UAE's Top Fuel Retailer ADNOC to Accept USDT Stablecoin at 980 Gas Stations

ADNOC Distribution, the largest fuel and convenience retailer in the United Arab Emirates, has announced a landmark move to accept cryptocurrency payments. Customers will soon be able to use the Tether (USDT) stablecoin to pay for fuel and services across its vast network of 980 stations. This initiative spans three countries: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. The integration, facilitated by a partnership with blockchain payment provider Phoenix Group, signals a significant step in the adoption of digital assets for everyday transactions in the Gulf region. Using USDT, a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, aims to provide a fast, secure, and borderless payment method, reducing reliance on traditional cash and cards. This expansion of crypto utility by a major state-linked corporation underscores the growing institutional embrace of blockchain technology in the Middle East, potentially setting a precedent for other retailers in the energy and retail sectors.