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Crypto and US tech stocks top UAE investment platform Wio, most popular investment themes

Crypto and US tech stocks top UAE investment platform Wio, most popular investment themes

Wio Invest, a leading UAE investment platform owned by ADQ sovereign wealth fund, which announced that it has surpassed $1 billion in assets under administration also noted that most popular investment themes, are US tech stocks such as NVIDIA and Tesla, and crypto space which includes, Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and XRP. remain They also noted that other favorites included companies such as MicroStrategy (MSTR) that are heavily invested in the crypto space.

According to the press release, this achievement positions it among the fastest-growing digital investment platforms globally, on par with leading neo brokers at similar stages in their journey. Wio Invest has evolved to meet the changing needs of a new generation of investors expanding access to now include UAE markets, virtual assets, and wealth management portfolios.

“This latest milestone reflects our commitment to reimagining everyday investing, and we’ve worked hard to build a platform that makes it simpler, smarter, and more accessible for everyone,” said Gaurav Ganwani, Deputy General Manager at Wio Securities LLC.

He added, “We are passionate about empowering individuals to build long-term wealth through intuitive investment solutions, with a core focus on instant access. Through Wio Invest’s integration with Wio Personal, users can open an account in minutes, invest directly from the app, and benefit from the instant settlement of sell orders.”

Wio Invest has seen more than $4 billion in order volume year-to-date, driven by a new wave of investors who are more digitally native, financially curious, and focused on building their futures.

The platform has also seen solid growth in its recurring orders feature, with index funds emerging as a top choice, reflecting a growing appetite for consistent, long-term investing.

This comes as entities such as DeFi Technologies enters the MENA region with offices in UAE to offer digital asset ETPS on financially regulated exchanges such as Abu Dhabi Exchange, Dubai Financial Exchange and others in Qatar, KSA, Oman and Bahrain. DeFi Technologies, a financial technology company bridging the gap between traditional capital markets and decentralized finance, expanded its operation into the GCC and MENA region. The registration of DEFI DMCC includes offices in Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, as the company seeks to offer digital asset exchange-traded products (ETPs) through its subsidiary, Valour, which has also opened a trading desk at the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) in the UAE.

As per the press release, the DeFi Technologies team and its subsidiary Valour, aim to support the increased institutional interest in digital assets in the GCC region and specifically in the UAE. As the first Nasdaq-listed digital asset manager of its kind, DeFi Technologies offers equity investors diversified exposure to the broader decentralized economy. This includes Valour, which offers access to more than 65 of the world’s most innovative digital assets via regulated ETPs with plans to offer 100 by the end of 2025.

DIFC grants Hut 8 Bitcoin mining subsidiary license

DIFC grants Hut 8 Bitcoin mining subsidiary license

Nasdaq listed Hut 8 Corp a Bitcoin mining, an energy infrastructure platform integrating power, digital infrastructure, and compute at scale to fuel next-generation, and high-performance computing, subsidiary Hut 8 Investment has been granted a license at Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) to deploy Bitcoin held in reserve into structured derivatives strategies.

As per the press release, the license authorizes proprietary investments and certain non-financial commercial activity under the DIFC’s legal and regulatory framework, which is based on international standards and principles of common law. DIFC license expected to enhance active treasury management, expand institutional reach, and improve capital efficiency.

The DIFC license represents a structural expansion of Hut 8’s capital strategy, enhancing the Company’s ability to deploy Bitcoin held in reserve into structured derivatives strategies.

The license is expected to broaden access to institutional counterparties, reduce trading friction, and lower transaction costs. In fiscal year 2024, Hut 8 generated more than $20 million in net proceeds from covered call options premiums on Bitcoin held in reserve.

With its license in DIFC, Hut 8 aims to unlock multiple advantages that support continued expansion of its active treasury management program, including, direct access to global derivatives markets which will enable Hut 8 to trade directly on institutional exchanges, reducing reliance on OTC intermediaries that historically introduced cost friction relative to spot pricing.

It will also offer broader access to institutional-grade products and counterparties unlocking a wider set of global liquidity providers and instruments, enhancing strategic optionality.

The license will also allow Hut 8 to construct and manage advanced yield strategies that would more difficult to execute without a DIFC license.

“We believe that securing a DIFC license enhances our ability to drive outsized shareholder returns through our integrated capital strategy,” said Asher Genoot, CEO of Hut 8. “It allows us to execute directly on global derivatives markets, reduce trading costs, and access a broader range of institutional products. Within a regulatory environment that supports structured digital asset strategies, we believe we can manage Bitcoin held in reserve more efficiently, manage risk with greater precision, and optimize yield through disciplined, proactive management.”

This week, The Blockchain Group now rebranded to Capital B, listed on Euronext Growth Paris, which became Europe’s first Bitcoin Treasury Company, holding subsidiaries specialized in Data Intelligence, AI, and decentralized technology consulting and development aligning itself with Bitcoin’s founding principles, announced it plans to expand to the UAE and set up a subsidiary in Abu Dhabi.

UAE Gulf craft accepts stablecoin payments for yachts and boats

UAE Gulf craft accepts stablecoin payments for yachts and boats

UAE based Gulf Craft, a shipyard conglomerate which builds yachts and boats, has joined multiple array of governmental and private businesses in the UAE offering crypto payments using stablecoins. The company announced that it now offers fully regulated payment solution for yacht and leisure craft purchases, service and refit works using the services of Bahrain based company ARP Pay.

As per the press release, the crypto payment solution developed by ARP Pay converts stablecoins such as USDT and USDC into AED or USD. The recent pilot allowed part of a yacht price to be purchased and settled in cryptocurrency. This cut transaction costs while improving customer satisfaction.

“By integrating ARP Pay, Gulf Craft not only meets evolving client preferences but also strengthens the UAE’s reputation for forward-looking manufacturing and financial innovation,” says Mohammed Hussein Alshaali, Chairman, Gulf Craft. “The UAE was built on maritime trade and early adoption of new ideas. Embracing regulated digital payments is a natural next step.”

“Adding a crypto option future-proofs our customer experience,” notes Erwin Bamps, Group CEO, Gulf Craft. “We stay ahead of the curve by adopting technologies that shape tomorrow’s commerce and by tapping into the growing segment of crypto holders who prefer paying with digital assets. Whether a client is taking delivery of a Majesty or Nomad yacht or purchasing any boat or power catamaran across our Oryx or SilverCAT ranges, they can now transact through a channel that is fast, transparent and fully compliant.”

More and more entities within the UAE are moving towards allowing crypto payments, whether it is the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, the Abu Dhabi taxi service provider, gas stations, or even Dubai’s Finance Department all have either started or are getting ready to offer crypto payments.

Already UAE ranks top in the world for crypto adoption with 30% of its residents holding crypto. With increased utilization of crypto this number most likely will increase.

PRYPCO Mint latest tokenized property reaps highest number of investors

PRYPCO Mint latest tokenized property reaps highest number of investors

PRYPCO Mint, MENA’s first real estate tokenization platform, in the funding of its latest Park Ridge Tower C, located in Dubai Hills valued at $653,000 has not only attracted the highest number of investors totally 326, for a single property with an average investment of $2000.

The Park Ridge Tower C offered investors an estimated 14.39% instant appreciation, funded by 326 investors from 51 nationalities. Almost 50% of those investors were returning ones.

“Achieving the highest number of investors in a single property to date is a powerful validation of what we’re building at PRYPCO Mint. We’re seeing growing confidence in fractional ownership, and this momentum only fuels our drive to innovate and scale further”, said Amira Sajwani, Founder and CEO of PRYPCO.

While PRYPCO MINT, the first licensed real estate tokenization platform, in partnership with Dubai Land Department, Dubai’s Regulatory Authority, and powered by Ctrl Alt blockchain, has tokenized 6 properties for investment, Dr. Mahmoud Al Burai, Senior Director of real estate policies and Innovation at Dubai Land Department also announced that soon it will all include crypto payments in October 2025.

In a recent LinkedIn post Dr. Mahmoud Al Burai noted that Crypto is coming as well as more opportunities in the real estate industry. He stated, “We are disrupting the industry big time. Hopefully we see soon investors and tenants paying in Crypto. Crypto traders buying real estate tokens, brokers getting commission in crypto and service charges paid in crypto.”

Alps Blockchain Bitcoin 150 MW mining site now fully operational in Oman

Alps Blockchain Bitcoin 150 MW mining site now fully operational in Oman

Alps Blockchain, an Italian company that builds and operates mining farms to contribute the development of new technologies and the evolution of the energy sector, has announced that it Bitcoin mining site in Oman is now fully operational with 150 MW.

According to Alps Blockchain this is a major milestone for Alps in the Middle East.

According to the LinkedIn post, the facility has grown from 10 MW to 150 MW in a year.

In April 2025, Alps Blockchain announced that it was expanding its mining operation from 10 Megawatt to 150 Megawatt in Oman.

Launched in 2024, the project initially involved a 10-Megawatt phase, successfully completed in the first half of last year. In July 2024, Azimut, an independent, global group in asset management, wealth management, investment banking and fintech, completed a new club deal to invest in Alps Blockchain totaling $156 million to be used for Alp Blockchain growth initiatives of which Oman was one.

The 150 MGW phase had been under construction since January 2025 in Salalah through the subsidiary Alps Middle East SPC in partnership with Green Data City.

Capital B, Bitcoin Treasury Company to set up hub in Abu Dhabi UAE

Capital B, Bitcoin Treasury Company to set up hub in Abu Dhabi UAE

The Blockchain Group now rebranded to Capital B, listed on Euronext Growth Paris, which became Europe’s first Bitcoin Treasury Company, holding subsidiaries specialized in Data Intelligence, AI, and decentralized technology consulting and development aligning itself with Bitcoin’s founding principles, has announced it plans to expand to the UAE and set up a subsidiary in Abu Dhabi.

As per the press release, the Company noted that it is currently engaged in the process of establishing a subsidiary in Abu Dhabi (UAE) to support the development of Capital B’s Bitcoin Treasury Company strategy. The press release adds that these developments reflect the acceleration of the Company’s Bitcoin Treasury Company strategy, which is focused on increasing the number of bitcoin per share on a fully diluted basis over time.

Capital B also shared its ambitions to create Bitcoin treasure stating that it has already bought 1.955 Bitcoins 64% of the 3,000 it aims to purchase before 2026, with an overall ambition to acquire 250,000 BTC by end of 2033.

Capital B now considers itself as a Bitcoin treasury company adopting a bitcoin standard in November 2024. In 6 months since adopting Bitcoin as a treasury, Capital B has seen growth of 745% in 6 months and is expecting that this growth will 2,275% at the end of the next 8 months.

Additionally Capital B launched BTC Convertible bonds.

In another press release, Capital B announced that it raised 10.3 million Euros equivalent to $12 million to contribute to the tokenization of the company shared on the platform Stokr allowing it to pursue its Bitcoin Treasury company strategy.

Earlier in the GCC region, Bahrain based Al Abraaj Restaurants Group B.S.C. (Ticker: ABRAAJ) (“Company”), a public listed company on the Bahrain Bourse, announced that it put Bitcoin on its balance sheet. The Group 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.

Raoul Pal, the Co-Founder and CEO of Real Vision, a financial knowledge and educational platform, in a recent visit and meeting with sovereign wealth funds in the MENA region, specifically in the GCC, found that the mandate is to use AI ( Artifical Intelligence) and Blockchain across the entire region.

In his X video interview, Pal noted, ” A month ago during my last trip to MENA region, and in my meetings with sovereign wealth funds across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and UAE, the mandate across entire region from Saudi, Abu Dhabi Bahrain and Qatar is AI and Blockchain and not just using Bitcoin as a reserve asset but building the entire government structure on blockchain, driving licenses, property deeds the whole bloody lot.”

UAE and USA top with most crypto value stolen from victims

UAE and USA top with most crypto value stolen from victims

In the recent Chainalysis, 2025 Crypto Crime Mid-year Update: Stolen Funds Surge as DPRK Sets New Records, report the UAE topped the countries globally with the most crypto value stolen from victims, almost equal to the statistics for the USA. The average crypto value stolen per victim was around $80,000.

According to the report over $2.17 billion stolen from cryptocurrency services so far in 2025. So far 2025 is more devastating than the entirety of 2024. The DPRK’s $1.5 billion hack of ByBit, the largest single hack in crypto history, accounts for the majority of service losses.

Furthermore, by the end of June 2025, 17% more value had been stolen year-to-date (YTD) than in 2022, previously the worst year on record. The report noted that if current trends continue, stolen funds from services could eclipse $4 billion by year’s end. While 2022 — previously the worst year on record according to our data — required 214 days to crack $2 billion in value stolen from services, 2025 achieved comparable theft volumes in just 142 days.

Personal wallet compromises now represent a growing share of total ecosystem theft, with attackers increasingly targeting individual users, making up 23.35% of all stolen fund activity YTD in 2025.

Geographically in terms of personal wallet victimizations, which is not comprehensive, in 2025, the U.S., Germany, Russia, Canada, Japan, Indonesia, and South Korea top the list of highest victim counts per country, whereas Eastern Europe, MENA and CSAO saw the most rapid H1 2024 to H1 2025 growth in victim totals.

The report goes on to note that somewhat divergent list of countries emerges when plotting the value stolen per victim in 2025. As shown in the chart below, the U.S., Japan and Germany remain in the top 10, but the UAE, Chile, India, Lithuanian, Iran, Israel, and Norway have some of the highest victimization severity rates globally.

In North America the Bitcoin and altcoin saw the most thefts, while Europe led in Ether and stablecoin theft. As for APAC it ranks second in terms of total BTC stolen, and third in terms of stolen ETH, whereas CSAO ranks second in terms of stolen altcoin and stolen stablecoin value.

Fairly consistently, Sub-saharan Africa ranks the lowest in terms of value stolen (second to last in terms of compromised BTC), which is most likely indicative of lower wealth levels in this region and not necessarily a signal of lower victimization rates among crypto users.

Why UAE tops the globe with crypto value stolen for victims

There are many reasons why the UAE crypto users are losing the most in crypto. First the number of crypto users in the UAE has reached 30% of the population. Secondly UAE between July 2023 and June 2024, received $30 billion in crypto, ranking the country among the top 40 globally in this regard and making it MENA’s third largest crypto economy.

The UAE has also set up a regulatory environment that allows for crypto trading, investment and even payments in AED stablecoins, while being one of the countries in the GCC with the most international mesh of global citizens.

While the UAE is working to deal with crypto crimes either through police or judiciary, citizens using crypto still have to be vigilant about personal wallets, investments, and the crypto exchanges they use.

Abu Dhabi Judiciary becomes first in MENA to accept stablecoin payments

Abu Dhabi Judiciary becomes first in MENA to accept stablecoin payments

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has become the first governmental judiciary entity in MENA to accept stablecoins as a form of digital payments for judicial and legal service fees. With Al Maryah Bank, known as Mbank, ADJD will be using the AED regulated stablecoin AE Coin as a payment means for court related transactions.

As per the press release, ADJD believes this is a milestone towards a fully integrated digital economy and sets the stage for a new era in digital government payments as part of a digitized government.

His Excellency Counsellor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, stated that the agreement forms part of the department’s broader development strategy and aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, Chairman of ADJD, to build a modern and innovative judicial system that embraces rapid digital transformation to ensure swift justice and enhance Abu Dhabi’s global competitiveness.

He added, “By diversifying smart payment options and embracing digital currency, we are supporting institutional cooperation and integrating the judicial and financial sectors through advanced technology.” He added that the department is keen on building strategic partnerships with leading banking institutions to maximise the use of digital capabilities and fintech innovations in support of ADJD’s vision for a progressive and responsive legal environment.

From the banking sector’s side, Omar Al Zaabi, Vice Chairman of Al Maryah Bank, commented: “By enabling judicial payments via AE Coin, we are not only streamlining access to government services but also setting a benchmark for how technology can serve the public good in a secure and future-ready manner.”

Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Al Maryah Bank, also explained, “It’s not merely a technological step; it’s about delivering advanced, secure financial experiences that reflect the UAE’s values and future vision.”

Ramez Rafiq, General Manager of IED Stablecoin, the firm behind AE Coin, believes that AE Coin was developed to be a secure, efficient, and regulatory-compliant digital payment solution tailored for the UAE. he noted, “Its adoption by such a prominent government entity marks a pivotal moment for us and the region’s evolving digital finance landscape.”

AE Coin has already been adopted by airlines, and taxi service providers in the UAE. Prior to this the Abu Dhabi transport Department and Municipalities under the Integrated Transport Center (ITC) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Tawasul Transport, allowed passengers to use the AE Coin stablecoin. Additionally Air Arabia airline also started accepting the AED stablecoin, AE Coin, for payments such as flight booking. The airline is the first in MENA to offer a stablecoin based payment option. Users can book their flights using the AEC Wallet application developed by MBank.

Dubai Department of Finance (DOF) , the governmental entity responsible for budget and its execution also signed an MOU with UAE regulated Crypto.com to allow crypto payments for governmental fees.

This comes as the UAE Central Bank regulated AED stablecoins in the UAE, considering them as a legal form of payment.

Tokenize Xchange leaves Singapore and seeks license in UAE

Tokenize Xchange leaves Singapore and seeks license in UAE

Crypto exchange platform Tokenize Xchange which was operating from Singapore announced that it will discontinue these operations and lay off the 15 employees in the country, and is currently seeking a license in the UAE through Abu Dhabi ADGM.

The exchange was not provided with a digital payment token license by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under the Singapore’s Payment Services Act. This comes as Singapore cracks down on crypto licensing, as it proposed updates to its framework for digital token service providers making its more stricter in terms of compliance.

At the moment, Tokenize is moving its base of operations to Labuan, a Malaysian offshore financial centre. It is working towards acquiring a licensed entity regulated by the Labuan Financial Services Authority, with the process targeted for completion by 30 September. The exchange is also exploring expansion into the Middle East through regulatory approvals from Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the financial free zone in the UAE capital.

CEO and founder Hong Qi Yu framed the shift as a chance to consolidate international operations and grow the platform’s reach outside of Singapore. The decision to withdraw from Singapore comes a little over a year after Tokenize secured US$11.5 million in funding. At the time, it had announced plans to scale its Singapore team to 100 employees, aiming to strengthen its ability to navigate Southeast Asia’s diverse regulatory regimes.

DIFC Innovation hub launches Proptech hub with Dubai Land Department

DIFC Innovation hub launches Proptech hub with Dubai Land Department

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the DIFC Innovation Hub, home to the first and largest financial technology accelerator in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, and the Dubai Land Department (DLD), have have launched Dubai PropTech Hub in the DIFC Innovation Hub, offering investors, residents, and global stakeholders a more accessible, transparent, and tech-enabled property market.

As per the press release, this is the region’s first PropTech innovation hub which will bring together the entire real estate value chain, offering a new model for collaboration, experimentation, and scalable innovation in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.

The hub will support more than 200 PropTech start-ups and scale-ups, generate more than 3,000 jobs, attract over $300 million in investment by 2030, and foster innovation and collaboration within the industry. It will provide customised licensing options, purpose-built physical workspaces, and a full suite of support programmes designed to fast-track innovation from concept to commercialisation.

It will provide access to advanced incubators, hands-on venture building, joint pilots, and a world-class regulatory and financial environment. Its offerings include bespoke initiatives such as early-stage start-up incubators and thought leadership programs aimed at helping participants stay ahead of global PropTech trends.

His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, stated, “This landmark initiative fast-tracks the expansion of the PropTech market in Dubai and positions the emirate as a global leader in real estate innovation. Furthermore, this initiative will build renewed momentum for investment, aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033.”

His Excellency Omar Hamad BuShehab, Director General of the Dubai Land Department, affirmed that this represents a pivotal step in achieving the objectives of the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033 and further strengthening real estate excellence in the emirate. He added, “This hub is a natural extension of the Real Estate Evolution Space Initiative – ‘REES’ launched by DLD to support the innovation ecosystem and anticipate the future of the sector by harnessing technology and artificial intelligence. By encouraging start-ups and providing advanced infrastructure and incubators, we are enhancing Dubai’s global competitiveness and offering a smarter, more connected approach to real estate investment and development.”

One of the key differentiators of the Dubai PropTech Hub is its multi-stakeholder collaboration model, bringing together regulators, developers, technology companies, investors, and service providers under one roof. Founding partners include world-class developers such as Binghatti, Majid Al Futtaim, Sobha Realty, Union Properties, and critical infrastructure providers like Transguard, who are already exploring AI-powered smart building and security applications via DIFC Innovation Hub-led pilots.

Already DLD has launched its real estate tokenization project under PRYPCO.