UAE Haifin adds a new member to its Blockchain fraud platform

UAE Haifin adds a new member to its Blockchain fraud platform

Once again, UAE based Haifin, an e& enterprise company (part of e&) formerly known as UAE Trade Connect offering Blockchain enabled trade financing platform has onboarded a new member, Egyptian and UAE based FlapKap, which offers lending solutions to SMEs ( Small and Medium Sized Enterprises).

With a proven track record in de-risking trade finance lending, haifin—live in UAE since 2021—has leveraged cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain and advanced analytics to prevent fraud in real-time. In January 2025, Haifin announced that it processed  $40.8 billion of transactions (150 billion AED).

Jul Zavaid, CEO of Haifin noted on LinkedIn, ” We are excited to announce that FlapKap has joined thehaifin consortium – to derisk their own lending and also that of the wider community. We at haifin, an e& enterprise company can see firsthand the shifting sands in the SME lending environment, as hashtag#fintechs step in to complement and supplement what banks do for the UAE economy.”

Recently Haifin partnered with Bahrain’s Financial entity BENEFIT.

The members of Haifin platform include UAE Banks Federation, Al Masraf, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Commercial Bank International, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Dubai Islamic Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Habib Bank AG Zurich, Invest Bank, Mashreq Corporate & Investment Banking Group, National Bank of Fujairah, RAKBANK, Sharjah Islamic Bank, United Arab Bank, Beehive Fintech, CredibleX, DP World, and Finneva.

In December 2023, Beehive, a peer-to-peer lending platform, became the second non-banking entity to join Blockchain enabled UAE Trade Connect platform, Haifin. Prior to that, DP World Finance platform partnered with UAE trade Connect in November of the same year.

Crypto.com partners with UAE AI tech company

Crypto.com partners with UAE AI tech company

Crypto.com a global crypto exchange regulated in the UAE has partnered with an AI Blockchain tech firm in UAE called Tawasal Al Khaleej. Tawasal has developed a mobile messaging application that is currently being utilized by UAE governmental entities and other industries within the UAE.

As per the announcement Tawasal AlKhaleej will use crypto.com as their exclusive crypto partner of choice.

The integration has two stages, the first iteration of this deal will see Crypto.com’s platform referred by Tawasal Alkhaleej to its local and Middle East partners and collaborators strengthening Crypto.com’s position in the region.

There are also plans to integrate the crypto exchange platform into UAE’s leading Tawasal Superapp messanger offering access to Crypto.com’s products and services and the ability to trade crypto to nearly 4 million users.

“Our partnership with Tawasal opens up a world of possibilities for Crypto.com to integrate our industry-leading products and services into their impressive tech projects,” said Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com. “This partnership is an outstanding example of how the UAE tech ecosystem is thriving, and where the integration of digital assets products can benefit companies and consumers alike, giving simplified access to cryptocurrency which not only encourages adoption but also progresses the development of our industry.”

“Partnering with Crypto.com is about expansion, driving growth, and making the Crypto services even more attractive for UAE consumers” said Khamis AlShamsi, Chairman of Tawasal Alkhaleej.

Eric Leandri, CEO of Tawasal stated: “We’re eager to join forces with Crypto.com and seamlessly integrate their innovative products and services into our cutting-edge tech projects. By combining their services and digital assets with our blockchain technologies we’re reaffirming our commitment to delivering, safe, interactive, and easy to use digital experiences to our customers. In return, Tawasal SuperApp, is poised to provide Crypto.com with unparalleled visibility and expose their financial products to the local market, further expanding their reach and presence.”

This announcement comes less than a day after UAE MGX, also an investor in AI announced its $2 billion investment in Binance.

Ripple to offer crypto payments in UAE after receiving license

Ripple to offer crypto payments in UAE after receiving license

Ripple, which offers enterprise blockchain and crypto solutions can now offer crypto payment services in the UAE after receiving its license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Ripple will be the first blockchain-enabled payments provider licensed by the DFSA.

This is the first license for Ripple in MENA allowing it to offer seamless compliant crypto payments in UAE to financial institutions who want to utilize digital assets.

“We are entering an unprecedented period of growth for the crypto industry, driven by greater regulatory clarity around the world and increasing institutional adoption,” said Brad Garlinghouse, Chief Executive Officer of Ripple. “Thanks to its early leadership in creating a supportive environment for tech and crypto innovation, the UAE is exceptionally well-placed to benefit.”

According to a 2024 business survey carried out by Ripple, 64% of Middle East and Africa (MEA) finance leaders see faster payments and settlement times as the biggest value proposition for incorporating blockchain-based currencies into their cross-border payments business.

His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority commented, ”We are thrilled that Ripple is deepening their commitment to Dubai by securing a DFSA license that makes them the first blockchain-enabled payments provider in DIFC. This milestone not only highlights our commitment to fostering innovation, but also opens the door for Ripple to tap into new growth opportunities across the region and beyond. As the Middle East, Africa and South Asia’s leading global financial centre, DIFC is proud to support forward-thinking companies like Ripple as they shape the future of finance and accelerate the adoption of blockchain technology in the payments industry.”

Since establishing its Middle East headquarters in DIFC in 2020, Ripple has continued to deepen its presence in the region. With around 20% of its global customer base already operating in the Middle East, this latest regulatory approval positions Ripple to further accelerate growth and innovation in a high-potential market. The MEA region has one of highest levels of institutional readiness when it comes to crypto adoption, with over 82% of MEA finance leaders stating they are “very or extremely confident” when it comes to integrating blockchain solutions into their business.

Reece Merrick, Ripple’s Managing Director for Middle East and Africa. “Securing this DFSA license is a major milestone that will enable us to better serve the growing demand for faster, cheaper and more transparent cross-border transactions in one of the world’s largest cross-border payments hubs. We’re grateful for the support of our partners at DIFC, and we’re ready to hit the ground running with a growing local team and strong customer pipeline.”

Ripple’s DFSA license adds to its growing list of over 60 regulatory approvals worldwide.

Prior to this license Ripple had partnered with the DIFC Innovation Hub to accelerate blockchain and digital assets innovation in the UAE, while in 2023 its token XRP was one of two new crypto tokens to join Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum, and Litecoin as recognized crypto tokens by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).

UAE MGX enters crypto ecosystem with an investment of $2 billion into Binance

UAE MGX enters crypto ecosystem with an investment of $2 billion into Binance

UAE based MGX, an AI and advanced tech investor has invested $2 billion into Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange licensed in the UAE.

As per the blog post, the transaction, is the first institutional investment in Binance to date. They note that it marks a significant step in advancing digital asset adoption and reinforcing blockchain’s role in global finance. It is also the single largest investment into a crypto company and the largest investment ever paid in crypto more precisely a stablecoin.

This investment represents MGX’s first entry into the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors, securing a minority stake in Binance as part of a broader strategy to support blockchain’s transformative impact on society. By partnering with the leading industry player, MGX aims to enable innovation at the intersection of AI, blockchain technology and finance.

Binance is larger than the next several cryptocurrency exchanges combined by trading volume, boasting over 260 million registered users and surpassing $100 trillion in cumulative trading volume.

Ahmed Yahia, Managing Director & CEO, MGX, noted that MGX’s investment in Binance reflects their commitment to advancing blockchain’s transformative potential for digital finance. He stated, “As institutional adoption accelerates, the need for secure, compliant, and scalable blockchain infrastructure and solutions has never been greater. Binance has long been a driving force in cryptocurrency innovation, from exchange technology and tokenization to staking and payments. Together, we are committed to building a more inclusive and robust digital finance ecosystem.”

Binance CEO, Richard Teng, added, “This investment by MGX is a significant milestone for the crypto industry and for Binance. Together, we are shaping the future of digital finance. Our ongoing investments in security and compliance reinforce our mission to foster a secure and trusted digital financial ecosystem.”

UAE Klickl welcomes Mo Shaikh co founder of Aptos Labs as strategic advisor

UAE Klickl welcomes Mo Shaikh co founder of Aptos Labs as strategic advisor

Klickl, a UAE digital asset exchange and custodian with an in principle approval from ADGM in Abu Dhabi, and the KLK Foundation has welcomed Mo Shaikh, former CEO and co-founder of Aptos Labs, as a strategic advisor to support the company’s Web3 strategy and institutional expansion.

As per the press release, Mo’s guidance, Klickl aims to become the payment infrastructure of Open Finance, solidifying its position as a PayFi powerhouse.

A seasoned entrepreneur and blockchain visionary, Mo was instrumental in shaping Aptos into the most institutionally trusted Layer 1 blockchain. Under his leadership, Tether’s USDT and Circle’s USDC launched on Aptos, and he played a key role in securing institutional partnerships such as, BlackRock’s BUIDL via Securitize, Franklin Templeton’s Benji, HKMA’s eHKD+ pilot and Invesco-BCG whitepaper on digital assets.

Beyond Aptos, Mo brings extensive experience from Meta’s Diem Project, ConsenSys, BlackRock, Meridio (one of the first securities tokenization platforms in the US), and his advisory role to central banks on digital assets at BCG.

“Today’s Web3 payments are stuck—too fragmented for institutions to trust and too clunky for users to scale. Klickl solves this with a rare blend of regulatory licenses, Aptos-powered efficiency, and a vision for seamless Open Finance. I’ve bridged TradFi and Web3 before, and I’m here to help Klickl build the payment backbone that institutions and users can rely on. The shift starts now—keep an eye on us” — Mo Shaikh

Klickl CEO Michael Zhao on Mo’s Appointment, “We’re thrilled to have Mo on board. His insights and leadership will help us bridge the gap between Web2 TradFi and Web3 native finance. With his addition, we have assembled all the key pieces needed to build something truly groundbreaking.” — Michael Zhao, CEO of Klickl

With Mo’s strategic guidance, Klickl is positioned to reshape digital payments in Web3, unlocking new opportunities for institutions and users worldwide. Stay tuned for more updates as we build the future of compliant, scalable, and seamless crypto payments.

Unchained Summit to feature prominent figures in Web3 in Dubai UAE

Unchained Summit to feature prominent figures in Web3 in Dubai UAE

As the world races toward a decentralized future, the Unchained Summit 2025 is set to take center stage in Dubai, hosting what promises to be a transformative gathering for the Web 3.0 ecosystem. Scheduled for April 28th and 29th at the luxurious Kempinski Central Avenue, this upcoming crypto conference in Dubai aims to redefine the global impact of blockchain technology, decentralized finance (DeFi), and the broader Web 3.0 landscape.

Tuesday, 11 March 2025, UAE: Organized by Aeternum, a rising B2B events company specializing in emerging tech, the Unchained Summit is poised to unite over 1,500 attendees, including visionaries, investors, developers, and policymakers; to spark meaningful dialogues, catalyze innovation with the help of curated topics and one-on-one networking.

The global momentum for crypto regulation and adoption is stronger than ever. Following major policy discussions, including the recent White House Crypto Summit featuring industry leaders, Unchained Summit will further drive the conversation by uniting the ecosystem’s top minds in Dubai.

The summit’s lineup features prominent figures from the Web 3.0 ecosystem, including:

• Greg Scanlon, VP Quantitative Blockchain, Franklin Templeton Digital Assets
• May Zabaneh, VP of Product – Blockchain, Crypto & Digital Currencies, PayPal
• Richard Muirhead, Chairman & Managing Partner, Fabric Ventures
• Rushi Manche, Co-Founder and Lead Architect, Movement Labs
• Jack Platts, Co-Founder, Hypersphere Ventures
• Shuyao Kong, Co-Founder, MegaETH, among others.

Martin de Rijke, one of the speakers attending the event, said, “Maple Finance is transforming institutional credit in crypto, providing a scalable on-chain infrastructure for transparent and efficient lending. As Head of Growth, I lead Maple’s expansion by forging strategic partnerships and scaling adoption among institutional borrowers and lenders. At Unchained Summit Dubai, I will share insights on the evolving credit landscape in crypto, the role of on-chain finance in institutional markets, and what’s next for decentralized lending.”

Among the attending organizations is Mesh, a platform that facilitates crypto transactions by integrating with over 300 exchanges and wallets. Bam Azizi, CEO and Founder of Mesh, commented, “Just as the internet transformed communication and commerce, crypto is shaping the future of payments. I look forward to engaging with the industry leaders, investors, and companies that will shape the financial system of our future. This is the time to create scalable, consumer-ready solutions and I can’t think of many places better than the Unchained Summit to have these discussions.”

The event’s structure prioritizes networking, with dedicated lounges, curated topics, fireside chats led by Founders and Investors, and an exclusive afterparty where attendees can unwind and forge partnerships. Over 300 investors are expected to attend, representing venture capital firms and funds eager to back Web 3.0 projects. For startups, the summit offers a rare chance to secure funding and mentorship in a single setting. For seasoned professionals, the event provides a platform to explore reconnect with the Crypto community, alongside learn from trends like asset tokenization, decentralized AI, and the intersection of Web 3.0 with traditional finance.

Sharath Kumar, Founder and CEO of Aeternum, organizer of Unchained Summit, said: “Unchained Summit distinguishes itself with a highly curated attendee profile, ensuring the presence of key decision-makers from across the Web 3.0 ecosystem. With a strategic focus on connecting VCs, crypto-focused hedge funds, and institutional investors with the most promising emerging projects, the summit aims to facilitate meaningful engagement beyond conventional networking. This will be achieved through pre-arranged one-on-one meetings, targeted investor introductions conducted in the lead-up to the event, and continued engagement opportunities post-event, positioning Unchained as a premier platform for high-value connections and strategic partnerships.”

Saudi Arabia to host Global Games Show in June 2025

Saudi Arabia to host Global Games Show in June 2025

VAP Group in association with Times of Games is set to host The Global Games Show 2025 an exclusive event on 23-24th June, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia that will bring together global gamers and enthusiasts with 5,000+ attendees, 200+ speakers, 300+ companies, and 250+ media representatives all under one roof to spearhead the gaming revolution with the latest gaming trends, innovations and tool and equipment.


The event comes at a time where unveiling Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Potential is creating significant strides in the gaming and digital entertainment sector as part of its Vision 2030 transformation.


Saudi Gaming Industry has some notable developments that includes The Saudi E-sports Federation’s (SEF) fostering growth in the gaming ecosystem by collaborating with global gaming giants and hosting major events to shape the future of e-sports in the region.
Additionally, The Kingdom has pledged substantial gaming investments to position itself as a leader in the gaming industry including support for local developers and partnerships with international gaming companies.


NEOM with its $1.5 trillion XVRS Metaverse platform, is all set to provide immersive digital experiences and an expansive space for the gaming community, encouraging investment and innovation in interactive entertainment will also be present.

Over the years, the Global Games Show has played a pivotal role in creating iconic leaders in the gaming arena and partnered with international gaming companies.

In 2025 edition attendees can expect to Interact with top creators, investors and gamers around the globe to create significant strides in the gaming and digital entertainment sector as part of its Vision 2030 transformation. Whether you’re an avid gamer, a tech leader, an investor or an entrepreneur looking to scale, this event is your gateway to the forefront of the gaming revolution.


Next-Gen Gaming & E-sports Hub – Discover the latest innovations driving the gaming industry forward.
A Platform for the Best in Gaming – Connect with developers, publishers, and creators.
Industry Insights from the Best – Hear from 200+ top speakers shaping the future of gaming and e-sports.
Unparalleled Networking – Build valuable connections with industry pioneers, gaming visionaries, and investors.
Tech Meets Gaming – Experience cutting-edge developments in game tech, AI, Web3 gaming, and immersive entertainment.

UAE holds 3.75 percent of global Bitcoin hashrate

UAE holds 3.75 percent of global Bitcoin hashrate

According to a recent River Bitcoin Adoption report for 2025, the UAE holds 3.75% of global Bitcoin hashrate beating Canada which holds 3%, Kazakhstan at 2.5% and Paraguay with 3.5%. The United States continues to lead with a Bitcoin Hashrate of 36%, followed by Russia at 16% an China at 14%.

The report also noted that 28 countries hold less than 0.1% of the hashrate, and 9 countries hold 1% of hashrate. Already 94% of 21 million Bitcoins have been mined and the 6% will be mined within the next 115 years maximum.

Interestingly public companies account for 35.2% of total hashrate.

Individuals own 69.4% of Bitcoin supply followed by Funds ETF which hold 6.1% of supply and governments 1.4% of supply while businesses have 4.4% of supply.

The report also noted that Bitcoin global ownership is still less than 4%.

In the MENA region countries that have allowed Bitcoin mining are the UAE and Oman. One of the biggest players in Phoenix Group ADX-listed blockchain and crypto mining entity recently announced crypto mining revenues of $107 million in 2024, compared to $32 million in 2023 and $5.4 million in 2022. This represents a1852% increase over two years.

CEO & Co-Founder Munaf Ali has significantly increased his stake in the company, reaffirming his strong belief in its prospects and long-term growth trajectory. Since the public disclosure on ADX on November 18, 2024, Ali has acquired over 20 million ordinary shares of Phoenix Group through direct market purchases. This substantial investment highlights his deep confidence in the Company’s growth potential and his commitment to aligning executive interests with those of shareholders.

“As we enter a year of high-impact expansion, I firmly believe in Phoenix Group’s long-term potential, as these purchases show,” said Munaf Ali, CEO & Co-Founder of Phoenix Group “Increasing my holding in the Company reflects my belief in our differentiated strategy, high quality operations, and future growth. Phoenix Group is at the forefront of digital asset mining, and as a Board we remain fully focused on delivering growth and sustainable value creation for our shareholders.”

Marathon Digital also has operations in the UAE. Marathon Digital Holdings, Bitcoin mining entity, the company showcased its unaudited Bitcoin production stating that in January 2024 their Abu Dhabi facilities will have a total of 7.1 exahashes online. According to the CEO of Marathon Digital Fred Thiel, the operations in Abu Dhabi UAE currently has 2.7 exahashes online and includes over 13,000 rigs energized at their second larger facility in Masdar City. As he stated, “the remaining 4.4 exahashes are still expected to be online in January 2024.”

VAP Group to host 5000+ AI futurists at The Global AI Show in KSA in June 2025

VAP Group to host 5000+ AI futurists at The Global AI Show in KSA in June 2025

VAP Group VAP Group, a leading AI and Blockchain consulting giant, in association with Times of AI is set to host an exclusive event on 23-24th June, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia that will bring together AI futurists across the globe with 5,000+ attendees, 200+ speakers, 300+ companies and 250+ media professionals all under one roof to explore the latest AI innovations, trends and investment opportunities.

The exhibition’s theme, “AI 2030: Accelerating Intelligent Futures,” covers Saudi’s vision to build the community around three primary themes: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. The gateway to AI in the Middle East: The exhibition will gather investors, developers, startups and enterprises in a 4500 sqm exhibition space and shall feature 100+ global AI leaders.


Global AI Show has previously hosted Honourable Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation, Government of Alberta, Canada, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security United Arab Emirates Government, Janet Adams, COO- SingularityNET / ASI, Georges De Moura – Group Vice President and CISO – EDGE, and others.

The event will bring influential minds for AI Excellence from AI policymakers, investors, researchers, startups, and enterprises.


● Exclusive Keynotes & Fireside Chats: Gain insights of AI excellence straight from AI thought-leaders
● High-Impact Networking: Connect with investors, developers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers shaping the future world of intelligent technology.
● Live Demos & Exhibitions: Experience firsthand the latest advancements in AI and enterprise applications.
Pitch Competitions & Hackathons: Discover the next wave of disruptive startups and emerging tech talent.
Past Success Stories & Impact


Over the years, the Global AI Show has played a pivotal role in creating a high-impact network of AI Trailblazers and Innovators that created a transformative upsurge worldwide.


The Global AI Show 2025 serves as the ultimate convergence point for thought leaders and disruptors. This event serves as a strategic hub for AI policymakers, investors, startups, and enterprises.

Disrupt to invest $100 million in MENA AI and emerging tech startups

Disrupt to invest $100 million in MENA AI and emerging tech startups

Disrupt.com has announced that it is committed to investing $100 million in MENA’s AI and emerging technologies. The company has a proven track record of scaling bootstrapped businesses into global successes.

Founded by Aaqib Gadit, Uzair Gadit, and Umair Gadit, Disrupt.com is the evolution of a journey that started in a small Karachi office. The early team built Cloudways from the ground up, leading to its $350 million acquisition by US-listed DigitalOcean Holdings in 2022—the largest tech exit in Pakistan’s history. Now, with Disrupt.com, we are reinvesting our success to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.

As per the announcement the company has already deployed over $40 million, supporting four growth-stage companies (including PureSquare, ZIGChain, Squatwolf) seven early-stage investments, and a landmark exit. With 650+ professionals, we provide deep operational support across AI, cybersecurity, Web3.0, automotive technology, and retail innovation.

As founding partner Aaqib Gadit states, “Now is the time to double down on our experience and financial investment to build the next wave of startups shaping the future.”