Smart Dubai, IBM launch major blockchain platform for the UAE

Dubai Blockchain Platform is set to transform and digitize applicable government processes and citizen services

Smart Dubai and IBM on Tuesday announced the launch of the Dubai Blockchain Platform, the first government-endorsed blockchain platform in the UAE.

Delivered through an IBM Cloud environment and built locally in the UAE, the enterprise-ready platform will serve as a stepping stone for organisations in the UAE and globally to transition their blockchain testing and development into full production.

It will also transform and digitize applicable government processes and citizen services, a statement said.

The announcement comes as Dubai has been leading efforts to encourage the use of blockchain, with a vision to make the emirate a paperless government by 2021.

As part of the Dubai Blockchain Strategy, for which IBM was announced the official partner, Dubai has seen the launch of various blockchain applications in a number of government entities across different sectors, including roads and transport, energy, healthcare and education.

The new Dubai Blockchain Platform will help integrate digitized services and experiences run on IBM Blockchain into citizens’ day-to-day lives.

The Dubai Pay Blockchain Settlement and Reconciliation System, officially launched last month, will be one of the first projects to migrate onto the Dubai Blockchain Platform.
Through this service, a process that used to take entities approximately 45 days to reconcile and settle payments with other government entities, banks and financial institutions, is now reduced to real time.

Dr Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, director general of the Smart Dubai Office (SDO), said: “Dubai has been a pioneer in blockchain technology since its inception, while other major cities around the world were reluctant to embrace it for city-wide implementation.

“The Dubai Blockchain Strategy set a clear path for the emirate to have the world’s first fully digitized government by 2021. The Dubai Blockchain Platform we are launching today with IBM – who bring a wealth of insight and expertise in the advanced tech industries – drives us forward in our mission and allows us to power all blockchain applications in the city from one united portal.”

Wesam Lootah, CEO of the Smart Dubai Government Establishment (SDG), added: “As Dubai persists on its path to becoming a world leader in the industries of the future, Blockchain technology will occupy an increasingly significant status in governments’ and organizations’ day-to-day undertakings, as well as in individuals’ everyday lives.

“Blockchain is steadily moving towards becoming a multibillion market by 2019... with the launch of the Dubai Blockchain Platform today, we will be one step closer to implementing Blockchain-powered services and experiences into citizens’ day-to-day lives.”