Aeternum Confirms Return of Unchained Summit to Dubai on October 30–31, 2025

Aeternum Confirms Return of Unchained Summit to Dubai on October 30–31, 2025

After a breakout debut that brought global investors, builders, and regulators under one roof, the Unchained Summit returns to Dubai this October 30–31. Organised by Aeternum, Unchained has rapidly emerged as the go-to gathering for curated Web 3.0 dialogues. Framed around high-impact networking, regulatory engagement, and investor-founder traction, this edition lands at a moment of peak momentum for the UAE’s Web 3.0 sector.

As the UAE sharpens its regulatory frameworks and capital continues to move into Web 3.0 ventures, Dubai’s position as a global blockchain hub has only solidified. The timing of the second edition of Unchained Summit lands at a pivotal moment; when policy, infrastructure, and investor interest are finally aligning.

The event has established itself as the #1 Web 3.0 event for high-impact networking and deal flow, driving meaningful capital, connections and innovations on a global scale.

Who’s Speaking, and Why It Matters

This year’s programme includes a roster of prominent industry figures, such as:

  • Eowyn Chen, CEO, Trust Wallet, brings the perspective of a company trusted by over 200 million users worldwide.
  • Andrew Vranjes, CRO, Blockdaemon, who drives global infrastructure growth across finance and DePIN.
  • Mark Rydon, Co-founder & CSO, Aethir, whose push into decentralized cloud is changing gaming and AI.
  • David Norris, CFO & CSO, NEAR Foundation, whose operational rigor helps scale tomorrow’s tools.
  • Alexander Scott, Middle East Lead, Solana Superteam, enabling developer breakthroughs across MENA.
  • Fefe Demeny, Lead Host, Crypto Banter, translating Web 3.0 for the mainstream and the next billion users.
  • Zane Suren, MD Commercial, MEA, Zodia Custody, shaping regional digital asset regulation and custody.
  • Bader Kalooti, Regional Head, Binance MEASAT, driving mainstream adoption at one of the world’s crypto superpowers, are among the early confirmed speakers.

A Shift Towards Closed-Door Networking

While large-scale expos continue to dominate parts of the Web 3.0 landscape, Unchained Summit has deliberately taken a different route. Attendance is capped. Topics are curated. The format includes private roundtables, investor-founder matchmaking, and sessions tailored for decision-makers. Organisers say this was a deliberate response to what many describe as ‘conference fatigue’; where volume often eclipses value.

“We’ve seen enough noise,” said Sharath Kumar, Founder & CEO of Aeternum. “What the ecosystem needs is focus. Spaces where serious builders, funds, and policy makers can meet without the distractions. That’s what we’re trying to offer.”

I’m thrilled to join the Unchained Summit in Dubai, where the brightest minds are shaping the future of blockchain infrastructure. It’s an exceptional forum for collaborating on institutional-grade solutions that advance scalability, security, and interoperability, as we drive the growth of digital asset ecosystems throughout the MENA region,” said Andrew Vranjes, Chief Revenue Officer, Blockdaemon.

Startups Take the Stage at Unchained Pitch Competition

This year’s edition will also feature the launch of Unchained Pitch Competition, a focused pitch competition running alongside the main conference. Web 3.0 founders – spanning DeFi, cross-chain infrastructure, tokenized assets, and beyond, will get five minutes on stage to present in front of serious investors on what they’re building and why it matters.

Applications are now open and will close on 15 October 2025.

Alongside the summit, Aeternum has been developing the “Hash it Over” podcast series, which has released five episodes to date. The show has featured long-form discussions with protocol leaders, infrastructure players, and early investors, offering insight into the challenges and contradictions of Web 3.0 development.

Super Early Bird tickets for the 2025 summit are now available until August 1, 2025, at discounted rates. The full speaker lineup, agenda, and partner list will be announced in the coming weeks. More information: https://unchainedsummit.com/dubai.

Tickets: https://unchainedsummit.com/dubai/#buy-ticket

UAE Agile Dynamics and Chinese Blockchain Hyperchain to explore Blockchain solutions for MENA and the globe

UAE Agile Dynamics and Chinese Blockchain Hyperchain to explore Blockchain solutions for MENA and the globe

UAE and Middle East based Agile Dynamics, a digital asset consultancy firm, has signed a letter of intent with Chinese Hyperchain, an enterprise blockchain platform provider from China, to evaluate and pursue initiatives aimed at unlocking investment potential in markets around the world using blockchain technologies.

As per the press release, the focus is on harnessing blockchain, real world asset tokenization and stablecoins to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in financial services and foreign direct investment.

Headquartered in Hangzhou, Hyperchain is China’s first blockchain unicorn. With nearly 900 technology-related patents in its portfolio, the company is leading and contributing to the development of 80+ international digital infrastructure, standards, 20 national standards in China, and over 100 industry standards.

Agile Dynamics meanwhile is a management consulting firm with a range of focus areas, including in digital assets, cryptocurrencies and blockchain. The firm is working with several governments on digital asset strategies and on initiatives that unlock foreign direct investment through real world asset tokenization.

“We are excited to embark on this strategic pathway with Agile Dynamics,” stated Wei Li, Chairman of Hyperchain. “This Letter of Intent reflects our shared vision to combine Hyperchain’s robust, enterprise-grade blockchain infrastructure with Agile Dynamics’ deep market insights. Our goal is to jointly pioneer solutions – from sovereign Blockchain-as-a-Service and compliant stablecoins to innovative FDI platforms – that address complex challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth and efficiency in target markets.”

Paul Lalovich, Managing Partner of Agile Dynamics, added, “This agreement marks a significant step in realizing the transformative potential of blockchain for institutional finance and economic development. Partnering with Hyperchain provides the essential technological backbone. Together, we will explore groundbreaking initiatives like the Hong Kong stablecoin project and FDI-as-a-Service, aiming to enhance transparency, reduce barriers, and facilitate secure, efficient capital flows into high-growth economies. This collaboration is about defining the future of digital asset adoption in key markets.”

DeFi Technologies expands into MENA to offer digital asset ETPs

DeFi Technologies expands into MENA to offer digital asset ETPs

DeFi Technologies Inc. (the “Company” or “DeFi Technologies”) (Nasdaq: DEFT) (CBOE CA: DEFI) (GR: R9B), a financial technology company bridging the gap between traditional capital markets and decentralized finance (“DeFi”), expands in the GCC and MENA region with the registration of DEFI DMCC (certification no DMCC199558) with offices in Jumeirah Lake Towers Dubai UAE, as well as its subsidiary Valour Digital Securities which operates a trading desk at DMCC ( Dubai Multi Commodities Center) in UAE.

The DeFi Technologies team and its subsidiary Valour, aim to support the increased institutional interest in digital assets in the GCC region and specifically in the UAE. This expansion into the Middle East is a key element of the strategy to increase product offerings and global footprint.

As the first Nasdaq-listed digital asset manager of its kind, DeFi Technologies offers equity investors diversified exposure to the broader decentralized economy through its integrated and scalable business model. This includes Valour, which offers access to more than 75 of the world’s most innovative digital assets via regulated ETPs with plans to offer 100 by the end of 2025.

The company DEFT is positioning itself as the BlackRock of Web3.

Globally, institutional capital is pouring into spot Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and in the Middle East and in the UAE in specific this is also becoming a trend. Recently, UAE sovereign wealth fund Mubadala announced it expanded its position in BlackRock’s bitcoin ETF showcasing the latest example of institutions increasingly turning to non-traditional exposures wrapped in an ETF.

Bitcoin ETPs are facilitating greater exposure for investors who had been interested in crypto but want a familiar and efficient wrapper. Currently, total assets under management (“AUM”) in crypto ETPs have reached $176.3 billion.

Andrew Forson, President of DeFi Technologies and Chief Growth Officer of Valour, stated, “ We believe the demand for digital asset ETPs will increase not only globally but in the GCC and Middle East. Investors whether sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, family offices and even retail investors are interested in crypto but require familiar and efficient vehicles to get exposure.”

He adds, “Wrapping digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum in regulated financial instruments such as ETPs will increase the number of crypto investors and offer countries such as the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia access to international foreign investment. Local and international get exposure to these assets through trusted providers like the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange, Dubai Financial Markets, and others.”

Already DeFi Technologies has expanded into Turkey through a collaboration with Misyon Bank, and Misyon Kripto to work to introduce ETPs. In Turkey currently over 50% of investor population are holding digital assets.

In 2024, DeFi Technologies through its subsidiary Valour partnered with GulfCap Investment Bank (“GCIB”), a licensed investment bank as its key Transaction Advisor for the proposed cross-listing of Valour’s ETPs on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (“NSE”) in Kenya. The proposed cross-listing will allow Valour’s ETPs to be traded in Kenyan Shillings on the NSE and provide investors in East Africa with exposure to leading digital assets through regulated investment vehicles.

In Europe DeFi Technologies subsidiary Valour currently offers 65+ fully hedged digital asset ETPs on leading European exchanges including Xetra, Spotlight, and Euronext and most recently Six Swiss Exchange in Switzerland.

Valour recently announced that it surpassed US$1 Billion in AUM: As of July 22, 2025, Valour’s AUM reached US$1.01 billion, a 31% increase since May 30, driven by strong investor demand and rising digital asset prices across its globally diversified ETP portfolio.

Canadian Toyow secures $10 million investment from Nimbus Capital to scale operations in UAE

Canadian Toyow secures $10 million investment from Nimbus Capital to scale operations in UAE

Canadian Toyow, a multi category tokenized asset marketplace has secured a US$10 million strategic investment from Nimbus Capital, an alternative investment group operating globally, focused on emerging industries and backing high-impact technologies across sectors with strong growth potential including the UAE.

As per the press release, the investment fuels Toyow’s mission to democratize access to high-value real-world assets (RWAs), from real estate, art, films, music, and commodities, by bringing them onchain through a regulated, user-first marketplace.The funds will be used to scale up operations and regulatory coverage across the UAE and European Union; engage and onboard institutional asset originators and creators; expand tokenisation and trading infrastructure.

With a tokenisation pipeline worth more than US$38 billion and multiple high profile asset partners in real estate, music and commodities, Toyow is uniquely positioned to lead the next wave of inclusive capital markets.

“This partnership marks a major milestone for Toyow,” said Surajit Chanda, Founder and CEO of Toyow. “Nimbus Capital shares our vision for a future where anyone can access institutional grade assets through blockchain. Together, we’ll scale the platform globally and bring real utility to the RWA space.”

This will also help bring further liquidity to the token post Token Generation Event (TGE) and increase product adoption. This raise reinforces investor confidence in Toyow’s approach, blending compliance, usability, and community incentives to unlock previously inaccessible asset classes for the next billion investors.

Robert Baker, Managing Partner at Nimbus Capital, said, “We’ve been following the evolution of tokenised assets closely, and Toyow stood out, not just for its tech, but for its clear commitment to usability, regulation, and creator empowerment. This isn’t just another RWA platform. It’s a bold bet on the future of inclusive capital markets, one where a teenager in Lagos and a fund manager in London can access the same high value assets within a few clicks.”

Tokenization is gaining ground across the globe and in the UAE as well as Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Ctrl Alt, a tokenization infrastructure platform, recently secured a Virtual asset broker dealer license as well as issuer license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). As of May 1, 2025, Ctrl Alt has tokenized over $295 million in assets, spanning real estate, private credit, funds, litigation finance and more.

UAE based Byzanlink, a tokenization platform bridging traditional and decentralized finance, also recently partnered with the Hedera Foundation where in the first phase the company will integrate and deploy on Hedera Network, the enterprise-grade public network renowned for its high-performance and energy-efficient distributed ledger technology. This comes as Saudi Arabian NTDP invested in the platform as well.

Finally 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.

UAE Bybit crypto exchange launches partnership campaign with Careem

UAE Bybit crypto exchange launches partnership campaign with Careem

Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has now partnered with Careem, mobility application integrating crypto with ride sharing services.

As per the press release, Bybit, starting in June, Bybit will be launching its advertisement campaign within Careem. These coordinated ads invite current Bybit users and potential new joiners to discover exclusive deals and offers available directly through Bybit’s platform. Bybit’s crypto-native services and payment solutions can be accessed via Bybit’s app and website, encouraging users to explore how digital assets can enhance their everyday experiences throughout an exciting summer.

The partnership with Careem is the latest addition to Bybit’s global footprint in collaborations: in Dubai, Bybit Card holders enjoy up to 30% off in services and room rates at the Grand Millennium Dubai; the golden city’s Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is a long-term partner of Bybit in innovation and blockchain education. The Bybit Card also unlocks perks everywhere for its users from airport lounges to AI co-pilot subscriptions.

“Our local partners represent some of the most popular lifestyle choices in each community,” said Claudia Wang, Head of Marketing at Bybit. “We are grounded in customer-centricity: there is no real boundary in ‘old-school’ and Web3 marketing. We are everywhere our customers want us to be. Bybit as the brand is visible, accessible, and relatable across touch points,” she shared on the philosophy of the campaign.

The range of partnerships and local promotions are expected to cover more regions in the coming months. The new campaign represents Bybit’s commitment to making crypto adoption effortless and rewarding through localization, positioning the MENA region as a testing ground for the future of integrated digital finance

HODL Summit Unites Dubai & Riyadh for a Landmark Blockchain Roadshow

HODL Summit Unites Dubai & Riyadh for a Landmark Blockchain Roadshow

Two Cities. One Movement. Infinite Blocks to Build.

HODL Summit, the OG of Web3 and crypto summits, is back to break more ground — this time with a back-to-back Middle East roadshow in Dubai (30–31 Oct) and Riyadh (3–4 Nov) that promises seven days of pure alpha, deal-making, and decentralized disruption.

After setting the bar in early 2025 with its record-breaking Dubai edition, HODL is crossing borders to supercharge collabs between builders, backers, regulators, and institutions. Think policy meets protocol. TradFi meets DeFi. And investors meet the next unicorns of Web3.

🧾 [Download the Dubai 2025 Post-Event Report]

HODL Dubai 2025 Wasn’t Just a Vibe. It Was a Shift.

  • 3,000+ Web3 founders, investors, execs & OGs
  • 1,000+ real business connections made IRL
  • 50+ sessions featuring giga-brain speakers
  • 40+ countries in the mix
  • 60+ media partners, 40+ sponsors, and 8M+ media impressions
  • 180k+ social hits with 7k+ solid clicks
  • 2,800+ articles + 2M+ social mentions

Dubai showed the world it’s not just crypto-friendly — it’s crypto-forward. Now Riyadh is stepping into the ring.


Why These Cities? Why Now?

Dubai: Web3’s Global Playground

  • 1,400+ crypto & Web3 companies already plugged in
  • HQ of VARA — the world’s first digital asset regulator
  • $1.5B+ poured into the space in 2024–25
  • 30%+ crypto adoption among residents
  • Big plays in Digital Dirham, asset tokenization & full blockchain integration by 2030

Riyadh: The Next Web3 Power Move

  • 51% YoY growth in blockchain business licenses
  • Powered by Vision 2030, SDAIA, and major policy reforms
  • Enterprise DeFi pilots, tokenized real estate & smart governance POCs
  • Top universities building the next gen of crypto-native talent

Dubai is the polished powerhouse. Riyadh is the next frontier. Together, they’re building the Web3 bridge the world’s been waiting for.

From the Community:

“HODL was a turning point. Sharing my story on stage and being heard by investors was a milestone—both personally and professionally.”
 — Tim Popplewell, CEO, Scintilla

“It felt like the bull market IRL. The energy, the people — pure conviction everywhere.”
 — Luther Maday, Global Head of Payments, Algorand Foundation

“What stands out at HODL is the caliber. You’re not pitching in a vacuum. You’re with leaders who actually move the needle.”
 — R. Vivekanand, President – BFSI Products & Platforms, TCS

What’s Dropping in the Dual-City Edition?

  • Closed-door policy talks with regional regulators (yes, real ones)
  • Founder–Investor matchmaking zones (ICO, IEO, STO, you name it)
  • Live showcases across DeFi, RWAs, ESG, CBDCs, and more
  • Cross-border alignment: shared standards, capital flow, and brainpower
  • PR on blast with coverage from CNN, Khaleej Times, Entrepreneur ME, ZEX PR Wire, and more

TL;DR: This Ain’t Just Another Summit

It’s where capital meets code. Where L2 builders talk tokenomics with ministries. Where Web2 giants meet Web3 rebels. It’s HODL — the longest-running summit in the game — rewriting the playbook yet again.

With 30+ editions in 20+ countries, HODL isn’t a conference. It’s a protocol for real-world impact.

Save the Dates:

Dubai: 30–31 October 2025
 Riyadh: 3–4 November 2025

[Register for Dubai]
[Register for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia]

UAE The Block and AuCan Gold partner for Canadian tokenized gold reserves

UAE The Block and AuCan Gold partner for Canadian tokenized gold reserves

UAE based The Block, the chamber of virtual assets in Dubai, has partnered with AuCan Gold Inc. (“AuCan Gold”) with its subsidiary AuCan Dubai to launch tokenized Canadian gold reserves as security token offering.

As per the press release, AuCan Gold believes that blockchain-supported RWA tokens democratizes opportunities for global investors and gold enthusiasts to participate in the AuCan Gold ecosystem. As such the company will tokenize up to 1.5 million ounces of gold reserves, based on supporting NI 43-101 documentation.

The initial 6 resource properties along with a regional processing mill are located on over 8,700 hectares throughout the Timmins, Ontario, Canada region, known as the Abitibi. AuCan Gold also has future properties and reserves currently under consideration.

In conjunction with AuCan Gold’s exploration, production, and milling efforts, are plans to operate its management, product development and HODLing programs with its wholly owned subsidiary in Dubai. AuCan Dubai will manage, purchase and store gold reserves on behalf of the organization, and its token holders, creating a diversified portfolio of internally produced and third-party sources of gold.

“Real World Asset tokenisation of Canadian gold assets and physical gold provides global investors, both small and large, with a new and innovative way to participate in the long-term growth of one of the largest gold producing and geo-politically stable regions in the world,” said Leon Dadoun, President of AuCan Gold Inc. “The AuCan team is well experienced in all facets of securities, resource management and blockchain to support the merging of physical and RWA securitized assets.”

The tokenisation process will be managed by TheBlock, supporting the efforts of AuCan Gold to create two distinct regulatory-approved RWA security tokens. The AuCan Gold token is backed by AuCan Gold’s growing list of assets, and secondly, the AuCan Pro Token will entitle full token holders to 1 ounce of redeemable physical gold at a defined future delivery date, priced, at offering, below current gold spot market prices.

“This is exactly the kind of project we built TheBlock for. Real assets, real innovation, and a clear path to tokenisation done right. We’re excited to support the AuCan Gold ecosystem in bringing one of the largest tokenised gold ecosystems to market, and proud to be the partner helping make it happen,” said Farbod Sadeghian, CEO and Founder of TheBlock.

AuCan Gold and AuCan Pro RWA Tokens are expected to launch in Q4 2025, and the initial offering is now open to accredited investors, subject to qualification and jurisdictional securities laws.

Crypto and US tech stocks top UAE investment platform Wio, most popular investment themes

Crypto and US tech stocks top UAE investment platform Wio, most popular investment themes

Wio Invest, a leading UAE investment platform owned by ADQ sovereign wealth fund, which announced that it has surpassed $1 billion in assets under administration also noted that most popular investment themes, are US tech stocks such as NVIDIA and Tesla, and crypto space which includes, Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and XRP. remain They also noted that other favorites included companies such as MicroStrategy (MSTR) that are heavily invested in the crypto space.

According to the press release, this achievement positions it among the fastest-growing digital investment platforms globally, on par with leading neo brokers at similar stages in their journey. Wio Invest has evolved to meet the changing needs of a new generation of investors expanding access to now include UAE markets, virtual assets, and wealth management portfolios.

“This latest milestone reflects our commitment to reimagining everyday investing, and we’ve worked hard to build a platform that makes it simpler, smarter, and more accessible for everyone,” said Gaurav Ganwani, Deputy General Manager at Wio Securities LLC.

He added, “We are passionate about empowering individuals to build long-term wealth through intuitive investment solutions, with a core focus on instant access. Through Wio Invest’s integration with Wio Personal, users can open an account in minutes, invest directly from the app, and benefit from the instant settlement of sell orders.”

Wio Invest has seen more than $4 billion in order volume year-to-date, driven by a new wave of investors who are more digitally native, financially curious, and focused on building their futures.

The platform has also seen solid growth in its recurring orders feature, with index funds emerging as a top choice, reflecting a growing appetite for consistent, long-term investing.

This comes as entities such as DeFi Technologies enters the MENA region with offices in UAE to offer digital asset ETPS on financially regulated exchanges such as Abu Dhabi Exchange, Dubai Financial Exchange and others in Qatar, KSA, Oman and Bahrain. DeFi Technologies, a financial technology company bridging the gap between traditional capital markets and decentralized finance, expanded its operation into the GCC and MENA region. The registration of DEFI DMCC includes offices in Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, as the company seeks to offer digital asset exchange-traded products (ETPs) through its subsidiary, Valour, which has also opened a trading desk at the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) in the UAE.

As per the press release, the DeFi Technologies team and its subsidiary Valour, aim to support the increased institutional interest in digital assets in the GCC region and specifically in the UAE. As the first Nasdaq-listed digital asset manager of its kind, DeFi Technologies offers equity investors diversified exposure to the broader decentralized economy. This includes Valour, which offers access to more than 65 of the world’s most innovative digital assets via regulated ETPs with plans to offer 100 by the end of 2025.

DIFC grants Hut 8 Bitcoin mining subsidiary license

DIFC grants Hut 8 Bitcoin mining subsidiary license

Nasdaq listed Hut 8 Corp a Bitcoin mining, an energy infrastructure platform integrating power, digital infrastructure, and compute at scale to fuel next-generation, and high-performance computing, subsidiary Hut 8 Investment has been granted a license at Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) to deploy Bitcoin held in reserve into structured derivatives strategies.

As per the press release, the license authorizes proprietary investments and certain non-financial commercial activity under the DIFC’s legal and regulatory framework, which is based on international standards and principles of common law. DIFC license expected to enhance active treasury management, expand institutional reach, and improve capital efficiency.

The DIFC license represents a structural expansion of Hut 8’s capital strategy, enhancing the Company’s ability to deploy Bitcoin held in reserve into structured derivatives strategies.

The license is expected to broaden access to institutional counterparties, reduce trading friction, and lower transaction costs. In fiscal year 2024, Hut 8 generated more than $20 million in net proceeds from covered call options premiums on Bitcoin held in reserve.

With its license in DIFC, Hut 8 aims to unlock multiple advantages that support continued expansion of its active treasury management program, including, direct access to global derivatives markets which will enable Hut 8 to trade directly on institutional exchanges, reducing reliance on OTC intermediaries that historically introduced cost friction relative to spot pricing.

It will also offer broader access to institutional-grade products and counterparties unlocking a wider set of global liquidity providers and instruments, enhancing strategic optionality.

The license will also allow Hut 8 to construct and manage advanced yield strategies that would more difficult to execute without a DIFC license.

“We believe that securing a DIFC license enhances our ability to drive outsized shareholder returns through our integrated capital strategy,” said Asher Genoot, CEO of Hut 8. “It allows us to execute directly on global derivatives markets, reduce trading costs, and access a broader range of institutional products. Within a regulatory environment that supports structured digital asset strategies, we believe we can manage Bitcoin held in reserve more efficiently, manage risk with greater precision, and optimize yield through disciplined, proactive management.”

This week, The Blockchain Group now rebranded to Capital B, listed on Euronext Growth Paris, which became Europe’s first Bitcoin Treasury Company, holding subsidiaries specialized in Data Intelligence, AI, and decentralized technology consulting and development aligning itself with Bitcoin’s founding principles, announced it plans to expand to the UAE and set up a subsidiary in Abu Dhabi.

UAE Gulf craft accepts stablecoin payments for yachts and boats

UAE Gulf craft accepts stablecoin payments for yachts and boats

UAE based Gulf Craft, a shipyard conglomerate which builds yachts and boats, has joined multiple array of governmental and private businesses in the UAE offering crypto payments using stablecoins. The company announced that it now offers fully regulated payment solution for yacht and leisure craft purchases, service and refit works using the services of Bahrain based company ARP Pay.

As per the press release, the crypto payment solution developed by ARP Pay converts stablecoins such as USDT and USDC into AED or USD. The recent pilot allowed part of a yacht price to be purchased and settled in cryptocurrency. This cut transaction costs while improving customer satisfaction.

“By integrating ARP Pay, Gulf Craft not only meets evolving client preferences but also strengthens the UAE’s reputation for forward-looking manufacturing and financial innovation,” says Mohammed Hussein Alshaali, Chairman, Gulf Craft. “The UAE was built on maritime trade and early adoption of new ideas. Embracing regulated digital payments is a natural next step.”

“Adding a crypto option future-proofs our customer experience,” notes Erwin Bamps, Group CEO, Gulf Craft. “We stay ahead of the curve by adopting technologies that shape tomorrow’s commerce and by tapping into the growing segment of crypto holders who prefer paying with digital assets. Whether a client is taking delivery of a Majesty or Nomad yacht or purchasing any boat or power catamaran across our Oryx or SilverCAT ranges, they can now transact through a channel that is fast, transparent and fully compliant.”

More and more entities within the UAE are moving towards allowing crypto payments, whether it is the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, the Abu Dhabi taxi service provider, gas stations, or even Dubai’s Finance Department all have either started or are getting ready to offer crypto payments.

Already UAE ranks top in the world for crypto adoption with 30% of its residents holding crypto. With increased utilization of crypto this number most likely will increase.