In light of the continuous coronavirus pandemic, the UAE’s MCOD (Ministry of Community Development) has shifted to utilizing digital channels for government services. The department stated it depends on the application of digital identity by citizens, blockchain systems, and chat systems to fulfill requests.

The department’s duties encompass establishing social welfare institutions for the disabled and publishing marriage licenses.  The MOCD stated it has stopped getting paper documents collectively by its consumer happiness centers (UAE’s version of customer service center) and is accepting approved digital documents rather.  “This step confirms the ministry’s commitment to ensure the continuity and flexibility of all government services in light of the directives of the smart government to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” stated Hessa Essa Buhumaid, UAE’s Minister of Community Development.

 The Emirates News Agency announced that the MOCD has been utilizing blockchain for digital authentication of official documents and other documents. Recently, the blockchain system can process 2,919 different types of documents. Presently, the ministry will render services by its website and smart applications, with extra support through telephone and email.

The aim is to prevent the public from attending government offices and service centers. Digital identity is utilized for obtaining government services remotely.  The UAE Pass app is a national digital identity solution produced by Smart Dubai, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, and Abu Dhabi Digital Authority. It enables smartphone-based confirmation of a user and will allow them to e-sign documents.

The UAE has been bullish on DLT (distributed ledger technology), with various projects over different sectors in the country. In the government, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has a blockchain platform for collecting pharmaceutical and healthcare data. It is also adopting blockchain for health worker credential checks.  A few months ago, UAE’s Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities stated it collaborated with Tech Mahindra for a blockchain-based land registry system.