Lara

Total Post: 1335

UAE Blum decentralized trading platform raises $5 million

UAE Blum decentralized trading platform raises $5 million

UAE unregulated Blum, a decentralized trading platform that operates via Telegram has raised $5 million in a pre-seed and seed round. The round was led by Gumi Cryptos Capital and backed by YZi labs, Spartan Capital, No Limit Holdings, OKX Ventures, TOP.co, Bitscale Capital, and Wintermute Ventures

With the funding, it aims to enhance its infrastructure, improve trading functionalities, and expand its operations across multiple blockchain networks offering users greater flexibility to manage their digital assets.

Additionally, it aims to focus on developing its intelligent trading bot which has attracted over 1 million users. The platform sees this as a reflection of a growing interest in seamless and efficient trading solutions.

Since its launch in 2024, Blum aims to grow in the Web3 space. Currently, its Telegram community containing over 32 million members and platform has 2.2 million registered 2.2 unique wallet activity.

The company transitioned from a “Click to Earn” model to a “Trade to Earn” strategy which is sustainable in the long-term. With this new approach, it aims to encourage users to actively participate in trading rather than simply engaging in passive interactions.

Gleb Kostrav, Blum’s CEO, and Vlad Smirkes, CMO, both emphasized that this funding is not limited to capital alone but also includes partnerships to enhance the platform’s capabilities. Additionally, they added that this move is aligned with Blum’s goal of establishing a more efficient and secure trading environment for users.

UAE Phoenix Group announces crypto mining revenues of $107 million

UAE Phoenix Group announces crypto mining revenues of $107 million

Phoenix Group PLC (ADX:PHX), ADX-listed blockchain and crypto mining entity saw crypto mining revenues of $107 million in 2024, compared to $32 million in 2023 and $5.4 million in 2022. This represents a1852% increase over two years.

The company’s total gross revenue across all verticals reached $206 million. Phoenix Group’s proactive operational efficiencies and strategic initiatives, including global expansion and diversification, have paved the way for sustained profitability and growth.

Commenting on the 2024 results, Munaf Ali, CEO & Co-Founder, stated, “These results are a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and strategic growth on a global scale. The past year has been pivotal for Phoenix Group, marked by significant expansion and enhanced profitability. We are not simply navigating the digital asset revolution – we are shaping it. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, we are confident in delivering continued value to our shareholders and stakeholders worldwide.”

The company achieved a total comprehensive income of $ 219 million and a net profit after tax of USD 167 million. Total assets stood at $962 million, along with earnings per share (EPS) recorded at $0.028, reinforcing Phoenix Group’s continued profitability and shareholder value growth.

Some of the reasons for the increase include improved profitability from self-mining. Gross margins rose to 24% in Q4 2024, up from just 5% in Q3 2024, driven by an average 37% increase in Bitcoin price and a 6% improvement in efficiency improvement mainly coming from sites in the US and Canada. In addition Phoenix Group also advanced its crypto mining operations to Ehtiopia.

In addition, processing power maintained a robust contribution of 15.0 EH/s to the Bitcoin network, with its market share holding steady at 1.9%. The company’s preliminary results remain subject to external audit, with audited consolidated financial statements expected by February 14, 2024.

Abu Dhabi headquartered Soter digital asset insurer closes Series A round

Abu Dhabi headquartered Soter digital asset insurer closes Series A round

Abu Dhabi headquartered, Soter Insure, a provider of specialized digital asset insurance products tailored to the digital asset economy, has closed its Series A funding round, led by Galaxy, with participation from Brevan Howard Digital, Karatage, Token Bay, Pharsalus and others.

Soter headquartered in Abu Dhabi also operates out of Bermuda, with offices in London, New York and Dubai, it was also incubated by UAE based Further Ventures and WebN Group.

The company offers specialized digital asset insurance products for financial institutions, including Asset Loss, Directors & Officers (D&O), and Smart Contract Failure coverage, uniquely denominated in both fiat and native digital assets.

The company as such offers comprehensive insurance solutions tailored to the unique risks of decentralized technologies.

As per the press release, the investment will support Soter Insure’s expansion, bolstering its underwriting and technology teams to scale operations across key markets.

“Our mission at Soter is to set a new standard for risk management in the digital assets space. We are proud to have the support of Galaxy and our other Series A investors as we work to build innovative insurance products that meet the unique needs of the market. With this funding, we’ll continue to expand our offerings and grow our footprint globally, providing clients with trusted and transparent risk management solutions,” said Henson Orser, Founder and CEO of Soter Insure.

Mike Novogratz, Founder and CEO of Galaxy, added, “Galaxy is excited to support Soter Insure in their mission to bring innovative insurance solutions to the digital asset ecosystem. Their tailored approach to risk management meets a crucial industry need, empowering digital asset holders and operators with confidence. We are excited to contribute to their growth and global expansion.”

UAE investors and consumers warned about memecoins by Dubai regulator VARA

UAE investors and consumers warned about memecoins by Dubai regulator VARA

UAE investors and consumers were officially warned about investing in memecoins by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) given the risks associated with advertisements promoting subscriptions to memecoins.

The UAE virtual asset regulator noted that memecoins are unregulated and highly risky in nature. The crypto regulator noted memecoins are highly speculative and volatile assets, frequently subject to market manipulation.

The regulator also stated that these memecoins lack intrinsic value and derive their pricing from social media trends, hype or misleading promotional strategies.

As such investors should exercise caution when presented with claims of unrealistic returns, as these often indicate fraudulent schemes.
There is a risk of significant financial loss within short timeframes due to price collapses, liquidity shortages, or scams.

Moreover VARA added that any virtual asset issuance from Dubai must ensure adherence with VARA Regulations and Rulebooks.
Any promotion, advertising, or solicitation of virtual assets must adhere to VARA’s Marketing Regulations.
Entities engaging in unauthorized virtual asset activities may be subject to enforcement action.

These memecoin platform may also be restricted without prior notice.

Aston Martin Aramco announces Coinbase as official crypto partner

Aston Martin Aramco announces Coinbase as official crypto partner

Aston Martin Aramco has partnered with Coinbase crypto exchange, paid entirely in cryptocurrency, making Coinbase their Official Crypto Partner.
As per Aston Martin Aramco’s announcement, the multi-year partnership aims to amplify Coinbase’s mission of demonstrating crypto as a key to greater economic freedom globally. It will also communicate Coinbase’s aim to make it easy for anyone to engage with cryptocurrency.

The Aston Martin Aramco, the partnership will be paid entirely in USDC, a stable digital currency designed to be pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar. This marks the first time any Formula One team has publicly announced the full payment of a partnership with a stablecoin like USDC.

As part of the partnership, Aston Martin Aramco will explore bringing fan engagement opportunities onchain.

Coinbase branding will debut on the halo and rear-wing end plate of the AMR25 throughout the season, as well as on drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll’s racing suits.

Jefferson Slack, Managing Director of Commercial, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, stated, “This partnership shows the trust and confidence we place in Coinbase’s expertise as a leader in digital finance. By transacting this deal fully in USDC, we’re signalling our commitment to innovation, building a sustainable, forward-thinking relationship with Coinbase.”

Gary Sun, Vice President, Marketing, Coinbase added, “This is a huge milestone for Coinbase, marking the first time we’ve invested in a sports partnership entirely in cryptocurrency. It is also our debut in Formula One, and we are excited to embrace an industry that equally values pushing the boundaries with transformative ideas and technology. We look forward to building on this collaboration with Aston Martin Aramco as we strive for greater economic freedom globally

UAE Mubadala Sovereign wealth fund invests close to half a billion dollars in Bitcoin

UAE Mubadala Sovereign wealth fund invests close to half a billion dollars in Bitcoin

UAE Mubadala, a sovereign investment fund, has revealed in an SEC Filing that in late 2024 it invested $436,895,026 in BlackRock’s Ishares Bitcoin Trust ETF. The disclosure was made through a 13F filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

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.

It reflects a growing interest in the UAE in Bitcoin and crypto assets.

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.

ADQ in addition also registered Zero Two, to launch its digital assets business in Abu Dhabi UAE to offer latest generation technologies. Zero Two aimed to build and operate data center and offer digital asset management services as part of ADQ’s digital asset strategy. The name “Zero Two” is derived from the significance of the numerals 0 and 2 in Web3 technology.

Then in September 2022, Abu Dhabi’s ADQ and Further Ventures, an investment firm back by ADQ launched a $200 million fund focused on Fintech, digital assets and supplychain.

Prior to that rumors circulated in 2024 that a Qatar sovereign fund was investing in Bitcoin, but nothing was ever verified.

Recently as well, Wisconsin’s investment board increased its holdings in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) to over 6 million shares. The state fund was the first of its kind to report a bitcoin ETF purchase in 2024.

UAE’s AD Ports to operate Jordanian Blockchain enabled customs center

UAE’s AD Ports to operate Jordanian Blockchain enabled customs center

UAE AD Ports Group, an enabler of integrated trade, transport and logistics solutions, has been contracted to manage and operate the cutting-edge IOT and Blockchain enabled Al Madouneh Customs Centre in Amman, Jordan.

The 1.3 million m2 state-of-the-art facility was inaugurated last June to elevate Jordan’s trade competitiveness through AI-driven customs solutions, blockchain-enabled transparency, and Internet of Things (IoT)-powered logistics optimisation. The centre will streamline cross-border trade, reduce clearance times, and enhance supply chain efficiency, aligning with global standards for trade facilitation.

By integrating advanced technologies and sustainable practices, AD Ports Group collaboration with Jordan Customs Department aims to position the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan as a regional leader in next-generation logistics and customs operations.

The Al Madouneh facility, with features such as automated inspection ramps, smart warehouses, and predictive analytics, will empower businesses with faster cargo processing, robust security protocols, and a seamless digital trade experience with AD Ports Group deploying its expertise in smart logistics and trade digitalization to maximize operational efficiency and economic returns while running the facility.

The Group’s partnership with Jordan Customs is projected to deliver significant benefits through the Al Madouneh Centre, including a 20% reduction in clearance times, enhanced cargo security, and a scalable infrastructure capable of handling around 1,000 trucks in the import and transit yard, with plans for future expansion.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: “This collaboration highlights AD Ports Group’s commitment to advancing regional trade ecosystems, in line with our wise leadership’s vision. It gives the Group the opportunity to support Jordan’s vision of becoming a regional logistics hub contributing to economic growth and jobs creation for the people of Jordan. We look forward to realising this important trade enhancement project with our partner Jordan Customs Department. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and fostering economic growth, the Al Madouneh Customs Centre is poised to unlock new opportunities for businesses and reinforce the Middle East’s position in the global supply chain landscape.”

Customs Major General Ahmed Al-Akalik, Director General of the Jordan Customs Department, said: “Our collaboration with AD Ports Group is based on the referral decision issued by the Government Tenders Department, aimed at enhancing customs procedures at the centre and streamlining processes to save time and effort, while improving the investment environment. This will be achieved through the development operations that AD Ports Group will undertake to support customs operations at the centre, in accordance with the stated tender.”

Al-Akaleek reaffirmed Jordan Customs Department’s commitment to working closely with AD Ports Group to serve traders and investors, in addition to enhancing operations at the centre, in line with the Kingdom’s economic modernisation vision, and overcome all obstacles that may hinder development and modernisation efforts in service of the national economy.

MasterCard, Notabene and UAE crypto exchange M2 to pilot securing metadata in crypto trading

MasterCard, Notabene and UAE crypto exchange M2 to pilot securing metadata in crypto trading

Notabene, a provider of crypto compliance solutions, has partnered with Mastercard to bring simplicity and enhanced safety to their powerful crypto compliance tools. Through a pilot program with M2,a regulated crypto exchange in UAE, Notabene will integrate Mastercard Crypto Credential into its SafeTransact platform, facilitating the secure and privacy-preserving exchange of transaction metadata for M2’s digital asset trading services.

As per the press release, the pilot aims to showcase how VASPs and traditional financial institutions can come together to mitigate risks associated with digital asset transfers while maintaining operational simplicity for institutions and their retail customers.


Mastercard Crypto Credential verifies transactions among consumers and businesses using blockchain networks, providing the assurance that a user has met a set of verification standards and confirming that the recipient’s wallet supports the transferred asset. The solution simplifies the consumer experience by allowing crypto exchange users to send and receive digital assets – such as stablecoins being leveraged for remittances, a growing use case – using simple aliases, instead of the typically long and complex blockchain addresses.

This integration between Notabene, M2 and Mastercard aims to significantly improve counterparty identification rates, ensuring compliance with the Travel Rule while reducing friction in VASP-to-VASP and cross-border transactions. By employing advanced encryption and data minimization practices, the integration will help ensure that sensitive information is protected while also enabling convenient and compliant transactions.

Pelle Braendgaard, CEO of Notabene, commented on the partnership,”Our collaboration with Mastercard represents a significant leap forward in making crypto transactions as safe and straightforward as traditional financial operations. By combining our expertise in crypto compliance with Mastercard’s global reach and digital assets capabilities, we’re setting a new standard for consumer trust in crypto payments. This partnership is not just about solving today’s compliance challenges but also lays the groundwork for supporting innovations such as self-hosted wallet integrations, further expanding the scope of secure and trusted crypto transactions.”

“As the digital assets ecosystem matures, Mastercard is continuing to innovate to stay ahead while ensuring safe, compliant, and trusted interactions,” said Raj Dhamodharan, executive vice president, Blockchain & Digital Assets at Mastercard. “By integrating Mastercard Crypto Credential with Notabene’s industry-leading compliance solutions, we’re enhancing connectivity and trust to foster the adoption and integration of a range of digital assets – from Bitcoin to stablecoins – into the global financial ecosystem. This partnership with Notabene and M2 expands our reach and interoperability across the crypto landscape.”

In collaboration with M2, Mastercard and Notabene are demonstrating practical applications of this joint solution. Deepak Garg, Chief Compliance Officer at M2, adds: “As a leading virtual assets service provider, we are committed to staying aligned with global regulatory standards while enhancing the user experience for our customers. By partnering with Notabene and Mastercard, we can bring even more secure and compliant digital asset transactions to a global audience. This approach not only strengthens trust with our customers, but also opens new opportunities for growth by expanding the network of reliable counterparties for safe and secure transactions.”

The pilot program is currently limited to select regions, including the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and several European countries, with plans for expansion in the near future.

A new Web3 Alliance is formed in KSA

A new Web3 Alliance is formed in KSA

A new Web3 alliance has been formed in KSA . Animoca Brands, SandBox, and Outlier Ventures announced that they have united key Blockchain and digital innovation players towards to goal of driving adoption and Web3 technologies aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

The non-profit association aims to create a collaborative ecosystem that empowers businesses and drives sustainable growth within Saudi Arabia by building on their previous initiatives and investments to advance the region’s digital landscape.

The alliance’s board is composed of industry leaders and experts based in Saudi Arabia, actively driving the Kingdom’s digital transformation. Supported by both international and local companies, these experts – including Dr. Abeer Al Humaimeedy, Yasser Alobaidan, Omar Elassar, Dr. Majid Almansouri, Wajd Badawi, Billal Yamak, Vincent Li, Bandar Altunisi, Ali Alasiri, and Stephan Apel – are deeply engaged in advancing innovation within the country.

“The Web3 Alliance of Saudi Arabia represents a crucial step forward in realizing the Kingdom’s vision for a digital future,” said Billal Yamak. “By bringing together expertise from both local and international leaders in the blockchain space, we’re creating a powerful platform for innovation and growth.”

On LinkedIn Bandar AlTunisi a Former Binance executive in MENA, stated, “Extremely excited to be a founding Board Member of the newly launched Web3 Alliance of Saudi Arabia (WASA)! WASA aims to accelerate the adoption and integration of blockchain technology and Web3 innovations in the Kingdom, through education, awareness, collaboration and policy support.”

The alliance will focus on four key pillars which include awareness and education, standards and best practice development, as well as research and development including networking and collaboration opportunities.

WASA will serve as the primary advocate for Web3 technology in the region, working independently to promote innovation rather than individual companies or entities.

The alliance’s governance structure includes a General Assembly and an Executive Committee, ensuring transparent and effective leadership. A comprehensive digital infrastructure and marketing strategy will support the alliance’s mission to connect and empower the Web3 community throughout Saudi Arabia.

Web3 enthusiasts, corporations, and industry leaders are invited to join the alliance and have a say in shaping the future of the Web3 ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.

NEOM and Outlier Ventures launched Web3 accelerator

In January of 2025, Neom, Saudi Arabia’s futuristic city being built on the shores of the Red Sea 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!”

KSA based Oumla signs agreement with Saudi Bank SAB

KSA based Oumla signs agreement with Saudi Bank SAB

KSA based Oumla, a Layer 1 Blockchain platform for easy blockchain integration and digital asset storage, has signed an innovation agreement with Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB Bank), a Riyadh-based Saudi joint stock company in which global banking group HSBC owns a minority stake.

The collaboration agreement will seek to explore Blockchain technology and its application to advance financial innovation. As per the announcement on LinkedIn, the partnership reflects both parties’ commitment to driving digital transformation in the banking sector and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading hub for modern financial services.

This comes days after the Layer 1 blockchain company signed announced its partnership with Chainlink Blockchain, best known for solutions in onchain finance and cross-chain interoperability.

Major financial market infrastructures and institutions, such as Swift, Fidelity International, and ANZ Bank, as well as top DeFi protocols including Aave, GMX, and Lido, use Chainlink to power next-generation applications for banking, asset management, and other major sectors.

In an X post Oumla stated, “We are pleased to announce that Oumla is partnering with chainlink and adopting the Chainlink standard on OumlaChain, a compliance-focused, permissioned blockchain in Saudi Arabia.”