In a world where blockchain and cryptocurrency have transitioned from disruptors to essential components of monetary systems, mainstream financial giants like J.P. Morgan have embraced this shift, relaunching their permissioned blockchain and settlement token under Kinexys.
Dubai is also entering centre stage, under the visionary leadership of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai has positioned itself as a global leader in blockchain technology, leveraging progressive policies and infrastructure to drive innovation. Dubai’s Powered by Blockchain Strategy aims to transform government services, foster industry growth, and establish international prominence.
Dubai’s Blockchain Strategy: Three Strategic Pillars
Dubai’s blockchain ambitions rest on three pillars: Government Efficiency, Industry Creation and International Leadership. Below are the achievements of the ambitious goal as of 2025:
Government Efficiency
As part of the Government Efficiency pillar, the following initiatives have streamlined public services:
- Paperless Strategy: By 2021, Dubai digitised over 1,800 government services, saving 336 million sheets of paper annually, the equivalent of 39,000 trees and 13 million man-hours. Estimated savings across government operations total AED 1.3 billion (£280 million).
- UAEPass: This national digital identity platform enhances service delivery across all federal and local government entities, significantly reducing processing times.
- RTA Vehicle Lifecycle System: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) launched a blockchain-based system to track vehicles from manufacture to disposal, reducing fraud and ownership disputes.
Industry Creation
As part of the Industry Creation pillar the following initiatives have been undertaken to attract new businesses and diversify the economy:
- Real Estate Tokenisation: A 2025 pilot, valued at an estimated AED 2.4 billion, enables fractional ownership and trading, making Dubai the first in the Middle East to use blockchain for property title deeds. The tokenised real estate market is forecast to reach AED 60 billion (£13 billion) by 2033, representing 7% of Dubai’s property transactions
- Regulatory Framework: Dubai’s strong stance on crypto assets, along with clear rules around the classification of ‘securities’ and ‘custodianship’, has made it a green-light jurisdiction for blockchain innovators.
- Supply Chain Platform: A blockchain platform for trade and logistics streamlines processes, though specific metrics on savings or adoption are not publicly available.
International Leadership
As part of the International Leadership pillar Dubai through global events, flagship initiatives, and strategic collaborations is continuing to lead the international blockchain conversation:
- Emirates Skywards: Partnering with Loyyal, Skywards uses blockchain to manage loyalty miles, enhancing efficiency and security, skywards reduces fraud, and streamlines reward redemption across global partners, cutting reconciliation costs by up to 30%.
- Future Blockchain Summit: Scheduled for October 12-15, 2025, at Dubai Harbour, the Future Blockchain Summit is a premier global event expected to attract over 70,000 attendees, 1,200 investors, 225 speakers, and 150 exhibitors from more than 50 countries. The summit facilitates deal-making and innovation, contributing to a 20% annual increase in blockchain startups in Dubai since 2023.
- Global Blockchain Council: Launched by the Dubai Future Foundation, the Global Blockchain Council drives international collaboration, uniting over 50 public and private sector entities to develop blockchain solutions. It positions Dubai as a global convener of blockchain innovation, with initiatives like the Dubai Blockchain Policy shaping worldwide standards (Dubai Future Foundation).
Progress and Outlook
Dubai’s initial blockchain adoption target, set under the Emirates Blockchain Strategy 2021, aimed to transition 50% of government transactions onto blockchain platforms by 2021. While full integration is still underway, the emirate has made substantial strides, positioning itself as a global leader in blockchain innovation. Dubai’s journey to becoming the first blockchain-powered city reflects its forward-thinking policies and robust digital infrastructure. Today, its narrative as a hub of technological innovation and stability continues to grow stronger and shine bright as an example to the wider world of what’s achievable with vision and will.