U.S. based DTCC to acquire Abu Dhabi digital asset infrastructure provider Securrency

U.S. based DTCC to acquire Abu Dhabi digital asset infrastructure provider Securrency

The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, an American post-trade financial services company providing clearing and settlement services to the financial markets known as DTCC, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Abu Dhabi based Securrency Inc. (“Securrency”), a leading developer of institutional-grade, digital asset infrastructure invested in by Mubadala sovereign Fund.

Securrency will become a fully-owned subsidiary of DTCC and will operate under the name DTCC Digital Assets. Nadine Chakar, CEO of Securrency, will join DTCC as Managing Director, Global Head of DTCC Digital Assets, reporting to Lynn Bishop, DTCC Managing Director and Chief Information Officer. Chakar will also join the DTCC Management Committee. In addition, Dan Doney, CTO and founder of Securrency, John Hensel, COO and co-founder, and other members of the Securrency leadership team, as well as roughly 100 Securrency staff of full-time employees or contractors, will become DTCC employees.

Securrency is a blockchain-based financial and regulatory technology developer that raised $30 million in 2021 from State Street, US Bank, WisdomTree Investments and others. It has worked with WisdomTree to help the asset manager launch “blockchain-enabled” funds that keep a secondary record of share ownership on the Stellar or Ethereum blockchains.

Frank La Salla, President, CEO and Director, DTCC, said, “Securrency is an important strategic acquisition that will give us the technology to drive market-wide transformation by enabling end-to-end digital lifecycle processing for tokenized assets, digital currencies and other financial instruments. By bringing together DTCC’s commitment to providing market stability and our unparalleled network of financial market participants with the sophistication of the Securrency technology, we will be in a leading position to unlock the value of digital assets and help guide the industry through its digital transformation journey. We believe this next generation of financial market infrastructure will further reduce settlement times, facilitate market transparency and risk management, enhance regulatory oversight and controls, and unlock efficiency and innovation to create an improved investor experience.”

By combining DTCC’s digital capabilities and Securrency’s technology, DTCC will fast-track development of its enterprise digital asset platform to unlock the power of institutional DeFi. DTCC will leverage the technology over time to embed digital assets within its existing products and services, develop new, regulatory-compliant blockchain-based offerings and explore use cases with the industry, including buyside asset managers, broker-dealers and custodians, to collaborate on new DTCC blockchain-based solutions.

In addition, DTCC will lead the industry’s development of a robust, global digital infrastructure by licensing the Securrency technology and offering professional services. Firms will be able to leverage the technology to transform and evolve their operating models and to create innovative, new digital asset services alone or in collaboration with other market participants – similar to how WisdomTree licenses Securrency’s software as part of the infrastructure for its WisdomTree Prime™ offering that provides tokenized assets and funds via digital wallets for retail investors and consumers.

Chakar said, “As we join forces with DTCC, we are excited to bring together DTCC’s infrastructure capabilities with Securrency’s technology to embrace a future where the digitization of capital markets is at the forefront of innovation. These capabilities will allow DTCC to partner with the industry to build a resilient and scalable infrastructure critical to the mass adoption of digital assets. Together, we will unlock opportunities to reimagine compliance, liquidity, efficiency and interoperability in trading real-world assets on the blockchain.”

DTCC also plans to provide global leadership to foster industry-wide collaboration to help avoid fragmentation with different digital technologies and standards. Securrency’s technology can address this issue by acting as a DLT-agnostic harmonization layer that promotes interoperability, liquidity, transparency and security.

La Salla said, “We look forward to building on our past work to drive consensus around the standards, controls and frameworks necessary to support regulatory-compliant digital asset solutions and development of the right architecture and infrastructure to ensure widespread interoperability. We’re excited to welcome our new colleagues to the DTCC team and to begin collaborating as a group to strengthen market stability and resilience and drive greater efficiencies, productivity, risk mitigation and liquidity in the global financial markets.”

This announcement comes as John Hensel, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Executive Officer, MENA, Securrency told IBS intelligence, “The UAE is ramping up its efforts to become a global blockchain hub.” In his interview he commented on why they chose UAE out of all the other countries globally including, USA, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Singapore.

According to Hensel, SEC ( Securities and Exchange Commission) in the USA has portrayed a conservative approach to the regulation of digital assets, so exploring other regulatory jurisdictions they found that the UAE was a credible, well positioned young financial center that embraced technology with experienced regulatory experts from the USA, Australia, Singapore and others.

He explains, “ After being here for 6 years we have seen the landscape change and become more favorable for investors partnering under FSRA and who are benefiting from the protection of ADGM which will grow opportunities locally for us given we were first movers and have strong relations with sovereign wealth entities, broker dealers, fund managers as key stakeholders.”

Securrency entered the ADGM FSRA regulatory sandbox in 2017 and secured a Financial Services Permission (FSP) from ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) to deal in investments as a matched principal and provide custody for those investments in 2022. The license enabled Securrency Capital to provide trading of digital assets to a variety of clients, including retail clients.

Securrency had raised $30 million in its latest funding round. The funds were used to roll out the company’s expansion plans. The Series B funding round included existing investor WisdomTree Investment along with Abu Dhabi state fund Mubadala-backed Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners, State Street and U.S. Bank. Prior to that in 202, The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) had invested in Securrency, a US-based developer of blockchain-based financial and regulatory technology through its ventures fund.

The company also signed a strategic partnership with leading investment management and banking firm, Musharaka Capital in KSA, to develop a compliant platform for issuing digital securities in Saudi Arabia in 2020.

UAE Sovereign Fund Mubadala increases investment in Bitcoin

UAE Sovereign Fund Mubadala increases investment in Bitcoin

While the rumor mill across the crypto ecosystem over the past days speculated that countries such as Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia were investing in Bitcoin, Mubadala, Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, disclosed a $408.5 million stake in IShare Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) in a 13F filing released on My 15th 2025.

The fund reported holding 8,726,972 shares as of March 31, 2025, an increase from 8,235,533 shares reported at the end of 2024. This increased exposure showcases the perception change regarding Bitcoin and crypto in general after President Trump has taken office.

Back at the end of 2024, UAE Mubadala, a sovereign investment fund, revealed in an SEC Filing that in late 2024 it invested $436 million worth in BlackRock’s Ishares Bitcoin Trust ETF. The disclosure was made through a 13F filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

At the time while Mubadala’s investment in Bitcoin while not directly but through an ETF is a significant departure from the usual investments made by Sovereign funds in the Middle East and GCC region.

The UAE in particular has been showcased as having 30% of its population owning crypto. Prior to this announcement another UAE sovereign wealth fund, through one of its subsidiaries FSI ( FS Innovation) agreed with US based Marathon digital holdings, a digital asset mining company establishing and operating facilities for digital asset mining in Abu Dhabi. The initial phase consisted of two digital asset mining sites comprising 250 MW (megawatts) in Abu Dhabi UAE. Marathon Holdings will own 20% of the joint company in UAE only. The cost of the project being $406 million.

Bahrain Restaurant Group also announced investment in Bitcoin

Bahrain based Al Abraaj Restaurants Group B.S.C. (Ticker: ABRAAJ) (“Company”), a public listed company on the Bahrain Bourse, announced that it has put Bitcoin on its balance sheet. As per the news on Zawya, the Group has purchased Bitcoin in partnership with U.S. based 10X Capital, becoming the first publicly traded company in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Gulf Cooperation Council (“GCC”), and the Middle East to acquire Bitcoin as a treasury asset.

Al Abraaj has acquired an initial amount of 5 Bitcoin with plans to build on this initial purchase and begin allocating a significant portion of its corporate treasury into Bitcoin.

As per the announcement, Al Abraaj considers Bitcoin to be its reserve treasury asset. Al Abraaj is a profitable company, with 2024 EBITDA of USD $12.5 million.

HODL 2025 ends with a move to KSA in December

HODL 2025 ends with a move to KSA in December

HODL 2025 concluded its highly Dubai edition at Madinat Jumeirah, bringing together a powerful mix of blockchain pioneers, Web3 innovators, DeFi leaders, regulators, and institutional investors from across the globe. The summit, held in alignment with the Dubai FinTech Summit as part of the broader effort to shape the future of finance in the region, reinforced HODL’s position as a leading platform for collaboration and innovation in the decentralized economy.


This edition marked a major milestone in the HODL journey exploring the Future of Decentralized Finance and Web3 in the MENA Region

Over two days, the summit featured 50+ sessions that explored next-generation themes like:
• Blockchain Market Trends 2025
• Innovative Governance for Virtual Assets
• AI x Blockchain: Converging Technologies
• DeFi Evolution and Banking Disruption
• Tokenization of Real-World Assets
• NFTs and the Metaverse Frontier

Attendees included key decision-makers from governments, blockchain networks, crypto exchanges, venture funds, and DAOs, along with founders, CTOs, developers, and asset managers.

“HODL 2025 in Dubai brought together a powerful mix of visionaries shaping the future of digital finance. As we head to Riyadh, we aim to build on this momentum and further accelerate Web3 and blockchain innovation across the region.” Mohammed Saleem, Founder & Chairman of Trescon, the organisers of HODL.

During the Crypto Rulebook: Global Best Practices & Regulatory Measures panel discussion, Dyma Budorin expressed that “We want to have the best ecosystem for entrepreneurs to run their business.”


In the same session, Samir Safar-Aly emphasized that “Regulations need to catch up and work together.”


During the Insuring the Future of Crypto: Bridging Risk & Innovation in the Digital Asset Economy session, Joseph Ziolkowski stated that “Insurance has been a bedrock component of sustainability; it is a $6 trillion market.”

HODL 2025 also hosted high-level networking sessions and investor roundtables, providing a fertile ground for deal-making and strategic partnerships. The event was supported by an impressive roster of sponsors and featured in leading media publications HODL 2025 is proudly supported by leading media outlets, including CNN Business Arabic as the Official Media Partner, Khaleej Times as the Exclusive Media Partner, Entrepreneur Middle East as the Ecosystem Partner, Arabian Business as the Business Media Partner, and ZEX PR Wire as the Digital PR Partner — collectively amplifying its global reach..


HODL 2025 is powered by a strong lineup of sponsors, with Liquid Loans.io as the Platinum Sponsor, Coinvoyage as the After Party Sponsor, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Gofaizen & Sherle as Gold Sponsors, Facephi as the Silver Sponsor, and Skygate Network, FMCPay, Pays Solutions, and PEP as Bronze Sponsors.

HODL 2025 ended with an announcement of HODL Riyadh KSA in December of this year. This comes as Saudi Arabia rapidly emerges as a global tech and finance hub, driven by bold initiatives under Vision 2030, the country is making significant strides in the digital asset and blockchain space. With regulatory clarity evolving and institutional interest accelerating, Riyadh presents a strategic next stop for the HODL platform.

HODL Riyadh will serve as the most important gathering of Web3 leaders, investors, policy-makers, and innovators in the Kingdom – connecting the region’s ambitions with global blockchain ecosystems. This upcoming edition is expected to focus on:
• Regulatory frameworks supporting virtual assets and tokenization
• Institutional DeFi and digital asset adoption
• Public-private collaboration on blockchain infrastructure
• Web3 innovation in financial services, real estate, and logistics

One year after receiving license, BitOasis launches in Bahrain

One year after receiving license, BitOasis launches in Bahrain

BitOasis a crypto trading platform, which received its license in Bahrain in June 2024, and was acquired by CoinDCX crypto exchange, has now officially launched its operations in Bahrain with regional plans to reach 1 million users by 2026. Since its inception in 2016, BitOasis has processed over USD 7.4 billion in trading volume and raised over USD 40 million in funding. It also holds a license in Dubai UAE.

As per the announcement, BitOasis Bahrain will operate under a Crypto-Asset Services License from the Central Bank of Bahrain, delivering secure, compliant, and robust trading services for retail, corporate, and institutional users. It has also launched a premium services for high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients, featuring exclusive VIP offerings and dedicated relationship support. The platform also supports local bank transfers, ensuring seamless and efficient deposits and withdrawals across the GCC.

Attendees at the launch event were joined by Ali Dashti, the General Manager of BitOasis Bahrain, Ola Doudin, CEO and Co-Founder of BitOasis, and Sumit Gupta, Co-Founder of CoinDCX.

“Today marks a significant milestone as we proudly launch BitOasis in Bahrain,” said Ola Doudin, CEO and Co-Founder of BitOasis. “BitOasis has always stood for trust, providing the best experience for users, and maintaining a robust platform. With the backing of CoinDCX for over a year now, we are accelerating that mission. CoinDCX’s 200+ strong technology team now powers the platform’s backend, unlocking faster performance, deeper liquidity, stronger security, and a significantly enhanced product suite. Our ambition is clear: to reach one million users across the region by 2026, setting the gold standard for compliance, innovation, and customer experience.”.

According to IMARC Consulting, the GCC cryptocurrency market was valued at $744.3 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $3.5 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 16.75%. Additionally, approximately 38% of crypto users in the region have annual incomes exceeding USD 15,000, reflecting a strong base of financially empowered individuals.

“For CoinDCX, MENA is not a market to merely enter—it’s a region to co-build. Since acquiring BitOasis in July 2024, we’ve seen tremendous progress. BitOasis secured a full VASP License from VARA in December 2024, and with its launch in Bahrain, we’re further strengthening our regional presence. By joining forces, we’re creating a platform that’s local at heart but global in strength. Our goal is to transform the market, building the most secure, compliant, and future-ready crypto platform in the region,” said Sumit Gupta, Co-Founder, CoinDCX.

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Bahrain Al Abraaj Restaurants puts Bitcoin on its balance sheet

Bahrain Al Abraaj Restaurants puts Bitcoin on its balance sheet

Bahrain based Al Abraaj Restaurants Group B.S.C. (Ticker: ABRAAJ) (“Company”), a public listed company on the Bahrain Bourse, announced that it has put Bitcoin on its balance sheet. As per the news on Zawya, the Group has purchased Bitcoin in partnership with U.S. based 10X Capital, becoming the first publicly traded company in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Gulf Cooperation Council (“GCC”), and the Middle East to acquire Bitcoin as a treasury asset.

Al Abraaj has acquired an initial amount of 5 Bitcoin with plans to build on this initial purchase and begin allocating a significant portion of its corporate treasury into Bitcoin.

As per the announcement, Al Abraaj considers Bitcoin to be its reserve treasury asset. Al Abraaj is a profitable company, with 2024 EBITDA of USD $12.5 million. This move is designed to enhance the company’s asset portfolio and capitalize on emerging opportunities within the capital markets.​ Al Abraaj aims to innovate with shari’a compliant financial instruments to give the Islamic world broader exposure to Bitcoin.

The Company has partnered with 10X Capital, the NYC-based investment firm with a track record of managing treasury assets for publicly listed companies, and advising and capitalizing listed Bitcoin Treasury Companies, including most recently advising Nakamoto on its $710M financing (Nasdaq:KDLY), the largest capital raise to launch a Bitcoin Treasury Company and the largest private placement for any public bitcoin-related transaction ever. In collaboration with 10X, the Company plans to raise capital to acquire additional Bitcoin, with a goal of maximizing Bitcoin per share.

“Our initiative towards becoming a Bitcoin Treasury Company reflects our forward-thinking approach and dedication to maximizing shareholder value,” said Abdulla Isa, Chairman of the Bitcoin Treasury Committee of Al Abraaj Restaurants Group B.S.C.. “We believe that Bitcoin will play a pivotal role in the future of finance, and we are excited to be at the forefront of this transformation in the Kingdom of Bahrain. 10X is a proven leader in advising and bringing capital to listed Bitcoin Treasury Companies, and we welcome their partnership in helping us build the MicroStrategy of the Middle East.”​

“I’d like to congratulate Abdalla Isa and the team at Al Abraaj for adopting Bitcoin at the corporate treasury level, finally enabling anyone in the GCC with a brokerage account to gain Bitcoin exposure,” said Hans Thomas, CEO of 10X Capital. “Bahrain continues to be a leader in the Middle East in Bitcoin adoption, backed by a forward-thinking regulatory framework.” Mr. Thomas added, “The GCC, with a combined GDP of $2.2 trillion—larger than Canada, Russia, Italy, Brazil, Australia, South Korea, or Spain—over $6 trillion in sovereign wealth funds, and a population of just 57.6 million, has until now lacked a publicly listed Bitcoin treasury company like Strategy (Nasdaq: MSTR), Tesla (Nasdaq: TSLA), or Metaplanet (Tokyo: 3350.T). That changes today with ABRAAJ’s historic Bitcoin purchase, giving investors across Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman access to Bitcoin through a publicly traded stock. In fact, almost anyone in the world can buy ABRAAJ stock by registering with the Bahrain Bourse.”

Al Abraaj Restaurants Group B.S.C. will implement robust custody, portfolio risk management and governance policies to oversee its Bitcoin holdings, including by creating a Bitcoin Committee that will consist of experienced Bitcoin investors and portfolio managers and global capital markets experts. The company intends to provide regular updates to shareholders and stakeholders regarding its Bitcoin-related activities.​

Recently Michael Saylor encouraged sovereign wealth funds in GCC to invest in Bitcoin.

Bitgrit in UAE to democratize AI ownership with Blockchain

Bitgrit in UAE to democratize AI ownership with Blockchain

Bitgrit, a global AI startup, which in 2024 established a DLT Foundation under the regulatory framework of ADGM is seeking to launch their BGR Network, one of the world’s first Web3 protocols to democratize AI ownership, monetization and innovation.

With over 37,000 AI developers from 62 different countries on their platform, Bitgrit has helped organizations like NASA, SoftBank and the Tokyo Government leverage the power of community to solve some of their biggest problems using AI. The company started in Japan and expanded to the UAE in 2021 after being selected for Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s premier startup acceleration program.

Through the Bitgrit platform, companies can crowdsource custom AI solutions through competitions and license off-the shelf community-developed AI models in a quick and affordable manner. The company’s patented GritBox technology ensures developers can train AI models on private datasets without direct access to the underlying data. The launch of the BGR Network now takes these capabilities to the next level—bringing AI assets fully on-chain.

“We’re building a future where AI innovation benefits everyone—not just a few,” said Kazuya Saginawa, CEO of Bitgrit. “From digitizing ownership rights to enhancing transparency, from turning AI into a tradable asset to fostering global collaboration—the BGR Network is setting a new benchmark for AI and blockchain integration. Ultimately, we envision a future where AI models within the Bitgrit ecosystem autonomously communicate and evolve, paving the way for Artificial Super Intelligence.”

The establishment of the Bitgrit DLT Foundation in ADGM allows the company to leverage Abu Dhabi’s world-class regulatory framework and progressive policies to scale its blockchain-powered AI ecosystem. The foundation’s mission is to create a decentralized AI economy where developers, enterprises, and institutions can securely build, license, and stake AI models on-chain.

Saksham Kukreja, COO of Bitgrit, added, “We’re thrilled to be part of Abu Dhabi’s thriving Web3 ecosystem. Launching our own blockchain network was the natural next step but doing it the right way—under a trusted and well-regulated jurisdiction—was just as important to us. ADGM’s strong regulatory framework and progressive policies made it the perfect place to bring this vision to life. With the launch of the Bitgrit DLT Foundation, we’re taking a huge leap forward in bridging AI and blockchain on a global scale.”

Bitgrit has already forged key strategic partnerships within the ADGM Web3 ecosystem, including a collaboration with Changer.ae, a licensed digital asset custody provider, to ensure the secure management of BGR tokens. The BGR Network is also backed by Avalanche, one of the world’s most advanced blockchains known for high-speed, low-cost transactions, reinforcing the network’s scalability and adoption.

Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, CEO of the Registration Authority (RA) of ADGM said, “By establishing its DLT Foundation within ADGM, Bitgrit joins a growing ecosystem that is shaping the future of blockchain and AI innovation. This move underscores the strength of our regulatory framework and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for blockchain advancement. By fostering an environment where emerging technologies can scale responsibly, ADGM is proud to support pioneers like Bitgrit in unlocking new frontiers in decentralised AI ownership and collaboration.”

OKX crypto exchange official crypto partner at Family office summit in UAE

OKX crypto exchange official crypto partner at Family office summit in UAE

The Family Office Summit, a well renowned investment summit being held in Abu Dhabi UAE on May 29th 2025 will have OKX crypto exchange as their official Crypto Partner. OKX joins the roster of other partners that include Mashreq Bank, Nexus Wealth Management, Select Equity and others.

As per the LinkedIN post, “We’re excited to welcome OKX as our official Crypto Partner for the upcoming Family Office Summit in Abu Dhabi. As one of the world’s leading crypto exchanges and Web3 platforms, OKX is helping investors navigate the next chapter of digital assets with trust, innovation, and global scale.”

The post adds that OKX involvement will bring a crucial perspective to our discussions, from tokenization and custody to how family offices are approaching crypto as an alternative asset class.

OKX is a regulated crypto exchange in the UAE.


Tether USDT is now on Kaia Blockchain

Tether USDT is now on Kaia Blockchain

Tether, has deployed natively Tether’s USD₮ on the Kaia blockchain, a layer 1 blockchain that exclusively powers the Web3 Mini Dapp accessible within LINE Messenger by LINE NEXT. Kaia’s DLT Foundation is also registered in the UAE at ADGM.

As per the announcement, the collaboration is expected to deliver USD stablecoin offerings to more than 200 million Asia’s mainstream LINE users, enhancing the everyday application of digital assets. USD₮ will be supported across LINE’s messenger-based Mini Dapp platform and self-custodial wallet infrastructure. As a result, by launching USD₮ on Kaia’s rapidly growing Web3 ecosystem, Tether broadens access to stable transactions of the world’s largest stablecoin to LINE’s 200 million monthly active user base. Meaning, users will be able to utilize USD₮ across Mini Dapps for in-app payments, cross-border transfers, and decentralized finance (DeFi) activities, all within the familiar LINE environment.

LINE NEXT Inc. is LINE’s venture dedicated to developing and expanding the Web3 ecosystem. Currently, Kaia is exclusively powering the Mini Dapp and Dapp Portal ecosystem accessible within LINE Messenger.

Mini Dapps built on the Kaia blockchain are set to introduce a wide range of features powered by USD₮, offering users a seamless digital asset experience within LINE Messenger.

Key features of LINE NEXT’s USD₮ initiatives include rewards, where users can complete missions within various Mini Dapps and receive rewards in USD₮. In addition, users can conveniently send and receive USD₮ with friends directly through the in-app wallet on LINE Messenger, as well as integration of USDT into Mini Dapp is under consideration.

Among digital assets, USD₮ is widely used stablecoins by investors in cryptocurrency transactions, thanks to its price stability, high liquidity, and flexible convertibility. USD₮ is also widely supported by popular wallets such as Trust Wallet, Metamask, and locally used exchange wallets in Vietnam such as Remitano, ONUS.

“Tether’s native launch on Kaia is another step toward making stablecoins accessible to millions of mainstream users,” said Paolo Ardoino, Tether’s CEO. “Through LINE NEXT’s trusted blockchain infrastructure, over 200 million LINE users will now have a straightforward way to engage with digital assets in everyday life. Tether’s expansion to Kaia underscores its commitment to fostering stablecoin adoption across Asia and beyond.”

“Tether’s decision to natively launch USD₮ on Kaia will accelerate the spread of high-end USD-backed stablecoins in Asia, furthering our hybrid payment solutions in collaboration with LINE NEXT,” said Dr. Sam Seo, Chairman of Kaia DLT Foundation. “With the lowest transaction latency among EVM chains and immediate finality, Kaia’s USD₮ will provide the fastest, easiest, and most reliable user experience available across platforms such as LINE, DeFi, and CEXs.”

“LINE NEXT’s adoption of USD₮ will help establish a dollar-based gateway in Asia,” said Youngsu Ko, CEO of LINE NEXT. “By integrating stablecoin-powered services, we aim to bring Web3 services closer to users’ everyday experience.”
Positioned as a strategic gateway for USD-backed stablecoins in Asia, Kaia and LINE NEXT aim to facilitate the widespread circulation of USD₮ and lay the groundwork for USD₮-enabled Web3 services in the region.

The integration of Tether’s market leading stablecoin into Kaia’s robust blockchain and DeFi ecosystem streamlines on/offramps for fiat-to-digital asset conversion and helps drive LINE NEXT’s broader Web3 ambitions.

HODL Blockchain summit starts tomorrow in Dubai

HODL Blockchain summit starts tomorrow in Dubai

The landmark 30th edition of the HODL (Formerly World Blockchain Summit), the world’s longest-running Crypto & Web3 Summit series is set to return to Dubai on 14-15 May 2025 at Madinat Jumeirah. HODL will bring together over 5,000 attendees, including policymakers, regulators, institutional investors, technological innovators, and entrepreneurs to drive critical conversations and partnerships shaping the future of decentralised finance, asset tokenisation, and AI-powered infrastructure.


Organised by Trescon and building on the legacy of the World Blockchain Summit, HODL has hosted 29 editions across key global hubs, including Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok. This milestone event in Dubai cements its position as a leading global platform for blockchain innovation and strategic collaboration.

“HODL has become the definitive platform for blockchain innovation in the Middle East and beyond. This 30th edition marks a turning point as institutional adoption meets breakthrough tech. We’re proud to drive the conversations shaping the future of decentralisation,” said Mohammed Saleem, Founder & Chairman of Trescon.

HODL will spotlight cutting-edge developments driving the crypto and Web3 ecosystem — including real-world asset tokenization, advancements in modular blockchain infrastructure, the next wave of DeFi innovation, evolving regulatory frameworks, and enhanced security protocols for digital assets. These trends are accelerating global momentum toward institutional and enterprise blockchain adoption.

Featuring a powerhouse line-up of speakers including:
• Corbin Fraser, Chief Executive Officer, Bitcoin.com
• Nils Andersen-Röed, Global Head of FIU, Binance
• Gracy Chen, Chief Executive Officer, Bitget
• Rifad Mahasneh, Chief Executive Officer MENA, OKX
• Robert Crossley, Global Head of Industry and Digital Advisory Services, Franklin Templeton
• Joseph Ziolkowski, Chief Executive officer, Relm Insurance

• Viktor Fischer, Managing Partner, RockawayX
• Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer, BingX
• Luther Maday, Global Head of Payments, Algorand Foundation
• Dyma Budorin, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Hacken Click here to see full list of speakers.

“HODL 2025 is where the future of Web3 and crypto innovation takes shape. I am thrilled to collaborate with pioneers shaping this exciting digital revolution,” stated Corbin Fraser, CEO of Bitcoin.com.

Talking about the opportunity, Nils Andersen-Röed, Global Head of FIU at Binance remarked, “Excited to share insights on blockchain and connect with leaders driving GameFi, NFTs, and Web3 advancements at HODL 2025.”

In a significant development for the region’s innovation landscape, HODL has partnered with Pegasus Tech Ventures to host the UAE Regional Round of the Startup World Cup offering emerging blockchain ventures a chance to pitch for a place at the global finals and compete for a $1 million investment. Pegasus has invested in over 260 companies, with 71 exits and 22 IPOs, providing a formidable launchpad for start- up growth.


HODL 2025 provides its attendees unprecedented access to more than 500 institutional investors, creating opportunities for strategic collaborations with industry leaders, regulatory authorities, enterprise organisations, and government officials. This environment is optimally structured for capital formation, strategic insight development, and institutional partnerships.
Reflecting the growing influence of blockchain in global finance, HODL is backed by leading sponsors and ecosystem partners including:
• Platinum Sponsor – Liquid Loans
• After Party Sponsor- Coinvoyage
• Gold Sponsors – Tata Consultancy Services | Gofaizen & Sherle
• Silver Sponsor – Facephi
• Bronze Sponsors – Skygate Network | FMCPAY | Pays.Solutions | P2P

With the strategic support of over 60 global media and listing partners, participating organisations will achieve significant visibility across international platforms. CNN Business Arabic serves as the Official Media Partner, with Khaleej Times as Exclusive Media Partner, and ZEX PR WIRE as the Official Digital PR Distribution Partner.


Crypto Expo Dubai set to start on May 21st with 10,000 attendees

Crypto Expo Dubai set to start on May 21st with 10,000 attendees

The global blockchain and cryptocurrency community is set to converge at the 7th edition of Crypto Expo Dubai on May 21–22, 2025, at the Zabeel Hall – 6, Dubai World Trade Centre. This premier event in the MENA region offers two dynamic days of innovation, networking, and insights into the evolving digital finance landscape.

At the event there is expected to be over 10,000 attendees that include investors, developers, startups, and crypto enthusiasts from around the globe.
Additionally the event will cover topics such as AI-powered blockchain applications, decentralized finance (DeFi), real-world asset tokenization, regulatory developments, institutional adoption of crypto assets and the future of digital currencies.

Key Highlights


● Crypto Mining Focus – HashMining Summit: Dive into in-depth conversations about the evolving crypto mining landscape, including strategies to maximize hash power, adopt eco-conscious mining solutions, and enhance blockchain infrastructure for sustainable growth.
● Next-Gen Tech: Web3 & AI Fusion: Explore how the convergence of Web3 frameworks and artificial intelligence is reshaping the digital economy, boosting automation, user ownership, and decentralized innovation across crypto ecosystems.
● Panel Discussions: Engage in conversations about building blockchain ecosystems, the future of DAOs, and the impact of CBDCs on the economy.


Ticket Information
Early bird tickets are now available:
● Visitor Pass: $19 (Full Price: $99)
● Standard Pass: $109 (Full Price: $299)
● Delegate Pass: $399 (Full Price: $1,299)

● VIP Pass: $999 (Full Price: $2,499)


Each pass offers varying levels of access, including exhibition entry, conference sessions, networking opportunities, and VIP amenities.
About Crypto Expo Dubai

Event Details:
📅 Date: 21-22 May 2025
📍 Venue: Zabeel Hall – 6, Dubai World Trade Centre
For registration and more information, visit Crypto Expo Dubai.

Is an AI advance chipmaking deal on the near horizon in UAE?

Is an AI advance chipmaking deal on the near horizon in UAE?

H.H Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security advisor, as well as the son of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates has been continuously busy meeting with top governmental officials as well as technology CEOs as he ramps up the Artificial Intelligence future of the UAE. Most of his meetings usually culminate in high level investments or announcements, so his recent meeting with the chairman of AMD and White House senior advisor for AI and crypto could mean something big is coming soon.

In less than three months, H.H. Al Nahyan has met three times with David Sacks, the White House Senior Advisor for AI and Crypto. In his third meeting on May 11th, the pair discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in AI Innovation. H.H. Al Nahyan noted, ” Our discussion reflects the ongoing momentum in UAE-USA economic relations, where collaboration in advances technologies serves as a cornerstone for building smart sustainable digital future.”

Prior to that during his second meeting in the USA coincided with his official visit to Washington, where he met with US President Donald Trump, along with several senior officials and global business leaders including The visit included meetings with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Special Advisor on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Currencies David Sacks.

At the time, the meeting explored ways to strengthen bilateral relations and the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries. Discussions also covered prospects for investment in key sectors, including Artificial Intelligence, advanced technology, infrastructure, industry, energy, and healthcare.

During meetings with CEOs and leaders of global companies, opportunities for joint investment were reviewed, with a focus on harnessing the potential of advanced technologies, AI, and innovation to drive inclusive development, increase growth, and improve quality of life.

At the end of that visit, several announcements and agreements. Notably, Nvidia and xAI joined the “AI Infrastructure Partnership”, an initiative aimed at advancing and accelerating the development of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. ADQ and Energy Capital Partners (ECP), the largest private owner of power generation and renewables in the USA, announced a 50:50 joint venture based in the United States. The partnership aims to invest US$25 billion in new energy projects.

In addition, the Abu Dhabi Department of Government Enablement signed an agreement on behalf of the Government of Abu Dhabi with Microsoft and Core42, a subsidiary of G42 specialised in sovereign cloud, AI, and digital services. The agreement involves the implementation of a joint sovereign cloud system to enhance government service efficiency and develop new digital solutions.

His first meeting with Sacks on March 11th 2025, was an exploration one, where they discussed the transformative effects of AI across various sectors and the expanding role of digital currencies in reshaping financial systems, and the investment opportunities emerging at their convergence. Four days after his comment about the investment opportunities emerging at the convergence of AI and crypto, MGX chaired by H.H. made a $2 billion investment in Binance, bridging the investments being made in AI by MGX with crypto.

Now, in his most recent X post, he discussed his meeting with Lisa Su, the Chairman and CEO of AMD, the global chipmaker. In his X post he noted that with the accelerating trends in the field of AI and the pivotal role of compute infrastructure in shaping the future of technology, the meeting ” explored opportunities for collaboration.” He added that strategic partnerships with leading tech companies remain a cornerstone in advancing progress of regional and global development.

This comes as U.S. President Donald Trump will be visiting UAE in the next few days. As reported on CNN, “The UAE sees a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a significant contributor in AI and advanced technology,” Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, told CNN. “The commitment to invest $1.4 trillion… aligns with the UAE’s goal to diversify its economy away from its over reliance on hydrocarbons to ensure prosperity for the country in the future.” But it won’t be easy for Abu Dhabi to achieve its stated goal of becoming a global leader in AI by 2031 without advanced American microchips.

So will the meeting with AMD Chairman preceded by a third meeting with Sacks, culminate in a huge micro-chip deal that will propel the UAE into the AI future?