Abu Dhabi Courts Go Digital with AE Coin for Judicial Payments

In a significant step for digital payments in the UAE’s public sector, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has announced a new partnership with Al Maryah Bank, allowing court-related payments to be made using AE Coin - a fully regulated stablecoin backed by the UAE Central Bank. This development marks the first instance of a government institution in the region accepting digital currency for public services and positions Abu Dhabi at the forefront of public-sector fintech integration.

 

What Is AE Coin?

AE Coin is a UAE-issued stablecoin developed by AED Stablecoin and officially regulated by the UAE Central Bank. Pegged 1:1 to the UAE Dirham, AE Coin offers price stability, regulatory compliance, and blockchain-backed transparency. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies, AE Coin is tailored for practical, day-to-day applications such as court payments, public transport, and retail services.

 

With each AE Coin backed by reserves managed through trusted institutions, it is designed to function as a secure and efficient digital alternative to traditional cash or card transactions. It can be accessed and transacted via the AEC Wallet, ensuring fast, secure, and borderless payment processing within the Emirates.

 

The Partnership: A Legal and Financial Milestone

The ADJD’s collaboration with Al Maryah Bank is a key part of the department’s broader digital development strategy. Counsellor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary of ADJD, hailed the move as a critical step toward realising the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan-promoting innovation, efficiency, and accessibility in the justice system.

 

The official announcement was shared via the ADJD's verified X (Twitter) account, highlighting the strategic agreement and the development of smart banking mechanisms in collaboration with Al Maryah Bank.

 

“This partnership reflects our commitment to continuously modernise the judicial ecosystem. By diversifying smart payment options and embracing digital currency, we are supporting institutional cooperation and integrating the judicial and financial sectors through advanced technology,” said Al Abri.

 

The move also underscores the UAE’s commitment to building a modern, agile, and globally competitive legal framework. By introducing AE Coin for judicial transactions, the UAE sets a precedent in digitising governance while enhancing trust and transparency in public service delivery.

 

AEC Wallet & AE Coin: Streamlining Justice Through Smart Payments

With AE Coin now integrated into the AEC Wallet, residents and legal entities can pay for a wide range of court services -such as case filing, notarisation, and enforcement-without relying on conventional banking systems. This smart solution, developed under the umbrella of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department’s digital strategy, enhances accessibility, eliminates long wait times, and simplifies transactions across the judicial ecosystem.

 

According to ADJD, the system is designed to boost operational efficiency, security, and overall user satisfaction-especially for individuals and businesses navigating complex court processes.

As the financial engine behind this transformation, Al Maryah Bank has played a key role in shaping the fintech infrastructure that powers the wallet.

 

“This partnership embodies our mission to foster banking innovation and reinforce the UAE’s leadership in digital financial services,” said Omar Al Zaabi, Vice Chairman of Al Maryah Bank.

 

“It’s not merely a technological step; it’s about delivering advanced, secure financial experiences that reflect the UAE’s values and future vision,” added Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Al Maryah Bank.

 

AE Coin's Broader Integration in UAE Economy

The judicial application of AE Coin follows its recent adoption across other public-facing sectors. In June, Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre introduced AE Coin for fare payments, and Air Arabia began accepting the currency for flight bookings-further evidence of the UAE’s expanding use of blockchain in everyday governance.

 

Ramez Rafiq, General Manager of AED Stablecoin, views this moment as a critical leap for the nation’s digital finance roadmap:

 

“AE Coin’s adoption by such a prominent government entity marks a pivotal moment for the region’s evolving digital finance landscape. This collaboration reflects the leadership’s trust in homegrown innovation.”

 

A Template for the Region’s Digital Governance

This development is more than a regional first-it is a template for the future of digital governance. By introducing a regulated digital currency into judicial operations, Abu Dhabi has demonstrated how blockchain and fintech can work hand-in-hand with government services to create accessible, transparent, and secure ecosystems.

 

As other emirates and sectors take note, AE Coin may soon see wider implementation across public institutions, reshaping how citizens interact with essential services-from paying fines and renewing licences to managing real estate or immigration procedures.

 

Final Word

With the successful rollout of AE Coin for judicial fees, the UAE reaffirms its position as a leader in digital transformation and innovation. This landmark initiative by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and Al Maryah Bank not only modernises legal payments but also reflects a broader vision of a tech-forward, inclusive, and globally competitive UAE.

 

As stablecoins like AE Coin continue to gain institutional traction, the future of public service payments in the UAE appears not just digital-but decentralised, efficient, and secure.

 

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