In the Middle East, blockchain technology—which was first linked to cryptocurrencies—is changing the public service industry. A number of nations within the area have implemented blockchain technology in order to enhance security, efficiency, and transparency in a variety of government functions. The drive for blockchain integration is a reflection of a larger goal to be a leader in smart governance and digital innovation. Here’s a closer look at how this technology is being used in Middle Eastern countries to alter public services.
The UAE: Leading the Way in Blockchain Projects
As a pioneer in the implementation of blockchain technology, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) sets high standards with its “Emirates Blockchain Strategy 2021.” The nation wants to migrate 50% of its government transactions onto blockchain systems, which should result in millions of labor hours and billions of savings in administrative expenses. Processes including processing visa applications, validating academic credentials, and granting company licenses are being made more efficient with the use of blockchain technology.
The goal of Dubai’s 2016 introduction of the Dubai Blockchain Strategy is to become Dubai the first city entirely driven by blockchain technology. Important uses include the replacement of paper-based processes with smart contract-based real estate transactions. Blockchain is used by the Dubai Land Department to record real estate transactions, guaranteeing transparency and lowering the risk of fraud.
The Push for Blockchain Integration in Saudi Arabia
The use of blockchain technology is also progressing quickly in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the public sector. Blockchain is viewed as a major force for change in the nation’s Vision 2030 plan, which focuses on digital transformation and economic diversification. To expedite transactions and lower remittance costs, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) has deployed blockchain for cross-border payment solutions.
Blockchain technology is also being utilized to enhance the kingdom’s healthcare offerings. To improve patient privacy and lower the danger of data breaches, the Ministry of Health, for example, has implemented blockchain technology to securely store and manage patient data. Additionally, blockchain is being used by the Saudi Customs Authority for digital tracking and documentation, which has greatly accelerated the import goods customs clearance procedure.
Bahrain: An Area Leader in Blockchain Technology
By enacting laws that promote blockchain use in both the public and private sectors, Bahrain has established itself as a nation that embraces blockchain technology. A regulatory sandbox created by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) enables startups to test blockchain-based financial services solutions in real-world settings. Numerous blockchain-based platforms for services like digital payments and identity verification have been introduced as a result of this endeavor.
Additionally, blockchain technology has been incorporated by Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism to enhance the effectiveness of business registrations. The government has cut the time and expense of establishing a business in the nation by greatly streamlining the registration procedure and using blockchain-based verification.
The Use of Blockchain in Oman for Intelligent Governance
Oman is investigating the potential of blockchain technology to improve digital service delivery and smart governance. The nation’s Information Technology Authority has introduced a number of blockchain-based projects to enhance public services, including land registry administration and digital identity verification. These solutions seek to enhance data integrity, decrease paperwork, and streamline bureaucratic processes.
Blockchain technology has also been used by Oman’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry for trade documentation, guaranteeing the safe transfer of data between different organizations engaged in import and export operations. Oman hopes to improve the efficiency and transparency of the nation’s trade procedures by utilizing blockchain technology to digitize trade paperwork.
Kuwait Is Putting Blockchain in the Financial Services Sector
The banking sector in Kuwait has demonstrated a keen interest in embracing blockchain technology. The Central Bank of Kuwait is investigating blockchain applications for remittance services and financial transactions. The objective is to lower expenses while simultaneously improving transaction speed and security. The bank is closely collaborating with banks to test blockchain applications for safe payment handling and anti-fraud measures.
Furthermore, the public procurement system in Kuwait is being made more transparent through the usage of blockchain. The government uses blockchain technology to make sure that public contract bidding is more transparent and equitable, which lowers corruption and boosts public confidence in government operations.
Qatar’s Blockchain-Based Health and Education Programs
Qatar is concentrating its blockchain initiatives in the fields of education and healthcare, where the technology has enormous potential. In order to protect patient safety, the Ministry of Public Health has implemented blockchain technology to guarantee the legitimacy of health certifications and secure medical records. Blockchain is also being used to validate healthcare professionals’ credentials, making sure that only those with valid licenses can work.
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Qatar is using blockchain-based solutions in the field of education to validate degrees and certifications. The government hopes to tackle the problem of bogus degrees and expedite the verification process for companies and academic institutions by digitizing and safeguarding the records.
Jordan’s Initial Efforts to Adopt Blockchain Technology
Despite not having adopted blockchain technology as quickly as some of its Gulf neighbors, Jordan has begun investigating the technology’s potential for use in public services. The nation is investigating blockchain-based solutions for digital identity verification and supply chain management. The government of Jordan is certain that blockchain technology can significantly contribute to the modernization of the nation’s public administration, increasing process efficiency and reducing corruption.
Blockchain’s Prospects in Middle Eastern Public Services
The Middle East is becoming a global leader in blockchain-based governance as nations there continue to explore and implement blockchain technology. The use of blockchain by governments is not limited to improving already-existing services; they are also considering potential future uses that might completely transform public administration. Whether in the fields of real estate, healthcare, finance, or education, blockchain is quickly emerging as a critical facilitator of intelligent governance in the Middle East.
