Where does Dubai see itself in developing the Blockchain tech?

During Unlock Blockchain Forum, which took place on January 14^th-15^th 2018 at the Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, gathering more than 500 Blockchain enthusiasts from over 39 countries, CNN Arabic met Zeina El-Kaissi, Head of Emerging Technology & Global Partnerships at Smart Dubai Office.

During her interview, El-Kaissi tackled the steps undertaken by Dubai and the Smart Dubai office to develop the Blockchain technology in the Emirate.

She stated “Dubai’s Blockchain journey started at the end of 2016, when His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched Dubai’s Blockchain Strategy.

The smart Dubai office was working with all governmental entities to figure out the projects related to city experiences that can benefit from Blockchain.

In 2017, we worked with the various entities on more than 21 use cases for the Blockchain in multiple sectors.

Today, Dubai is considered as the international capital of Blockchain, due to the significant efforts we undertook in 2017 to implement Blockchain projects, have the appropriate infrastructure, policies, etc… This elevated Dubai to the international scale.

In partnership with startups and small enterprises, we are able to attract pioneers from all over the world to work in Dubai on the Blockchain technology.

There is a world-wide and local shortage in digital skills, and when it comes to Blockchain, Smart Dubai has been offering training programs. In 2017, we offered training to governmental entities and governmental employees, and in 2018, we are working with private companies to encourage them to offer these training programs in Dubai.

We truly care about enhancing the skills, especially in governments, to be able to implement these projects in a skilled manner.

It is important that the project managers and the high-level corporate executives are informed about what Blockchain is, and to have a general idea about the technology, its scope and how it can be implemented.”