UAE Launches Health-Data Platform Powered by Blockchain

The Dubai Blockchain Strategy was launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum in October 2016. Now fast forward to 2020, and there is an advanced medical platform for all of the United Arab Emirates(UAE). On Sunday, 2nd February 2020, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Dubai Healthcare City and other relevant authorities launched a blockchain-powered platform that can store data for health, pharmaceutical government, private facilities, health practitioners and drug information as well.

The blockchain-powered medical platform aims to improve the efficiency of MoHAP, other health authorities, and smart health services. This platform is a part of MoHAP’s plans for incorporating 100 percent Artificial Intelligence into health services. It is one of the pioneering projects of the UAE Centennial 2071.

Government Blockchain Strategies

The UAE has been at the forefront of blockchain development. To sustain this, The Emirates Blockchain Strategy 2021 was launched. This strategy aimed to ensure that by 2021, 50 percent of Government transactions should be shifted to a blockchain-powered platform. The Dubai Blockchain Strategy was set up to help make Dubai a digitally advanced and entirely blockchain-powered city by 2020. 

UAE is working diligently to make this a reality using the three pillars of:

• Government Efficiency

Through this, the government hopes to enable a paperless digital layer for all city transactions, including documentation, visa applications, bill payments, license renewals, etc. Automating it would save 25.1 million hours of economic productivity time that goes into document processing.

• Industry Creation 

By industry creation, the government aims to introduce a system for enabling the creation of new businesses using blockchain technology. Industries that can benefit from this are real-estate, fin-tech, banking, healthcare, transportation, urban planning, smart energy, digital commerce, tourism, etc.

• International Leadership

UAE wants to primarily utilize the blockchain platform to enhance the safety, security, and convenience of international travellers for global counterparts. It will help in faster entry with pre-approved passports, security clearances, and visas. Moreover, it would hasten the process of car rentals and driving licences for tourists. It will be delivered in partnership with partners in Europe, North America, and Asia through a global Trust Network.

Other Blockchain Projects in UAE

• Vehicle-History Blockchain Project

The Roads and Transport Authority in UAE used blockchain technology to create a vehicle lifecycle management system. This new initiative provided car manufacturers, dealers, regulators, insurance companies, buyers, sellers, and garages with a secure, transparent record of the concerned vehicle from the manufacturing unit to the current state. It can track the ownership, sale and even accident history of the vehicle, preventing any disputes and lower service costs.

• Blockchain Trade Finance Platform

The first bank in the UAE to run an end-to-end Blockchain trade finance transaction with automated documentation was Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB). This was possible in partnership with Singapore-based dltledgers platform, thus providing efficient services to clients and even faster access to cash. ADCB’s private network provides proper documentation of the cycle of the transaction with authentic and consented digitized documents at every step.

• Blockchain Trade Finance Platform

The first bank in the UAE to run an end-to-end Blockchain trade finance transaction with automated documentation was Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB). This was possible in partnership with Singapore-based dltledgers platform, thus providing efficient services to clients and even faster access to cash. ADCB’s private network provides proper documentation of the cycle of the transaction with authentic and consented digitized documents at every step.

• Blockchain-Powered Private Financing Platform

In order to tokenize traditional financial assets, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) collaborated with Swiss-based blockchain fintech company, Jibrel Network. Jibrel.com improves investor transparency, simplifies regulatory oversight, and increases liquidity — by providing a streamlined platform to buy, sell, and transact startup equity.

Conclusion

The UAE governments recognize blockchain technology as the next step in digital transformation. It will revolutionize the public and private sectors, thus positioning UAE as a leading center for blockchain development and innovation.