Abu Dhabi Courts Now Accept Cryptocurrency for Payments

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has made a significant move by becoming the first government institution in the Middle East to accept cryptocurrency for court-related service payments. This initiative allows residents to pay court fees using AE Coin, a regulated digital currency, through the AEC secure wallet. The collaboration with Al Maryah Bank is part of the department's broader agenda to enhance the accessibility of public services online.

Dr. Yousef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary of the Judicial Department, highlighted that this system supports the department's digital transformation efforts. He noted that the strategy aims to make legal procedures more accessible and align with the national objectives of fintech. This move is part of a larger trend in the UAE, where digital payments are becoming increasingly integrated into various public services.

AE Coin, developed from AED Stablecoin, is a local currency issued for safe and compliant use within the UAE. It has already been utilized in the transport and aviation sectors, demonstrating its versatility across different public services. For instance, AE Coin has been accepted as a fare payment by the Integrated Transport Centre and for flight bookings by Air Arabia. These implementations show a multi-sector rollout of high-impact areas, reinforcing the UAE's commitment to digital innovation.

Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Al Maryah Bank, emphasized that the integration of AE Coin will modernize government service payments. He noted that this move supports secure, regulated financial transactions in line with national goals. Ramez Rafiq, the General Manager of AED Stablecoin, also highlighted the importance of AE Coin's usability by public institutions, indicating growing confidence in controlled operations involving stablecoins.

This development is part of a broader trend in the UAE, where blockchain adoption is becoming more prevalent in public finance. The Dubai Department of Finance recently entered into a memorandum with a cryptocurrency company to consider moving towards cryptocurrency payments for government services. Additionally, the ADI Foundation plans to introduce another dirham-based stablecoin, AEDC, with the help of First Abu Dhabi Bank and the ADQ sovereign wealth fund.

Abu Dhabi’s court system accepting cryptocurrency marks a historic change in how legal services are accessed and paid for. This development reinforces the UAE’s growing commitment to integrating digital assets into public infrastructure, setting a precedent for other regions in the Middle East to follow suit.