More brilliant Blockchain and coding colleagues lost in the War on Gaza

More brilliant Blockchain and coding colleagues lost in the War on Gaza

Tariq Thabet, a Palestinian with an MBA from Michigan University, and a Blockchain expert, was killed in Gaza along with 16 members of his family. Thabet spent his career helping the youth and startups of Gaza scale and grow. He led projects and programs funded by different donors such as welfare association, USAID, World Bank, UNRWA, IDB, Kuwait Fund, Arab Fund, AMF, Danida, and Oxfam. He also worked with Gaza Sky Geeks Code Academy

For more than 12 years he implemented multi-sectorial projects in international humanitarian and development organizations, and business incubators. Prior to his death, he was working in Gaza with RampRate an Impact-Focused Organizations that offers blockchain solutions and decentralized Governance contracts.

As a software project manager at RampRate, he facilitated consulting engagements for projects in AI Blockchain and DAOs. RampRate, served enterprises looking to reduce cost, risk, time, and the carbon footprint of their IT supply chains.

Tareq is also remembered fondly by Tey El Rjula, Founder and CEO of Fluus, “I am very saddened by the loss of Tariq and 16 members of his family in a bomb shelling in Gaza by Israeli army. Tariq was a key initiator of tech startups in Palestine and worked on various blockchain projects.”

He adds, “It’s a loss for the tech community in Gaza!”

The Fluus cash out location in Gaza at Al Baaraasi Currency Exchange was bombed, yet Fluus Pay continues to offer International NGOs and reporters service in Khan Younes and Rafah.

A week prior another colleague of Tariq was killed in Gaza along with her family in an airstrike. Mai Ubeid an entrepreneur a leader at Gaza Sky Geeks Code Academy and  a tech talent lost her life like so many thousand others in Gaza.

As per Fadi Ghandour, Managing Partner at Wamda Capital in a LinkedIn post,”Mai was one of the greatest success stories from the Gaza Sky Geeks Code Academy. Despite the fact that our interactions were numbered, she’s one of the Gazan’s that has left the greatest impression on me:”

At a young age Mai was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and has been wheelchair bound ever since. In spite of this Mai and her family refused to accept this as a limitation to her potential, so together they fought for her to realize her dreams.

Mai was destined to have a career in STEM. After graduating from the GSG Code Academy she went on to complete an internship with Google for Startups before landing a job with the UNICC / UNRWA. She was their youngest ever hire for the tech team!

How many more senseless deaths have to occur, how many more great educated wonderful human beings need to die, before the world calls out in one voice, STOP!

Phoenix Crypto mining group to float $370 million worth of stock in IPO on November 16th

Phoenix Crypto mining group to float $370 million worth of stock in IPO on November 16th

As per a news article, The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange is preparing for Phoenix Group, a datacenter crypto mining company, upcoming IPO schedule to start on November 16th 2023 for two days, where the company will float $370 million worth of stocks equivalent to 17.64 per cent of it stock.

Phoenix Group is set to offer each share at the price of 0.41 cents (1.5 AED).  Retail investors are required to invest a minimum of $1360 (AED5,000) to participate in the IPO, which allocates 6.67% (or 60.48 million shares) to them. Analysts view Phoenix as offering local investors their first experience with growth opportunities centered on cryptocurrency.

Recently, International Holding Company (IHC) of UAE purchased a 10% stake in Phoenix Group. The company manages the ‘Citadel Project’, which is the largest crypto-mining facility in Abu Dhabi. Most recently Phoenix Group partnered with M2 to offer crypto yield product.

“The Phoenix IPO represents the first opportunity for investors to gain exposure to the crypto and blockchain  through a professionally managed and licensed entity,” said Sameer Lakhani, Managing Director at Global Capital Partners. “It signals to investors the role that ADX and the UAE are carving out in this space as a result of their superior regulatory rules in the crypto domain.

In an interview with Entrepreneur magazine, .Munaf Ali, co-founder and Managing Director of Phoenix Group stated, “I aim to create an organization that consistently delivers unprecedented returns to our stakeholders, shareholders, investors, and the dedicated team that has been our backbone throughout our journey. By striving for excellence and innovation, we will position Phoenix as a frontrunner in the market, gaining recognition and respect on a global scale.

Phoenix Group invested in a 250 MW data mining facility in Abu Dhabi, as well as expanded to Oman with a 150 MW facility with Green Data City.

As for sales, they remained robust in 2023, reflecting Phoenix’s agility and commitment to market expansion,” the company notes. Its trading operations fetched $161 million in 2021, and last year, that shot up to $715 million, helped by arrangements with the likes of Bitmain and MicroBT.

The GCC region has become a very attractive location for crypto mining firms.

UAE builds a national crypto library in Abu Dhabi Tech Innovation institute

UAE builds a national crypto library in Abu Dhabi Tech Innovation institute

UAE has built the first national and sovereign crypto library at the cryptography research centre in Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII). The milestone is set to enable the country to safeguard vital and confidential sources of information. The library is a collection of algorithms that cryptographers use in a specific order to safeguard confidential and high-security information.

The development follows a series of rapid announcements at the TII since the first Advanced Technology Research Council board meeting in August 2020.

Making the announcement, Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary-General of the ATRC, said, The ever-evolving sophistication of cyber attacks should not be taken for granted. By developing a national crypto library in the UAE and integrating this within critical digital infrastructure, we can increase our security levels and build sovereign capability simultaneously.

Researchers at the CRC, one of Technology Innovation Institutes initial seven dedicated research centers, have already released multiple versions of the crypto library and are working on its seamless integration into the UAEs critical digital infrastructure.

The CRC currently employs and collaborates with scientists in multiple crucial fields of cryptography such as post-quantum cryptography (PQC), hardware-based cryptography, lightweight cryptography, cryptanalysis, cryptographic protocols, and cloud encryption schemes, amongst others. It is also one of the few global centers that brings together theoretical and applied cryptographers in a research-oriented setting for innovative outcomes.

By leveraging a combination of custom symmetric and asymmetric cryptographic primitives, the national crypto library is designed, developed and tested to protect sensitive data and information.

Dr. Najwa Aaraj, Chief Researcher at the CRC, stated, The integration of the National Crypto Library with live systems will enable a more fluid security strategy across critical data-sensitive sectors such as finance, healthcare, and telecommunications.

The TII is a pioneering global research and development center that focuses on applied research and new-age technology capabilities. It has seven initial dedicated research centers in quantum, autonomous robotics, cryptography, advanced materials, digital security, directed energy and secure systems.

UAE regulated Laser Digital launches Ethereum adoption fund

UAE regulated Laser Digital launches Ethereum adoption fund

Laser Digital, crypto broker and investment service provider, a subsidiary of Japanese Nomura regulated in UAE by Dubai’s virtual asset regulatory authority, has launched their Ethereum Adoption Fund. The Fund, which invests in long-only spot positions in Ethereum, also deploys a yield enhancement strategy by staking the Ethereum held by the fund.

Prior to this Laser Digital Asset Management launched in September, the Bitcoin Adoption Fund.

The ‘Laser Digital Ethereum Adoption Fund SP’ is a segregated portfolio of Laser Digital Funds SPC (a segregated portfolio company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands under registration number MC-401019).

Komainu, also regulated in UAE and UK will provide secure, regulated custody for the fund’s assets.

On launching the fund, Sebastien Guglietta, Head of Laser Digital Asset Management commented, “Technology is a key driver of economic growth and transforms a large part of the economy from being analogue to digital. Ethereum is one of the enablers of this long-lasting transformational change. Hence, being exposed to Ethereum in the long run is considered a solution to capture this structural technology trend and the pace at which the Web 3.0 economy expands its network effect.”

 Fiona King, Head of Distribution, Laser Digital Asset Management added: “We’re excited to now be able to offer institutional investors a regulated product to allow investment and even staking in Ethereum. Our product simplifies digital asset investment strategies, driving institutional engagement securely.”

Laser Digital was launched by Nomura and was co-founded by Steven Ashley, who previously led Nomura’s wholesale division and Jez Mohideen, who was Nomura’s Chief Digital Officer and Co-Head of Global Markets EMEA. Headquartered in Switzerland, Laser Digital combines the rigor, best practices, and capabilities from global investment banking with the experience of a crypto-native team.

African Onafriq payments to offer digital asset payments to GCC using Ripple

African Onafriq payments to offer digital asset payments to GCC using Ripple

Ripple Blockchain and crypto solutions provider has partnered with Onafriq, fintech payments entity, previously known as MFS Arica to offer digital asset enabled cross border payments in Africa, GCC ( Gulf Cooperation Council) countries as well as UK and Australia.

Onafriq utilizing Ripple payments, will open three new payment corridors between Africa and the rest of the world. In GCC Onafriq will be working with Blockchain enabled Pyyple fintech payments entity.

Antti Arponen, CEO at Pyypl, said: “The success of the GCC in drawing in people from all over the world to live and work here has made it a hub for remittance payments. So we are really pleased that our ever-increasing number of customers seeking to send money to Africa will greatly benefit from our new connection with Onafriq, which will allow them to send remittances quickly and cost-effectively to the continent. ”

The partnership is bringing faster, more efficient, and cost-effective international money transfers to Africa, and is set to accelerate financial inclusion across the continent.

“For a number of years, Ripple has supported crypto-enabled, cross-border payments to individuals and businesses, and we are particularly excited to expand the reach of our solution into Africa thanks to our Onfriq partnership,” said Aaron Sears, SVP, Global Customer Success at Ripple. “Connecting our partners PayAngel, Pyppl and Zazi Transfer with Onafriq over Ripple Payments will bring the benefits of faster and more cost-effective cross-border payments to individuals seeking to send money into Africa from around the globe.”

Onafriq has the largest mobile money movement footprint across Africa at a time when mobile money is a significant driver of financial inclusion and has revolutionized access to financial services across the continent. The fintech’s payment hub connects over 500 million mobile wallets across 40 African countries, and operates across more than 1300 payment corridors on the continent, underpinning regional payment interoperability and seamless cross-border payments.

The announcement is being made as Dare Okoudjou, Founder & CEO of Onafriq, is set to appear at Swell Global 2023, the seventh edition of Ripple’s annual customer conference, which this year takes place in Dubai.

Dare Okoudjou, Founder & CEO at Onafriq, said: “Our mission is to make borders matter less when it comes to payment within, to, and from Africa. We are advancing this mission through our partnership with Ripple, which is already enabling new types of connections with fintechs such as PayAngel, Pyppl and Zazi Transfer. These connections are set to enable fast, secure and low-cost remittances at scale between Africa and the rest of the world, and represent a bold first step for our crypto strategy to leverage blockchain technologies to amplify our impact on people and businesses on the continent.”

UK metaverse company Luminous Group raises $1.2 million and sets up presence in the Middle East

UK metaverse company Luminous Group raises $1.2 million and sets up presence in the Middle East

UK headquartered Luminous Group, which provides immersive training programs, using metaverse technologies has raised $1.2 million from North East venture fund, and Mercia as its sets up a presence in the Middle East.

As per the release, the funding will enable the Luminous Group to roll its technology out to a wider audience and create 10 new jobs in the year ahead. It comes as the company is set to open a third office in the Middle East to support its growing client base in the region.

Luminous has already won a major contract from a leading Middle East energy company and recently opened an international office in Bahrain. It plans to open an office in Saudi Arabia later this year, and launch a global marketing campaign. The funding will also enable it to further enhance its platform to make it fully ‘self service’, enabling companies to create their own training programmes, and to launch a new marketplace where training providers can sell their own content.

The Luminous XR (extended reality) platform – which incorporates augmented, mixed and virtual reality – enables users to create training programs quickly and efficiently and track students’ progress. The system, which is ideal for energy companies and manufacturers, can recreate real-life situations including hazardous environments in a safe and repeatable way.

Luminous is run by Ben Bennett, CEO, and Nigel Hope.. Mercia Ventures first invested in 2017 to help it develop the platform. The latest round is the third to date and brings the total received by the company to over £1.9m, which includes funding from the NEVF and Mercia’s EIS funds.

Ben Bennett said: “While it is still early days for the ‘metaverse’, VR and XR technologies have matured significantly and the launch of Apple’s first mixed-reality headset next year is expected to boost awareness and drive global demand. The funding received from Mercia puts Luminous in a strong position to capitalize on that.”

Chris McCourt of Mercia Ventures said: “Current training techniques used in industry are expensive and outdated. Immersive training in a virtual environment could significantly improve performance but creating such programs has been challenging until now. The Luminous XR platform is enabling much wider adoption. This latest investment will enable the company to scale its business and become a global leader in XR training.”

Standard Chartered and SBI to launch $100 million digital asset venture company in UAE

Standard Chartered and SBI to launch $100 million digital asset venture company in UAE

Standard Chartered’s , venture arm SC Ventures, an innovation and fintech investment arm has partnered with Japanese SBI Holdings to establish a Digital Asset Joint Venture investment company in UAE. The parties intend to capitalize the vehicle with $100 million. The company will invest in DeFi, tokenization, consumer payments and metaverse.

The Digital Asset Joint Venture plans to make investments ranging from seed to Series C funding with a focus on investing globally.

Alex Manson, CEO, SC Ventures stated in the press release, “The region is fast becoming a hub for fintechs in the digital asset space due to its strengthening infrastructure and talent. The Digital Asset Joint Venture will be an important vehicle to explore the emerging digital asset ecosystem opportunities globally. The Joint Venture will leverage SC Ventures’ experience in digital assets through our ventures such as Zodia Custody and Zodia Markets, and through our investments in FinTech like Ripple and Metaco.”

In May 2023, Standard Chartered signed an MOU with the Dubai International Financial Centre to collaborate in the digital asset space, including digital asset custody. That same month, SC Ventures exited its stake in Metaco SA, a Swiss-based tech firm offering critical software infrastructure that enables institutions to issue, secure, manage and trade digital assets. U.S. crypto firm Ripple acquired Metaco for US$250 million in its first major acquisition. Ripple is a SC Ventures portfolio company.

“Our Digital Asset Joint Venture plans to make strategic and minority investments in areas such as market infrastructure, risk management and compliance tools, DeFi, tokenization, consumer payments, and the Metaverse. This is one of several strategic initiatives and we will continue to invest and expand our footprint in the region as well as across the digital assets ecosystem,” Manson added.

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership to establish a Digital Asset Joint Venture in UAE together with SC Ventures and bring to bear the collective capabilities of both our organisations in the digital asset space,” said Yoshitaka Kitao, SBI Holdings, Inc. Representative Director, Chairman, President & CEO. “This initiative further solidifies the strategic relationship between SBI Holdings and SC Ventures following our investment forays into SC Ventures’ portfolio companies including Solv, Zodia Custody and myZoi.”

“We congratulate SC Ventures and SBI Holdings on their drive to help shape the future of finance as they forge ahead with their first Digital Asset Joint Venture in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). In a world where the conversation around digital assets has rapidly evolved from ‘why’ to an eagerly anticipated ‘when,’ DIFC stands at the forefront of regulation, having meticulously tailored its ecosystem to foster an environment that nurtures investment, fuels exponential growth, and drives innovation,” said Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer, DIFC.

OKX now has a General Manager for MENA based out of Dubai UAE

OKX now has a General Manager for MENA based out of Dubai UAE

OKX crypto exchange, with more than 50 million users, seeking a license in the UAE, has announced that it has appointed a General Manager for MENA region based out of Dubai.

Rifad Mahasneh, in his role as General Manager will be responsible for leading OKX’s operations and regulatory approach, and growing the company’s user base and market share in the region.

OKX President Hong Fang said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Rifad as OKX’s leader in MENA. With his extensive background in digital assets, finance and growth, and years of local leadership in the region, Rifad is a key strong addition to the team. With MENA being one of the fastest growing markets globally for digital assets and Web3 adoption, this appointment is a testament to our commitment to drive sustainable growth in this region.”

OKX MENA General Manager Rifad Mahasneh said: “I’m excited to join OKX and lead its MENA business – it’s a privilege to be a part of such a forward-thinking and innovative company. I look forward to contributing to the development of OKX in the UAE and across the MENA region, and to playing a role in helping to onboard the next billion users to Web3.”

Rifad has extensive experience in digital assets, strategy, and public policy in the UAE and is a board member of the Dubai Digital Asset Association (D2A2). Prior to joining OKX, Rifad held the position of Vice President with Rain, leading business and licensing efforts in the UAE. His earlier roles included leading Uber’s ride hailing business in the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Levant regions.

Dubai virtual asset regulator calls on more than 1,000 firms to finalize applications in ten days

Dubai virtual asset regulator calls on more than 1,000 firms to finalize applications in ten days

Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) announced that while more than 1,000 legacy firms have filed applications to register under Dubai’s unique regulatory framework, underscoring the city’s commitment to fostering a transparent and resilient virtual asset environment, these firms need to complete their applications in ten days, by November 17th 2023.

As per the press release, following the inception of the Authority by Law No. 4 of 2022 and the issuance of VARA regulations in February 2023, Dubai’s Virtual Assets sector, which includes specialist Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) and traditional businesses involved in Virtual Asset activities, became a part of a regulated sector requiring all such legacy operators in the Emirate of Dubai to obtain licenses or registrations under VARA

Further to substantive outreach efforts facilitated in collaboration with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Dubai Free Zone Council (DFZC) through 2023, VARA’s dedicated licensing team have successfully rolled out an accelerated domestic outreach program.

Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) is advancing its engagement with the virtual asset market to evaluate compliance with its set regulations, emphasizing the obligatory licensing for all Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) in the Emirate. Firms lagging in their application processes have until 17th November 2023 before enforcement mechanisms are due to be triggered by default.

As such VARA is calling on VASPs that have yet to submit the applications, have missed the notifications from their commercial licensing authorities, or have submitted incomplete forms to proactively get in touch, to avoid unintended regulatory consequences.

In recent months VARA has been issuing various market alerts. In its most recent alert it called to attention the media coverage regarding Bitay’s supposed entry into the UAE market, showcasing that unless they have secured approval or regulated by VARA or any other regulatory authority in the UAE. Prior to that it issued a notice with regards to Islamic Coin.

As per VARA, according to Cabinet Resolution No. 111/2022 advises the market to not engage with unregulated VASPs. VARA reaffirmed that Bitay is not regulated by VARA and has not sought to otherwise be registered with VARA.

This latest announcement by VARA comes after the UAE  National Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organizations Committee (NAMLCFTC), in collaboration with UAE supervisors, has issued guidance on combating the use of unlicensed virtual asset service providers, which is prepared by the supervisory subcommittee.

The guidance, which aims to educate licensed financial institutions (LFIs) and the wider public sector on the risks associated with unlicensed virtual asset service providers, has been issued pursuant to the Decree Federal Law No.20 of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) and Illegal organizations. It aligns with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) publication on updated guidance for a risk-based approach to virtual assets and virtual asset service providers.

The guidance provides the reporting entities, including LFIs, Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs), and Licenced Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), with a comprehensive roadmap to enhancing their governance and operational processes. It also highlights how to identify and address governance challenges and emerging risks, underlining the importance of compliance with regulatory obligations under AML legislation and the regulations, instructions, guidelines, notices, and rules issued by the Supervisory Authorities.

The guidance directs the reporting entities to consult the FATF Report on Red Flag Indicators of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing regarding Virtual Assets. It specifically requires them to remain vigilant of the various fraudulent methods unlicensed VASPs adopt; continue to manage money laundering, financing of terrorism, and proliferation financing risks effectively; ensure emerging risks are factored into their business and customer risk assessments; and ensure due diligence is conducted to identify instances of forged documents and sanctions evasion.

As per the guidance, VASPs operating in the UAE without a valid license will be subject to civil and criminal penalties, including, but not limited to, financial sanctions against the entity, owners, and senior managers. Furthermore, reporting entities that demonstrate willful blindness in their dealings with unlicensed VASPs and have weak AML/CFT and Counter Proliferation Financing controls may be subject to enforcement action.

Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE and Chairman of the NAMLCFTC, said, “The new guidance on combating the use of unlicensed virtual asset service providers comes at a time when virtual assets become more accessible through digital channels. As our digital economy matures, our work on combating all kinds of financial crimes intensifies through raising awareness of their risks and emphasising the importance of compliance with relevant regulations and legislation to ensure the integrity of the UAE’s financial system.”

Lebanon’s Ministry of Economy signs agreement for Blockchain use cases and Conference

Lebanon’s Ministry of Economy signs agreement for Blockchain use cases and Conference

The Lebanese Ministry of Economy and Trade has signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with DigiWeb LLC, a technology and Web3 company Choueh Law Firm, and the Lebanese Association for Digital transformation to introduce Blockchain training courses, develop Blockchain use cases and launch the upcoming Blockchain conference, “Blockchaining Lebanon Conference”

This MOU establishes collaboration between DigiWeb LLC, its partners, including the Lebanese Association for Digital Transformation (LADT) and   Choueh Law Firm, and the Ministry of Economy to support the Ministry’s digital transformation process.

The primary objective of the MOU is to provide training on Blockchain, and AI from various perspectives and organize a nationwide conference in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, with the honorable presence of Minister Amin Salam.

Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade, H.E. Mr. Amin Salam, commented, “This MOU is an important step towards the digitization efforts of the Lebanese government. We seek to advance Lebanon’s digital future utilizing Blockchain technology. One of the vital steps towards this is the education of our employees on technologies such as Blockchain, AI, and others. The culmination of our efforts will be with the use cases and the Blockchaining Lebanon Conference.”

Fady Al Sayah, Founder & CEO of Digi Web LLC stated, “We are proud to be supporting the Lebanese Ministry of Economy and trade with their digital transformation process encompassing technologies such as AI and Blockchain. We look forward to working on Blockchain and AI use cases that benefit Lebanese citizens and streamline government services in a transparent and trustworthy manner.”

Mrs. Randa Al-Rifai, Head of Lebanese Association for Digital Transformation (LADT) added, “By training government employees on the concepts of Blockchain, and artificial intelligence we are not only up skilling the skill sets of these employees but preparing them for Web3 digitization services.” 

In terms of the event, Choueh Law Firm, represented by lawyer Mr. Charbel Choueh noted, “The conference will set Lebanon on the course to embrace the latest internet technologies, fostering innovation and progress as well as open doors to fresh investment opportunities within the burgeoning Third Generation Internet sector.”

Technologies such as Blockchain, AI, will encourage Lebanese youth and enterprises to transition into the Third Generation of the Internet, ensuring they remain at the forefront of technological advancement.