Chainlink supports UAE’s tokenization projects registered in ADGM

Chainlink supports UAE’s tokenization projects registered in ADGM

UAE ADGM, the leading International Financial Centre (IFC) of the UAE’s capital, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chainlink, the standard for onchain finance, to help advance tokenization frameworks by supporting innovative projects under ADGM’s Registration Authority. Leveraging Chainlink’s technical expertise, industry insights, and a suite of advanced services the entities will maximize the utility of tokenized assets while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Chainlink’s market-leading services, including blockchain interoperability and verifiable data solutions, are facilitating liquidity across global markets, enabling over $19 trillion in transaction value.

Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, CEO of ADGM Registration Authority said, “This strategic alliance is a significant step in further solidifying ADGM’s leadership in enabling blockchain innovation and enhancing alignment in the regulatory approach globally. By collaborating with Chainlink, we are aiming to set a global benchmark that spearheads transparency, security, and trust across the blockchain space.

Under the MoU, ADGM and Chainlink will foster a dialogue on regulatory matters in blockchain, AI, and other emerging technologies. The agreement also outlines a series of events and workshops aimed at educating the UAE ecosystem on key topics related to blockchain and AI, such as tokenization, cross-chain interoperability, proof of reserves, and emerging blockchain standards.

Angie Walker, Global Head of Banking and Capital Markets at Chainlink Labs and Senior Executive Officer at Chainlink Labs Abu Dhabi said, “ADGM has developed a robust environment where tokenisation projects can thrive. Our alliance will elevate the blockchain ecosystem in the UAE, driving greater innovation and adoption. We are excited to see projects under the purview of ADGM Registration Authority adopt the Chainlink standard, enabling seamless compliance, enhanced connectivity across markets, and highly secure on-chain services.

Chainlink has been active in the MENA region. In February 2025 Saudi based Oumla, a Layer 1 blockchain platform that allows applications to be built on any blockchain with ease, as well as offers a secure vault infrastructure for storing digital assets announced its partnership with Chainlink.

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

In December 2024, Chainlink Labs, expanded its presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and set up an office and an entity in Abu Dhabi under the Registration Authority of ADGM.

Lebanon wont get USAID if its not on the blockchain

Lebanon wont get USAID if its not on the blockchain

As the United States President Donald Trump overhauls USAID with a new name as well as a proposed integration with Blockchain, Lebanon whose USAID funds were semi frozen might need to integrate Blockchain into its digitization strategy if it wants to be able to get USAID in the future.

President Donald Trump in a recent speech at the Digital Asset Summit in New York, plans to restructure USAID and rebrand it as U.S. International Humanitarian Assistant placing it under the Secretary of State’s authority.

This is in line with Elon Musk’s call to put the U.S. Treasury department on the blockchain as well, considering it would create efficiency and help to decrease costs in government. His view is that the transparency and immutability of the blockchain technology, which ensures all transactions are visible for everyone to see for the rest of time, would eradicate alleged fraud.

Blockchain to be incorporated into USAID


As per a memo circulating among State Department staff, Trump wants to integrate blockchain technology into USAID’s procurement system to enhance security, transparency, and traceability in aid distributions.


It would leverage a blockchain to trace aid distributions and enforce payment models based on outcomes rather than inputs. “All distributions would also be secured and traced via blockchain technology to radically increase security, transparency, and traceability,” the memo reportedly reads, adding that such an approach would encourage innovation and efficiency.


The President also reportedly wants cryptocurrency and blockchain technology to feature heavily in its operations. USAID has been under scrutiny from the Trump administration since the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk.

Lebanese USAID grants semi frozen

The U.S. president froze USAID payments in a January 20th under an executive order. The freezing also effected Lebanon which in 2024 alone received a total of $219 million in assistance from USAID of those $17 million came from the U.S. State Department with military aid accounting for 4% of the total funding and with remaining funds primarily supported humanitarian relief ($91 million) and education ($71 million).


The news of the freeze has had a negative effect on NGOs and their employees in Lebanon even though it was temporarily lifted in February 2025.


There are two major issues that will challenge Lebanon’s ability to received USAID, the first is level of historic corruption in Lebanese government and even claims of corruption within the NGO community, as well as lack of transparency, while the second is the lack of a digital infrastructure that can integrate Blockchain, AI, and other technologies such as digital payments into the web of aid or investment funds to the country.
If USAID will utilize blockchain and crypto, it will need to add the entities that funds are provided with to the blockchain as nodes to be able to track where money has been spent and if it has been spent correctly leading to results.

New Lebanese Cabinet under Salam discusses digital transformation

The new Lebanese Cabinet, under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is discussing digital transformation in the public sector, after enacting the first Ministry of AI in Lebanese government.
As per news reports, a committee will be formed to oversee coordination between Lebanese Ministries, even though the digitization theme has been in discussion for years. Several previous sessions addressed this issue, dating back to the government’s adoption of the Lebanon Digital Transformation Strategy 2020-2030.


Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized the government’s commitment to establishing a neutral, transparent, and efficient state administration as a cornerstone of governance. He stressed that “there is no state without an administration,” as it serves as the backbone of governance and a key tool for serving citizens.
He announced that the government formed a ministerial committee to study and modernize the public sector, along with another committee to examine digital transformation in public administration.


Lebanon still has one of the most outdated governmental services sector, where almost everything needs paperwork and in person visits.


Despite this, some ministries have taken independent steps to integrate technology into their services. In 2021, the Ministry of Labor launched an online platform for work permit applications for foreign nationals. The Interior Ministry introduced an electronic criminal record service, allowing citizens to request and receive documents through OMT centers across Lebanon. The Ministry of Justice has also advanced its digital services, enabling lawyers and citizens to create online accounts on the official judicial services platform for easier access to information and remote application submissions. Most recently, the Ministry of Economy introduced an online licensing system for market and exhibition organizers in Lebanon.


Yet all these are remnants of what other governments in the region and globally were doing in the early 2000s. Previous discussions on a CBDC launch and regulation of crypto have never seen the light.

Lebanese Ministry of Health dabbles with Blockchain


The only Ministry that has dabbled with Blockchain has been the Lebanese Ministry of Health which launched MediTrack back in December 2021. The first phase was used to track medicine for Cancer and chronic illness patients whose treatment is costly. Twenty hospitals from across Lebanon attended the training at Rafic Harriri International Hospital.

Minister Abyad in a statement at the time,” The MediTrack Solution will first be utilized for medicine related to high cost treatments such as cancer and other chronic diseases. It is essential in tracing the movement of medicine and will decrease the effects of the financial crisis that Lebanon is going through because it will stop the smuggling of medicine across the border as well as stop the storage and monopolization of these medicines ensuring it gets to the patient and only the patient.”


The Minister noted that this was carried with support of World Health Organization and European Union. In September of 2021, The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health signed a five year agreement with rfxcel, part of Antares Vision Group a solution provider in digital supply chain traceability solutions, to provide a Blockchain enabled GS1-compliant traceability hub to protect the entire pharmaceutical supply chain in the country. The Blockchain enabled solution will be implemented by rfxcel’s partner Medical Value Chain (MVC), the Bahrain subsidiary of US-based AVC Global. MVC

The Future of Lebanon will depend on Blockchain, AI, and datacenters


Future of Lebanon depends on receiving investments from around the globe and the region, and for this to happen, the Lebanese government has to show not only an appetite for reforms, but also a platform that brings transparency and trust. Once again Blockchain, AI, datacenters, become the only relevant solution to bureaucracy corruption and favoritism.


Smart contracts, public access to information on the blockchain, digital asset payments either in CBDCs or stablecoins will eliminate the waste, bureaucracy and corruption that has crippled the Lebanese state for decades, as well as restore trust and confidence in the political and governmental operation of the country.

Anything less than that will not be accepted as the United States and countries in the GCC and Arab world embrace blockchain, AI, digital assets, and the future.

UAE based Hoxton Wealth adds multiple crypto account feature

UAE based Hoxton Wealth adds multiple crypto account feature

UAE based financial advisory firm Hoxton Wealth has introduced new features to its Hoxton Wealth App, including multiple crypto accounts where users can organize their crypto holdings into separate accounts, enhancing visibility and streamlined management.

Additionally the new features will expand account linking supporting linking additional asset types, including crypto accounts, personal loans, vehicle loans, and mortgages, with automated updates for seamless financial tracking.

Users can also auto deduct for loans, set at set automatic monthly deductions, making it easier to track outstanding balances and manage repayments.

Currently, the Hoxton Wealth App tracks over £115 million in assets and liabilities through its open banking integrations.

The Hoxton Wealth App provides easy access to a consolidated view of users’ entire net worth on mobile or desktop—regardless of whether they are Hoxton clients.

Leveraging open banking technology, the app aggregates financial data from over 20,000 global sources, including bank accounts, brokerage accounts, crypto exchanges, pensions, and cash accounts.

Users can also track static assets like real estate and monitor investments in stocks, shares, and cryptocurrencies. Financial liabilities, including credit cards and mortgages, are seamlessly integrated for a holistic wealth overview. The platform is available on both web and mobile.

Oman Ministry of Commerce reports on Blockchain pilot to track movement of goods

Oman Ministry of Commerce reports on Blockchain pilot to track movement of goods

In a report published by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), and put together by Oxford Business Group (OBG) the government highlights high-growth opportunities in key sectors, including transport and logistics and Blockchain pilot for tracking movement of goods.

As per the report, the logistics sector in Oman aims to contribute $36.4 billion to the national economy by 2040 positioning it as the second highest economic contributor after hydrocarbons. The sector in 2023 contributed

Growth targets:

  • The logistics sector aims to contribute OR14bn ($36.4bn) to the
    national economy by 2040, which would position it as the secondhighest economic contributor after hydrocarbons
  • As of 2023 the sector contributed approximately 7% to GDP
  • Seeking to create up to 300,000 new logistics jobs by 2040
  • Sector currently provides over 79,000 jobs
  • Investment growth projected for green supply chains, lastmile delivery and contactless delivery solutions

Beyond decarbonisation, the wider transportation sector is also being primed for investment, according to the report. These investment opportunities are linked to recently unveiled plans to, for example, transform creeks into marinas and business centres, develop mining jetties for the export of gypsum and limestone, support ship repair and scrapping activities, catalyse the growth of multipurpose ports, re-export and repackaging hubs, and e-commerce fulfilment centres, as well as foster the development of airport free zones and new dry ports.

In the logistics sector, investment growth is projected in green supply chains, last-mile delivery and contactless delivery solutions. Also prospective for investment are opportunities linked to the expansion of regional aviation connections and partnerships in Africa and China, while strengthening ties with European and South-east Asian markets.

Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, was quoted in the report as saying that Oman is piloting blockchain technology to track the movement of goods within economic zones. He noted, “Oman is implementing innovative measures to strengthen its logistics infrastructure. The country is piloting blockchain technology to track the movement of goods within economic zones, significantly improving lead times. The Royal Oman Police’s Customs clearance system mandates that goods must be cleared within two hours, a measure intended to boost efficiency. Additionally, a port community system has been introduced to streamline procedures, reducing the time required for operations from two days to two hours – as well as minimizing fees. These advancements help to enhance the appeal of Oman’s logistics sector to foreign investors.”

Additionally, Oman is improving last-mile logistics by introducing supportive technologies and stronger regulations. “Efforts include new regulations that require operators to register through a central platform in a move to ensure compliance and streamline inspections. The entry of investors like technology firm Yandex – which will provide an application that combines taxi services with last-mile delivery – showcases Oman’s commitment to modernizing this segment. These steps aim to make the logistics chain more efficient and attractive to investors by ensuring delivery solutions that are both reliable and scalable,” Al Shammakhi added.

In 2024 Advanced Horizon Markets s.r.o, which is developing a Blockchain and AI enabled GlobalTrade project, set up its headquarters in Oman after an investment firm acquired 80% of its shares during its seed phase, valuing the project at 1.1 million Euros.

The platform is designed to offer robust business verification, smart contracts, integrated quality control, comprehensive shipping solutions, and real-time tracking, all powered by advanced technologies such as blockchain and AI.

In UAE’s SCA first meeting of the year the topic was blockchain

In UAE’s SCA first meeting of the year the topic was blockchain

The UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) held its first meeting for 2025 and the main topic being dished was leveraging advancements in fintech, blockchain and digital finance by developing innovative regulatory frameworks to facilitate digital transformation and attract international investors.

The first meeting of the year presided over by HE. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Board saw the participation of esteemed Board members, including HE. Faisal Yousuf Selaitin (Vice Chairman), HE. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, HE. Dr. Ali Mohammed Al Rumaithi, HE. Arif Mohammed Amiri, HE. Rashed Abdul Karim Al Blooshi, and HE. Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei.

As per the press release at the meeting, the Board articulated an ambitious strategic vision aimed at positioning the UAE as a global leader in financial markets. This vision focuses on the development of innovative regulatory frameworks designed to facilitate digital transformation and attract international investors. By leveraging advancements in fintech, blockchain technology, and digital finance, the SCA is committed to fostering a competitive and dynamic financial ecosystem that accelerates market growth.

“Our vision is to ensure the UAE leads in both financial innovation and regulatory excellence within the financial services sector, cultivating a dynamic and competitive financial ecosystem.” stated HE. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa.

HE. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the SCA, highlighted the organization’s commitment to positioning the UAE’s financial markets at the forefront of global financial innovation. “By prioritizing the establishment of a robust regulatory framework that emphasizes investor protection and enhances transparency, we aim to unlock new growth opportunities and reinforce the UAE’s status as a pivotal player in the global financial arena.” he affirmed.

The Board’s strategic framework is designed to adapt to evolving global trends in financial technology. This includes implementing comprehensive regulatory initiatives that enhance the SCA’s supervisory capacity and operational efficiency. By aligning regulatory practices with international standards, the SCA is poised to strengthen the resilience of the financial sector while ensuring robust investor protections. This proactive approach not only attracts increased global investments but also solidifies the UAE’s position as a leading global investment destination.

Earlier this year the UAE SCA invited feedback on its security tokens draft regulation using DLT technology to represent financial rights and tangible assets.

Binance participates at Dubai’s Token 2049 with its clubhouse

Binance participates at Dubai’s Token 2049 with its clubhouse

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and users, a strategic partner of TOKEN2049, taking place in Dubai from 30 April to 1 May 2025, is bringing back its Binance Clubhouse at Madinat Jumeirah.

As per the press release, the exclusive space will serve as a hotspot for the crypto community, driving the conversation on responsible innovation and global adoption, setting the standard for what’s next in blockchain technology. It will offer attendees a co-working and networking space, insightful talks and special guests from key industry voices and Binance representatives, games, giveaways, and experiences. Binance Clubhouse will be the hub for those who are not only seasoned enthusiasts but also curious newcomers looking to collaborate with industry leaders.

Binance is the title sponsor of this year’s TOKEN2049, further solidifying its leadership in the Web3 space and the region’s expanding crypto landscape. Binance CEO, Richard Teng, will also be on the ground at the Binance Clubhouse, engaging with the community and sharing insights on the future of the industry.

“We are thrilled to reunite with TOKEN2049, bringing back our much loved Binance Clubhouse. With over 1,500 events annually, Binance Clubhouse remains a cornerstone of our vision, empowering the next chapter of Web3. Designed for both industry veterans and curious newcomers, this space offers something for everyone – connection, impactful conversation, growth, and inspiration.” Rachel Conlan, Binance Chief Marketing Officer

Dubai Land Department pilots tokenization of property title deeds

Dubai Land Department pilots tokenization of property title deeds

In line with the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has launched the pilot phase of the ‘Real Estate Tokenization Project for property title deeds. As per the announcement, the initiative, introduced under the Real Estate Innovation Initiative ‘REES,’ establishes DLD as the first real estate registration entity in the Middle East to implement tokenization on property title deeds. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) through SandBox Real Estate.

DLD anticipates that this groundbreaking initiative will drive significant growth in the real estate tokenization sector, with its market value projected to reach AED 60 billion equivalent to $16 billion by 2033, representing 7% of Dubai’s total real estate transactions.

His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Land Department, stated, “Amid rapid technological advancements and the increasing reliance on digital solutions, real estate tokenization emerges as a revolutionary tool driving fundamental change in the real estate sector. By converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology, tokenization simplifies and enhances buying, selling, and investment processes.”

He added: “It aligns with our strategy to unlock new opportunities for innovative real estate products, enhance property sector innovation, promote transparency and governance, and enable a wider pool of investors to participate in large-scale real estate projects in Dubai.

The announcement comes in the midst of increasing focus on tokenization in the UAE, as well as the announcement between DAMAC Group and MantraChain to tokenize $1 billion worth of assets.


UAE venture studio Code & State raises $3 million to invest in stablecoin startups

UAE venture studio Code & State raises $3 million to invest in stablecoin startups

UAE venture studio, Code & State, specializing in stablecoin innovation, has raised $3 million to support the next wave of stablecoin startups. The funding round, backed by Warburg Serres and KR1, will be used to incubate projects focused on expanding real-world adoption of stablecoins.

Warburg Serres and KR1, both known for their early-stage investments in crypto and Web3, bring deep expertise and strategic networks to Code & State’s mission. Their backing reinforces the growing belief that stablecoins will play a pivotal role in global finance over the next decade.

Cédric Waldburger, a founding investor in Liquity (LUSD stablecoin), and Code & State sees stablecoins as a transformative force in global finance. “We believe that the total market cap of stablecoins will 10x in the next five years to over 1.5 trillion dollars,” said Waldburger, emphasizing the sector’s immense growth potential.

Artia Moghbel, former COO at Dfinity (Internet Computer Protocol) and Co-Founder at Code & State, who brings years of experience in scaling Web3 ventures highlights the unique advantage of the firm’s niche approach: “Our clear focus on stablecoin ventures creates network effects for all our in-house ventures.”

The studio provides capital, mentorship, and infrastructure to startups solving key challenges in the stablecoin space, from payment systems and remittances to compliance and security.

Code & State is now actively seeking entrepreneurs-in-residence (EIRs) to develop new stablecoin-focused ventures within the studio. Selected founders will receive hands-on support, funding, and access to a network of leading investors and industry experts. The program is designed to fast-track innovative projects from concept to market-ready solutions, ensuring that new startups have the best possible chance of success. Application details can be found on the Code & State website.

The UAE is witnessing a foray of stablecoin issuers as well as merchants who want to work with stablecoins, especially after the Central Bank of UAE passed its stablecoin regulation in 2024. Already AE Coin has received a license to offer an AED backed stablecoin, while Tether is still working on its license.

Entities such as the Arab Financial Services (AFS), regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain and Egypt, also holding a retail payment license in the UAE has partnered with Ternoa Blockchain to launch stablecoin and crypto payments across POS ( Point of Service) counters for UAE merchants. The partnership will expand across the GCC.

UAE Oro Labs, built on Solana raises $1.5 million

UAE Oro Labs, built on Solana raises $1.5 million

UAE based ORO Labs, a Solana based tokenization protocol, has raised $1.5 million in a pre-seed funding round, let by 468 Capital, with participation from UAE regulated Fasset tokenization exchange platform, as well as Phantom, Jupiter, Helium, Squads, Sanctum, Anza Labs, Perena, Bonk, and Forma.

As per the announcement the $1.5 million pre seed funding will help ORO Labs expand its product offerings and deepen integrations within both decentralized and traditional financial markets. The company is also partnering with Fasset to drive adoption across the UAE, Malaysia, Bahrain, Indonesia, and Turkey, and will launch on Fasset’s Layer 2 network later this year.

ORO aims to make gold a dynamic, income-generating asset by allowing users to earn a real yield on their gold holdings, borrow against their gold to unlock liquidity, and trade gold-backed assets with instant settlement.

The UAE currently facilitates over $100 billion in gold transactions annually, and in the past two years the price of Gold has increased by more than 50 percent.

ORO is also expanding tokenized gold adoption across the UAE, Malaysia, Bahrain, Indonesia, and Turkey. Fasset will be its partner, helping drive retail and institutional access through its regulated financial infrastructure. ORO will also launch on Own (Fasset’s Layer 2 network) later this year.

Usman Saleem, Co-Founder & CEO of ORO, said, “Gold shouldn’t just sit idle—it should generate wealth. With ORO, gold isn’t just something you hold; it’s something you can earn with, borrow against, and use seamlessly across markets. This is gold, but better.”

Guilherme Steinbruch, Partner at 468 Capital, added, “We see ORO as a crucial bridge between legacy commodities markets and the next generation of financial infrastructure. By creating a gold-backed financial asset with real utility, ORO is unlocking new opportunities for both crypto users and traditional gold investors.”

Tokenization of assets has also been growing in the past year and especially in the UAE with announcements from MantraChain Blockchain and Damac, as well as Tokinvest, which implies the growing importance of tokenization in the UAE’s digital asset economy.

This announcement also comes at the backdrop of DFSA recent launch of its Tokenization sandbox.

Bybit crypto exchange hosts trading workshop with UAE University of Wollongong

Bybit crypto exchange hosts trading workshop with UAE University of Wollongong

Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, which has an in principle approval from VARA in Dubai, has partnered exclusively with the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) to host a Demo Trading Challenge & Workshop at UOWD campus. This initiative equipped students from Business Analysis, Finance, Accounting, and other business-related disciplines with practical trading knowledge, enhanced their understanding of cryptocurrency markets, and bridged the gap between academic theory and real-world trading strategies.

UOWD, the UAE’s first international Australian university, is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and industry collaboration. Accredited by both the UAE Ministry of Education and Australia’s Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), UOWD has played a key role in developing future business and finance leaders.

The workshop provided participants with hands-on experience using Bybit’s demo trading platform, allowing them to navigate market fluctuations in real time while learning key strategies from industry experts. The event culminated in a competitive trading challenge, where students applied their newly acquired knowledge in a dynamic, risk-free environment.

Attendees also gained insights from a lineup of distinguished speakers alongside Bybit’s senior product managers specializing in trading bots, copy trading, and demo trading. Their expertise gave students a deeper understanding of spot and contract trading processes, market data analysis, and risk management.

“At Bybit, we believe that financial literacy and hands-on experience are key to unlocking opportunities in the digital economy,” said Phoebe Peng, Head of Organization Development at Bybit. “Through this collaboration with UOWD, we empowered the next generation of professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the evolving world of cryptocurrency trading.”