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UAE DAMAC properties investing $20 billion in US datacenters for AI and crypto

UAE DAMAC properties investing $20 billion in US datacenters for AI and crypto

UAE DAMAC Properties CEO, Hussain Sajwani, a close business partner of the Trump family will invest $20 billion in US datacenters used for AI ( Artificial Intelligence) and crypto. President-elect Donald Trump announced the $20 billion investment for data centers in the United States on January 7th 2025.

Trump said at a news conference that he believed Sajwani made the commitment because “he was very inspired by the election and wouldn’t do it without the election.” The president-elect emphasized his plans to get investments of $1 billion or more through the environmental regulatory review process quickly.

Sajwani briefly joined the news conference and said: “It’s been amazing news for me and my family when he was elected in November.”

Sajwani’s promised investment feeds into an existing boom for constructing data centers used in the development of artificial intelligence and expansion of cryptocurrency, as well as in other elements of an increasingly digital economy that relies on having greater sources of computer processing power.

In October, the financial company Blackstone estimated that the U.S. would see $1 trillion invested in data centers over five years, with another $1 trillion being committed internationally.

Sajwani would gain data centers in the United States, which thus far have not been part of his company’s EDGNEX data center portfolio. According to the company’s website, it already has or plans to build data centers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Spain, Thailand and Indonesia.

Investment in datacenters globally and in the Middle East is growing. It is estimated that global spending on construction of new data centers is expected to surpass US$49 billion by 2030 (source: MicKinsey & Company). With over US$1.0 trillion funding gap in renewable energy, it is believed to be an opportune time to lay the groundwork to power the advancement of compute infrastructure for a vibrant digital economy.

Recently HODLER INVESTMENTS, a UAE based investment company, headquartered in the Dubai, which includes in its portfolio energy, AI, and digital asset mining startups such as PermianChain, Brox Equity and others; and Abu Dhabi’s EHC Investment which leads multiple businesses with operations and investments across the energy, infrastructure, firefighting technology and system integration services signed a strategic partnership to launch NEXGEN.

NEXGEN will support the creation of a compliant digital energy market to supply critical energy infrastructure that will monetize wasted energy such as flared gas in the UAE, KSA, and Egypt with the aim of hosting global data center operators, reducing carbon emissions and contributing the Digital Energy Infrastructure (DEI) Fund, a local decarbonization innovation fund.

UAE M2 crypto exchange to offer crypto lending in 2025

UAE M2 crypto exchange to offer crypto lending in 2025

UAE licensed crypto exchange M2, has announced that it will be introducing new products and services including crypto lending in 2025.

The press release noted that M2 has refocused its treasury division to serve high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), family offices, and institutional clients with bespoke offerings. The company has also expanded its structured products team, recruiting specialists to enhance its capabilities.

In terms of the upcoming product line of services, M2 will be offering what is called enterprise earn, a white-label solution that enables enterprises to deliver market-leading yields directly to their customers—unlocking new value and revenue streams for businesses.

It will also be offering a crypto lending product that it will launch this month in January 2025. The solution will allow users to borrow stablecoins against their crypto assets, preserving ownership while enhancing liquidity.

Finally the crypto exchange will be offering its M2 Card which it will launch in Q1 of 2025. The Crypto debit card enables users to seamlessly manage and spend their digital assets based on personal preferences.

In October 2024, Stefan Kimmel, the CEO of M2, regulated crypto exchange out of Abu Dhabi UAE, moved on to a board position and was replaced by Saadeddine Zaher. As per the announcement, Stefan will remain an integral part of the M2 family as he joins the Board of Directors and takes on a new role within the broader Group, where he will focus on the development of digital asset projects.

UAE licensed Backpack Exchange acquires FTX EU

UAE licensed Backpack Exchange acquires FTX EU

UAE licensed Backpack Exchange, a global cryptocurrency exchange has acquired FTX EU, the MiFID II-licensed former European arm of FTX. In a Coindesk article, it noted that BackPack acquired FTX EU for $32.7 million.

As per the press release, the acquisition which was approved by the FTX bankruptcy court and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), marks a major milestone in Backpack’s global expansion and commitment to delivering secure, regulated trading solutions across Europe.

Backpack EU is planned to go live in Q1 of 2025. The crypto exchange will offer a full suite of crypto derivatives throughout the European Union including perpetual futures.


With the acquisition, Backpack’s new EU arm will offer a full suite of crypto derivatives throughout the European Union including perpetual futures, a market where no regulated crypto derivatives currently exist, as unregulated offshore exchanges have been forced to wind down their unlicensed European operations.

Armani Ferrante, CEO of Backpack Exchange, commented: “As many international exchanges exit the European Union, becoming a MiFID II-licensed entity demonstrates our dedication to meeting the highest regulatory standards and is a significant step to bringing transparent, secure, and regulated crypto trading to an underserved European market.”

As part of the acquisition, Backpack EU will undertake responsibility for distributing the previously court-approved FTX bankruptcy claims to FTX EU customers.

Mr. Ferrante further noted, “Customer restitution is a crucial step to rebuild trust and confidence in the industry, and Backpack is committed to returning FTX EU customers’ funds as fast and as safely as possible.”

In addition to compliant product offerings, Backpack EU will provide seamless integration with traditional payment rails including instant, low-cost Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) payments and wire transfers in major currencies across the region.

In February 2024, The BackPack raised $17 million in a series A round led by PlaceHolder VC.

UAE Zand bank signs up new collaboration

UAE Zand bank signs up new collaboration

UAE fully licensed digital bank Zand, has yet again signed up a new collaboration. This time it is with UAE Web3 financing platform Klickl. This comes weeks after Zand Bank announced that it was launching its licensed digital asset custody services. This came after receiving approval from the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority. In addition Zand announced it would be launching Zand’s AED-backed stablecoin which will further enhance the bank’s ability to integrate TradFi and DeFi, reinforcing its leadership in the digital assets landscape.

In 2023, UAE based Abu Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Zand Bank, partnered to offer preferential banking services and efficient bank account opening for ADGM-licensed entities, including SMEs, virtual assets companies, funds, and corporations. Since then it has become the go to bank for crypto exchanges, and other Web3 entities when it comes to crypto banking related services.

By leveraging Zand’s banking products and solutions, Klickl is poised to streamline its business processes, optimize financial management, and drive innovation within the Web3 ecosystem.

Michael Chan, CEO of Zand, commented, “We are pleased to announce our collaboration with Klickl International, aligning with the UAE’s bold vision to accelerate the digital economy. At Zand, we are dedicated to delivering seamless and secure banking experiences through continuous innovation, forward-thinking, and a client-first approach.”

Michael Zhao, CEO of Klickl International, added, “Partnering with Zand Bank marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards reshaping the digital finance landscape. With Zand’s support, we are unlocking new possibilities for businesses and consumers, driving meaningful change in the industry.”

Web3 Blockchain market to reach $104 billion by 2032

Web3 Blockchain market to reach $104 billion by 2032

The SNS Insider report has indicated that the Web 3.0 blockchain market size which was valued at USD 3.59 billion in 2023 is expected to grow to USD 104.04 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 45.47% over the forecast period of 2024-2032.

According to the Web3 report by 2023, there were over 3,000 active dApps, with decentralized finance applications contributing a substantial portion of the market’s value.

The total value locked in DeFi reached an estimated USD 60 billion in 2023, reflecting the rising demand for decentralized financial services.

Additionally, the non-fungible token industry, which has transformed industries like art and gaming, saw sales surpassing in 2023, a notable increase compared to previous years.

Smart contracts have also been pivotal in accelerating Web 3.0 adoption. By 2023, Ethereum, the leading blockchain for smart contracts, processed over 1.5 million smart contract executions daily, demonstrating the widespread use of blockchain-based automation across sectors such as supply chain management, insurance, and healthcare.

Finally, in 2023, venture capital investments in blockchain startups reached USD 30 billion, highlighting the growing interest in Web 3.0 technologies. These investments are expected to drive further innovation and the development of more advanced blockchain solutions in the coming years.

QFC brings blockchain firms together to spur DLT globally

QFC brings blockchain firms together to spur DLT globally

QFC ( Qatar Financial Center) has played an instrumental role in the recent collaboration and partnership of two DLT entities, The Hashgraph Group, a Swiss-based international business, venture capital and technology company, and SettleMint a blockchain transformation company. The partnership seeks to accelerate the impact of DLT ( Distributed Ledger Technologies) and digital assets across several industries.

As per QFC press release this partnerships aims to make DLT more accessible for organisations worldwide and drive their adoption on a global scale. In September 2024, the Lab launched its inaugural cohort, comprising 29 innovators, with the goal of providing them with a comprehensive ecosystem to develop, test, and commercialise cutting-edge solutions addressing industry needs and challenges through digital assets and distributed ledger technologies.

The Lab was established to foster collaboration among start-ups, businesses, and researchers to develop innovative solutions, products, and services in digital assets and distributed ledger technologies. The partnership between SettleMint and THA marks a milestone for the Lab, highlighting its potential to shape the industry and contribute significantly to the Qatari market.

Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, Chief Executive Officer, QFC, commented on the partnership stating, “This partnership between SettleMint and The Hashgraph Group is a testament to the QFC Digital Assets Lab’s success in fostering collaboration and driving innovation. By facilitating partnerships like this, the Lab strengthens Qatar’s position as a leader in emerging technologies while contributing to a more dynamic and diversified economy.”

Kamal Youssefi, President, The Hashgraph Association (THA), added, “The cornerstone of our strategy at THA is strategic partnerships. Our ultimate aim is to empower a thriving community and build up a vibrant Web3 ecosystem that leverages Hedera platform capabilities. We are excited to partner with innovative organisations to co-create value and contribute towards building an empowered digital future. THA strongly believes in QFC’s vision, and it is strategy to institutionalise Digital Assets and establish Qatar as a leading regional hub for innovative web3 solutions covering Asset Tokenization, Digital Assets, DeFi and Onchain Finance, and we look forward to working with SettleMint and other ecosystem partners to contribute towards Qatar’s 2030 Digital strategic goals.”

Stefan Deiss, Founder and CEO of The Hashgraph Group, noted, “We’re thrilled to be both investing in and partnering with SettleMint as we work to integrate Hedera-powered applications for enterprises and organizations in Qatar and globally. The future of Web3 solutions will include the tokenization of Real-World Assets, and the combined forces of Hedera’s energy-efficient DLT platform with SettleMint and the futuristic ecosystem at QFC’s Digital Assets Lab will empower enterprises and governments towards a digital economy.

Matthew Van Niekerk, Chief Executive Officer, SettleMint, commented, “The QFC Digital Assets Lab is building a powerful ecosystem that fosters meaningful partnerships, lasting collaborations, and the next generation of digital asset solutions in the region and beyond. This investment and strategic partnership highlight the Lab’s effectiveness in bringing together industry-leading companies to drive impactful outcomes.”

UAE Phoenix Group expands its Bitcoin mining to USA

UAE Phoenix Group expands its Bitcoin mining to USA

UAE Phoenix Group PLC listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX: PHX), has 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.

“The investment and opening of the Dakota site is an important step in our strategy to grow our mining capacity globally and in the United States in 2025 and beyond. Building and energizing a 50MW site in less than 5 months is a testament to the extraordinary capability of our engineering and operations teams. This milestone reflects the speed, precision, and innovation that set Phoenix Group apart in the competitive Bitcoin mining industry,” said Munaf Ali, CEO of Phoenix Group.

Reza Nedjatian, Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix Group’s Global Mining Operations, added, “The United States has always been a key hub for our mining operations and the opening of the Dakota site is another major step in Phoenix Group expanding its investment in this key market.”

The North Dakota site represents a strategic milestone in Phoenix’s mission to scale its operations sustainably and efficiently. The new facility leverages advanced technologies and optimized designs to maximize energy efficiency and performance, reinforcing the company’s leadership in the fast-evolving blockchain space.

As the energization process continues, Phoenix remains committed to operational excellence and advancing the adoption of blockchain technology worldwide.

The group boasts a 765MW mining operation with more operations globally, and fuel growth through strategic collaborations and innovation. It also operates multiple mining facilities in the US, Canada, CIS, and the UAE, with each unique company operating in one of four distinct verticals: Mining, Hosting, Trading, and Investments.
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Ethiopia accounts for 2.5 percent of Bitcoin mining hashrate

Ethiopia accounts for 2.5 percent of Bitcoin mining hashrate

Ethiopia and its local Bitcoin mining operations now 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 year-end, that number could rise to 1 gigawatt, representing as much as 7% of the global Bitcoin network’s hashrate.

Ethiopia’s 2.5% contribution to the global Bitcoin hash rate would place it among the top five Bitcoin mining nations, joining established leaders like the United States, China, and the Czech Republic.

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.

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.

The Dubai DMCC Crypto Center launches metaverse

The Dubai DMCC Crypto Center launches metaverse

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has unveiled the DMCC Crypto Centre Metaverse, a significant milestone within its globally recognized Web3 ecosystem.

Developed in partnership with Infinite Reality, the Metaverse offers users an immersive experience featuring interactive gamified environments. It also provides access to specialized service clinics addressing essential topics such as banking, compliance, and insurance, enabling participants to directly engage with the DMCC Crypto Centre team.

Belal Jassoma, Director of Ecosystems at DMCC, highlighted the global potential of the metaverse market, predicting it to exceed $3.1 trillion by 2030. “The launch of the DMCC Crypto Centre Metaverse underscores Dubai’s leadership in integrating blockchain and AI technologies, showcasing a real-world use case for next-generation innovation,” he said.

This initiative aligns seamlessly with the Dubai Metaverse Strategy, which aims to position the emirate among the world’s top 10 metaverse economies. By creating a digital twin of the DMCC Crypto Centre, the project supports Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for immersive technologies and a leader in blockchain and AI advancements.

Syrian government is not exploring a bitcoin proposal

Syrian government is not exploring a bitcoin proposal

While some news outlet announced that the Syrian government was considering a bitcoin legislation, the Founder of Bitcoin21 Arabic noted that it was not the Syrian government but a group of crypto enthusiasts who were discussing this.

Bassem, the Founder of Bitcoin21Ar noted on twitter, “To clarify Syria’s Bitcoin policy proposal: Who wrote it, and is it legitimate? First, let’s address the misinformation circulating in crypto media: NO, the transitional government has neither approved nor considered this proposal, and we do not expect them to do so anytime soon. They likely have more pressing issues to address at this time.

He further explains that the proposal is not meant to circumvent international sanctions. He stated, “We believe that sanctions should be lifted URGENTLY through legal and political processes in accordance with international law.”

In a telegram group Bassem carried out a discussion on how one could introduce a constructive Bitcoin legislation to the Syrian people after a decade of severe humanitarian and financial distress. He adds, “The idea for the proposal was my own, and it was collaboratively drafted in Arabic by everyone. . We also had a small number of Bitcoiners who provided This is a grassroots movement driven by very bright and enthusiastic Bitcoin plebs.”

As part of this evolution, we renamed the group the “Syrian Center for Economic Research” or SCER and the initiative gained unexpected momentum when Dr. Saifedean Ammous who joined the discussions.

It’s important to clarify again that this is not a government-affiliated organization or funded by any entity.

To the people who are accusing us of being terrorists, CIA, or fill in the blank, can you please be less racist? Thanks!

The SCER is a volunteer-driven initiative that hopes to bring together Syrian engineers, academics, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to learn, disseminate knowledge, and foster communication and open dialogue on economics, technology, and money.

There is no physical headquarters. They communicate through social media channels like Telegram, X, and Nostr and encourage video and audio calls.

Joins us here: https://t.me/SyrianCER

Non Syrians are welcome too 🧡