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Highest salaries for Blockchain developers are in KSA, followed by Oman, Bahrain and Qatar

Highest salaries for Blockchain developers are in KSA, followed by Oman, Bahrain and Qatar


The Blockchain related job market in the GCC MENA region is growing, and salaries differ between varying GCC countries depending on need, and availability.

According to Salary Explorer 2023 reports, the average blockchain developer salary in the UAE per month is $3348 ( 12,300 AED), in Oman $3922 (1,510 OMR), in KSA $3945 (14,800 SAR), in Qatar $3597 (13,100 QAR), in Bahrain $3630  ( 1,370 BHD), while in Egypt and Morocco the average salary is $266 ( 8,230 EGP), and $1810 ( 17,500 MAD).

Interestingly others have noted that the average crypto salary per month in Dubai is $6582. As per their report salary estimates are based on anonymous submissions by cryptos, website users collected in Dubai from past and present job posts.

Concurringly a number of entities in the UAE are requesting job positions. One example is Crypto.com that is hiring a Web3 senior regulatory reporting analyst, in Dubai.

Recently as wel the Commercial Bank of Dubai was searching for Head of CBDC digital technology with yearly salary of $350,000.

Emagine Solutions FZE in Abu Dhabi was also requesting a job as it has been retained on a CBDC project within the UAE. The candidate could have experience as Head of Digital Banking, Head of Technology, EVP or SVP level.

As per the job description, the candidate will  work within a specialist business unit focused on developing the the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) which will be responsible for analysing the opportunities and challenges presented by CBDC and developing the design of a CBDC. The candidate will be expected to offer input to and be the principal source of technological advice on other forms of digital assets (e.g., stablecoin). The monthly salary range is set anywhere between $30,000- $50,0000.

These job postings for blockchain, CBDC, and other crypto related opportunities are increasing in the region. Prior to this, there were requests for blockchain developers in UAE, for example at FuCoin, Swisstronic, Deriv, Storm2, as well as digital assets custody professional for Binance UAE.

A CoinJournal crypto job research published in November 2022 stated that the UAE has 137 crypto career listings or 14.51 jobs per one million people, which is the ninth highest globally, the research showed. There are more crypto-related jobs in the UAE than in other markets like Australia, Canada, France or Germany

The growth of the blockchain and crypto ecosystem in the region is pushing the growth of jobs in the field. We should see more of these postings in the future especially in KSA, Oman, and Qatar, as well as the UAE.

Bahrain licensed CoinMENA crypto exchange has 250,000 users and intends to grow its base

Bahrain licensed CoinMENA crypto exchange has 250,000 users and intends to grow its base

In a recent LinkedInpost, MENA crypto exchange CoinMENA fully regulated in Bahrain came out with a new marketing campaign announcing that as a licensed exchange it is serving more than 250,000 users across 8 countries including Bahrain, UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Iraq and Egypt.

Basing their marketing campaign on the concept of trading on a licensed exchange, CoinMENA is calling crypto traders to trade with them given they unlike other unlicensed exchanges are licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain, with a category 3 license.

This campaign comes weeks after UAE’s BitOasis lost its active status for its MVP operational license after VARA, Dubai’s virtual asset regulatory authority, issued a market notificiation stating that it had taken enforcement actions against BitOasis and advised investors and consumers that BitOasis’s MVP operational license is under review for not meeting mandated conditions.

BitOasis had been the first crypto exchange to receive an MVP operational license but was then quick to lose it. Binance now holds this status with Dubai’s VARA authority. BitOasis had applied for a license in Bahrain as well. Additionally CoinMENA is also seeking a license with VARA. 

It would seem that the new marketing campaign by CoinMENA is partly rubbing it in that others have lost their licenses and are unlicensed anywhere, while they have one. Qudos to CoinMENA for making lemonade from the lemons of others!

Bankrupt FTX crypto exchange requests to remove FTX Dubai from Chapter 11 proceedings

Bankrupt FTX crypto exchange requests to remove FTX Dubai from Chapter 11 proceedings

FTX in the USA, sent a motion dismissing Chapter 11 case for its Dubai’s operation regulated under Dubai’s virtual asset regulatory authority (VARA) in UAE. 

FTX VARA holds $4 million as security for the license of the total of $.45 million held by FTX Dubai in several accounts. As per Cointelegraph article, on July 25, VARA confirmed to FTX Dubai management that such restricted cash would be released in the context of the liquidation of FTX Dubai, according to United Arab Emirates law:

As stated in the motion, FTX Dubai established on February 11, 2022 under the laws of the United Arab Emirates to operate a crypto exchange. FTX Dubai is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Debtor FTX Europe AG. Then on July 12, 2022, FTX Dubai was granted a virtual asset service provider license (the “License”) from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (“VARA”). Notwithstanding the grant of the License, FTX Dubai did not offer any crypto-related services to investors in the United Arab Emirates or operate a crypto exchange prior to the Petition Date. On November 10, 2022, VARA suspended the License and, on July 12, 2023, the License expired.”

FTX claims that given the absence of any historical business or resources to commence any business in the future, FTX Dubai has no reasonable likelihood of rehabilitating its operations. Additionally, FTX Dubai is balance sheet solvent. Therefore, the Debtors believe that a solvent voluntary liquidation procedure in accordance with the laws of the United Arab Emirates would allow a timely distribution of the positive cash balance after payment of all outstanding liabilities and liquidation of all assets. To the extent that any creditors filed claims against FTX Dubai in the Chapter 11 Cases, the dismissal of the Chapter 11 Case of FTX Dubai will not impact such claims and will not prejudice any creditor’s ability to pursue such claims directly against FTX Dubai in its local liquidation proceeding.

FTX adds, “  Accordingly, the Debtors believe it is in the best interests of the Debtors and their stakeholders to dismiss the Chapter 11 Case of FTX Dubai at this time.

Liminal crypto wallet custodian partners with Notabene to offer travel rule solution in UAE and globally

Liminal crypto wallet custodian partners with Notabene to offer travel rule solution in UAE and globally

Liminal, a provider of wallet infrastructure and custody solutions, with a presence in the UAE has launched its compliance solutions suite, with Notabene’s Travel Rule solution.

According to recent news pieces, Liminal’s compliance suite presents features to aid clients with their regulatory obligations, including integration to enable communication between virtual asset service providers, providing an interface to fulfil regulatory obligations, supplying compliance solutions to prioritise data protection, allowing customisation to cater to compliance, and real-time monitoring and alerts to address compliance issues.

Rahil Shaikh, AVP of product and blockchain, Liminal, stated, “We are looking forward to introducing our compliance solutions suite, strengthened through our collaboration with Notabene. At Liminal, our objective is to drive innovation within the digital asset industry, and this partnership aims to reinforce our commitment to providing regulatory-compliant solutions for our clients. By joining forces with Notabene, we seem to have empowered our customers with travel rule compliance.”

Liminal’s latest suite of compliance solutions, coupled with Notabene’s innovative Travel Rule integration, empowers clients with an efficient means to navigate compliance challenges. Liminal’s compliance suite presents a wealth of powerful features to aid clients in meeting their regulatory obligations, including:

a) Seamless Integration: The integration will enable smooth and secure communication between virtual asset service providers, streamlining the sharing of transactional data in compliance with regulatory mandates. 

b) Simplified Compliance Processes: Liminal’s suite empowers clients with a user-friendly interface that simplifies the compliance journey. Users can now effortlessly fulfill their regulatory obligations, saving time and resources. 

c) Enhanced Security: Security is of paramount importance in the world of digital assets. Liminal’s compliance solutions prioritize data protection, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure throughout the compliance process. 

d) Customizable Solutions: Recognizing the diverse nature of businesses operating in the cryptocurrency sector, Liminal’s suite allows customization to cater to specific compliance needs, ensuring flexibility and adaptability. 

e) Real-time Monitoring: With real-time monitoring and alerts, clients can proactively address compliance issues, thereby mitigating risks and reinforcing trust with regulatory bodies.

Liminal in May announced that it had applied for a license at at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) in an effort to offer regulated service in the region. Liminal which claims to have processed crypto transactions worth $5.6 billion on its platform, with over $550 million worth of assets under protection, believes that people will use digital assets either as part of investment or a part of underlying fundamental technology.

Mahin Gupta, Founder, Liminal stated to Khaleej Times, “Regulation will become uniform across the globe. UAE has taken a first mover advantage in the field of digital asset regulation, with much clarity. They have a clear idea about how they want to look at Metaverse, how they want to look at trading, how they want to look at custody and how they want to look at blockchain as a service and blockchain as a platform for other applications.”

Prior to that Liminal partnered with Dubai based payment gateway platform Magik Labs. Through this partnership, Liminal would empower Magik Labs to create a series of transit payment wallets to receive payments from their users. These payments will then be converted to desired tokens or NFTs via connectivity to other decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregators, over the counter (OTC) desks or trading platforms. Liminal’s MPC hot wallets will enable transit wallet addresses and provide automation of transaction flows.

At the time, Manan Vora, senior vice president, strategy and operations at Liminal had noted, “Our partnership with Magik Labs is a part of our continued efforts to strengthen Liminal’s position in the Mena region as the first choice of businesses for digital wallet infrastructure services.”

The compliance solutions suite will be offered to Liminal’s clients, including exchanges, custodians, and institutional investors. 

Saudi Arabia moving forward with blockchain and Web3 through new royal partnerships

Saudi Arabia moving forward with blockchain and Web3 through new royal partnerships

Saudi Arabia is moving forward with Blockchain and Web3 with partnerships such as the one between Indian Beyond Imagination technologies, a blockchain Web3 tech company and Saudi Aba’ad Alkhayal software company Co-founded by Princess Hesah Al Saud.

With this partnership Beyond Imagination technologies will expand into the Middle East.

Aba’ad Alkhayal is a Saudi-based software company that leverages the latest technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence to help businesses thrive in the digital age.

The partnership aims  to ideate, develop, and deploy solutions that will help Middle East clients with blockchain. The move comes as part of the company’s commitment to fostering blockchain adoption and innovation across various industries in the region.

“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey, committed to reshaping the future of technology,” said Princess Hesah Al Saud, Co-Founder, Aba’ad Alkhayal. “With this partnership, we envision a future where we harness the power of blockchain to unlock the full potential of our economy. This new beginning will pave the way for digital transformation, creating countless employment opportunities for our citizens and empowering our students with the knowledge and skills needed to embrace this digital revolution. Thus, we aim to drive positive social impact and create a better tomorrow in Saudi Arabia through technology.”

Beyond Imagination Technologies will provide its flagship solution BitMemoir to Aba’ad Alkhayal, which will help clients with digital certifications. Users can convert personal identifiers, property documents, and other sensitive materials into digital certificates, or NFTs, and store them in their own wallets. By utilizing blockchain technology, BitMemoir enables users to own their personal documents in perpetuity.

“We are excited to bring our cutting-edge blockchain solution to the Middle East, “said Mr. Nikhil Goyal, Co-Founder – Technology, Aba’ad Alkhayal. “Our expansion into this dynamic region marks a significant milestone in our journey to revolutionize industries and empower businesses with the potential of blockchain technology. We firmly believe that blockchain has the power to reshape the future, and we are committed to being at the forefront of this transformation.”

He further added, “By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to unleash the full potential of its citizens and resources, embracing digital transformation to forge a brighter, interconnected future for all. This ambitious path includes the transformation of the Kingdom into a fully digitized society, a beacon of technological advancement and innovation. Thus, being the frontrunners in the blockchain space, we want to contribute to this aim of the nation to our full potential.”

As part of its expansion strategy, Beyond Imagination Technologies plans to establish more regional offices and collaborate with local partners to enhance its reach and support customers more effectively. By engaging with the vibrant Middle Eastern community, Beyond Imagination Technologies seeks to foster knowledge sharing, workshops, and events to promote blockchain education and awareness.

Abu Dhabi’s twofour54, and UAE ADNEC Group to build metaverse enabled film studio

Abu Dhabi’s twofour54, and UAE ADNEC Group to build metaverse enabled film studio

Abu Dhabi’s twofour54 part of  UAE’s ADNEC Group, plan to build a major film studio – ‘twofour54 Studios’ to span over 100 acres, twofour54 Studios will be a future-proof, virtual production-ready, metaverse-enabled and fully-fledged production destination, addressing high demand in the regional and global production landscape. 

Spanning 400,000 sqm (4,400,000 sqft), twofour54 Studios will boast an impressive range of features including 11 best-in-class soundstages, a 3,000 sqm (32,000 sqft) exterior water tank and six versatile standing sets offering filmmakers ample opportunities for inventive storytelling. Complementing this lot will be 7,000 sqm (over 75,000 sqft) of office space and an array of other production facilities, encompassing post-production, permanent tenancies and screening rooms. At twofour54 Studios, every aspect has been carefully designed to foster an environment that nurtures creativity and ensures a seamless and efficient production process.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Board Member, Managing Director and CEO of ADNEC Group, said: “The creative industries have been identified as one of Abu Dhabi’s priority sectors given the important economic and social value they create. We are proud to drive Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a leading global destination for content creation through twofour54 Studios. It will take film and TV production to the next level, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy following its completion in 2025.”

“twofour54 has facilitated thousands of productions over the last 15 years, establishing a compelling track record and building a deep expertise of the global film industry’s demands. Leveraging this invaluable experience, twofour54 identified an opportunity in the MENA region – the demand for an integrated, future-ready production destination. We remain steadfast in our mission to foster creativity, nurture talent and provide a world-class platform where visionaries can bring their cinematic dreams to life.”  said Mark Whitehead, CEO of twofour54.

UAE DMCC Crypto Center and TDEFI incubator offers $100 K to select startups with the launch of second cohort

UAE DMCC Crypto Center and TDEFI incubator offers $100 K to select startups with the launch of second cohort

UAE DMCC crypto center TDeFi , a global Web3 incubator and consultancy company,  have entered the final phase of registrations for the second cohort of a Web3 startup incubator at the DMCC Crypto Centre. Last day for applications is September 1st 2023. TDEFI will offer $100,000 for select startups with VC Funding. 

All applicants will receive priority guidance and services from DMCC to formally set up in the DMCC Crypto Centre, with a handful of successful businesses set to receive USD 100,000 in liquidity from TDeFi, subject to meeting the criteria. Applications close on 1st September 2023.

The five-week programme is focused on enhancing expertise including refining business strategies, ensuring Web3 compliance, and marketing. The accelerator will culminate in a VC-focused fundraising event, ultimately bringing a new wave of innovative Web3 businesses to Dubai.

Ahmad Hamza, Executive Director – Free Zone, DMCC, said, “Providing a platform for success is an intrinsic trait of DMCC, and the Web3 space is no different. Through our Crypto Centre we are proud to be bringing this exciting accelerator opportunity to a new wave of innovative Web3 businesses to Dubai, particularly as the emirate grows as a competitive knowledge-based economy. With the mentoring services and liquidity on offer through TDeFi, there has never been a better time to establish a crypto business in the emirate.”

Gaurav Dubey, CEO TDeFi, added,  “From ideation to developing business scaling strategies, our extensive accelerator programme is designed to prepare nascent Web3 businesses for VC funding rounds and operating efficiently in the real-world. We are excited to partner with DMCC for this second cohort, developing these startups into thriving businesses.”

The second cohort follows on from the successful first round in March, in which 15 Web3 businesses successfully graduated from the accelerator programme.

With an impressive lineup of over 20 mentorship sessions led by senior leaders from the Web3 industry, such as Coinbase Singapore, StepN, Footprint Analytics, Hacken, Enjin, and more, participants will gain insights spanning from compliance practices to the intricacies of Token Engineering and Markets Management. This comprehensive journey is poised to attract a fresh influx of Web3 enterprises to Dubai and guide nascent concepts toward thriving businesses under expert tutelage.

Blockchain trade finance platform UAE Trade Connect processes $27 million in transactions

Blockchain trade finance platform UAE Trade Connect processes $27 million in transactions

Blockchain trade finance platform for banks in the UAE, UAE Trade Connect, an e&enterprise company has announced that it has surpassed $27 million in transactions identifying interbank duplicate financing and preventing fraud attempts.

According to their LinkedIn post, “ This accomplishment serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication and commitment of the 12 leading banks in our consortium to combat fraud in real-time. As we move forward, we remain committed to continuously improving our platform’s capabilities and staying ahead of evolving #fraud tactics.”

UAE Trade Connect includes the following UAE banks, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, ADIB – Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Al Masraf, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Commercial Bank International, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Mashreq Corporate & Investment Banking Group, National Bank of Fujairah, RAKBANK and United Arab Bank.

UAE Trade Connect  is seeking  to offer its solution to Saudi banking sector.

UTC, the fintech blockchain platform of e& enterprise, is the UAE’s first commercialized solution to combat fraud in the trade finance space built on advanced technologies, namely blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI). UTC is a collaborative project of the banking industry and co-created with e& enterprise. It was developed by UAE based Avanza Innovations.

Swiss crypto service provider Laser Digital awarded full crypto license by Dubai’s virtual asset regulator

Swiss crypto service provider Laser Digital awarded full crypto license by Dubai’s virtual asset regulator

Dubai’s virtual asset regulatory authority, VARA has granted Laser Digital Middle East FZE, the crypto arm of Japanese Nomura Holdings, a full crypto license that will allow it to offer virtual asset broker dealer and investment management services in the UAE.

Laser Digital announced that  Laser plans to launch over-the-counter trading services and digital-asset investment products for institutional investors in coming months.

According to VARA website, Laser Digital has been awarded This is the full VARA licence, issued to VASPs which satisfies all of the requirements as specified under the Virtual Assets and Related Activities Regulations 2023. It allows a VASP to offer approved Virtual Asset services to retail customers as well as institutional customers and Qualified Investors.

Laser Digital, which is headquartered in Switzerland with officers in Dubai and London, said in a statement it had received the licence from Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority, allowing it to offer crypto-related broker-dealer, management and investment services.

“VARA’s thorough and consultative process provides institutional investors with the assurance they require to engage in this asset class. With the license now in place, we are looking forward to Laser’s growth over the coming years” said Jez Mohideen,  Co-Head of Global Markets EMEA. Laser Digital

Founded last year by Nomura, Laser Digital was the brainchild of Steven Ashley, the former head of Nomura’s wholesale division, and Jez Mohideen, Nomura’s former Chief Digital Officer.

The UAE Ministry of Finance hints to the launch of Digital Dirham CBDC soon

The UAE Ministry of Finance hints to the launch of Digital Dirham CBDC soon

In a recent LinkedIn post, the UAE Ministry of Finance praised Fintechs and technologies such as AI Big Data and Blockchain and their role in redefining payments stating in a video that the launch of digital dirham soon. The digital dirham project is the CBDC project being developed within the Central Bank of the UAE.

As per the post, “Fintech, the cutting-edge integration of digital technology into financial services is reshaping the future of finance. From AI to Big Data and blockchain, fintech innovations optimise investments and redefine payments.”

In the video the UAE Ministry of Finance states, “ The UAE has started its digital currency strategy and the digital dirham is on the way!”

In April 2023, it was announced that R3 was chosen by UAE Central Bank as its technology partner to design and build a CBDC for the first phase of the central bank’s CBDC project because it is a permissioned based DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) that decentralize assets privately and works well in regulated industries, but more importantly is its interoperability and asset fluidity. R3 will not only assist UAE’s Central Bank in developing a CBDC but also in tokenizing financial and non-financial activities, in addition to the digitalization of other financial services.

The Central Bank of UAE announced on March 23rd 2023 that it had commenced the implementation of its CBDC strategy in partnership with technology entities, UAE based G42 Cloud and Blockchain global solution provider R3. R3 then followed this with its own press release on April 4th 2023 explaining on the UAE Central Bank CBDC project including as well Clifford Chance who will be providing critical legal oversight for the strategy. 

Blockchain technology offers tremendous potential for the banking and financial services industry, and it’s estimated to create $3.1 trillion in new business value by 2030 across all sectors.

79% of those in financial services believe that blockchain and digital assets will be important to the industry over the next two years. 

It would seem that the UAE Ministry of Finance is preparing and readying the public for the launch of UAE’s CBDC the digital dirham,