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.

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.


The global blockchain and cryptocurrency community is set to converge at the 7th edition of Crypto Expo Dubai on May 21–22, 2025, at the Zabeel Hall – 6, Dubai World Trade Centre. This premier event in the MENA region offers two dynamic days of innovation, networking, and insights into the evolving digital finance landscape.

At the event there is expected to be over 10,000 attendees that include investors, developers, startups, and crypto enthusiasts from around the globe.
Additionally the event will cover topics such as AI-powered blockchain applications, decentralized finance (DeFi), real-world asset tokenization, regulatory developments, institutional adoption of crypto assets and the future of digital currencies.

Key Highlights


● Crypto Mining Focus – HashMining Summit: Dive into in-depth conversations about the evolving crypto mining landscape, including strategies to maximize hash power, adopt eco-conscious mining solutions, and enhance blockchain infrastructure for sustainable growth.
● Next-Gen Tech: Web3 & AI Fusion: Explore how the convergence of Web3 frameworks and artificial intelligence is reshaping the digital economy, boosting automation, user ownership, and decentralized innovation across crypto ecosystems.
● Panel Discussions: Engage in conversations about building blockchain ecosystems, the future of DAOs, and the impact of CBDCs on the economy.


Ticket Information
Early bird tickets are now available:
● Visitor Pass: $19 (Full Price: $99)
● Standard Pass: $109 (Full Price: $299)
● Delegate Pass: $399 (Full Price: $1,299)

● VIP Pass: $999 (Full Price: $2,499)


Each pass offers varying levels of access, including exhibition entry, conference sessions, networking opportunities, and VIP amenities.
About Crypto Expo Dubai

Event Details:
📅 Date: 21-22 May 2025
📍 Venue: Zabeel Hall – 6, Dubai World Trade Centre
For registration and more information, visit Crypto Expo Dubai.

H.H Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security advisor, as well as the son of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates has been continuously busy meeting with top governmental officials as well as technology CEOs as he ramps up the Artificial Intelligence future of the UAE. Most of his meetings usually culminate in high level investments or announcements, so his recent meeting with the chairman of AMD and White House senior advisor for AI and crypto could mean something big is coming soon.

In less than three months, H.H. Al Nahyan has met three times with David Sacks, the White House Senior Advisor for AI and Crypto. In his third meeting on May 11th, the pair discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in AI Innovation. H.H. Al Nahyan noted, ” Our discussion reflects the ongoing momentum in UAE-USA economic relations, where collaboration in advances technologies serves as a cornerstone for building smart sustainable digital future.”

Prior to that during his second meeting in the USA coincided with his official visit to Washington, where he met with US President Donald Trump, along with several senior officials and global business leaders including The visit included meetings with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Special Advisor on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Currencies David Sacks.

At the time, the meeting explored ways to strengthen bilateral relations and the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries. Discussions also covered prospects for investment in key sectors, including Artificial Intelligence, advanced technology, infrastructure, industry, energy, and healthcare.

During meetings with CEOs and leaders of global companies, opportunities for joint investment were reviewed, with a focus on harnessing the potential of advanced technologies, AI, and innovation to drive inclusive development, increase growth, and improve quality of life.

At the end of that visit, several announcements and agreements. Notably, Nvidia and xAI joined the “AI Infrastructure Partnership”, an initiative aimed at advancing and accelerating the development of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. ADQ and Energy Capital Partners (ECP), the largest private owner of power generation and renewables in the USA, announced a 50:50 joint venture based in the United States. The partnership aims to invest US$25 billion in new energy projects.

In addition, the Abu Dhabi Department of Government Enablement signed an agreement on behalf of the Government of Abu Dhabi with Microsoft and Core42, a subsidiary of G42 specialised in sovereign cloud, AI, and digital services. The agreement involves the implementation of a joint sovereign cloud system to enhance government service efficiency and develop new digital solutions.

His first meeting with Sacks on March 11th 2025, was an exploration one, where they discussed the transformative effects of AI across various sectors and the expanding role of digital currencies in reshaping financial systems, and the investment opportunities emerging at their convergence. Four days after his comment about the investment opportunities emerging at the convergence of AI and crypto, MGX chaired by H.H. made a $2 billion investment in Binance, bridging the investments being made in AI by MGX with crypto.

Now, in his most recent X post, he discussed his meeting with Lisa Su, the Chairman and CEO of AMD, the global chipmaker. In his X post he noted that with the accelerating trends in the field of AI and the pivotal role of compute infrastructure in shaping the future of technology, the meeting ” explored opportunities for collaboration.” He added that strategic partnerships with leading tech companies remain a cornerstone in advancing progress of regional and global development.

This comes as U.S. President Donald Trump will be visiting UAE in the next few days. As reported on CNN, “The UAE sees a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a significant contributor in AI and advanced technology,” Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, told CNN. “The commitment to invest $1.4 trillion… aligns with the UAE’s goal to diversify its economy away from its over reliance on hydrocarbons to ensure prosperity for the country in the future.” But it won’t be easy for Abu Dhabi to achieve its stated goal of becoming a global leader in AI by 2031 without advanced American microchips.

So will the meeting with AMD Chairman preceded by a third meeting with Sacks, culminate in a huge micro-chip deal that will propel the UAE into the AI future?

The Dubai Digital Assets Association (D2A2), dedicated to advancing education, collaboration, and innovation in the digital asset industry, has partnered with CoinMENA FZE, a digital asset brokerage licensed by Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority serving the MENA region.As part of the partnership, D2A2 and CoinMENA will collaborate on thought leadership, events, and joint initiatives that empower users, support startups, and engage regulators and policymakers to help shape the future of crypto in the Middle East.

As per the press release, the partnership marks a key milestone in the mission to create a more connected and compliant digital asset ecosystem across the region. Together, D2A2 and CoinMENA will work to support greater access to digital assets, enhance regional regulatory dialogue, and foster innovation for both retail and institutional market participants.

CoinMENA provides both retail and institutional investors with secure and reliable access to digital assets. Its commitment to safety and accessibility aligns closely with D2A2’s mission to promote best practices, education, and responsible innovation in the digital asset sector.

In 2024, Dubai’s virtual assets regulatory accomplishments was the center of discussions at an event hosted by Dubai Digital Assets Association (D2A2), supported by Dubai Chamber of Commerce. On the one-year anniversary of VARA (Virtual assets regulatory authority) in Dubai, the forum provided a platform for industry stakeholders to review and analyze the development of the regulatory landscape for virtual assets and the challenges industry is facing. The feedback and insights gathered during the roundtable discussion were consolidated into a submission by D2A2 on behalf of the stakeholders to regulatory authorities for suitable action.

The Egyptian Financial Regulatory Authority has issued a warning against dealing with unlicensed financial entities including those marketing crypto and virtual assets.

As per the notice on their website, “Unlicensed entities and online platforms operating in the field of receiving & pooling funds for investment will face legal consequences. Do not participate in subscriptions for any securities (shares and bonds) unless the Authority has explicitly approved the public offering. Exercise extreme caution and avoid investing through companies lacking the necessary licenses to receive funds for investment or platforms offering financing without authorization.”

They also warned citizens against investing in virtual and encrypted currencies. ” FRA warns citizens against investing in virtual and encrypted currencies.”

The Egyptian FRA stated, that the negative list of unlicensed entities offering non=bank financial services and products would be released soon and asked citizens to report unlicensed product solicitations.

The FRA added that there are a number of website and social media platforms that are promoting and soliciting public investment in projects in exchange for returns, all without the necessary operational licenses or approvals. These actions are in direct breach of Capital Market Law No. 95 of 1992, Article 4, which unequivocally requires a Financial Regulatory Authority-approved prospectus for any public offering.

Lastly the Egyptian FRA once again warned Egyptian citizens against illegal promotion of virtual encrypted currencies, or cryptocurrencies. It states, ” We urgently warn all Egyptian market participants to be extremely vigilant and avoid recent solicitations to engage in these currencies due to their substantial risks, potential involvement in financial crimes and cyber piracy, lack of underlying value for stability and user protection and the exposure of users to fraud and legal repercussions for violating Egyptian law. Egyptian law prescribes imprisonment and/or a fine of one to ten million Egyptian pounds for anyone trading, promoting or offering activities related to these currencies without prior authorization from the relevant bodies.”

Egyptian Central Bank issued Fines against crypto violators

In 2022, The central bank of Egypt once again reiterated its warning against dealing in any type of cryptocurrencies, saying that crypto is risky, highly volatile, and is used in financial crimes and e-piracy. The Central Bank of Egypt noted it would fine anyone who violates the Law No 194 of 2020 which prohibits issuing, trading, promoting cryptocurrencies, operating crypto exchanges or any other related activities. The Central Bank will fine violators up to $516,000 ( 10 million LE) or face imprisonment.

Egyptian crypto growth doubles

In 2023, Triple A research noted that crypto ownership had doubled in countries such as Egypt. As they noted in January 2023 there were 420 million crypto owners globally; this is up from their previous report in January 2022 where they had stated there were 300 million crypto owners globally. In the Arab world biggest growth was seen in Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia, and even Iraq.

Dubai Department of Finance (DOF) , the governmental entity responsible for budget and its execution has signed an MOU ( Memorandum of Understanding) with Global UAE regulation Crypto.com to allow crypto payments for governmental fees.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the Dubai FinTech Summit in the presence of senior officials. Once the system is activated, individuals and businesses will be able to use Crypto.com’s digital wallet to pay for government services.

The platform will convert crypto payments into AED Fiat currency and securely transfer the funds to Dubai Finance accounts. As per the announcement the move supports the Dubai Cashless Strategy, which aims to boost the local economy and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global leader in financial innovation and digital transformation.

Just last week, Crypto.com and Emarat gas stations also signed an agreement to allow for crypto payments at gas stations in the UAE.

While Eric Trump noted that they would accept crypto for Trump Towers project in the UAE, as well as noting that the World Liberty Financial USD stablecoin (USD1) is the stablecoin that will be used for the UAE MGX Binance deal.

 96 firms have shown interest in participating in UAE’s Dubai Financial Services Authority ( DFSA) tokenization regulatory sandbox. As per the DFSA announcement, the launch of the sandbox is part of DFSA’s strategy to support responsible financial innovation within the Dubai International Free Center.

The Tokenization Regulatory Sandbox forms part of the DFSA’s Innovation Testing License program and supports the regulator’s broader commitment to fostering innovation while maintaining market integrity and protecting investors. Expressions of interest came from a diverse range of sectors that are exploring the tokenization of financial assets and instruments, including those associated with the tokenization of shares, bonds (including Islamic bonds (sukuk)), units in a fund, and the trading and safe custody of those assets – reflecting the broad potential of tokenization across the financial ecosystem.

Interest came from both financial institutions and startups.

Justin Baldacchino, Managing Director, Supervision, DFSA, said, “We are excited to see such strong interest in the DFSA’s Tokenisation Regulatory Sandbox and to talk about it at the Dubai FinTech Summit. This momentum supports the DFSA’s strategic commitment – and aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 goal – to position Dubai among the world’s top four global financial hubs by 2033. The sandbox marks a new chapter in our engagement with innovative financial technologies, enabling firms to safely test tokenized solutions in a transparent, measured, and responsible manner, within a well-regulated environment, without being subject to the full suite of regulatory requirements that would otherwise apply.”

The DFSA’s themed sandbox approach enables targeted supervision, constructive regulatory dialogue, and the development of tailored policy responses to emerging financial technologies while fostering responsible innovation in the market.

Following the Expressions of Interest stage, selected firms will be invited to apply for an Innovation Testing License and enter a live testing phase under DFSA oversight, where they can refine their offerings while addressing critical areas such as investor protection, transparency, and financial stability. Upon successful completion of the program, firms may apply to transition to a full, unrestricted license, or withdraw their Innovation Testing License.

Prior to the launch of the tokenization regulatory sandbox, the DFSA has launched an explainer guide for its Innovation Testing License. The Innovation Testing License – the DFSA’s regulatory sandbox – is a restricted financial services license that allows eligible firms to test innovative financial products, services, and business models within a controlled environment with temporary modifications to existing regulatory requirements whilst being subject to close supervisory oversight. Launched in 2017, the Innovation Testing License remains a cornerstone of the DFSA’s approach to support the responsible development of financial technology solutions in the DIFC.

Designed as a practical tool for firms interested in applying for the license, the DFSA’s Innovation Testing License explainer guide offers clear and accessible information on how to engage with the DFSA’s regulatory sandbox, test innovative solutions, and navigate the path to full authorization. It outlines the purpose of the license, eligibility criteria, application process, and obligations firms must meet during the testing phase.

Asian based HashKey Group (“HashKey”), digital asset financial services group, has secured a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to provide both Virtual Asset Exchange Services and Virtual Asset Broker-Dealer Services within, and originating from, the Emirate of Dubai. The crypto exchange service will go live on May 19th 2025.

As per the press release, the license is part of HashKey’s expansion in the MENA region and will help to meet growing institutional needs. In January 2025, HashKey has announced it would soon be licensed in the UAE.

HashKey will offer clients several features such as USD and AED deposits and withdrawals, fiat on and off-ramping so that users can directly transfer USD from their bank account to HashKey Global MENAA’s fiat wallet. Standard Chartered will provide the fiat currency deposit and withdrawal services for the platform.

In addition HashKey will also be offering OTC services for the top 10 major tokens, through HashKey Global MENA, which will deliver regulated block trading with competitive all-inclusive pricing, ensuring transparent quotes and zero hidden fees for market-leading rates. While large orders benefit from instant execution, eliminating slippage risks, while flexible settlement options cater to institutional and HNWI liquidity needs.

“As a licensed platform, HashKey Global MENA embraces institutional needs by offering a regulated gateway for fiat-crypto transactions, backed by institutional-grade safeguards and strategic partnerships like Standard Chartered. Our regional expansion ambitions, with a strategic focus on the GCC, are rooted in empowering MENA’s institutions and HNWIs with seamless, cost-efficient access to global crypto markets, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a hub for blockchain innovation while prioritizing compliance and client protection at every step,” said Sherif Sanad, Country Manager, HashKey Global MENA.

As for the future, HashKey Global MENA will deliver not just virtual asset trading services, but aims to evolve and develop innovative digital asset products, designed and delivered within VARA’s robust regulatory and compliance framework.

HashKey Group already holds digital asset-related licenses from regulators in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and Bermuda, as well as VASP registration in Ireland and is actively pursuing a MiCA license in the EU.

Hong Kong, OSL Wealth, a wealth management platform tailored for traditional investors managing crypto assets of OSL Group (HKEX: 863), has signed a distribution partnership with UAE-regulated Nine Blocks Capital Management, a regulated and institutional crypto hedge fund management and the first and only crypto hedge fund regulated by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

As per the press release, through this collaboration, OSL Wealth will offer qualified investors access to UAE and Hong Kong based Nineblocks’ flagship USD Market Neutral Fund and BTC Market Neutral Fund, marking a significant milestone in the institutional adoption of digital asset investment strategies.

The partnership addresses growing demand from institutional investors seeking crypto exposure via regulated fund managers. This will enable OSL clients to generate returns on the USD/stable coin assets as well as generate yield on their Bitcoin holdings.

Nine Blocks’ market-neutral approach combines sophisticated quantitative strategies with rigorous risk management frameworks to deliver consistent returns across market cycles. The USD Market Neutral Fund enables investors to generate returns on their USD and stable coin assets. The BTC Market Neutral Fund enables long term BTC holders to generate yield on their Bitcoin assets without losing Bitcoin exposure.

Eugene Cheung, Chief Commercial Officer of OSL, emphasised the strategic importance of this partnership, “As digital assets mature into an institutional asset class, investors increasingly require sophisticated strategies that align with traditional portfolio construction principles. Nineblocks’ VARA-regulated market-neutral solutions represent exactly what discerning allocators demand – the innovation potential of crypto assets combined with institutional-grade risk management and compliance standards. This partnership enables us to provide clients with tools to navigate digital markets while maintaining their existing risk parameters.”

Henri Arslanian, Co-Founder of Nine Blocks Capital Management, commented, “We believe that many HNWIs and family office investors want to access crypto products through platforms that are regulated and institutional-grade. We are pleased to partner with OSL to deliver such products to the Hong Kong and Asian markets.”