The United Arab Emirates’ Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has officially begun accepting digital currency for court-related payments, marking a regional first.
This groundbreaking move signals the rapid digital transformation of the region.
According to reports, residents can now pay legal and judicial service fees using AE Coin, making ADJD the first government entity in the Middle East to implement cryptocurrency-based payments for public services.
To make things simpler, users can complete transactions via the AEC Wallet, a platform that facilitates payments in AE Coin, a stablecoin regulated by the UAE Central Bank, designed to offer a secure, swift, and fully digital alternative to traditional payment methods.
In June Abu Dhabi also became the first global city to accept cryptocurrency for taxi fares.
In May, Dubai’s Department of Finance (DOF) announced they would allow residents and businesses to pay for government services via cryptocurrency using Crypto.com’s digital wallet.
By integrating AE Coin into its payment infrastructure, the ADJD not only streamlines financial transactions but also sets a precedent for other government bodies to explore blockchain-based solutions.
Counselor Yousef Saeed Al-Abri, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, said this initiative, put forth together with Al Maryah Bank, is a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s broader development strategy.
“It aligns with our vision to provide world-class legal services supported by secure and advanced technologies”.
Counselor Yousef Saeed Al-Abri
The implementation is expected to set the stage for broader government use of blockchain technologies, whilst reinforcing the UAE’s position as a future-focused global financial hub.