UAE based DWF Labs, the new generation crypto market maker and investor announced the launch of their $250 million Liquid Fund to accelerate the adoption and expansion of mid and large cap crypto projects.

As per the announcement, the firm already invested over $11 million into promising blockchain projects and will sign two major investment deals worth $25 million and $10 million as part of this $250 million Liquid Fund, with more announcements coming up in the pipeline.

This initiative aligns with DWF Labs’ commitment to supercharge real growth in the wider crypto landscape, with investment sizes ranging from $10 million to $50 million per project. The fund will provide strategic crypto venture capital and ecosystem support, ensuring sustainable growth for projects that drive real-world adoption and help promote change in the industry.

Unlike traditional investments, each deal will also include a full-scale ecosystem growth strategy tailored to the needs of the project. This includes, stablecoin TVL and Ecosystem Expansion, Supporting liquidity and DeFi activity for L1/L2 networks. It will also include lending markets development, PR and Brand amplification, and comprehensive GTM strategy.

“Through this fund, we are doubling down on our mission to accelerate Web3 innovation and adoption,” said Andrei Grachev, Managing Partner at DWF Labs. “We believe that strategic capital, coupled with hands-on ecosystem development, is the key to unlocking the next wave of growth for the industry.”

Established in 2022, Due a UK based fintech startup using blockchain and stablecoin technology to reshape international payments has established a presence in the UAE. The company which provides borderless multi-currency accounts, global transfers / remittances and merchant acquiring for individuals and businesses announced on X that they were now live in the UAE. The post stated, ” We’re Live in the UAE! We’re launching Due in the UAE, making it easier than ever to send and receive AED all powered by stablecoins and local payment rails.”

As per the post Due will be offering easy deposits with effortless top-ups through local AED transfers, fast & affordable Payouts AED payments with low fees and instant settlement, and unique Local Virtual Accounts with dedicated AED account details to get paid locally.

The company built its platform on top of public blockchains, leveraging stablecoin liquidity markets across Europe, US, LatAm and Africa to enable accessible, fast, and cheap international money movements for clients around the world. Due’s platform is non-custodial.

It was founded by Robert Sargsian and Alex Popov. Robert previously worked at Revolut (largest neobank in Europe) where he was part of the Chief Revenue Officer team, leading new bets / special projects in Retail/Credit and Crypto and helping shape the company’s global Crypto strategy.

UAE regulated stablecoin environment

The UAE is the first country in MENA region to regulate stablecoins through its Central Bank. It allows AED stablecoins to be used as a legal tender, while other virtual stablecoins once regulated can be used for the purchase of virtual assets.

So far one AED stablecoin has been regulated, the AE Coin.

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.

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.

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.

UAE Tokinvest, a VARA regulated marketplace for real world asset tokenization, is participating with Dubai Land Department, Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority and Dubai Future Foundation, in the pilot for tokenizing property deeds and titles in Dubai.

The pilot announced this week is 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. 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.

Scott Thiel, CEO & Co-Founder of Tokinvest, has shared his perspective on the significance of this milestone with Lara on the Block noting, “Dubai continues to set the global benchmark for real estate innovation, and the launch of the Real Estate Tokenization Project by the Dubai Land Department marks a transformative moment for the sector. The initiative not only reinforces Dubai’s leadership in blockchain adoption but also paves the way for a more inclusive, liquid, and efficient real estate market.”

He added that Tokinvest is proud to be at the forefront of this evolution. He explained, ” We are proud to be collaborating with key stakeholders in shaping the future of tokenized real estate. Through our regulatory expertise and technology-driven approach, we are excited to contribute to the success of this pilot, bringing real-world assets onto the blockchain in a secure and compliant manner. Tokenisation is no longer a concept, it’s a reality that will open up Dubai’s real estate market to a global pool of investors like never before.”

Tokinvest is looking forward to working closely with the DLD, VARA, and other industry pioneers to establish best practices and drive meaningful adoption. Thiel notes, “This is the beginning of a new era for real estate investment in Dubai, and Tokinvest is committed to playing a key role in this transformation.”

Already Tokinvest, has carried out strategic partnerships connecting 1 billion people to tokenized real estate, investment funds, and alternative assets. The partnerships cross geographies that include UAE, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and beyond to establish a global tokenization infrastructure. They include UDPN (Hong Kong): Developing a tokenized deposit and stablecoin infrastructure to power virtual asset adoption across MENA and Africa, InvestaX (Singapore): A MAS-licensed digital securities platform, enabling investors to access global RWAs and compliant security token offerings, Archax (UK), The first FCA-regulated digital securities exchange, providing brokerage, custody, and liquidity for tokenized assets in institutional markets, and HKVAX (Hong Kong): A regulated SFC-licensed virtual asset exchange, bridging institutional finance with blockchain-based asset issuance as well as Fasset (UAE, Indonesia, Malaysia, the EU, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain and others) and StegX (EEA), A Frankfurt-based real estate tokenization marketplace, providing European investors with access to Dubai’s booming property sector.

Scott Thiel, CEO & Co-Founder of Tokinvest, said, “This isn’t just about partnerships; this is about building a global ecosystem that enables seamless access to tokenized real-world assets across multiple jurisdictions. With our expanding network, Tokinvest is positioning itself as a leader in unlocking previously inaccessible investment opportunities and redefining how people engage with high-value assets. Our reach now extends to potentially over 1 billion people, and we are only getting started.”

In the near future, Tokinvest is gearing up for the launch of its platform in April 2025, where investors will be able to access exclusive tokenised property investments in Dubai. Through its strategic partnerships, strong regulatory backing, and best-in-class technology, Tokinvest is paving the way for a new era of accessible, transparent, and efficient investing.

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 Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the regulatory arm of DIFC ( Dubai International Financial Centre) has announced the launch its tokenization regulatory sandbox.

The tokenization regulatory sandbox (TRS), which has two stages: the innovation testing license (ITL) under the tokenization cohort and a DFSA license to enter the program.

As per the press release, the regime asked firms to submit their expression of interest before April 24, 2025.


The tokenization regulatory sandbox will allow firms to test innovative products and services in a controlled environment. The sandbox will also provide an opportunity for firms to test tokenized financial solutions.

It will offer a regulatory pathway from experimentation to full authorization.

The DFSA’s innovation testing license has already been instrumental in supporting fintechs and digital finance pioneers in the DIFC. It will now expand its scope to tokenized investments.

As per the guidelines set by the DFSA, firms who are engaged in the tokenization of financial services such as trading, holding or settling tokenized investments like equities, bonds, sukuk, and collective investment fund units can express their interest in joining.

Additionally, existing DFSA-authorized firms who want to expand into the tokenization field can also apply.

Firms are required to have a strong understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements.

Interested firms will undergo an assessment process, and those that demonstrate strong business models and regulatory understanding may be invited to participate in the DFSA’s tokenization regulatory sandbox, where they will receive tailored regulatory support and structured testing opportunities, under what is called the ITL tokenization cohort.

The ITL tokenization cohort is the DFSA’s version of a regulatory “sandbox” focused on tokenization-related activities.

The announcement comes as more and more tokenization projects flourish in the UAE, with examples including Mantra Blockchain’s recent partnership with DAMAC Holdings to tokenize $1 billion worth of assets.

Additionally, other countries across the GCC and MENA region, such as Qatar have already made great strides with their tokenization and digital asset regulations and labs.

Stobox founder in a recent interview in Cryptopolitan noted that the MENA tokenization market could account for as much as 20% of the expected $30 trillion tokenization market by 2030. Stobox, was one of the 29 blockchain firms that have been accepted into Qatar Financial Centre’s Digital Assets Lab. Ross Shemeliak, the co-founder of the firm, noted that tokenization is taking the world and MENA region by storm.

Avalanche Blockchain, has joined the new Web3 ecosystem in Dubai UAE, TheBlock, whose membership targets startups and enterprises alike. TheBlock is bringing together an array of experts, investors, and innovators to accelerate Web3 initiatives and foster industry-wide growth. As per their website their experts include regulators, innovators, and enterprises in a single collaborative framework to accelerate Web3 adoption.

Avalanche is not the first entity to join. So far members include Dubai World Trade Center, Realiz, Polymesh, Fuze, BlackLane, Crystal, Vero, and Black Manta Capital Partners.

Avalanche has become the first Apex member of TheBlock, marking a key development in the expansion of blockchain technology within the region.

TheBlock provides blockchain companies with the resources, regulatory guidance, and strategic partnerships necessary to establish and expand their presence in the UAE. By offering tailored membership programs and direct access to investors, developers, and regulators, TheBlock facilitates business growth within the Middle East’s evolving digital asset landscape.

Avalanche is recognized for its high-performance blockchain infrastructure, offering exceptional speed, scalability, and security. With near-instant transaction finality and cost-efficient solutions, Avalanche is enabling the development of real-world applications that scale effectively.

Prior to TheBlock, Dubai notably had Crypto Oasis as one of the pioneering Web3 ecosystems based out of DMCC. There is also the recent Blockchain Abu Dhabi Center in Abu Dhabi as well.

Qatar based Doha Bank proudly has launched it Fintech and Innovation Hub, as an initiative to advance Qatar’s financial services ecosystem and the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) aspirations for fintech excellence. The Fintech Hub will foster innovative fintech solutions using AI and digital payment solutions within a regulated framework.

Doha Bank Group Chief Executive Officer Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Fahad bin Faisal Al Thani, noted that the hub serves as a dynamic platform to nurture emerging technologies, support fintech entrepreneurs, and collaborate with stakeholders across the financial and regulatory landscape.

Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Fahad bin Faisal Al Thani remarked: “The Doha Bank Fintech and Innovation Hub embodies our commitment to Qatar National Vision 2030, serving as a catalyst for transforming financial services and fostering economic diversification. Our goal is to position Doha Bank as a leader in fintech innovation by creating a vibrant ecosystem where ideas flourish, regulatory frameworks advance, and global partnerships thrive. We invite all stakeholders to join us in shaping a future of growth, collaboration, and excellence.”

By embracing advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and digital payments, the hub accelerates digital transformation, enhancing customer experiences and operational efficiency. Furthermore, the hub provides mentorship, funding opportunities, and resources for start-ups to scale their operations.

Baiju Samuel, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer of Doha Bank commented, “As part of the Fintech and Innovation hub, our ambition is to actively partner with and co-create solutions alongside fintech innovators who offer bespoke solutions tailored to address evolving banking product needs. We aim to deliver next-generation financial solutions that are seamless, secure, and customer-centric, positioning Doha Bank as a leader in digital transformation and innovation.”