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UAE BITS Pilani establishes Blockchain and AI research center

UAE BITS Pilani establishes Blockchain and AI research center

BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, The Birla Institute of Technology and Science, (BPDC) has established the Ankitt Gaur Centre of Excellence in Blockchain & AI Research, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This ground-breaking initiative represents the first endowment from a Work Integrated Learning Program (WILP) alumnus, Ankitt Gaur, Founder & CEO of OrbitXPay and a distinguished alumnus (2007-2009 Batch) of BPDC.

As per the press release, the Ankitt Gaur Centre of Excellence aims to become a leading hub for research, innovation, and incubation in Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Web3 technologies. The center seeks to bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering an ecosystem of innovation, entrepreneurship, and start-ups.

Prof. Souri Banerjee, Director of BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, remarked “We are immensely proud to formalize this MoU with Ankitt Gaur. This generous funding is a transformative milestone for our campus, enabling unparalleled opportunities in Blockchain and AI research and innovation. It reflects the enduring bond our alumni share with their alma mater and their commitment to shaping the future of technology.”

Speaking about the initiative, Ankitt Gaur said “BITS Pilani has played a pivotal role in shaping my career. As a proud alumnus, this commitment reflects my gratitude and vision to inspire innovation and technological advancement. Through this centre, I hope to empower innovators, students, and researchers to lead in the fields of AI, Blockchain, and Web3.”

The Centre of Excellence will serve as a platform for students and researchers to collaborate on cutting-edge projects, driving global leadership in next-generation technologies. It aims to strengthen the synergy between academia and industry, catalysing research and start-up ecosystems.

Prof. Arya Kumar, Dean of Alumni Relations Division, BITS Pilani, added “This is a landmark moment for BITS Pilani and its alumni community. Ankitt Gaur’s contribution underscores how our alumni are advancing cutting-edge research and creating opportunities for future generations. It will provide significant impetus to strengthening the start-up ecosystem with a focus on Blockchain and AI applications.”

Neom and Outlier Ventures launch Web3 accelerator

Neom and Outlier Ventures launch Web3 accelerator

Neom, Saudi Arabia’s futuristic city being built on the shores of the Red Sea has partnered with Saudi Arabian NTDP ( National Technology Development Program) and Outlier Ventures, a global Web3 accelerator, to launch the first Web3 accelerator and the FutureSpark Base Camp Demo Day.

Naif Abu Saida, Director of Web3 at Neom stated in a LinkedIn post, ” The future is here, and it’s powered by Web3.  Since the beginning of our Web3 journey at NEOM, we’ve been working tirelessly to bring innovation to the forefront, and today, we’re proud to unveil the Kingdom’s first Web3 accelerator!”
NEOM, in collaboration with NTDP and, Outlier Ventures, presented FutureSpark Base Camp Demo Day in Riyadh. This event featured nine cutting-edge startups from the local and global Web3 ecosystem, highlighting the talent and innovation shaping the future of technology.

The Demo Day took place on January 20th 2025, Abu Saida noted,” On Monday, we wrapped up an amazing day at the FutureSpark Base Camp Demo Day! The energy in the room was incredible as nine talented startups showcased their hard work and bold ideas. A huge shoutout to the teams for their inspiring presentations and for sharing how they’re breaking new ground in Web3 technology. It’s exciting to see how their innovations could shape the future of the digital world. We’re also deeply thankful to our partners, National Technology Development Program NTDP and Outlier Ventures, for their tremendous effort to make this program a success story.”

According to Abu Saida this is just the beginning. The FutureSpark Base Camp cohort is one of many cohorts to come, supporting Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing Web3 ecosystem and paving the way for more innovation.

Outlier Ventures developed Base Camp Program in KSA

This is not the first program that Outlier Ventures has participated in. In 2024 it announced the launch of its Riyadh KSA Base Camp Program. The Base Camp Program, will start in early September 2024 for a duration of 12 weeks. Investments will reach up to $100,000 to help startups who are accepted relocate to Saudi Arabia. As per Outlier Ventures website, the Riyadh-based program would take the strongest founders across the region’s most promising technology verticals, giving them the resources they need to build industry-defining startups.

Neom partnered with Animoca brands to build solid Web3 infrastructure

In 2024, Animoca Brands and Saudi Arabian NEOM Investment Fund signed a strategic partnership that included a $50 million convertible notes financing from NEOM into Animoca. In early January of 2025, Animoca Brands announced that the next step of the partnership is fast approaching and it includes building a solid web3 infrastructure using innovative technologies.

FastBull Finance Summit debuts in Dubai UAE in April 2025

FastBull Finance Summit debuts in Dubai UAE in April 2025

The FastBull Finance Summit has announced its debut in Dubai, taking place on April 16-17, 2025, at the iconic Coca-Cola Arena. The summit will bring together industry leaders, investors, and financial experts for two days of insightful discussions, groundbreaking trends, and unparalleled networking opportunities.

A Must-Attend Event to Listen to Jim Rogers’ Sharing

At the heart of this highly anticipated event is none other than Jim Rogers, the legendary investor and co-founder of the Quantum Fund. Known for his bold market predictions and expertise in global investment strategies, Rogers will share his invaluable insights on the future of global markets, the rise of alternative assets, and his outlook for emerging economies.

Exclusive Panel Discussions on the Future of Trading

At the FastBull Dubai Finance Summit 2025, the organizers are offering four exclusive panel discussions that will dive deep into the most pressing topics in the world of Forex, crypto, and smart trading. Each forum will provide participants with valuable insights and hands-on discussions led by top industry experts.

Networking is made easy with complimentary coffee breaks throughout the event, providing a chance to mingle with fellow professionals, engage in discussions, and form valuable business connections.

Every participant will have the chance to win incredible prizes in our surprise raffles held throughout the event. From exclusive gifts to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, you won’t want to miss your chance to win something special!

Central Bank of Bahrain grants crypto trading license to Fasset

Central Bank of Bahrain grants crypto trading license to Fasset

The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has granted a Category 3 license to Fasset Financial Services, a Crypto Asset Service Provider, to operate in Bahrain, allowing the company to provide crypto-asset trading services. Fasset joins the ranks of Binance, Crypto.com, CoinMENA, BitOasis and others in Bahrain who are now offering regulated crypto service activities. The total number of crypto VASP licensed in Bahrain is now eight.


Abdulla Haji Director – Licensing Directorate, CBB noted, “We are pleased to announce the issuance of a license to a new Crypto Asset Service Provider in the Kingdom of Bahrain, marking our continuous commitment to fostering a robust and progressive regulatory environment. This reflects CBB’s continued efforts to create a secure and transparent ecosystem for businesses and investors in the digital asset space, in addition to the increased appetite for crypto services regionally and globally. By maintaining high standards of compliance and innovation, we remain dedicated to strengthening Bahrain’s position as a regional leader in fintech.”

Mr. Mohamed Sabra, General Manager and Board Member at Fasset Financial Services W.L.L., said that, “We are honored to receive this license from the Central Bank of Bahrain, marking a significant milestone in our mission to democratize access to digital assets in the region. This approval underscores Bahrain’s progressive stance towards fintech innovation and reinforces our commitment to providing secure and compliant digital asset products. We look forward to contributing to the Kingdom’s dynamic digital economy and supporting its vision for continued leadership in financial innovation.”

Fasset has also received a VASP crypto broker license in the UAE from Dubai’s regulatory VARA back in November 2023. Since then it has launched its application in the UAE as well as embarked on a gold tokenization product.

UAE Securities and Commodities Authority drafts security and commodity token regulations

UAE Securities and Commodities Authority drafts security and commodity token regulations

In an interesting move, given the global move, especially in the United States to accept digital assets and form regulations surrounding them, the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has released a draft regulation under the title “ Security Tokens and Commodity Tokens Contracts”.

The UAE SCA has invited feedback on the draft regulation by February 14th 2025.

The UAE SCA  in its draft regulations has defined Security tokens as digital assets created using Distributed Ledger Technology to represent financial rights or tangible assets. Examples of Security tokens include equity tokens, and bond tokens.

With regards to Commodity Tokens, the regulator has defined them as a type of digital assets that are based on the value of physical commodities such as gold, oil, metals, or agricultural products.

These tokens are used to facilitate the trading of commodities on digital platforms while reducing the costs and risks associated with traditional trading. Examples offered by the UAE SCA include gold tokens,  and oil tokens.

In terms of the agreements for both security and commodity tokens that will be recorded onto a DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) platforms, and can be traded on DLT platforms as well.

Subject to the provisions of Federal-Decree Law No. (31) of 2024 Regarding Netting, the transfer of a security token or commodity token derivative contracts shall be subject to the provisions of the registration agreement. The security token and the commodity token contracts may only be traded and settled through the market or the alternative trading system, while the trading and settlement of bonds and sukuks can be carried out over the counter.

In September 2024, The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) signed a cooperation agreement with Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) where it was agreed that VASPs operating in/from Dubai, or wishing to service the emirate of Dubai required to obtain a license from VARA, and can be registered by default with the SCA to service the wider UAE. VASPs wishing to operate out of any other Emirates, must be licensed by the SCA to do so.

In addition under the agreement, the SCA and VARA will set forth rules and procedures for licensing and supervision virtual asset service providers (VASPs) and any related activities, services or associated transactions. This is subject to licensing in accordance with the provisions of Cabinet Decision No. 111 of 2022, and No. 112 of 2022 (Regulating Virtual Assets and Their Service Providers) and within the respective jurisdiction of both parties.

The agreement covers the mechanism for mutual supervision of VASPs, penalty and fine imposition, the exchange of information and statistics, as well as cooperation in employee training and qualification.

UAE DP World to issue stablecoin for cross border payments

UAE DP World to issue stablecoin for cross border payments

DP World, a global player in the logistics and trade ecosystem, is partnering with financial and technology providers to address inefficiencies in cross-border payments with a stablecoin issuance. The announcement was made at World Economic Forum in Davos.

As customers in emerging markets such as Asia and Africa grapple with prolonged settlement times, restricted access to finance, and a lack of transparency DP World will collaborate with firms in Singapore, India and UAE as well as other key markets.

As per the press release, DP World aims to introduce accessible, instant, and transparent cross-border payment solutions powered by stablecoins. The initiative is designed to simplify and accelerate international transactions, empowering businesses in emerging economies to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

DP World Group Chairman & CEO, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, said, “By introducing stablecoin-based payment options, we are not just addressing a critical gap in the trade ecosystem but also reaffirming our commitment to innovation and leadership in global commerce. This initiative aligns with DP World’s broader mission to enhance trade flows and economic development in regions that need it most. We believe this initiative will redefine the way businesses engage in cross-border trade, particularly in regions where financial barriers have limited potential. DP World is committed to creating a more inclusive and efficient trade ecosystem.”

DP world believes that stablecoins will drastically reduced settlement cost and times for cross-border payments, giving the example of a textile manufacturer in Ethiopia which exports raw cotton to a fabric producer in India but faces significant delays in receiving payments.

This is due to the traditional correspondent banking systems requiring multiple intermediaries, resulting in settlement times that can extend to several days or even weeks. Stablecoins will also improve financial accessibility for businesses of all sizes such as the Ethiopian supplier struggling with cash flow, limiting its ability to scale operations or meet additional orders.

Finally stablecoins will enhance transparency and trust in international trade transactions and the lack of real-time tracking of the transaction status leaves both parties uncertain about when the payment will be completed.

The announcement comes months after the UAE Central Bank came out with its stablecoin regulation, allowing AED Stablecoins to be used for payments for products and services within the UAE, and for other stablecoins to be used for the purchase of virtual assets. Both would need to be regulated thought within the UAE.

As a result the first regulated AED stablecoin was announced under the name AECoin. DP World’s stablecoin could become the second one to be regulated, while Tether awaits its approval.

AIFT creators of UAE OneInfinity Web3 insurer receive additional investments and new board members

AIFT creators of UAE OneInfinity Web3 insurer receive additional investments and new board members

AIFT, and Dubai Insurance, the creators of OneInfinity, the first regulated Web3 and digital asset insurance entity in UAE and Middle East, has received further investments from its partner Dubai Insurance Company and has appointed both Obaid Buti Almulla of Dubai Insurance to its board of directors as well as Tony Chan, the former President of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia, who has joined AIFT’s International Advisory Board.

AIFT and Dubai Insurance have successfully developed OneInfinity, the leading web3 insurance brand, in the Middle East since first joining forces in December 2023. After an initial investment at that time, OneInfinity became the only web3 insurance product to be approved by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates.

As per the press release, the partners have now taken their engagement to the next level with a further investment and the appointment of Obaid Buti Almulla to AIFT’s board of directors. The additional funds are being used to expand AIFT’s presence in the Middle East with several new hires already onboard and key executives having relocated to the region.

AIFT’s Middle East strategy will benefit greatly from the expertise and experience of Professor Tony Chan who has joined AIFT’s International Advisory Board. Professor Chan, an expert in computational mathematics and one of the most cited mathematicians in the world, has recently completed 6 years as the President of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia. Among many other positions in the country, Professor Chan served on the Saudi Data and AI Supervisory National Strategy Committee. His insights on AI and digital strategy in the Middle East will be invaluable as AIFT introduces its innovative AI cybersecurity products to the region.

Alvin Kwock, CEO and Co-Founder of AIFT, and Robin Scott, General Manager of Middle East and General Counsel of AIFT, welcomed the two appointments. Alvin said, “It is a great honour for us that AIFT’s progress in the Middle East has been recognised with the support of leading figures in the region such as Obaid and Professor Chan, not to mention the continued financial backing of Dubai Insurance.” Robin added, “When we established our Middle East taskforce in 2023, we identified the region as an essential player globally in AIFT’s focus areas, the mega trends of AI and web3. It is heartening that our market entry has so quickly borne fruit and we look forward to many more successes in the region.”

Obaid Buti Almulla of Dubai Insurance said, “Our partnership with AIFT affirms Dubai Insurance’s commitment to innovation. Obtaining the first and only Central Bank of UAE approval for web3 insurance was a key milestone for us. I look forward to becoming even more involved in AIFT’s mission as a director.”

Professor Tony Chan said, “The Middle East is taking a leading global role in innovation spearheaded by extensive investment and focus on AI. AIFT’s market-leading products and highly experienced team are ideally suited to support the growing high-tech ecosystems in the region, especially the major markets of Saudi Arabia and UAE. I am excited to be part of the journey”.

Kingdom Holdings will invest in crypto only in one case

Kingdom Holdings will invest in crypto only in one case

In an interview on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, the CEO of Kingdom Holding Company (KHC), led by Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, Talal Ibrahim Al-Maiman noted that while they might invest in Tiktok If the USA or Trump invests in it, they will not invest in crypto as long as they cannot buy goods with cryptocurrencies.

Using Warren Buffet’s famous theory, ” You dont buy, you dont invest in what you cannot use to buy goods” . As such Al Maiman told Reuters that Kingdom Holdings has no immediate plans to invest in cryptocurrencies due to their limited adoption as a payment method.

CEO of Kingdom Holdings, Talal Ibrahim al-Maiman told Reuters that the company known for its traditional value investing strategy and its diversified portfolio of $13.6 billion in assets remains skeptical of the digital asset market.

Al-Maiman explained on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. “Since we can’t buy goods with cryptocurrencies, we’re not looking into them at this time.”

Although there has been ongoing speculation on social media about Saudi royal family investments in cryptocurrencies, Alwaleed has consistently expressed doubt. In 2017, the prince publicly stated that he believed bitcoin would eventually “implode.”

Kingdom Holding remains aligned with Alwaleed’s long-standing approach, favoring established sectors like finance, hospitality, healthcare, media, technology, and real estate over speculative digital assets.

However it recently invested in AI, taking part in the $6 billion Series B round of Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup “xAI”, at a valuation of $24 billion.

This comes as the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region ranks as the seventh-largest crypto market globally in 2024, with an estimated $338.7 billion in on-chain value received between July 2023 and June 2024, accounting for 7.5% of the world’s total transaction volume.

While the UAE got its first regulated AED (UAE Dirham) stablecoin approved by the Central Bank of the UAE and is set to launch soon according to AE Coin’s X post.

DKK Digital receives preliminary approval from VARA in UAE

DKK Digital receives preliminary approval from VARA in UAE

DKK Digital FZE, based in the Dubai World Trade Centre, as a subsidiary of DKK, has secured an in-principle approval from the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

As per the press release, this is an important milestone in DKK’s journey to becoming a regulated Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in the UAE.

Founded in England, DKK Partners is a multinational firm with eight offices worldwide operating as an exchange liquidity provider specializing in emerging markets. The company offers corporate and institutional clients worldwide seamless, interoperable FX and settlement solutions.

The recent In-Principle Approval from VARA enables DKK to work towards the VASP License to provide a suite of services to its clients officially. These services include seamless fiat on/off ramp capabilities, custodial services, and liquidity provision using stablecoins such as the Electronic Dirham, Tether, Ripple USD, and USD Coin. one of the services available to clients in the UAE is the DKK Ocean, an innovative e-commerce solution designed to give clients access to live-streamed rates across various fiat currencies and stablecoins.

Hisham Al Gurg, CEO of Seed Group and The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, shared his enthusiasm on this development, stating, “We offer our warmest congratulations to our strategic partner, DKK Partners, on securing the In-Principe Approval. This accomplishment is a reaffirmation of their solid operational framework and innovative approach in the virtual assets sector. Their commitment to compliance with regulatory standards and forward-thinking strategies makes them a trusted partner in advancing Dubai’s digital economy.”

Driven by its goal of empowering the future of digital finance, Khalid Talukder, Co-Founder and CEO of DKK Digital FZE, remarked, “We are thrilled to have received In-Principle Approval from VARA license as a VASP. This is a key milestone that positions DKK Digital as a trusted and compliant leader in the virtual assets space. This approval aligns us with global regulatory standards, enabling us to deliver secure, innovative solutions while fostering trust among clients and partners. It also opens doors to broader markets, institutional collaborations, and the development and distribution of cutting-edge digital asset products, further solidifying our role in shaping the future of virtual assets in the UAE and beyond.”

ACCESS: Consistent, reliable access to currencies and liquidity, enabled through our local presence, global partnership network, and banking experience.

UAE Phoenix Group joins crypto miners in Ethiopia

UAE Phoenix Group joins crypto miners in Ethiopia

UAE based Phoenix Group PLC (ADX:PHX), has expanded its operations into the burgeoning African market with the acquisition of an 80-megawatt (MW) power purchase agreement (PPA) in Ethiopia. This landmark deal, forged in partnership with Abu Dhabi-based cybersecurity firm Data7, marks a significant step in Phoenix Group’s global diversification strategy. It secures a reliable and sustainable energy source to fuel its long-term growth and underscores a commitment to responsible digital asset infrastructure development.

The new Ethiopian site, slated for energization in Q2 2025, will dramatically enhance Phoenix Group’s operational capacity, significantly increasing the exahash rate of its rapidly expanding mining portfolio. This move solidifies Phoenix Group’s position as one of the world’s largest Bitcoin miners and reinforces its commitment to scaling operations and delivering cutting-edge, globally distributed digital asset infrastructure. Phoenix Group is poised to build on this momentum, with further announcements of new sites and increased capacity in 2025, including continued expansion in Ethiopia and a strategic entry into the South American market.

“This 80MW expansion in Ethiopia, on the heels of our North Dakota site announcement, is a powerful testament to Phoenix Group’s accelerating global momentum,” said Munaf Ali, CEO of Phoenix Group. “We are aggressively building out our mining capabilities, and this added capacity further solidifies our position as one of the world’s largest Bitcoin miners, fueling our growth trajectory as we prepare for our listing on Nasdaq. We’re not just expanding our operations; we’re strategically positioning ourselves at the forefront of a financial revolution where cryptocurrencies will play a central role in creating a more inclusive and dynamic global economy.”

Reza Nejatian, CEO of Global Mining Operations at Phoenix Group, added: “This project in Ethiopia, significantly increasing our exahash rate, is a clear signal of our ambition to not just participate in, but to lead, the global Bitcoin mining landscape. Ethiopia’s emergence as a key crypto-mining hub provides the perfect platform for our continued expansion, and this is just the first phase of our growth in the country. Our strategic partnership with Data7, enabling the deployment of the latest S21 Hydros, underscores our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to maximize efficiency and solidify our competitive advantage. And our ambitions extend beyond Africa; we’re actively preparing to launch operations in South America in 2025, further diversifying our global footprint. This is how we execute on a global scale, and this is how we build the future of decentralized finance.”

Earlier this month, UAE Phoenix Group launched its 50MW mining facility in North Dakota in the USA. Fully operational, the site will contribute an impressive addition of more than 2.7 exahashes (EH) to Phoenix’s global hash rate. This is an initial step in expanding Phoenix Group’s UAE mining capabilities and investments in the United States.

Ethiopia is a growing crypto mining Hub

Ethiopia and its local Bitcoin mining operations account for 2.5% of global hashrate. Bitcoin miner Kassa stated, “Bitcoin miners in Ethiopia now command 2.5% of the global hash-rate. If trends continue, according to Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), this will more than double within one year.”

Ethan Vera, co-founder and COO of Luxor Mining, had previously noted that the EEP reports local operations already consuming 600 MW of power. By the end of 2024, that number could rise to 1 gigawatt, representing as much as 7% of the global Bitcoin network’s hashrate.

Companies like Bitmain-backed BitFuFu have acquired large mining operations in Ethiopia. In addition BIT Mining has also recently entered the Ethiopian market, acquiring a 51 MW Bitcoin mine and 17,869 mining rigs for $14.3 million. While, Matthew Sigel, Head of Digital Assets Research at VanEck Investment firm speaking on CNBC SquakBox noted that three new BRIC members, Argentina, UAE, and Ethiopia had begun mining Bitcoin using government resources

In November 2024, Ethiopia Electric Power (EEP), a state-owned utility, signed power purchase agreements with 25 bitcoin mining companies. These bitcoin companies are using Ethiopia’s surplus renewable energy from The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a 6,450 MW hydropower project nearing completion on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia, located about 30 km upstream of the border with Sudan.

UAE Hodler Investments entering Ethiopia to provide energy for data centers

UAE Hodler Investments, a UAE based investment companywhich includes in its portfolio energy, AI, and digital asset mining startups such as PermianChain, Brox Equity, NEXGEN, and others; and GCL Energy Investment, subsidiary of GCL Group (Golden Concord Group), a leading Chinese integrated energy service provider that specializes in clean energy and new energy, with diversified development of related industries, have partnered to develop a distributed energy infrastructure project to power next generation distributed compute cluster data centers that are hosting AI, Blockchain and other applications.