2:01 pm - February 16, 2026
Dubai is not content with being merely a metropolis of grandeur; it aspires to become the world’s first Blockchain-powered city fully powered by blockchain technology. Central to this ambition is the Dubai Blockchain Strategy, an initiative designed to revolutionise administrative processes and set new global standards in digital innovation, all anchored by the vision of creating the happiest Blockchain-powered city on Earth.
This visionary plan was launched under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, developed through a close partnership between the Digital Dubai Office and the Dubai Future Foundation. At its core lies the goal to harness cutting-edge technologies not only efficiently and securely but also with a focus on improving the quality of life for residents. This vision aligns with that of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who envisions Dubai as a city of the future where blockchain’s qualities of transparency, trust, and security underpin all digital transactions.
In this pursuit, the city aims to integrate various blockchain technologies to enhance its infrastructure, making it a model Blockchain-powered city for others to follow.
The strategy rests on three main pillars. Firstly, government efficiency seeks to dramatically streamline bureaucratic procedures by eliminating the reliance on paper and manual checks. This alone is projected to save as much as 5.5 billion dirhams annually, a sum equivalent to the value of the iconic Burj Khalifa. Secondly, the initiative aims to spur industrial development by providing a nurturing platform for companies ranging from established firms to startups to innovate, test, and scale blockchain technologies. Thirdly, Dubai positions itself as a global leader in blockchain application on a city-wide scale, pledging to share its insights and innovations openly to inspire worldwide digital transformation.
By focusing on becoming a Blockchain-powered city, Dubai is not only enhancing its services but also setting a precedent for future urban developments.
The Vision for a Blockchain-powered City
The vision for a Blockchain-powered city encompasses not just technological upgrades but also a commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
Dubai’s blockchain efforts are part of a broader digital ecosystem. Complementary strategies like the Dubai Paperless Strategy, which eliminated paper from government processes by 2021, and the Happiness Agenda, which integrates technological advancements with a focus on human wellbeing, reflect a holistic approach. Key infrastructure such as the AI Lab and startup promotion programmes further bolster Dubai’s push to be a global digital innovation hub.
Dubai’s ambition to be a leading Blockchain-powered city is reflected in its investments in educational programs that promote blockchain literacy among its residents.
The city’s technological leadership is making waves on the international stage through active participation in major events like GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything 2025 in Berlin. Here, Dubai showcased promising advancements in artificial intelligence alongside concrete progress in blockchain deployment, collaborating with a dozen public and private partners.
The practical impact of blockchain in Dubai’s business and government sectors is significant. The Dubai Blockchain Strategy has benefited from an initial AED 1 billion investment and reportedly saved the government about AED 5.5 billion in document processing costs. Smart contracts have reduced operational expenses by 70% and eliminated payment delays among hundreds of retail tenants. Services linked to the UAE Pass, the national blockchain-based digital identity platform, have expedited government processes by up to 90%. This platform also underpins secure access to various public services.
As a Blockchain-powered city, Dubai is leveraging public-private partnerships to accelerate blockchain adoption across various sectors.
Notable recent developments include a landmark $1 billion deal signed in early 2025 between Dubai’s DAMAC Group, a major property developer, and blockchain platform MANTRA. This partnership is set to tokenize real-world assets across the Middle East, converting ownership rights into digital tokens that can be traded online, reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to become a global centre for digital and crypto assets.
Beyond real estate, Dubai’s government employs blockchain across multiple sectors to increase transparency and speed. For example, the Dubai Land Department uses it to manage property transactions, reducing paperwork and accelerating procedures, while the Dubai Health Authority deploys blockchain to securely share medical records. Additionally, the Department of Economic Development has created a unified digital business registry utilizing blockchain technology. The Road and Transport Authority’s Vehicle Lifecycle System uses blockchain to monitor vehicles from manufacture to disposal, curbing fraud and disputes over ownership.
The integration of blockchain into these services is a crucial step towards establishing Dubai as a Blockchain-powered city that prioritizes efficiency and trust.
Dubai’s vision extends further into the future. Ambitious targets include running 25% of transportation autonomously by 2030 and becoming the world’s first government fully operated on blockchain within a three-year timeframe. Startups like Derq, an AI-driven traffic safety company, benefit from strong government backing, illustrating the city’s determination to lead in emerging technologies.
The transformation into a Blockchain-powered city also includes plans for the adoption of blockchain in transportation systems, aiming to improve overall service delivery.
In summary, Dubai’s blockchain strategy transcends mere technological enhancement. It represents a fundamental rethinking of urban planning, governance, and citizen engagement, crafting a digital ecosystem that balances efficiency, trust, and wellbeing. More than a smart city, Dubai aims to be the city of the future—an ambition it appears steadily bringing to fruition.
Ultimately, becoming a Blockchain-powered city is about creating a seamless experience for residents and visitors alike.
📌 Reference Map:
The framework for this visionary Blockchain-powered city is built on collaboration among various stakeholders, ensuring a well-rounded approach to urban development.
With these initiatives, Dubai is establishing itself as a formidable Blockchain-powered city that attracts global attention.
This infrastructure is essential for Dubai’s goal to be a leading Blockchain-powered city, showcasing the potential of blockchain technology in public services.
In the healthcare sector, the transition to a Blockchain-powered city allows for the secure sharing of patient data while ensuring privacy and compliance with regulations.
Such advancements are vital for establishing a Blockchain-powered city that can serve as a model for others striving for digital transformation.
Source: Noah Wire Services
In essence, the journey to becoming a Blockchain-powered city is as much about technological evolution as it is about fostering a culture of innovation.
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- https://bitcoinnews.ch/50639/code-statt-papier-wie-dubai-zur-blockchain-stadt-wird/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
The commitment to building a Blockchain-powered city reflects Dubai’s broader vision of enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
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- https://www.reuters.com/technology/dubai-developer-damac-signs-1-bln-deal-with-blockchain-platform-mantra-2025-01-09/ – In January 2025, Dubai’s DAMAC Group signed a $1 billion agreement with blockchain platform MANTRA to tokenize real-world assets in the Middle East. This partnership aims to convert ownership rights into digital tokens on a blockchain, facilitating online trading. DAMAC, a major Dubai developer, plans to list its assets on the MANTRA blockchain in early 2025, aligning with Dubai’s goal to become a global hub for digital and crypto assets. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/technology/dubai-developer-damac-signs-1-bln-deal-with-blockchain-platform-mantra-2025-01-09/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.austincontrarian.com/the-role-of-blockchain-in-dubais-business-ecosystem/ – Dubai’s adoption of blockchain technology has significantly transformed its business landscape. Implementations of smart contracts have led to a 70% reduction in operational costs and eliminated payment delays for over 200 retail tenants. The Dubai Blockchain Strategy, backed by AED 1 billion in initial funding, has saved the government AED 5.5 billion in document processing costs alone. Additionally, the UAE Pass, a national digital identity platform built on blockchain, has streamlined government services, reducing processing times by 90%. ([austincontrarian.com](https://www.austincontrarian.com/the-role-of-blockchain-in-dubais-business-ecosystem/?utm_source=openai))
By engaging with global leaders in technology, Dubai’s goal of becoming a Blockchain-powered city is steadily within reach.
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- https://time.com/5195292/dubai-artificial-intelligence-derq-strategy/ – Dubai is actively transforming itself into a city-state of the future through aggressive government initiatives, aiming to lead in technological advancements, particularly AI. The government provides substantial support to startups like Derq, an AI-based traffic-safety firm, ensuring they have access to necessary resources and testing grounds. Dubai’s rulers have set ambitious goals, such as achieving 25% autonomous transportation by 2030 and becoming the first government run entirely on blockchain within three years. ([time.com](https://time.com/5195292/dubai-artificial-intelligence-derq-strategy/?utm_source=openai))
- https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/strategies-plans-and-visions-untill-2021/emirates-blockchain-strategy-2021 – In April 2018, the UAE Government launched the Emirates Blockchain Strategy 2021, aiming to transform 50% of government transactions into the blockchain platform by 2021. The strategy is expected to save AED 11 billion in routine transaction and document processing, eliminate 398 million printed documents annually, and save 77 million work hours per year. By adopting blockchain, the UAE government aims to enhance digital security and accelerate decision-making. ([u.ae](https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/strategies-plans-and-visions-untill-2021/emirates-blockchain-strategy-2021?utm_source=openai))
The UAE Government’s vision for a Blockchain-powered city is ambitious yet grounded in achievable objectives.
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- https://dubaitechinfo.com/how-dubai-uses-blockchain-to-improve-government-services/ – Dubai’s government has implemented blockchain technology across various sectors to enhance efficiency and transparency. The Dubai Land Department uses blockchain to manage property transactions, reducing paperwork and ensuring faster processes. The Dubai Health Authority employs blockchain for secure sharing of medical records, and the Dubai Department of Economic Development integrates blockchain for a unified digital business registry. Additionally, the UAE Pass, a blockchain-based digital identity system, allows citizens to access government services securely. ([dubaitechinfo.com](https://dubaitechinfo.com/how-dubai-uses-blockchain-to-improve-government-services/?utm_source=openai))
- https://corporate.moneybrain.com/speakers-corner/2025/05/07/dubai-powered-by-blockchain-strategy-advancing-the-blockchain-frontier/ – Dubai’s ‘Powered by Blockchain’ strategy aims to transform government services, foster industry growth, and establish international prominence. The strategy focuses on three pillars: Government Efficiency, Industry Creation, and International Leadership. Initiatives include the Paperless Strategy, which digitized over 1,800 government services by 2021, saving 336 million sheets of paper annually and reducing 25 million work hours. The UAEPass enhances service delivery across all federal and local government entities, significantly reducing processing times. The RTA Vehicle Lifecycle System tracks vehicles from manufacture to disposal, reducing fraud and ownership disputes. ([corporate.moneybrain.com](https://corporate.moneybrain.com/speakers-corner/2025/05/07/dubai-powered-by-blockchain-strategy-advancing-the-blockchain-frontier/?utm_source=openai))
This comprehensive approach is essential for realizing the aspirations of a Blockchain-powered city that serves its community effectively.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
The integration of blockchain across various departments ensures that Dubai evolves into a fully operational Blockchain-powered city.
Freshness check
Score:
8
The vision of a Blockchain-powered city encompasses a commitment to transparency, enhancing public trust in government services.
Notes:
The narrative presents recent developments in Dubai’s blockchain strategy, with specific events and data from early 2025, indicating high freshness. However, some information overlaps with previously reported events, suggesting partial recycling. For instance, the $1 billion deal between DAMAC Group and MANTRA was reported in January 2025. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/technology/dubai-developer-damac-signs-1-bln-deal-with-blockchain-platform-mantra-2025-01-09/?utm_source=openai)) Additionally, the Dubai Land Department’s real estate tokenization pilot was announced in March 2025. ([crypto.news](https://crypto.news/dubai-is-building-blueprint-for-web3-driven-finance/?utm_source=openai)) These overlaps suggest that while the narrative includes fresh data, it also recycles earlier information. The inclusion of updated data alongside older material may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The presence of a reference map with multiple citations indicates that the narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. However, the recycling of earlier material suggests partial freshness. The earliest known publication date of substantially similar content is January 9, 2025, with the DAMAC Group and MANTRA deal. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/technology/dubai-developer-damac-signs-1-bln-deal-with-blockchain-platform-mantra-2025-01-09/?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Dubai’s transformation into a Blockchain-powered city signifies a shift in how urban life can be enhanced through technology.
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative includes direct quotes from His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Land Department, and Amira Sajwani, Managing Director of Sales & Development at DAMAC. These quotes are not found in earlier material, suggesting they are original or exclusive content. The absence of identical quotes in earlier material indicates originality. However, variations in wording compared to other reports may exist, but no significant discrepancies were identified.
The aspirations for a Blockchain-powered city are supported by initiatives that prioritize efficiency and user experience.
Source reliability
Score:
6
The end goal is to create a Blockchain-powered city that is not only technologically advanced but also socially inclusive.
Notes:
The narrative originates from bitcoinnews.ch, a platform that aggregates news from various sources. While it provides a comprehensive overview, the platform’s reputation and editorial standards are not well-established, raising concerns about reliability. The presence of a reference map with multiple citations suggests an attempt to substantiate claims, but the primary source’s credibility remains uncertain.
Plausability check
This holistic transformation is essential for Dubai to emerge as a leading Blockchain-powered city on the global stage.
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about Dubai’s blockchain initiatives align with known developments, such as the $1 billion deal between DAMAC Group and MANTRA reported in January 2025. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/technology/dubai-developer-damac-signs-1-bln-deal-with-blockchain-platform-mantra-2025-01-09/?utm_source=openai)) The narrative’s tone and language are consistent with typical corporate communications, enhancing plausibility. However, the lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets and the presence of recycled content raise questions about the narrative’s authenticity. The structure includes excessive or off-topic detail unrelated to the claim, which may serve as a distraction tactic.
The continued investment in blockchain technologies paves the way for Dubai to solidify its position as a Blockchain-powered city.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
In conclusion, the evolution towards a Blockchain-powered city is a testament to Dubai’s forward-thinking vision and dedication to innovation.
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents a mix of fresh and recycled content, with some original quotes and recent data. However, the reliance on a less reputable source and the inclusion of recycled material raise concerns about its credibility. The lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets and the presence of off-topic details further diminish trustworthiness. Therefore, the overall assessment is a ‘FAIL’ with medium confidence.
