Banking and Finance

The financial sector is a heavyweight in blockchain adoption. Both countries have their central banks exploring digital currencies and payment networks using blockchain. The Saudi Central Bank has piloted blockchain-based payment settlements for banks in the kingdom. Cross-border payments and remittances, a significant part of the Gulf economy, are being revolutionized by blockchain, requiring experts to implement and maintain these systems. The UAE’s banks are also leading innovations, with major institutions digitizing cheque processing on blockchain to reduce fraud and errors.

‍

Real Estate and Property Management

Property transactions have been made faster and more secure thanks to blockchain. Dubai’s Land Department has launched blockchain-based systems for recording real estate contracts, linking them with utilities, and reducing transaction times. Now, developers in the UAE are tokenizing properties, allowing investors to trade real estate assets digitally. As real estate firms venture into digital assets, they need blockchain developers to create tokenization platforms and engineers to integrate blockchain with legacy property systems.

‍

Logistics and Supply Chain

With major ports and a strategic trade location, the Gulf is leveraging blockchain to streamline logistics. Dubai’s global port operators have digitized supply chain documentation through blockchain, improving cargo tracking and reducing paperwork delays. Similarly, Saudi Customs has trialed blockchain for tracking shipments. These initiatives mean logistics companies are hiring blockchain specialists who understand both technology and supply chain operations to implement secure networks.

‍

A key reason blockchain skills are in such high demand is the strong government push behind the technology. The UAE has been a pioneer, launching strategies to move government transactions to blockchain and striving to be the world’s first blockchain-powered government. This has led to many public sector projects and public-private collaborations, from blockchain-based business registries to digital trade platforms, all requiring skilled blockchain professionals.

Saudi Arabia is also incorporating blockchain into its national digital agenda.

‍

Under Vision 2030, Saudi entities have launched pilot projects using blockchain for energy trading, healthcare records, and business licensing. The Saudi Ministry of Communications and IT has run blockchain boot camps to grow local expertise. Both countries are attracting blockchain startups through sandbox initiatives and licensing, creating an environment that reduces risks for businesses adopting blockchain and accelerates hiring needs.

In short, supply hasn’t kept up with demand. Blockchain is still relatively new, and seasoned developers with real-world experience are rare globally, let alone within the region. Middle Eastern companies are engaging in a global talent hunt, often bringing in experts from tech hubs like Eastern Europe, India, or the US.

‍

Roles like blockchain developer, blockchain solution architect, and smart contract engineer command premium salaries. Companies value not only coding skills in frameworks like Ethereum and Hyperledger but also expertise in deploying blockchain at scale and integrating it with existing systems.