet another step forward for Ripple’s operations in the region, and we’re seeing huge interest from businesses of all sizes for cross-border payments and digital asset custody solutions. The UAE’s digital economy is vibrant and incredibly dynamic, and we’re looking forward to working with our regional partners, customers and regulators to supercharge that growth.”

Launched in December 2024, RLUSD has rapidly gained traction, with its market capitalization surpassing $130 million in early 2025 and now exceeding $300 million. The stablecoin is fully backed by U.S. dollar deposits, U.S. government bonds, and cash equivalents, with Ripple publishing monthly third-party attestations to ensure transparency and reliability.

Stablecoin adoption in the UAE is gaining momentum. Data from industry reports shows that, In 2024, the region recorded a 55% year-over-year rise in stablecoin transactions, reflecting growing demand for blockchain-based alternatives to legacy payment systems. Backed by over $400 billion in international trade and a forward-looking regulatory environment for digital assets, the UAE is emerging as a leading global center for stablecoin development and real-world application.

Parallel to Ripple's advancements, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has initiated a groundbreaking real estate tokenization project. In collaboration with fintech firm Prypco and blockchain infrastructure provider Ctrl Alt, the DLD has launched the 'Prypco Mint' platform, which leverages the XRP Ledger to tokenize property title deeds. This initiative allows investors to acquire fractional ownership in Dubai properties, with investments starting as low as AED 2,000 (approximately $540).

The tokenization platform aims to democratize real estate investment, providing enhanced transparency and security through blockchain-based transactions. By enabling fractional ownership, the DLD seeks to attract a broader spectrum of investors, both local and international, thereby reinforcing Dubai's position as a global hub for real estate innovation.

The DLD projects that tokenized assets will represent up to 7% of Dubai's real estate market by 2033, equating to approximately $16 billion. This ambitious target aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, underscoring the emirate's commitment to digital transformation.

The convergence of Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin approval and the DLD's real estate tokenization initiative signifies a broader trend of integrating blockchain technology into traditional financial and real estate sectors. These developments not only enhance operational efficiency and transparency but also position Dubai at the forefront of digital asset adoption and innovation.

As the UAE continues to embrace blockchain solutions, the synergy between regulatory frameworks and technological advancements is expected to drive further growth in the digital economy, offering new opportunities for investors and reinforcing the nation's status as a leader in the global fintech landscape.