Abu Dhabi Becomes First in Region to Integrate Stablecoin into Judicial Payments
Abu Dhabi has become the first government authority in the Middle East to officially accept payments in digital currency for judicial services, a major step forward in the UAE’s digital transformation agenda.
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has begun accepting AE Coin, a UAE Central Bank-regulated stablecoin, as a payment method for court-related fees. This initiative follows a strategic partnership between ADJD and Al Maryah Bank, a local financial institution that is also supporting the technical infrastructure for this rollout.
Residents can now use the AEC Wallet to pay for a wide range of legal and judicial services, from case registration to court document issuance. The digital solution offers an instant, fully online alternative to traditional banking channels, promising faster settlement and improved transaction security.
The move sets a regional precedent for integrating blockchain-based currencies into public services, a space traditionally dominated by fiat systems.
“This step aligns with our broader strategy to modernize judicial processes and enhance service accessibility,” said Counsellor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary at ADJD.
Al Maryah Bank’s CEO, Mohammed Wassim Khayata, described the initiative as part of a national drive to offer “secure financial experiences that align with the UAE’s innovation-driven future.”
AE Coin is issued by AED Stablecoin, a UAE-based fintech firm focused on regulatory-compliant blockchain payment tools. Its General Manager, Ramez Rafiq, noted that the adoption of AE Coin by a major government body signals growing institutional confidence in digital assets.
In a parallel move expanding the utility of AE Coin beyond government services, Al Maryah Community Bank has also partnered with the Select Market retail chain to enable in-store payments using the digital currency. Shoppers at Select Market branches can now use the AEC Wallet app to complete purchases via QR code, allowing for instant, fee-free transactions directly in UAE dirhams through the AE Coin stablecoin.
As the UAE continues to invest in digital infrastructure and regulated financial innovation, Abu Dhabi’s court system may now serve as a blueprint for broader adoption of blockchain technology across public services.
