- In May 2024, the UAE’s Digital Dubai Authority announced the integration of blockchain-based digital ID modules into the UAE Pass ecosystem, enabling residents and businesses to access over 7,000 federal and local services through self-sovereign identity (SSI) frameworks. This upgrade includes Verifiable Credentials (VCs) and supports compliance with regional data privacy mandates.
- In April 2024, Avanza Innovations launched a blockchain-powered identity layer for the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to manage property transaction authentication and digital notarization. The system utilizes smart contracts and decentralized identity tokens to validate ownership and prevent fraud in the emirate’s growing real estate sector.
- In March 2024, South Africa’s Standard Bank partnered with IBM Blockchain to pilot a decentralized digital KYC solution across its retail banking operations. The system allows users to own and control access to their financial identity, reducing onboarding time by 60% and enhancing security for remote account creation.
- In February 2024, Saudi Arabia’s Digital Government Authority (DGA), in collaboration with STC Solutions, launched a sandbox initiative to test blockchain-based national digital identity prototypes. These solutions aim to unify access to healthcare, education, and financial services via a permissioned blockchain infrastructure.
- In January 2024, Kenya’s Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy unveiled the Maisha Namba project—an enhanced blockchain-supported digital ID system that leverages decentralized storage to secure birth records, driving licenses, and social benefit credentials. The system is built on an open-source blockchain stack and is currently being rolled out in Nairobi and Kisumu counties.
