The UAE will complete 50 per cent of federal government transactions using blockchain technology by 2021.

The target is the main goal of the UAE Blockchain Strategy 2021 that was launched on 11 April by the UAE government.

“The adoption of this technology will reflect on the quality of life in the UAE and will enhance happiness levels for citizens,” said Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum at the launch of the strategy. “50 per cent of government transactions on the federal level will be conducted using blockchain technology by 2021.”

Sheikh Mohammed added that the adoption of blockchain would help the government prepare for future challenges and contribute to saving AED11bn ($3bn) spent annually on document transactions and documents, 77 million hours of work, reduce government documents by 389 million, and save 1.6 billion kilometres spent driving.

Sheikh Mohammed has set targets in Dubai for the adoption of other cutting edge technologies.

For driverless vehicles, Sheikh Mohammed has said he wants 25 per cent of all trips within the emirate to be autonomous by 2030.

While Dubai’s 3D printing strategy sets a target of 25 per cent of buildings in Dubai to be constructed using 3D printing technology by 2030.