Abu Dhabi – In a groundbreaking move that positions the UAE at the forefront of government-led fintech innovation, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has partnered with Al Maryah Bank to enable court and legal service payments using AE Coin, the country’s first regulated stablecoin. This initiative marks the first time in the Middle East that a government entity has officially accepted a cryptocurrency for public sector transactions.
A Digital Milestone for the UAE’s Judicial System
The strategic agreement is being hailed as a bold leap toward the UAE’s wider vision of digital transformation and financial innovation. Described as a “significant advancement in digitising government services,” the initiative supports the UAE’s national agenda to modernise public infrastructure with cutting-edge fintech solutions.
His Excellency Counsellor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary of ADJD, emphasized the progressive nature of the collaboration:
“This partnership reflects our commitment to modernising the judicial ecosystem. By embracing digital currencies, we’re not only diversifying payment options but also promoting institutional synergy between the legal and financial sectors.”
He further noted that the move aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has championed building a forward-thinking judicial system that supports rapid digital transformation to ensure swift justice and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s global competitiveness.
AE Coin: The UAE’s Regulated Stablecoin
Launched in December 2024, AE Coin is the UAE’s first government-regulated digital currency, licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE and developed by IED Stablecoin. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies, AE Coin is pegged 1:1 to the UAE dirham, offering price stability and making it suitable for daily transactions and official payments.
More than just a digital currency, AE Coin is designed as a practical payment tool for sectors including government services, retail, and transportation. Built on blockchain technology, it ensures secure, transparent, and immutable transaction records.
“AE Coin was developed to provide a secure and regulatory-compliant solution tailored to the UAE’s digital economy,” said Ramez Rafiq, General Manager at IED Stablecoin. “Its integration into the judicial system is a milestone, showcasing trust in homegrown innovation and supporting the nation’s evolving financial infrastructure.”
Al Maryah Bank Champions Public-Sector Fintech Integration
As the financial partner for the initiative, Al Maryah Bank plays a central role in enabling AE Coin’s use for judicial payments. Bank executives praised the collaboration as a regional first and a powerful example of how digital finance can enhance public service delivery.
“This partnership reinforces our mission to drive banking innovation while supporting the UAE’s digital leadership,” said Omar Al Zaabi, Vice Chairman of Al Maryah Bank. “Accepting AE Coin for judicial services not only improves convenience but also sets a new benchmark for secure and user-focused public-sector fintech.”
Board Member Obaid Al Kaabi highlighted the broader implications:
“Integrating AE Coin into ADJD underscores our commitment to digital transformation and reflects a shared goal of building an inclusive, transparent financial future.”
Echoing that sentiment, Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Al Maryah Bank, added:
“This initiative is not just about technology—it’s about aligning with the UAE’s values of innovation, security, and service excellence.”
A Template for the Future of Government Payments
With AE Coin now accepted through the AEC Wallet for court-related transactions, citizens and businesses in Abu Dhabi can expect faster, more efficient, and transparent services. This pioneering integration is seen as a blueprint for how digital currencies can be embedded into public sector operations.
As digital payments become the norm and the UAE pushes toward a cashless economy, Abu Dhabi’s initiative could serve as a model for other government entities across the region—and potentially, the world.
