Ripple recently began offering blockchain-powered payment services to clients in the UAE after getting the green light from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). This move puts Ripple in a key position within a region known for large volumes of international money transfers.
Ripple Taps into $400B UAE Payments Market
Ripple is now set to enable cross-border payments in the United Arab Emirates after securing regulatory approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). This milestone gives Ripple access to a payments market estimated at $400 billion, positioning the company to serve one of the busiest financial corridors in the world. By bringing its blockchain technology to the region, Ripple aims to streamline international transactions and offer faster, more cost-effective alternatives to traditional payment systems.
The development has sparked renewed attention across the crypto space. One post summed up the impact: “Ripple is now set to power cross-border payments in the UAE, tapping into a $400 billion market.” The expansion marks a key step in Ripple’s broader strategy to connect more global markets through its blockchain-based infrastructure.
XRP Price Slips Despite Regulatory Win
While Ripple’s expansion in the UAE marks a positive step, XRP’s market performance has told a different story. On May 19, 2025, the price of XRP fell by nearly 6% during Monday trading, slipping below the $2.31 mark. The decline came despite the upbeat news from the Middle East, suggesting that broader market factors or investor concerns may outweigh the impact of the regulatory milestone. The sudden dip has raised questions about what triggered the sell-off and what might come next for XRP holders.
Ripple Expands in UAE with Key Bank Partners
As Ripple expands its presence in the UAE, more regional businesses are showing interest in using blockchain for payments. According to Ripple’s 2025 New Value Report, 64% of finance leaders in the Middle East and Africa say faster payments and quicker settlements are the main reasons to use blockchain for sending money across borders. This growing demand is leading to new partnerships that aim to change how money moves internationally.
One of these partnerships is with Zand Bank, a fully licensed bank in the UAE, which will start using Ripple’s technology for its digital asset services. Chirag Sampat, Head of Treasury and Markets at Zand Bank, said the partnership shows the bank’s commitment to improving global payments with blockchain. He also shared plans to create a stablecoin backed by the UAE dirham (AED) to make digital transactions easier and help the UAE play a bigger role in the changing financial world.
Ripple’s Global Reach and Digital Asset Services
Ripple Payments now serves clients in several key regions, including Dubai, the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, and Switzerland. The company processes over $70 billion in transactions across more than 90 payout locations, covering the vast majority of daily foreign exchange activity worldwide.
Backed by over 60 global licenses and regulatory approvals, Ripple is positioned to deliver comprehensive digital asset services for financial institutions, including token creation, secure storage, trading, and transfers.
XRP Price Outlook for 2025
Predictions for XRP in 2025 vary widely. Some sources like CoinCodex and Changelly expect it to stay around $1.60 to $2.30 if current trends continue. More optimistic forecasts from brokers and banks suggest a range of $3 to $7, assuming steady institutional interest and stable regulations. Technical traders see potential for XRP to reach $10 or even $15–$20 if key price levels are broken and Altcoins rally.
Final Thoughts
Ripple’s launch in the UAE, supported by Dubai’s regulatory approval, opens access to a $400 billion payments market and strengthens its global presence. Partnerships with local banks like Zand Bank highlight growing blockchain adoption for faster, cheaper cross-border payments. Despite recent XRP price dips, Ripple’s wide reach and licenses position it well for future growth, with XRP’s value tied to market trends and regulatory progress.
