Abu Dhabi Judicial Department Accepts Cryptocurrency for Legal Services

Abu Dhabi has taken a significant step towards integrating blockchain technology into its public services by becoming the first government institution in the Middle East to accept cryptocurrency payments for court-related services. The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has started accepting the regulated UAE stablecoin, AE Coin, for legal service payments. This move is part of a broader initiative to enhance digital transformation within the region's public administration.

The new system allows residents to settle judicial and legal service fees using AE Coin through the secure AEC Wallet. This development follows a partnership between the ADJD and Al Maryah Bank, which aims to support the department’s digital transformation goals. According to ADJD Undersecretary Yousef Saeed Al Abri, the implementation of AE Coin aligns with the department’s objectives to modernize and streamline public services.

AE Coin adoption is expanding across various sectors in the UAE. In June, the Integrated Transport Center began allowing passengers to use AE Coin for public transport fares. Additionally, airline Air Arabia introduced AE Coin as a payment option for booking flights. These initiatives reflect the growing acceptance and integration of digital currencies within the UAE’s financial framework.

Developed by AED Stablecoin and backed by local currency reserves, AE Coin is designed for secure, regulatory-compliant payments. The coin’s adoption by multiple government-linked organizations underscores its growing role in the country’s digital financial infrastructure. The alliance with the banking sector is seen as a step toward accelerating the modernization of government service payments.

Al Maryah Bank CEO Mohammed Wassim Khayata noted that the rollout of AE Coin within the judicial system supports secure financial transactions that align with national priorities. This integration into the justice system is part of a wider, coordinated rollout of the AE Coin stablecoin across key sectors in the UAE. The ADJD’s adoption of AE Coin follows similar initiatives in other sectors, including transport and aviation, further solidifying the UAE’s commitment to digital innovation.

In parallel, the ADI Foundation has confirmed the development of a new AED-backed stablecoin, AEDC, to be issued in partnership with the sovereign wealth fund ADQ and First Abu Dhabi Bank. This new stablecoin is expected to further enhance the UAE’s digital financial infrastructure and support the country’s digital transformation goals.