- Abu Dhabi becomes the first in the Middle East to accept AE Coin for legal court fees.
- AE Coin’s adoption by ADJD marks a bold step in the UAE’s digital government strategy.
- This move signals stronger UAE efforts to integrate blockchain in public services.
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has officially introduced AE Coin as a payment method for judicial and legal service fees. This development follows a strategic agreement with Al Maryah Bank, a UAE-based financial institution. It marks the first instance of a Middle Eastern government entity adopting a stablecoin for public service transactions. AE Coin, regulated by the UAE Central Bank, can now be used through the AEC Wallet platform for a wide range of court-related payments.
The initiative supports the UAE’s broader national agenda to modernize public sector operations through fintech innovation. It aligns with Abu Dhabi’s strategic ambition to position itself as a regional hub for blockchain governance. The digital currency offers a secure, fast, and fully digital alternative to traditional court payment systems. This move also introduces more flexibility and efficiency into the delivery of legal services.
Strategic Digital Transformation in Public Finance
Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ADJD has prioritized modernizing its service delivery models. Counsellor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary of ADJD, confirmed that the AE Coin integration reflects the department’s ongoing digital transformation strategy. He emphasized that smart payment diversification will strengthen institutional collaboration between the financial and legal sectors. The initiative is designed to enhance transparency, access, and responsiveness in legal service delivery.
Al Abri stated that partnerships with key financial institutions are essential to expand ADJD’s use of advanced technologies. The goal is to develop a modern judicial system that operates efficiently and serves public needs in real-time. This integration of AE Coin is part of that framework, setting a regional precedent for innovation in legal services. The department aims to make court services more accessible and cost-efficient through digital means.
AE Coin Positioned for Broader State Integration
The General Manager of AED Stablecoin, Ramez Rafiq, stated that AE Coin was created strictly with safe and regulatory-compliant payments within the UAE. He pointed out that its use by ADJD is a landmark in terms of the institutional reputation of the digital asset. The use of the coin in payment by a public-sector body fosters the use of the coin in the developing digital financial system of the UAE. The introduction of AE Coin at ADJD proves that the country believes in alternative fintech power at home.
In the banking industry, high-ranking officials of Al Maryah Bank have expressed their support for the initiative. Omar Al Zaabi, who is the Vice Chairman of the bank, described it as one step towards harmonising the national innovation targets with the delivery of the public service. Board Member Obaid Al Kaabi further noted that the collaboration enhances any transparency and openness regardless of the digital form of governance.
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AE Coin implementation at ADJD throws light on the willingness of the UAE to be the first country to adopt a sovereign digital currency. It also promotes the endeavor of the country to create sector-based interoperable and token-based public service models. This may fast-track DeFi applications in the UAE and promote such integration in other GCC states. As AE Coin becomes more embedded in public infrastructure, it may also form the basis for national payment rails and cross-border interoperability.
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