ADGM announces USDT as an Accepted Fiat-Referenced Token (AFRT) on nine additional blockchain networks for regulated use. Tether’s USDT stablecoin has been officially recognized as an Accepted Fiat-Referenced Token (AFRT) by the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) for use on multiple blockchains, including Aptos, Celo, Cosmos, Kaia, Near, Polkadot, Tezos, TON, and TRON. The approval allows ADGM-authorized entities to conduct regulated activities involving USDT across these networks. ADGM approves USDT as Accepted Fiat-Referenced Token on nine additional blockchain networks for regulated use.
The recognition follows October 2024 initial approval and months of compliance collaboration with FSRA. Tether strengthens Middle East strategy with plans for AED-pegged stablecoin and UAE real estate partnerships. This expansion follows earlier recognition from 2024. Tether first secured regulatory recognition within ADGM in October 2024, when USDT was acknowledged as a virtual asset under the jurisdiction’s framework.
USDT now joins another five stablecoins already listed as an Accepted Fiat-Referenced Token under the FSRA’s official AFRT list as of November 2025, reflecting growing institutional acceptance of stablecoins in the region’s financial markets. In addition to USDT’s recognition, the company announced in 2024 plans to issue a new stablecoin pegged to the UAE dirham (AED). In 2025, Tether partners with Reelly Tech to accelerate the stablecoin transactions of the UAE real estate industry. The ADGM’s new decision enhances interoperability across blockchain networks and creates new settlement opportunities for regulated institutions and decentralized applications.
As the UAE continues to shape clear policies for digital assets, Tether’s cooperation with regulators positions it advantageously in one of the world’s most active fintech jurisdictions. Abu Dhabi Global Market has officially recognized Tether’s USDT as an Accepted Fiat-Referenced Token, enabling its use on nine additional blockchain networks including Aptos, Celo, Cosmos, Kaia, Near, Polkadot, Tezos, TON, and TRON. This designation allows ADGM-authorized entities to conduct regulated activities involving USDT across these networks, expanding its on-chain utility within the jurisdiction. The approval follows ADGM’s initial AFRT recognition in October 2024 and reflects ongoing regulatory collaboration with the FSRA.
Tether’s UAE strategy is set to broaden with plans for an AED-pegged stablecoin and partnerships in the real estate sector, including a 2025 collaboration with Reelly Tech to accelerate UAE real estate stablecoin transactions. USDT’s addition brings the AFRT-listed stablecoins to six as of November 2025, underscoring growing institutional acceptance of stablecoins in the Gulf. ADGM’s AFRT recognition follows a framework that supports regulated interoperability and settlement across networks.
Beyond regulatory approvals, the expansion aims to enhance interoperability among blockchains and unlock new settlement opportunities for regulated institutions and decentralized applications. The UAE’s progressive digital asset policies, coupled with Tether’s regulator collaboration, position the token for expanded use in one of the world’s most active fintech hubs. The collaboration with ADGM and FSRA reinforces the region’s stance on controlled stablecoin adoption and regulated innovation.
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