The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) announced on Monday that it has signed a strategic partnership agreement with local financial institution Al Maryah Bank to introduce the use of digital currency for the payment of judicial and legal service fees. This marks a significant leap toward digitizing government services and enhancing user experience through innovative financial solutions.
Under the agreement, ADJD becomes the first government entity in the Middle East to officially accept the AE Coin as a digital payment method for court-related transactions. The initiative is a milestone in the UAE’s journey toward a fully integrated digital economy and sets the stage for a new era in digital government payments.
Advancing ADJD’s vision for a progressive legal environment
His Excellency, Counsellor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, stated that the agreement forms part of the department’s broader development strategy.
He also emphasised that the move aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, Chairman of ADJD, to build a modern and innovative judicial system that embraces rapid digital transformation to ensure swift justice and enhance Abu Dhabi’s global competitiveness.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to continuously modernize the judicial ecosystem and legal services. By diversifying smart payment options and embracing digital currency, we are supporting institutional cooperation and integrating the judicial and financial sectors through advanced technology,” added Al Abri.
He added that the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department is keen on building strategic partnerships with leading banking institutions to maximise the use of digital capabilities and fintech innovations in support of ADJD’s vision for a progressive and responsive legal environment.
Read: UAE introduces sugar-based beverage tax to promote healthy living
Paving the way for expanded AE Coin adoption
The implementation of AE Coin in judicial payments at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department sets a regional precedent for integrating digital currencies into government services. It reinforces the UAE’s position at the forefront of public-sector financial innovation and paves the way for AE Coin’s adoption across other government platforms and institutions, enabling faster, simpler and more transparent services for citizens, residents, and businesses.
“By enabling judicial payments via AE Coin, we are not only streamlining access to government services but also setting a benchmark for how technology can serve the public good in a secure and future-ready manner,” said Omar Al Zaabi, vice chairman of Al Maryah Bank.
With this partnership now in effect, users can pay for a wide range of judicial services using AE Coin—a stablecoin regulated by the UAE Central Bank—via the AEC Wallet. This solution offers a secure, fully digital and rapid alternative to traditional payment methods, significantly improving service accessibility and operational efficiency in the justice sector.
“AE Coin was developed to be a secure, efficient and regulatory-compliant digital payment solution tailored for the UAE. Its adoption by such a prominent government entity marks a pivotal moment for us and the region’s evolving digital finance landscape. This collaboration reflects the leadership’s trust in homegrown innovation and strengthens AE Coin’s role in building the country’s financial digital infrastructure,” said Ramez Rafiq, general manager of AED Stablecoin, the firm behind AE Coin.
