Programme Objectives and Scope
The Emirates Blockchain Strategy 2021 was launched in April 2018 with the objective of migrating 50 percent of all federal government transactions to blockchain-based platforms by 2021. The strategy targeted applications across visa processing, bill payments, licence renewals, document verification, and cross-border trade documentation. The strategic rationale was threefold: to reduce government operational costs (estimated at AED 11 billion in transaction costs and 398 million printed documents annually), to improve transparency and auditability of government processes, and to position the UAE as a global pioneer in public sector blockchain adoption. The scope has since expanded to encompass digital asset regulation, tokenisation frameworks, and the broader Web3 economy.
Key Targets and KPIs
The original headline target of 50 percent blockchain-based government transactions by 2021 served as the primary KPI. Supporting metrics tracked the number of government entities deploying blockchain solutions, the volume of documents verified via blockchain, cost savings achieved, and time reductions in transaction processing. As the strategy has evolved, KPIs have expanded to include the number of blockchain companies licensed in the UAE, the regulatory readiness for digital assets, and the volume of tokenised financial instruments transacted through UAE-regulated platforms.
Implementation Status and Progress
Dubai’s Blockchain Strategy, launched by the Smart Dubai Office, made significant progress in deploying blockchain across Dubai Land Department (real estate transactions), Dubai Health Authority (medical records), and Dubai Customs (trade documentation). The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) established a crypto centre to attract blockchain companies. At the federal level, blockchain has been deployed for document attestation through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and for supply chain verification across customs authorities. The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), established by Dubai in 2022, created the first dedicated regulatory framework for virtual assets in the region. Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has also developed comprehensive digital asset regulation. While the original 50 percent target was partially met, the programme’s more significant legacy is establishing the regulatory and institutional foundations for the UAE’s digital asset economy.
Lead and Supporting Institutions
The Prime Minister’s Office initially led federal coordination. The Smart Dubai Office (now Dubai Digital Authority) drove implementation in Dubai. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) manages federal digital government standards. VARA regulates virtual assets in Dubai, while the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) within ADGM oversees digital asset activity in Abu Dhabi. The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) provides federal-level oversight. The Central Bank of the UAE has engaged on central bank digital currency (CBDC) exploration and stablecoin regulation.
Relationship to We the UAE 2031 Pillars
The blockchain strategy supports the Economy Pillar through the development of a regulated digital asset economy and fintech ecosystem. It contributes to the global engagement pillar by attracting international blockchain companies and positioning the UAE as a global hub for digital finance. The efficiency gains from blockchain-based government services support the broader digital government objectives embedded across all pillars. The transparency and auditability benefits of blockchain align with governance modernisation goals under the We the UAE 2031 framework.
Funding and Resource Allocation
Investment has been distributed across federal and emirate digital transformation budgets rather than allocated as a standalone programme budget. Dubai allocated significant resources through the Smart Dubai initiative. DMCC invested in physical and regulatory infrastructure for its crypto centre. ADGM and VARA have been funded through their respective regulatory authority budgets. Private sector investment in UAE-based blockchain companies has grown substantially, driven by the regulatory clarity provided by VARA and ADGM frameworks, though exact figures for total programme spending are not publicly consolidated.