Key insights
- Ripple adds Zand Bank, Mamo as licensed UAE payment partners.
- DFSA license enables Ripple to process end-to-end global transfers.
- 64% of MEA finance leaders demand faster blockchain-based payments.
Ripple has secured new partners in the United Arab Emirates to expand its blockchain-based cross-border payments service. The company announced on May 19 that it had onboarded Zand Bank and Mamo as clients using Ripple Payments, strengthening its presence in the Gulf region after obtaining a license from Dubai’s regulator.
This comes after a big relief from the regulators, one arena the firm had struggled for a long time. Finally, Ripple seems to be back on track with some ace partnerships, a recent pump in price pump, and more positive market sentiment.
In this news article, we shall look into a more detailed view of how Ripple is set to expand more in the UAE market with its recent partnerships. This could aid Ripple to spread its wings with its blockchain technology.
Ripple Gains Traction in Dubai with DFSA License
Ripple revealed that its regulatory approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) helped facilitate partnerships with local institutions. Both Zand Bank and Mamo will use Ripple’s blockchain-enabled solution for cross-border payments. Ripple Payments enables 24/7 global fund transfers, offering real-time settlements aimed at reducing friction in international transactions.
Reece Merrick, Ripple’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, said the license and partnerships reflect growing demand for efficient cross-border solutions. He added that regulatory clarity in the UAE gives Ripple the scope to deliver value “in one of the world’s largest cross-border payments hubs.”
Ripple claims the solution settles payments in minutes, in contrast to the delays and high fees associated with traditional banking rails.
Zand Bank Eyes Stablecoin Launch; Mamo Expands Outreach
Zand Bank, a fully licensed digital bank, confirmed that it will integrate Ripple’s payment infrastructure. Chirag Sampat, the bank’s head of treasury and markets, stated that the collaboration supports Zand’s goal of using blockchain and AI to drive financial product innovation. Sampat added that Zand plans to launch an AED-backed stablecoin, though no launch date was disclosed.
Mamo, a digital wallet provider in the UAE, also joined Ripple’s network. CEO Imad Gharazeddine said the partnership will help businesses scale through faster, more reliable cross-border payments. Gharazeddine described the move as essential to supporting the UAE’s economic growth, with projections of over one million businesses operating in the country by 2030.
Ripple Eyes Broader Middle East Expansion
Ripple reported increasing interest in blockchain-based settlement from institutions across the Middle East and Africa. According to the company’s 2025 New Value Report, 64% of regional finance leaders cited faster settlements as the primary driver for adopting crypto-based payment systems.
Ripple claims to have processed more than $70 billion in volume via its payment rails and maintains coverage in over 90 global markets. The infrastructure supports tokenization, storage, exchange, and transfer of digital assets. In addition to the UAE, Ripple’s licensed solution is active in the United States, Brazil, Switzerland, Mexico, and Australia.
The company holds more than 60 regulatory approvals globally. Its DFSA license was granted in March. Ripple did not confirm whether it plans to expand further into stablecoins or if additional Middle Eastern banking partners are in the pipeline.
Moses K is a crypto journalist covering markets, regulation, and blockchain trends. He has written for The Coin Republic, Coinchapter, Cryptopolitan, Cryptotale, Coinspeaker, and MPost. Known for his concise, data-driven reporting, Moses focuses on price analysis, on-chain metrics, and policy developments shaping the global digital asset landscape.
