Friday, December 12, 2025
Happy Friday everyone!
Welcome to this week's Smashi Crypto newsletter, where the UAE continues cementing its position as a global digital finance powerhouse. Two major stablecoin integrations are reshaping everyday transactions: e& UAE is partnering with Al Maryah Community Bank to test AE Coin payments across telecom services, while ADNOC Distribution becomes the first UAE fuel retailer accepting the Central Bank-licensed stablecoin at nearly 980 stations. Meanwhile, Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao was spotted at a UAE event wearing limited-edition Trump Bitcoin Sneakers — gifted collectibles that blend crypto culture with political merchandise
E& UAE And Al Maryah Community Bank Partner To Test Stablecoin Payments With AE Coin
📰 What is it about?
E& UAE and Al Maryah Community Bank signed an MOU to integrate AE Coin, a Central Bank-licensed stablecoin, into e& payment channels. Customers will test blockchain-based payments for mobile bills, recharges, and digital services using the AED-backed token across e& platforms.
💡 Why it matters?
The partnership introduces regulated digital payments to millions of e& users, offering instant settlement and transparency. It demonstrates real-world stablecoin applications in essential consumer services while advancing the UAE's digital economy goals and cashless society vision through mainstream adoption.
🔜 What’s next?
E& UAE will integrate AE Coin across its payment infrastructure, including smart self-service systems and potential e-commerce touchpoints. The rollout expands regulated virtual-asset payments to everyday transactions, setting new standards for digital finance accessibility in the telecommunications sector.
ADNOC Distribution Becomes First UAE Fuel Retailer To Accept AE Coin Payments
📰 What is it about?
ADNOC Distribution partnered with Al Maryah Community Bank to accept AE Coin, the UAE's first Central Bank-licensed stablecoin, across its entire network. Customers can now use the AED-backed digital currency at nearly 980 service stations, 382 Oasis stores, and service centers.
💡 Why it matters?
This marks cryptocurrency's entry into mainstream fuel and convenience retail in the UAE. ADNOC Distribution's first-mover adoption demonstrates how regulated blockchain payments can transition from speculation to everyday transactions, supporting the country's digital economy transformation and global leadership in virtual asset adoption.
🔜 What’s next?
The initiative sets a precedent for widespread stablecoin acceptance across UAE retail sectors. As digital payment infrastructure matures, more mainstream retailers are expected to integrate AE Coin and similar regulated virtual assets, accelerating the shift toward practical cryptocurrency usage in daily commerce.
Binance CEO Spotted Wearing Limited-Edition Trump Bitcoin Sneakers In UAE
📰 What is it about?
Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) was photographed wearing limited-edition "Bitcoin Sneakers" created by former President Donald Trump during a recent UAE event. CZ confirmed on social media the sneakers were gifted to him, stating: "Yes, a friend gave them to me as a gift. Think it is a NFT too."
💡 Why it matters?
The sighting highlights the growing intersection of cryptocurrency culture, political merchandise, and mainstream fashion. Aman Sai, who spotted CZ at the event, tweeted: "I just saw @cz_binance at the event flexing those Limited-Edition 'Bitcoin Sneakers'...CZ doesn't just HODL $BTC..." The moment underscores the UAE's emergence as a global crypto hub.
🔜 What’s next?
Trump's Bitcoin-themed merchandise collection continues gaining attention among crypto enthusiasts and collectors. As political figures increasingly embrace cryptocurrency branding, expect more crossover products that blend digital assets with physical collectibles, particularly targeting the crypto community's passion for unique, limited-edition items.
