Abu Dhabi Adds Blockchain-Verified Digital Skills Card for Professional Credentials

On 7 September 2026, the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC), in partnership with Union Assessment and Quality Accreditation (UAC), launched a Digital Skills Card for verifying professional skills and qualifications. Emirates News Agency described it as the Gulf region's first Digital Skills Card.

Each card is linked to a certification awarded through personnel conformity programmes accredited by QCC and delivered by UAC. Employers, regulators and other stakeholders can scan the card to check the certification's validity and authenticity through ADI Chain, which the launch announcement describes as ADI Foundation's regulation-compliant blockchain infrastructure.

How the Card Changes Credential Checks

The card provides a direct digital method for checking an eligible professional certification. This can reduce reliance on paper certificates or manual verification when an employer or regulator needs to establish whether a covered credential is valid and authentic.

The initiative is also intended to make verified credentials easier to carry and recognise across institutions and borders. UAC has said it plans to expand the Digital Skills Card over time to cover a broader range of certifications, qualifications and professional achievements.

The concept predates the September 2026 launch. UAC's official account stated that the blockchain-verified Digital Skill Card initiative was announced during Abu Dhabi Finance Week in December 2025 in collaboration with QCC and ADI Foundation. The September launch therefore represents the formal rollout of an initiative that had been publicly outlined earlier.

Who This Is Relevant To

The development is most directly relevant to professionals whose certifications are covered by QCC-accredited personnel conformity programmes delivered by UAC, as well as employers and regulators that need to verify those credentials.

The verification has a specific purpose. It confirms the validity and authenticity of the certification linked to the card. The published launch information does not state that the Digital Skills Card replaces other hiring, licensing, immigration or regulatory checks that may apply to a particular profession or position.

For employers, the practical benefit is a faster way to authenticate covered credentials. Broader questions such as a candidate's work experience, suitability for a role, or compliance with profession-specific requirements still need to be assessed separately.

Key Takeaways

• QCC and UAC formally launched Abu Dhabi's Digital Skills Card on 7 September 2026, with certification verification supported through ADI Chain.
• Each card is linked to a certification awarded through personnel conformity programmes accredited by QCC and delivered by UAC.
• UAC has said the system is expected to expand over time to include a broader range of certifications, qualifications and professional achievements.

Sources: Emirates News Agency (WAM), The National, Union Assessment & Certification.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, investment, cybersecurity, medical, business, career, or other professional advice. Verify important information with official sources or qualified professionals before acting.