Last week, the Dubai Blockchain Center (DBCC) has entered into a strategic collaboration with the Cardano Foundation, marking a significant step forward in advancing blockchain education and technology adoption across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The announcement came at the Dubai TOKEN2049 event and represents a major milestone in bringing together two forces in the blockchain industry.
The collaboration is particularly notable for integrating the Cardano Academy’s educational resources with DBCC’s training programs and the collaboration is expected to provide unparalleled learning opportunities, equipping participants with the knowledge required to drive blockchain adoption within their organizations.
The agreement aims to bring forth an innovative series of educational initiatives, including two masterclasses designed to elevate the understanding and practical application of advanced blockchain technologies among industry professionals.
The first masterclass named “Blockchain Technology Fundamentals for Enterprise Enablement,” is scheduled to take place at Emirates Towers in September 2024. The second masterclass will be held during the Cardano Summit on 23-24 October 2024. These programs are aimed at covering the core principles of third-generation blockchain and digging into its potential for enterprises, especially in sectors such as supply chain management, digital assets, and climate impact.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the partnership, Dr. Marwan Alzarouni, CEO of Dubai Blockchain Center, said,
“This collaboration with the Cardano Foundation aligns perfectly with our mission to position Dubai as a global leader in blockchain innovation. By bringing together our expertise and resources, we are poised to deliver world-class education that will empower professionals across the MENA region to harness the full potential of blockchain technology.”
Backing Dubai as one of the ideal geographies for blockchain, Frederik Gregaard, CEO of the Cardano Foundation, added,
“Dubai is increasingly being recognized as one of the leading locations for blockchain technology, with a continued investment in and dedication to the advancement of blockchain utility. By deepening our connections in Dubai and this region, the Cardano Foundation will continue to drive forward the adoption and operational resilience of this key technology.”
In 2016, Dubai’s government unveiled a bold initiative to implement blockchain technology for all its documents, aiming to become the world’s first fully digitized government by 2021.
In October 2016, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, unveiled the “Dubai Blockchain Strategy” which was developed through a partnership between the Smart Dubai Office and the Dubai Future Foundation. The strategy aims to continuously explore and assess cutting-edge technological innovations that offer the potential to create more seamless, secure, efficient, and impactful urban experiences, and to ultimately make Dubai the world’s first fully digitized government by 2021.
In the same year, Dubai established the Global Blockchain Council, a coalition of government agencies, banks, and technology companies, aimed at implementing and scaling a technology that was still in its early stages at the time.
Shortly after, the Emirate launched several pioneering blockchain projects, experimenting with innovative applications across various sectors, including transportation, healthcare, municipal services, and education.
In 2017, Smart Dubai collaborated with IBM, introducing the first government-backed blockchain initiative in the Middle East.
In 2018, under the guidance of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE government introduced the “Emirates Blockchain Strategy“. This strategy centers on four key pillars: enhancing the happiness of citizens and residents, improving government efficiency, developing advanced legislation, and positioning the UAE as a global leader.
