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Sharjah Maritime academy launched Blockchain micro credentials

Sharjah Maritime academy launched Blockchain micro credentials

Sharjah Maritime Academy (SMA)has launched a blockchain-based Micro-Credentials through its partnership with EduChain and it has developed an AI-powered smart campus.

SMA has automated 85% of its processes, using AI to create a smart, sustainable, and student-first academic environment. This isn’t a cosmetic shift – it’s systemic. From personalized learning to real-time analytics, SMA is building the digital infrastructure students need to thrive in tomorrow’s world.

SMA is the first maritime institution in the UAE to issue blockchain-based micro-credentials, through a partnership with Educhain. Every certificate, badge, and transcript is now tamper-proof, instantly verifiable, and globally shareable – making SMA students skills-first professionals ready for a tech-driven future.

“This is bigger than maritime,” said chancellor Dr Hashim Al Zaabi. “It’s about redefining education in a world where technology, automation, and sustainability shape every industry. We’re not catching up; we’re setting the pace.”

With digital-first systems, strategic partnerships, and graduates built for what’s next, SMA isn’t waiting for the future of education – it’s delivering it.

Saudi Central Bank invests in MicroStrategy who are Big on Bitcoin

Saudi Central Bank invests in MicroStrategy who are Big on Bitcoin

Saudi Central Bank better known as SAMA in a recent SEC ( Securities and Commodities Exchange) 13F filing has disclosed that it has invested and holds 25,656 shares in MicroStrategy Inc. For those not familiar with MicroStrategy, now known as Strategy, it is an award-winning AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Business Intelligence platform trusted to deliver intelligence everywhere, on any cloud, at enterprise scale.

It is also one of the biggest buyers of Bitcoin. Its strategy has been to issue equity, debt and preferred stock to acquire the digital currency, and it has been on a buying spree. Its Bitcoin holdings have more than doubled since Sept 2024, when it held 252,200 coins. It had about 447,000 coins at the end of 2024. Now, MicroStrategy owns 568,840 bitcoins as of May 12, 2025.

Its CEO Michael Saylor in an interview on Al Arabiya encouraged countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and Kuwait to purchase Bitcoin as well. In the Al Arabiya English interview with Hadley Gamble, he works to convince the globe on why Bitcoin is the center of the AI economy, and why countries including KSA, Kuwait, Qatar, and UAE as well as the rest of the world should buy Bitcoin. He then states that GCC region with its low taxation, its digital asset regulations, and its trusted banking sector could become the trusted digital asset custodians for the digital economy.

MicroStrategy states the average purchase price as $66,384.56 USD per bitcoin with a total cost of $33.139 billion USD.

Now, Saudi Central Bank, has indirectly become an investor in Bitcoin with its 25,656 Shares in MicroStrategy.

The Saudi Central Bank is not the first with exposure to Bitcoin. Prior to this Mubadala Fund of UAE invested in Bitcoin ETF with BlackRock. More recently Mubadala increased its investment in Black Rock’s Bitcoin ETF. It now holds a $408.5 million stake in IShare Bitcoin Trust (IBIT). While MGX, UAE sovereign Fund and a big investor in AI, recently invested $2 billion into Binance.

Even Bahrain based Al Abraaj Restaurants Group B.S.C. (Ticker: ABRAAJ) (“Company”), a public listed company on the Bahrain Bourse, has announced that it put Bitcoin on its balance sheet. The Group has purchased Bitcoin in partnership with U.S. based 10X Capital, becoming the first publicly traded company in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Gulf Cooperation Council (“GCC”), and the Middle East to acquire Bitcoin as a treasury asset.

While Saudi Arabia has yet to come out with its crypto regulation, it has been investing heavily in Web3 technologies, including AI, Blockchain and others. Could this be the beginning of an opening up to crypto after the United States seems to have changed its stance on the asset, or just another AI investment? It just might be both!


UAE Sovereign Fund Mubadala increases investment in Bitcoin

UAE Sovereign Fund Mubadala increases investment in Bitcoin

While the rumor mill across the crypto ecosystem over the past days speculated that countries such as Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia were investing in Bitcoin, Mubadala, Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, disclosed a $408.5 million stake in IShare Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) in a 13F filing released on My 15th 2025.

The fund reported holding 8,726,972 shares as of March 31, 2025, an increase from 8,235,533 shares reported at the end of 2024. This increased exposure showcases the perception change regarding Bitcoin and crypto in general after President Trump has taken office.

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

At the time while 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.

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.

Bahrain Restaurant Group also announced investment in Bitcoin

Bahrain based Al Abraaj Restaurants Group B.S.C. (Ticker: ABRAAJ) (“Company”), a public listed company on the Bahrain Bourse, announced that it has put Bitcoin on its balance sheet. As per the news on Zawya, the Group has purchased Bitcoin in partnership with U.S. based 10X Capital, becoming the first publicly traded company in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Gulf Cooperation Council (“GCC”), and the Middle East to acquire Bitcoin as a treasury asset.

Al Abraaj has acquired an initial amount of 5 Bitcoin with plans to build on this initial purchase and begin allocating a significant portion of its corporate treasury into Bitcoin.

As per the announcement, Al Abraaj considers Bitcoin to be its reserve treasury asset. Al Abraaj is a profitable company, with 2024 EBITDA of USD $12.5 million.

HODL 2025 ends with a move to KSA in December

HODL 2025 ends with a move to KSA in December

HODL 2025 concluded its highly Dubai edition at Madinat Jumeirah, bringing together a powerful mix of blockchain pioneers, Web3 innovators, DeFi leaders, regulators, and institutional investors from across the globe. The summit, held in alignment with the Dubai FinTech Summit as part of the broader effort to shape the future of finance in the region, reinforced HODL’s position as a leading platform for collaboration and innovation in the decentralized economy.


This edition marked a major milestone in the HODL journey exploring the Future of Decentralized Finance and Web3 in the MENA Region

Over two days, the summit featured 50+ sessions that explored next-generation themes like:
• Blockchain Market Trends 2025
• Innovative Governance for Virtual Assets
• AI x Blockchain: Converging Technologies
• DeFi Evolution and Banking Disruption
• Tokenization of Real-World Assets
• NFTs and the Metaverse Frontier

Attendees included key decision-makers from governments, blockchain networks, crypto exchanges, venture funds, and DAOs, along with founders, CTOs, developers, and asset managers.

“HODL 2025 in Dubai brought together a powerful mix of visionaries shaping the future of digital finance. As we head to Riyadh, we aim to build on this momentum and further accelerate Web3 and blockchain innovation across the region.” Mohammed Saleem, Founder & Chairman of Trescon, the organisers of HODL.

During the Crypto Rulebook: Global Best Practices & Regulatory Measures panel discussion, Dyma Budorin expressed that “We want to have the best ecosystem for entrepreneurs to run their business.”


In the same session, Samir Safar-Aly emphasized that “Regulations need to catch up and work together.”


During the Insuring the Future of Crypto: Bridging Risk & Innovation in the Digital Asset Economy session, Joseph Ziolkowski stated that “Insurance has been a bedrock component of sustainability; it is a $6 trillion market.”

HODL 2025 also hosted high-level networking sessions and investor roundtables, providing a fertile ground for deal-making and strategic partnerships. The event was supported by an impressive roster of sponsors and featured in leading media publications HODL 2025 is proudly supported by leading media outlets, including CNN Business Arabic as the Official Media Partner, Khaleej Times as the Exclusive Media Partner, Entrepreneur Middle East as the Ecosystem Partner, Arabian Business as the Business Media Partner, and ZEX PR Wire as the Digital PR Partner — collectively amplifying its global reach..


HODL 2025 is powered by a strong lineup of sponsors, with Liquid Loans.io as the Platinum Sponsor, Coinvoyage as the After Party Sponsor, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Gofaizen & Sherle as Gold Sponsors, Facephi as the Silver Sponsor, and Skygate Network, FMCPay, Pays Solutions, and PEP as Bronze Sponsors.

HODL 2025 ended with an announcement of HODL Riyadh KSA in December of this year. This comes as Saudi Arabia rapidly emerges as a global tech and finance hub, driven by bold initiatives under Vision 2030, the country is making significant strides in the digital asset and blockchain space. With regulatory clarity evolving and institutional interest accelerating, Riyadh presents a strategic next stop for the HODL platform.

HODL Riyadh will serve as the most important gathering of Web3 leaders, investors, policy-makers, and innovators in the Kingdom – connecting the region’s ambitions with global blockchain ecosystems. This upcoming edition is expected to focus on:
• Regulatory frameworks supporting virtual assets and tokenization
• Institutional DeFi and digital asset adoption
• Public-private collaboration on blockchain infrastructure
• Web3 innovation in financial services, real estate, and logistics

One year after receiving license, BitOasis launches in Bahrain

One year after receiving license, BitOasis launches in Bahrain

BitOasis a crypto trading platform, which received its license in Bahrain in June 2024, and was acquired by CoinDCX crypto exchange, has now officially launched its operations in Bahrain with regional plans to reach 1 million users by 2026. Since its inception in 2016, BitOasis has processed over USD 7.4 billion in trading volume and raised over USD 40 million in funding. It also holds a license in Dubai UAE.

As per the announcement, BitOasis Bahrain will operate under a Crypto-Asset Services License from the Central Bank of Bahrain, delivering secure, compliant, and robust trading services for retail, corporate, and institutional users. It has also launched a premium services for high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients, featuring exclusive VIP offerings and dedicated relationship support. The platform also supports local bank transfers, ensuring seamless and efficient deposits and withdrawals across the GCC.

Attendees at the launch event were joined by Ali Dashti, the General Manager of BitOasis Bahrain, Ola Doudin, CEO and Co-Founder of BitOasis, and Sumit Gupta, Co-Founder of CoinDCX.

“Today marks a significant milestone as we proudly launch BitOasis in Bahrain,” said Ola Doudin, CEO and Co-Founder of BitOasis. “BitOasis has always stood for trust, providing the best experience for users, and maintaining a robust platform. With the backing of CoinDCX for over a year now, we are accelerating that mission. CoinDCX’s 200+ strong technology team now powers the platform’s backend, unlocking faster performance, deeper liquidity, stronger security, and a significantly enhanced product suite. Our ambition is clear: to reach one million users across the region by 2026, setting the gold standard for compliance, innovation, and customer experience.”.

According to IMARC Consulting, the GCC cryptocurrency market was valued at $744.3 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $3.5 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 16.75%. Additionally, approximately 38% of crypto users in the region have annual incomes exceeding USD 15,000, reflecting a strong base of financially empowered individuals.

“For CoinDCX, MENA is not a market to merely enter—it’s a region to co-build. Since acquiring BitOasis in July 2024, we’ve seen tremendous progress. BitOasis secured a full VASP License from VARA in December 2024, and with its launch in Bahrain, we’re further strengthening our regional presence. By joining forces, we’re creating a platform that’s local at heart but global in strength. Our goal is to transform the market, building the most secure, compliant, and future-ready crypto platform in the region,” said Sumit Gupta, Co-Founder, CoinDCX.

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Bahrain Al Abraaj Restaurants puts Bitcoin on its balance sheet

Bahrain Al Abraaj Restaurants puts Bitcoin on its balance sheet

Bahrain based Al Abraaj Restaurants Group B.S.C. (Ticker: ABRAAJ) (“Company”), a public listed company on the Bahrain Bourse, announced that it has put Bitcoin on its balance sheet. As per the news on Zawya, the Group has purchased Bitcoin in partnership with U.S. based 10X Capital, becoming the first publicly traded company in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Gulf Cooperation Council (“GCC”), and the Middle East to acquire Bitcoin as a treasury asset.

Al Abraaj has acquired an initial amount of 5 Bitcoin with plans to build on this initial purchase and begin allocating a significant portion of its corporate treasury into Bitcoin.

As per the announcement, Al Abraaj considers Bitcoin to be its reserve treasury asset. Al Abraaj is a profitable company, with 2024 EBITDA of USD $12.5 million. This move is designed to enhance the company’s asset portfolio and capitalize on emerging opportunities within the capital markets.​ Al Abraaj aims to innovate with shari’a compliant financial instruments to give the Islamic world broader exposure to Bitcoin.

The Company has partnered with 10X Capital, the NYC-based investment firm with a track record of managing treasury assets for publicly listed companies, and advising and capitalizing listed Bitcoin Treasury Companies, including most recently advising Nakamoto on its $710M financing (Nasdaq:KDLY), the largest capital raise to launch a Bitcoin Treasury Company and the largest private placement for any public bitcoin-related transaction ever. In collaboration with 10X, the Company plans to raise capital to acquire additional Bitcoin, with a goal of maximizing Bitcoin per share.

“Our initiative towards becoming a Bitcoin Treasury Company reflects our forward-thinking approach and dedication to maximizing shareholder value,” said Abdulla Isa, Chairman of the Bitcoin Treasury Committee of Al Abraaj Restaurants Group B.S.C.. “We believe that Bitcoin will play a pivotal role in the future of finance, and we are excited to be at the forefront of this transformation in the Kingdom of Bahrain. 10X is a proven leader in advising and bringing capital to listed Bitcoin Treasury Companies, and we welcome their partnership in helping us build the MicroStrategy of the Middle East.”​

“I’d like to congratulate Abdalla Isa and the team at Al Abraaj for adopting Bitcoin at the corporate treasury level, finally enabling anyone in the GCC with a brokerage account to gain Bitcoin exposure,” said Hans Thomas, CEO of 10X Capital. “Bahrain continues to be a leader in the Middle East in Bitcoin adoption, backed by a forward-thinking regulatory framework.” Mr. Thomas added, “The GCC, with a combined GDP of $2.2 trillion—larger than Canada, Russia, Italy, Brazil, Australia, South Korea, or Spain—over $6 trillion in sovereign wealth funds, and a population of just 57.6 million, has until now lacked a publicly listed Bitcoin treasury company like Strategy (Nasdaq: MSTR), Tesla (Nasdaq: TSLA), or Metaplanet (Tokyo: 3350.T). That changes today with ABRAAJ’s historic Bitcoin purchase, giving investors across Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman access to Bitcoin through a publicly traded stock. In fact, almost anyone in the world can buy ABRAAJ stock by registering with the Bahrain Bourse.”

Al Abraaj Restaurants Group B.S.C. will implement robust custody, portfolio risk management and governance policies to oversee its Bitcoin holdings, including by creating a Bitcoin Committee that will consist of experienced Bitcoin investors and portfolio managers and global capital markets experts. The company intends to provide regular updates to shareholders and stakeholders regarding its Bitcoin-related activities.​

Recently Michael Saylor encouraged sovereign wealth funds in GCC to invest in Bitcoin.

Bitgrit in UAE to democratize AI ownership with Blockchain

Bitgrit in UAE to democratize AI ownership with Blockchain

Bitgrit, a global AI startup, which in 2024 established a DLT Foundation under the regulatory framework of ADGM is seeking to launch their BGR Network, one of the world’s first Web3 protocols to democratize AI ownership, monetization and innovation.

With over 37,000 AI developers from 62 different countries on their platform, Bitgrit has helped organizations like NASA, SoftBank and the Tokyo Government leverage the power of community to solve some of their biggest problems using AI. The company started in Japan and expanded to the UAE in 2021 after being selected for Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s premier startup acceleration program.

Through the Bitgrit platform, companies can crowdsource custom AI solutions through competitions and license off-the shelf community-developed AI models in a quick and affordable manner. The company’s patented GritBox technology ensures developers can train AI models on private datasets without direct access to the underlying data. The launch of the BGR Network now takes these capabilities to the next level—bringing AI assets fully on-chain.

“We’re building a future where AI innovation benefits everyone—not just a few,” said Kazuya Saginawa, CEO of Bitgrit. “From digitizing ownership rights to enhancing transparency, from turning AI into a tradable asset to fostering global collaboration—the BGR Network is setting a new benchmark for AI and blockchain integration. Ultimately, we envision a future where AI models within the Bitgrit ecosystem autonomously communicate and evolve, paving the way for Artificial Super Intelligence.”

The establishment of the Bitgrit DLT Foundation in ADGM allows the company to leverage Abu Dhabi’s world-class regulatory framework and progressive policies to scale its blockchain-powered AI ecosystem. The foundation’s mission is to create a decentralized AI economy where developers, enterprises, and institutions can securely build, license, and stake AI models on-chain.

Saksham Kukreja, COO of Bitgrit, added, “We’re thrilled to be part of Abu Dhabi’s thriving Web3 ecosystem. Launching our own blockchain network was the natural next step but doing it the right way—under a trusted and well-regulated jurisdiction—was just as important to us. ADGM’s strong regulatory framework and progressive policies made it the perfect place to bring this vision to life. With the launch of the Bitgrit DLT Foundation, we’re taking a huge leap forward in bridging AI and blockchain on a global scale.”

Bitgrit has already forged key strategic partnerships within the ADGM Web3 ecosystem, including a collaboration with Changer.ae, a licensed digital asset custody provider, to ensure the secure management of BGR tokens. The BGR Network is also backed by Avalanche, one of the world’s most advanced blockchains known for high-speed, low-cost transactions, reinforcing the network’s scalability and adoption.

Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, CEO of the Registration Authority (RA) of ADGM said, “By establishing its DLT Foundation within ADGM, Bitgrit joins a growing ecosystem that is shaping the future of blockchain and AI innovation. This move underscores the strength of our regulatory framework and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for blockchain advancement. By fostering an environment where emerging technologies can scale responsibly, ADGM is proud to support pioneers like Bitgrit in unlocking new frontiers in decentralised AI ownership and collaboration.”

OKX crypto exchange official crypto partner at Family office summit in UAE

OKX crypto exchange official crypto partner at Family office summit in UAE

The Family Office Summit, a well renowned investment summit being held in Abu Dhabi UAE on May 29th 2025 will have OKX crypto exchange as their official Crypto Partner. OKX joins the roster of other partners that include Mashreq Bank, Nexus Wealth Management, Select Equity and others.

As per the LinkedIN post, “We’re excited to welcome OKX as our official Crypto Partner for the upcoming Family Office Summit in Abu Dhabi. As one of the world’s leading crypto exchanges and Web3 platforms, OKX is helping investors navigate the next chapter of digital assets with trust, innovation, and global scale.”

The post adds that OKX involvement will bring a crucial perspective to our discussions, from tokenization and custody to how family offices are approaching crypto as an alternative asset class.

OKX is a regulated crypto exchange in the UAE.


Tether USDT is now on Kaia Blockchain

Tether USDT is now on Kaia Blockchain

Tether, has deployed natively Tether’s USD₮ on the Kaia blockchain, a layer 1 blockchain that exclusively powers the Web3 Mini Dapp accessible within LINE Messenger by LINE NEXT. Kaia’s DLT Foundation is also registered in the UAE at ADGM.

As per the announcement, the collaboration is expected to deliver USD stablecoin offerings to more than 200 million Asia’s mainstream LINE users, enhancing the everyday application of digital assets. USD₮ will be supported across LINE’s messenger-based Mini Dapp platform and self-custodial wallet infrastructure. As a result, by launching USD₮ on Kaia’s rapidly growing Web3 ecosystem, Tether broadens access to stable transactions of the world’s largest stablecoin to LINE’s 200 million monthly active user base. Meaning, users will be able to utilize USD₮ across Mini Dapps for in-app payments, cross-border transfers, and decentralized finance (DeFi) activities, all within the familiar LINE environment.

LINE NEXT Inc. is LINE’s venture dedicated to developing and expanding the Web3 ecosystem. Currently, Kaia is exclusively powering the Mini Dapp and Dapp Portal ecosystem accessible within LINE Messenger.

Mini Dapps built on the Kaia blockchain are set to introduce a wide range of features powered by USD₮, offering users a seamless digital asset experience within LINE Messenger.

Key features of LINE NEXT’s USD₮ initiatives include rewards, where users can complete missions within various Mini Dapps and receive rewards in USD₮. In addition, users can conveniently send and receive USD₮ with friends directly through the in-app wallet on LINE Messenger, as well as integration of USDT into Mini Dapp is under consideration.

Among digital assets, USD₮ is widely used stablecoins by investors in cryptocurrency transactions, thanks to its price stability, high liquidity, and flexible convertibility. USD₮ is also widely supported by popular wallets such as Trust Wallet, Metamask, and locally used exchange wallets in Vietnam such as Remitano, ONUS.

“Tether’s native launch on Kaia is another step toward making stablecoins accessible to millions of mainstream users,” said Paolo Ardoino, Tether’s CEO. “Through LINE NEXT’s trusted blockchain infrastructure, over 200 million LINE users will now have a straightforward way to engage with digital assets in everyday life. Tether’s expansion to Kaia underscores its commitment to fostering stablecoin adoption across Asia and beyond.”

“Tether’s decision to natively launch USD₮ on Kaia will accelerate the spread of high-end USD-backed stablecoins in Asia, furthering our hybrid payment solutions in collaboration with LINE NEXT,” said Dr. Sam Seo, Chairman of Kaia DLT Foundation. “With the lowest transaction latency among EVM chains and immediate finality, Kaia’s USD₮ will provide the fastest, easiest, and most reliable user experience available across platforms such as LINE, DeFi, and CEXs.”

“LINE NEXT’s adoption of USD₮ will help establish a dollar-based gateway in Asia,” said Youngsu Ko, CEO of LINE NEXT. “By integrating stablecoin-powered services, we aim to bring Web3 services closer to users’ everyday experience.”
Positioned as a strategic gateway for USD-backed stablecoins in Asia, Kaia and LINE NEXT aim to facilitate the widespread circulation of USD₮ and lay the groundwork for USD₮-enabled Web3 services in the region.

The integration of Tether’s market leading stablecoin into Kaia’s robust blockchain and DeFi ecosystem streamlines on/offramps for fiat-to-digital asset conversion and helps drive LINE NEXT’s broader Web3 ambitions.

HODL Blockchain summit starts tomorrow in Dubai

HODL Blockchain summit starts tomorrow in Dubai

The landmark 30th edition of the HODL (Formerly World Blockchain Summit), the world’s longest-running Crypto & Web3 Summit series is set to return to Dubai on 14-15 May 2025 at Madinat Jumeirah. HODL will bring together over 5,000 attendees, including policymakers, regulators, institutional investors, technological innovators, and entrepreneurs to drive critical conversations and partnerships shaping the future of decentralised finance, asset tokenisation, and AI-powered infrastructure.


Organised by Trescon and building on the legacy of the World Blockchain Summit, HODL has hosted 29 editions across key global hubs, including Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok. This milestone event in Dubai cements its position as a leading global platform for blockchain innovation and strategic collaboration.

“HODL has become the definitive platform for blockchain innovation in the Middle East and beyond. This 30th edition marks a turning point as institutional adoption meets breakthrough tech. We’re proud to drive the conversations shaping the future of decentralisation,” said Mohammed Saleem, Founder & Chairman of Trescon.

HODL will spotlight cutting-edge developments driving the crypto and Web3 ecosystem — including real-world asset tokenization, advancements in modular blockchain infrastructure, the next wave of DeFi innovation, evolving regulatory frameworks, and enhanced security protocols for digital assets. These trends are accelerating global momentum toward institutional and enterprise blockchain adoption.

Featuring a powerhouse line-up of speakers including:
• Corbin Fraser, Chief Executive Officer, Bitcoin.com
• Nils Andersen-Röed, Global Head of FIU, Binance
• Gracy Chen, Chief Executive Officer, Bitget
• Rifad Mahasneh, Chief Executive Officer MENA, OKX
• Robert Crossley, Global Head of Industry and Digital Advisory Services, Franklin Templeton
• Joseph Ziolkowski, Chief Executive officer, Relm Insurance

• Viktor Fischer, Managing Partner, RockawayX
• Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer, BingX
• Luther Maday, Global Head of Payments, Algorand Foundation
• Dyma Budorin, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Hacken Click here to see full list of speakers.

“HODL 2025 is where the future of Web3 and crypto innovation takes shape. I am thrilled to collaborate with pioneers shaping this exciting digital revolution,” stated Corbin Fraser, CEO of Bitcoin.com.

Talking about the opportunity, Nils Andersen-Röed, Global Head of FIU at Binance remarked, “Excited to share insights on blockchain and connect with leaders driving GameFi, NFTs, and Web3 advancements at HODL 2025.”

In a significant development for the region’s innovation landscape, HODL has partnered with Pegasus Tech Ventures to host the UAE Regional Round of the Startup World Cup offering emerging blockchain ventures a chance to pitch for a place at the global finals and compete for a $1 million investment. Pegasus has invested in over 260 companies, with 71 exits and 22 IPOs, providing a formidable launchpad for start- up growth.


HODL 2025 provides its attendees unprecedented access to more than 500 institutional investors, creating opportunities for strategic collaborations with industry leaders, regulatory authorities, enterprise organisations, and government officials. This environment is optimally structured for capital formation, strategic insight development, and institutional partnerships.
Reflecting the growing influence of blockchain in global finance, HODL is backed by leading sponsors and ecosystem partners including:
• Platinum Sponsor – Liquid Loans
• After Party Sponsor- Coinvoyage
• Gold Sponsors – Tata Consultancy Services | Gofaizen & Sherle
• Silver Sponsor – Facephi
• Bronze Sponsors – Skygate Network | FMCPAY | Pays.Solutions | P2P

With the strategic support of over 60 global media and listing partners, participating organisations will achieve significant visibility across international platforms. CNN Business Arabic serves as the Official Media Partner, with Khaleej Times as Exclusive Media Partner, and ZEX PR WIRE as the Official Digital PR Distribution Partner.