RIYADH, May 31, 2026 — Saudi Arabia is moving closer to launching a nationally regulated stablecoin as part of its broader push to modernize financial infrastructure and expand digital payments under Vision 2030. The proposed initiative is being developed with support from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and the Capital Market Authority (CMA), according to multiple reports.
The move comes as Gulf nations intensify efforts to position themselves as global fintech hubs. Stablecoins, which are digital assets typically pegged to currencies such as the U.S. dollar, are increasingly being viewed as a bridge between traditional banking systems and blockchain-powered finance.
Saudi Arabia’s Digital Finance Strategy
Officials believe regulated stablecoins could support faster transactions, improve cross-border settlements, and strengthen the Kingdom’s growing cashless economy. More than 79% of retail transactions in Saudi Arabia are already conducted electronically, highlighting the country’s rapid digital transformation.
“We look forward to introducing stablecoins in the Kingdom soon, in partnership with the Capital Market Authority and the Central Bank,” Saudi Minister Majed Al-Hogail said while discussing the country’s digital finance roadmap.
Real Estate and Tokenization Plans Gain Momentum
Saudi Arabia’s ambitions extend beyond digital payments. Industry executives say stablecoin-based settlement systems could eventually support tokenized real estate transactions and other large-scale financial activities.
Faisal Monai, chairman of droppRWA, revealed that stablecoin-powered settlement for Saudi real estate transactions could become operational by late 2026. “The focus remains on settlement infrastructure rather than speculative instruments,” Monai said while outlining plans linked to a reported $12.5 billion tokenization program.
Growing Competition in the Gulf
Saudi Arabia’s plans arrive as neighboring Gulf countries accelerate their own digital asset strategies. The UAE has already introduced regulated frameworks for stablecoins and digital asset settlements, increasing regional competition in financial innovation.
Crypto and fintech companies have welcomed Saudi Arabia’s direction. “If digital currencies are developed within Saudi values and regulations, it will create a faster financial system,” Al-Hogail noted during discussions around the initiative.
A related discussion around the Kingdom’s digital finance plans has gained traction across financial and blockchain communities, with analysts closely watching how Saudi Arabia balances innovation, regulation, and economic diversification.
