Abu Dhabi introduces Gulf-first digital skills card

Abu Dhabi has launched the first digital skills card in the Gulf region, a blockchain-backed credential that employers and regulators can use to verify professional qualifications through a QR code. The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) partnered with Union Assessment and Quality Accreditation (UAC) to introduce the credential.

Each card is connected to a certification from QCC-accredited conformity programs delivered by UAC, creating a digitally verifiable record of professionals' skills. Verification is done via ADI Chain, a regulation-compliant blockchain infrastructure developed by the ADI Foundation. This initiative aims to boost trust, transparency, and workforce mobility while promoting verifiable digital credentials across the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Middle East and North Africa region.

QCC's executive director, Badr Khamis Al Shumaili, emphasized that digitalization is now a foundation for more connected and transparent systems built on trustworthy data. The launch event in Abu Dhabi gathered government officials, regulators, industry stakeholders, and certified professionals, with the first cards being distributed to professionals.

UAC's director and CEO, Shahbaz Muhammad Khan, highlighted that verified skills should be portable and recognized across institutions and borders. The system is designed to complement existing conformity frameworks rather than replace work permits, visas, or occupation-specific licenses.