The ADI Foundation, an Abu-Dhabi-based organization building sovereign-grade blockchain infrastructure, has announced a partnership with H2O Hospitality, a leading South Korean hospitality tech company, to embed ADI Chain into real-world hospitality and travel experiences - using wallets, identity, and compliant infrastructure to onboard travelers into blockchain seamlessly and at scale.

By embedding ADI Chain solutions into its smart check–in system, H2O Hospitality will become a key distribution channel enabling visitors to open a wallet on arrival and pay in the soon-to-be-launched Dirham-backed stablecoin, throughout their stay. The system will offer a frictionless experience, enabling travelers to make purchases without needing a deep understanding of blockchain technology.

Through this partnership, H2O Hospitality will be able to connect data from the entire customer journey, from check–in to payment and on–site consumption, directly via ADI Chain. This collaboration will provide a seamless way for tourists to make digital payments and is expected to support the use of the Dirham-backed stablecoin across the UAE. The partnership will also explore exclusive rewards and loyalty incentives. By bridging the gap between fintech and tourism, H2O is paving the way for a more efficient and innovative travel experience for both local and international visitors.

Commenting on the partnership, Ajay Bhatia, Principal Council Member of the ADI Foundation, said: "This partnership underscores our commitment to make blockchain practical, useful and impactful for people all over the world. By embedding ADI Chain into the travel experience, we are enabling millions to engage with the UAE's digital economy. This partnership between the ADI Foundation and H2O Hospitality underscores our commitment to inclusion, ease of use and real-world utility." 

John Lee, CEO of H2O Hospitality, stated: "We are honored to participate as a technology and distribution partner in this core project for the UAE, which is rapidly becoming a global digital asset hub. By tightly integrating with ADI Chain, we will build an innovative infrastructure where tourists can conveniently use digital currencies without needing to understand the underlying blockchain technology".

The agreement with H2O Hospitality was signed during Abu Dhabi Finance Week, MENA's leading investment summit, which saw the ADI Foundation partner with several leading global financial services institutions to advance next-generation digital financial infrastructure, including Franklin Templeton, BlackRock and Mastercard, with more to be announced. It follows the successful launch of ADI Chain's mainnet and ADI utility token.

ADI Chain will also power a Dirham-backed stablecoin, currently being developed with IHC, Sirius International and First Abu Dhabi Bank, demonstrating how a regulated stablecoin can operate within a country's legal and financial system. As the UAE continues to advance its digital currency initiative, this partnership is likely to set the stage for future innovations in hospitality technology, offering new opportunities for both travelers and businesses.