Gulf Craft Explores USDT/USDC for Yacht Sales Amid UAE Crypto Adoption Push

Gulf Craft, a leading UAE-based luxury yacht manufacturer, has announced plans to explore accepting USDT and USDC stablecoins for yacht purchases and services, marking a significant step in the region’s crypto adoption. The company, in partnership with licensed fintech firm ARP Pay, will facilitate transactions in the stablecoins, which are pegged to the U.S. dollar, enabling seamless conversion to local or U.S. currencies. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader push to integrate digital assets into its financial ecosystem, reflecting a growing trend of institutional and commercial crypto adoption [1].

Chairman Mohamed Hussein Alshaali emphasized that the move builds on the UAE’s maritime heritage of innovation while enhancing customer experience through reduced transaction costs and faster settlements. A pilot transaction involving part of a yacht purchase settled in cryptocurrency demonstrated the practical benefits of the system, including lower fees and streamlined operations. CEO Erwin Bamps noted that the shift caters to a global buyer base increasingly favoring digital assets, positioning Gulf Craft competitively in a rapidly evolving market [1].

The UAE’s regulatory environment has been instrumental in fostering such initiatives. Recent developments, such as Abu Dhabi’s acceptance of AE Coin—a locally licensed stablecoin—for legal fees and Dubai’s partnership with Crypto.com for government services, underscore the country’s ambition to lead in blockchain innovation [1]. These efforts highlight a broader institutional commitment to creating a robust crypto ecosystem that bridges public and private sectors. For Gulf Craft, the adoption of stablecoins not only aligns with national strategies but also responds to shifting consumer preferences, particularly among high-net-worth individuals seeking transparent and efficient payment solutions [1].

The luxury yacht market’s integration of stablecoins signals a wider transformation in high-value commerce. Stablecoins offer a balance between innovation and stability, mitigating the volatility of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin while retaining the efficiency of blockchain technology. This shift could attract a new segment of buyers who prioritize digital asset convenience, particularly in cross-border transactions where traditional banking infrastructure is less developed [1]. However, challenges remain, including the need for stringent compliance measures to adhere to anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and the requirement for ongoing regulatory clarity to sustain such initiatives.

Gulf Craft’s exploration of USDT and USDC payments positions the UAE as a regional leader in real-world crypto adoption. The country’s proactive policies, including Dubai’s Crypto Centre and Abu Dhabi’s blockchain strategy, have laid the groundwork for businesses to experiment with digital assets [1]. By leveraging these frameworks, Gulf Craft reinforces the UAE’s reputation as a forward-thinking hub for financial technology, setting a potential precedent for other luxury sectors to follow. The yacht industry’s association with exclusivity and technological experimentation makes it a natural testing ground for cutting-edge payment solutions, with implications extending beyond the luxury market [1].

While the integration is still in its exploratory phase, the move highlights the UAE’s strategic alignment with global digital finance trends. For consumers, stablecoin adoption could reduce barriers to accessing high-end goods by minimizing currency conversion fees and exchange rate risks. For Gulf Craft, the initiative represents a calculated step toward catering to a tech-savvy, globally mobile clientele. As the crypto ecosystem matures, the success of such ventures will hinge on factors like regulatory stability, consumer trust, and the continued reliability of the underlying assets [1].

Source: [1] “UAE Yacht Maker Gulf Craft Explores Accepting USDT Stablecoin Payments Amid Growing Crypto Adoption,” July 23, 2025, [https://en.coinotag.com/uae-yacht-maker-gulf-craft-explores-accepting-usdt-stablecoin-payments-amid-growing-crypto-adoption/](https://en.coinotag.com/uae-yacht-maker-gulf-craft-explores-accepting-usdt-stablecoin-payments-amid-growing-crypto-adoption/)