Abu Dhabi Pioneers Crypto Payments in Middle Eastern Legal System
Abu Dhabi courts now accept AE Coin for legal fees, signaling a regional breakthrough in public crypto adoption.
In a landmark regional first, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has begun accepting cryptocurrency payments for court-related services, making it the first government entity in the Middle East to implement such a measure. Citizens can now use AE Coin—a stable, UAE-issued digital currency—to settle judicial fees through the AEC secure wallet platform.
The initiative results from a collaboration with Al Maryah Bank and aligns with the department’s broader goal of expanding digital government services. Dr. Yousef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary of the Judicial Department, stated that the integration of cryptocurrency into legal processes marks a major leap in digital transformation and supports the national fintech agenda.
AE Coin, derived from the AED Stablecoin, is pegged to the local currency and designed to be compliant, secure, and functional across public sectors. Its use in the judiciary follows recent implementations in the transportation and aviation industries. In June, AE Coin was accepted for fare payments by the Integrated Transport Centre, and Air Arabia subsequently enabled crypto-based flight bookings.
This cross-sector deployment reflects a growing confidence in the regulated use of digital currencies within UAE public infrastructure. Ramez Rafiq, General Manager of AED Stablecoin, emphasized the importance of public institutions in legitimizing stablecoins. Meanwhile, Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Al Maryah Bank, noted that such technological adoption will significantly modernize how government services are paid for, enhancing efficiency and transparency.
The UAE is positioning itself as a regional leader in blockchain-based governance. The Dubai Department of Finance recently signed a memorandum with Crypto.com, signaling potential future integration of crypto payments in Dubai's public sector. the ADI Foundation is preparing to launch a new stablecoin, AEDC, with backing from First Abu Dhabi Bank and the ADQ sovereign wealth fund.
Abu Dhabi’s courts embracing AE Coin underscores a national commitment to digital innovation in governance. As legal services become more accessible via blockchain technology, the UAE further solidifies its role as a fintech pioneer in the Middle East.
