Tether and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore blockchain adoption, tokenization initiatives, and digital asset education across DMCC’s network of more than 26,000 companies.

According to a June 16 announcement, the agreement will see Tether work with Dubai-based DMCC on potential projects involving tokenized assets, blockchain advisory services, pilot programs, and digital payment systems. The collaboration also covers educational efforts through workshops, hackathons, and industry events focused on digital assets.

DMCC, which accounts for 15% of Dubai’s foreign direct investment and hosts more than 26,000 businesses, said the partnership will examine how blockchain infrastructure can be integrated into commercial activity and international trade.

Speaking about the agreement, Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said the United Arab Emirates is taking an active role in developing digital asset infrastructure and connecting it with economic activity. 

“Through our collaboration with DMCC, we aim to accelerate the practical use of blockchain technology in areas such as tokenization and education. Our goal is to support the development of real-world applications, tools, and frameworks that expand participation in digital markets.”

Education and tokenization remain key focus areas

Beyond educational programs, the memorandum outlines plans to explore peer-to-peer communication and payment systems for companies operating within the DMCC ecosystem. The parties will also assess infrastructure requirements needed to support digital asset applications and tokenized financial products.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, said financial infrastructure, payments, and ownership models are increasingly moving onto digital networks. He noted that stablecoins already handle trillions of dollars in transaction volume and said tokenization is beginning to change how assets are financed and transferred across borders.

Bin Sulayem added that Dubai has established regulatory frameworks and infrastructure designed to support this development, while DMCC is working to connect emerging technologies with international commerce. 

According to DMCC, the memorandum creates opportunities to explore collaboration across digital payments, blockchain infrastructure, and tokenization projects.

Within the DMCC Crypto Centre, Tether said it plans to contribute advisory support intended to promote knowledge sharing and innovation among member companies. The company also said it will explore participation in jointly organized events and educational programs designed to increase awareness of blockchain technology and digital assets.

Through partnerships with industry groups and government agencies in multiple jurisdictions, Tether said it continues to support blockchain education and responsible digital asset development while encouraging practical use cases for tokenization and digital payments.

Tether expands footprint beyond stablecoins

The agreement adds to a series of initiatives through which Tether has expanded beyond its core USD₮ stablecoin business in recent months. 

Earlier this month, the company partnered with Fasset to launch a Visa card that allows users to spend tokenized gold through everyday purchases while earning rewards in Tether Gold (XAU₮). Tether committed up to $1 million in XAU₮ to support the rewards program and positioned tokenized gold as a payment tool rather than solely a store of value.

Activity outside the payments sector has also accelerated. On June 10, Tether joined a financing round for German robotics company Neura Robotics, participating alongside Amazon, Nvidia, Qualcomm, Bosch, Schaeffler, and the European Investment Bank. According to Neura, the Series C financing could reach $1.4 billion and will support the development of AI-powered humanoid and cognitive robotics systems.