According to an official announcement, the pilot transaction, executed in collaboration with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), allowed the settlement of cryptocurrencies in UAE dirhams for a government service fee via the Dubai Pay platform, managed by the Digital Dubai Authority (DDA).
The transaction was processed through Dax Middle East, a virtual asset service provider licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), and involved the issuance of a property map as part of the initial system test.
DOF said the pilot aimed to evaluate the efficiency, security, and compliance of digital asset settlement mechanisms in a controlled environment before a wider rollout. Officials emphasized that the initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader goal of integrating blockchain and digital finance into its public sector infrastructure.
Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director-General of DOF, hailed the pilot as “a proactive step toward the future of digital transactions in Dubai,” reaffirming the department’s commitment to adopting advanced financial technologies.
He added that the project strengthens Dubai’s position as a global hub for financial innovation and supports the emirate’s digital transformation strategy.
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of the DDA, described the initiative as a “new milestone in Dubai’s journey toward comprehensive digitalization,” highlighting its role in realizing the ‘City-as-a-Service’ vision, where financial technologies integrate seamlessly with government systems.
He noted that enabling citizens and businesses to pay fees through digital assets diversifies payment options and reinforces Dubai’s Cashless Strategy, which targets 90% digital transactions by 2026.
Meanwhile, Omar Hamad Bu Shehab, Director-General of DLD, said the pilot represents a critical first step in assessing system readiness and regulatory compliance before broader adoption.
The initiative is expected to pave the way for secure, instant, and regulated digital asset payments for government services in the near future.