UAE Central Bank licenses Relm and Liva insurance to offer insurance for Web3 businesses

UAE Central Bank licenses Relm and Liva insurance to offer insurance for Web3 businesses

UAE Central Bank has licensed Relm Insurance a dedicated insurer to emerging sectors – and Liva Insurance, a GCC insurance provider to offer their dedicated multi-line insurance solution for WEB3 businesses – SIGMAWEB3, and its tailored version for Dubai’s virtual asset regulatory authority VARA-regulated companies, SIGMAWEB3 VARA.

As per the press release, this follows the signing of Relm and Liva’s strategic partnership in February 2025, aimed at empowering innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging sectors such as digital assets, biotech and AI.

The UAE Central Bank approval reinforces Relm and Liva’s commitment to deliver tailored insurance solutions that address the unique

SIGMAWEB3 and SIGMAWEB3 VARA will help create the confidence and resiliency that WEB3 innovators require to tackle complex challenges and seize new opportunities, while meeting the necessary regulatory requirements. Both products are designed specifically for digital asset companies, blockchain startups, crypto exchanges, and fintech innovators, addressing the unique and complex financial, professional, crime, and cyber exposures inherent in their operations.

SIGMAWEB3 VARA is specifically tailored to meet the requirements of Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), ensuring that crypto companies can operate with compliant insurance cover.

“Securing Central Bank approval for SIGMAWEB3 and SIGMAWEB3 VARA is a significant step for brokers and clients in the UAE. This milestone facilitates more comprehensive coverage tailored to the unique risks of the Web3 space. By closing the insurance gap, we’re empowering businesses with the protection they need to innovate confidently in a rapidly evolving market” said Joseph Ziolkowski, CEO of Relm Insurance.

“SIGMAWEB3 and SIGMAWEB3 VARA represent a significant step in our commitment to supporting growth and evolution of innovation within the insurance industry. This approval from Central Bank affirms both Liva Group’s deep market insight and Relm’s expertise in specialised insurance as well as reinforcing the vital role that regulatory collaboration plays in fostering a secure and thriving digital economy. Together, we aim to provide customers with solutions that meet their evolving needs, while strengthening our commitment to scale and diversify our business.” Martin Rueegg, Group CEO of Liva Group.

A year earlier OneDegree, Asia’s licensed insurer for digital assets and Dubai Insurance Company announced the issuance of digital assets custodial risk insurance to their customers in UAE. The Central Bank of UAE approved issuance of the digital asset insurance offering.

OneDegree and Dubai Insurance partnered in 2023. Custodial risk insurance completes the product portfolio and allows the partners to offer a one-stop-shop for digital asset companies in the UAE, under the brand “OneInfinity”.

VARA, Dubai’s dedicated regulator for digital assets, requires such coverage along with professional indemnity and directors & officers insurance. With this latest approval, specialized custodial risk insurance can be offered directly in UAE for the first time. Custodial risk insurance protects companies against the risk of losing access to digital assets including through third party hacks and theft, internal fraud and physical damage to the storage media.

Australian NotCentralised to develop Blockchain certification attestation process for Qatar Government

Australian NotCentralised to develop Blockchain certification attestation process for Qatar Government

NotCentralised, an Australian based tech company that utilizes blockchain technology to offer solutions, has been selected by the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council (QRDI), acting through Qatar Foundation, to lead and deliver a blockchain Optimization of Certification Attestation Process project.

As per the announcement, this initiative aims to design a state-of-the-art attestation flow leveraging emerging technologies for the benefit of Qatar in partnership with RedBelly Network a premier blockchain team and Microsoft. The team will use blockchain technology in certification attestation for Qatar.

As a specialist in emerging technologies, NotCentralised has deep expertise in Blockchain, Tokenization, and Generative AI. Our team has contributed to high-profile projects, including CBDC pilots for the Reserve Bank of Australia and Generative AI implementations for Sydney’s largest Primary Healthcare Network.

NotCentralised won the the first challenge, titled “Certification Attestation Process – Optimization through Blockchain Technology,” which aimed to address various issues associated with the current manual certification verification process, such as workforce requirements, extended processing times, semi-automated university and government systems, high costs, intricate procedures, susceptibility to errors, degree forgery, and unauthorized verification.

The initiative is supported by The Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council’s flagship program, Qatar Open Innovation (QOI), launched the Open Innovation Opportunities in partnership with the Ministry of Labour (MoL) in Qatar.

This collaboration represents a significant milestone to enrich the technology sector and promote innovation. QRDI’s QOI program, known for its dedication to fostering innovation, introduces an Innovation Opportunity geared towards transforming the certification attestation process and document analysis for Qatar’s Ministry of Labour.

There was also a second challenge, titled “Artificial Intelligence Driven Document Analysis for Qatar’s Ministry of Labour,” focuses on improving the efficiency of the Ministry of Labour’s operations. Manual document analysis has been time-consuming, labour-intensive, and error prone. By adopting AI-driven solutions, MoL aims to modernize its processes, reduce manual labour, and enhance efficiency, with a primary focus on contract analysis in the Arabic language.

Abu Dhabi Inovartic to launch tokenized real estate investment platform with Brikyland

Abu Dhabi Inovartic to launch tokenized real estate investment platform with Brikyland

Brikyland Technologies, a blockchain-based real estate tokenization platform, and Abu Dhabi based Inovartic Investments, an innovation and technologies driven investment firm, have signed joint venture partnership aimed at jointly exploring, developing, and implementing tokenized real estate and green asset backed investment technologies in UAE. The venture is expected to roll out projects in key real estate developments and green asset backed initiatives across the UAE, with further announcements to follow in the coming months.

As per the press release, the collaboration is set to leverage blockchain, smart contract infrastructure, and digital asset frameworks to unlock new models of fractional ownership, liquidity, and transparency in the real estate and sustainable investment space. The joint venture will operate in full compliance with ADGM’s evolving regulatory environment governing virtual assets and digital finance.

The two parties seek to develop a UAE based tokenization platform for premium real estate and green assets that will enable compliant fractional ownership structures using blockchain and smart contracts. They will also work to introduce innovative investment vehicles aligned with ESG principles and sustainability mandates and collaborate with regulatory bodies to ensure alignment with national digital asset policies.

The agreement follows the UAE–Vietnam Business Forum held on April 10, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, where both entities reaffirmed their commitment to advancing technology cooperation. This partnership reflects that vision by strengthening cross-border collaboration in emerging technologies and green finance.

“This partnership with Brikyland Technologies is a natural extension of our vision to drive the next generation of asset backed investment solutions rooted in transparency, sustainability, and technological advancement,” said Anwar Hussein, Managing Partner and Co Founder of Inovartic Investments. “Together, we are laying the foundation for a new era of real estate investment and green asset monetization in the UAE.”

Dr. Dang Ha Lam, Founder Chairman and CEO of Brikyland Technologies, added, “Our technology is designed to make real estate and green assets more accessible and tradable. Partnering with Inovartic opens up strategic opportunities to expand our footprint in the UAE with a focus on institutional grade solutions and compliance-first innovation.”

Saif Aldarmaki Chairman and Co Founder of Inovartic Investments, also noted that the partnership reflects the share commitment to advancing cross-border innovation and sustainable investment. He notes, “By integrating Brikyland’s blockchain technology, we aim to pioneer next-generation asset-backed financial solutions that align with the UAE’s digital economy vision and deepen our commercial ties with Vietnam.”

Founding Advisor of Brikyland Technologies Dr Phillip Thai Pham (BA MIT, Dr. Standford) commented, “We welcome this strategic joint venture as a timely and progressive step that aligns with Vietnam’s commitment to fostering global partnerships in innovation and sustainable development. The collaboration between Brickyland and Inovartic reflects the spirit of cooperation highlighted during the UAE–Vietnam Business Forum. We believe this initiative will open new investment channels, create high impact technological applications, and strengthen the economic bridge between our two nations.”

Alps Blockchain expands Oman mining operation to 150 Megawatt

Alps Blockchain expands Oman mining operation to 150 Megawatt

Alps Blockchain, an Italian company that builds and operates mining farms to contribute to the development of new technologies and support the evolution of the energy sector, combining innovation and efficiency, has announced that it has expanded its mining operation from 10 Megawatt to 150 Megawatt in Oman.

As per the post, this scale up follows their successful completion of the first phase. The company notes that this growth represents a key strategic milestone in the company’s path toward international expansion, reaffirming its commitment to investing in high-efficiency infrastructure and in markets with strong growth potential.

Launched in 2024, the project initially involved a 10-Megawatt phase, successfully completed in the first half of last year. The second phase is now taking shape: with the arrival of new containerized units, the site has been significantly upgraded to support a much broader operational capacity of 150 Megawatts, making it the largest in the country.

In July 2024, Azimut, an independent, global group in asset management, wealth management, investment banking and fintech, completed a new club deal to invest in Alps Blockchain totaling $156 million to be used for Alp Blockchain growth initiatives of which Oman was one.

The 150 MGW phase has been under construction since January 2025 in Salalah through the subsidiary Alps Middle East SPC in partnership with Green Data City.

UAE Bank Federation showcases how smart banking will help UAE GDP reach 20% by 2031

UAE Bank Federation showcases how smart banking will help UAE GDP reach 20% by 2031

The UAE Banks Federation (UBF), during the 14th edition of the AIM Congress in Abu Dhabi, emphasized the importance of continuing initiatives and efforts to advance smart banking services to build a digital economy characterized by prosperity, resilience, financial inclusion, transparency, diversification, and sustainability where UAE GDP will reach 20% by 2031. They also noted that UAE Banks are continuing to invest in technologies such as AI, Blockchain, data analytics and cloud computing.

The AIM Investment Summit, taking place from April 7 to 9, 2025, under the theme “The New Wave of a Globalized Investment Landscape: Towards a New Balanced World Structure,” hosts heads of state, more than 60 ministers and central bank governors, 30 city mayors, 1,250 speakers, 16 heads of stock markets, 600 exhibitors, and over 20,000 participants from 180 countries—highlighting its status as a leading global investment platform.

In his keynote speech at the “Future of Finance” session, which featured senior officials and experts from the banking, finance, and technology sectors, Mr. Jamal Saleh, Director General of UBF, said, “The banking sector is distinguished by its progressive approach in adopting and developing advanced technologies to deliver seamless and secure banking services to customers. The proactive role of the Central Bank of the UAE fosters innovation to meet the evolving needs of diverse customer segments and keep pace with rapid advancements in fintech, while ensuring optimal conditions for protecting digital infrastructure and cybersecurity.”

He added: “Guided by the visionary leadership of the UAE, the country is redefining innovation and ambition across various fields, spearheading digital transformation and smart services. The UAE Digital Strategy aims to double the digital economy’s contribution to the GDP, from 9.7% to over 20% by 2031, underscoring the commitment to strengthening its leading status as a global center for finance, investment, and trade.”

He noted that UAE bank investments in technology infrastructure and digital channels has increased the adoption of digital services with now more than 95% of all transactions conducted digitally.

He also added that UAE banking sector is at the forefront of these efforts by deploying blockchain, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cloud computing to provide better services, enhance operational excellence, and improve risk management and regulatory compliance.

Abu Dhabi Finstreet subsidiary of IHC Group signs MOU with Ninety One investment manager to integrate blockchain technology

Abu Dhabi Finstreet subsidiary of IHC Group signs MOU with Ninety One investment manager to integrate blockchain technology

Finstreet Limited, a subsidiary of IHC Group through Sirius International Holding a regulated subsidiary in Abu Dhabi ADGM, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ninety One, a global active investment manager with US$163 billion in assets under management (as of 31st December 2024) to explore innovative collaborations using blockchain technology.

Finstreet Global Markets Limited is, subject to final regulatory approval licensed for the Regulated Activity of Operating a Multilateral Trading Facility; at ADGM as well as subject to final regulatory approval, licensed for the Regulated Activity of Providing Custody, as a Digital Settlement Facility and Central Securities Depository; and is licensed for the Regulated Activities of Operating a Private Financing Platform, Managing a Collective Investment Fund, Advising on Investments or Credit, Arranging Deals in Investments, and Arranging Custody.

This strategic agreement aims to explore innovative collaborations in the development of structured and exchange-traded products, as part of Finstreet’s vision to redefine financial market access by integrating blockchain technology with traditional financial infrastructure platforms.

As per the press release, by combining Ninety One’s global experience with Finstreet’s infrastructure, the collaboration aims to drive growth and innovation in the financial sector, while meeting rising investor demand for private debt instruments.

The partnership will focus on creating and trading structured products and private debt instruments on Finstreet Global Markets, addressing growing market demands for sophisticated investment solutions.

Sunidhi Pasan, Founder & CEO of Finstreet Limited, commented, “This partnership underscores Finstreet’s commitment to redefining financial market access through strategic collaborations. Ninety One’s global expertise complements our vision of delivering robust investment solutions to institutional and professional investors.”

Nicolaas Alberts, Co-Head of the Middle East, Ninety One, said, “Through this MoU, Finstreet and Ninety One are laying the cornerstone for a dynamic, long-term partnership that will create enduring value for stakeholders. Furthermore, this collaboration with Finstreet will allow us to develop liquidity for our private debt solutions, including infrastructure debt, while strategically addressing market needs. Moreover, it reflects our shared ambition to deliver innovative investment solutions and products that unlock long-term value for investors.”

The Hashgraph Group invests in AgNext to offer food traceability in MENA using blockchain

The Hashgraph Group invests in AgNext to offer food traceability in MENA using blockchain

The Hashgraph Group (THG), a Swiss-based global business, venture capital, and technology firm dedicated to the Hedera ecosystem, has strategically invested in AgNext Technologies, a leading agritech company driving innovation in food quality and transparency. With operations spanning India, Europe, the Middle East, and the USA. AgNext leverages AI-driven quality assessment and blockchain-enabled traceability to enhance food safety and efficiency across the supply chain.

With this investment, THG joins AgNext’s recent financing round led by Novo Holdings, a holding and investment company headquartered in Denmark, with over US$150 billion in assets under management. Novo Holdings manages the wealth and assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Following its Series A funding in 2021, of $21 million led by Alpha Wave Incubation (AWI), AgNext opened its first international office in Abu Dhabi, UAE. AWI is backed by DisruptAD, which is managed by Falcon Edge and serves as the venture capital arm of Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, ADQ. The funding at the time supported the view that AgNext is uniquely positioned to drive the digitization of quality-based food trade in the MENA region with its pioneering technologies.

Approximately a third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted annually, leading to severe environmental, economic, and social consequences. This not only exacerbates food insecurity but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, waste of resources, and economic losses. Boston Consulting Group estimates global food wastage at $230 billion annually.

Traditional quality checks are slow, error prone, and costly which leads to recalls and loss of trust. AgNext solves this with its patented AI powered solutions, replacing subjective assessments and lab delays with instant on the spot analysis. The solution brings digitized trust to global food supply chains.

Following this strategic investment by THG, AgNext will integrate Hedera’s cutting-edge distributed ledger technology (DLT) into its assurance and traceability platforms and devices – ensuring 100% traceability, transparency, immutability, and efficiency through self-executing smart contracts, eliminating the need for multiple intermediaries that currently populate the supply chains and drive-up end prices. Hedera being the most scalable, cost-efficient, and energy-efficient among blockchain protocols is especially well-suited for food supply chains.

Taranjeet Bhamra, Founder and CEO of AgNext, commented on the investment, saying: “We are excited to welcome The Hashgraph Group as a valued partner in our mission to revolutionize food supply chains. With THG’s expertise and technology, we are poised to enhance our quality assurance frameworks and create robust transaction assurance systems that will foster transparency and trust in the global agriculture and food sectors. This partnership marks a pivotal step in delivering innovative, cutting-edge solutions to our clients.”

AgNext and THG will also collaborate on joint go-to-market initiatives, including co-branded, Hedera-powered embedded devices, which will be offered to clients globally through a new Web3-centric joint venture established in Switzerland.

Stefan Deiss, Co-Founder & CEO of The Hashgraph Group, said: “THG brings deep expertise in designing, developing, and deploying enterprise-grade solutions on the Hedera network, delivered by our team of highly skilled, Hedera-certified engineers. With this strategic co-investment alongside Novo Holdings, we look forward to embarking on the tech-enablement journey with AgNext to drive the convergence of AI and Blockchain/DLT, while jointly bringing to market Hedera-powered AgriTech solutions that will enhance AgNext’s competitive edge in the Web3 era.”

Hedera leverages its unique Hashgraph consensus algorithm to achieve unmatched speed, security, and scalability. With low, predictable fees and a carbon-negative footprint, Hedera is governed by over 30 Council Members from the world’s leading organizations such as Abrdn, Dell, EDF, Hitachi, Google, IBM, Mondelēz, Standard Bank, and TATA, Hedera provides a trusted, quantum-resistant infrastructure for businesses and institutions worldwide.

Anindya Roychowdhury, Head of Global Partnerships at The Hashgraph Group, stated: “I’ve been closely following AgNext’s remarkable growth since its inception, and I’m thrilled that THG is now partnering with them to leverage Hedera as the foundation for their assurance and traceability platforms. With Taranjeet’s visionary leadership and the capabilities of Hedera, we are confident in creating world-leading, Web3-enabled solutions for the AgriTech industry.”

Bitcoin MENA conference returns to UAE in December 2025

Bitcoin MENA conference returns to UAE in December 2025

After the Bitcoin MENA conference in December 2024, ADNEC Group & BTC Inc Group Bitcoin MENA is returning to Abu Dhabi for a second edition, set to take place on December 8-9, 2025. Scheduled to open the day after the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix, the event will once again take over the Marina Hall at ADNEC Centre — this time with expanded exhibition space, an enhanced outdoor area, world class speakers and premium networking experiences, including yachts berthed at the venue.

The 2024 debut established Bitcoin MENA as the premier Bitcoin gathering in the Middle East and North Africa, bringing together influential voices from government, business, and finance. Attracting over 10,000 visitors, 190 speakers, 100 exhibitors, and 500 brands.

The last year’s headline speakers included Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization; Prince Filip of Serbia; Saifedean Ammous, author of The Bitcoin Standard; Abdulla Al Dhaheri of the Blockchain Centre Abu Dhabi; Paul Manafort, Former Campaign Manager for Trump 2016; and Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East under the Trump Administration.

Humaid Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said, “The return of Bitcoin MENA to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi reflects the city’s growing influence as a global destination for digital asset dialogue and innovation. This event is a strategic addition to our dynamic calendar, reinforcing ADNEC Group’s role in convening cutting-edge conversations and fostering meaningful partnerships across emerging industries. As we expand the platform in 2025, we look forward to supporting BTC Inc. in delivering an even more impactful edition that connects global visionaries with the region’s forward-thinking ecosystem.”

“The Middle East is rapidly becoming a center of gravity for Bitcoin adoption and policy innovation,” said David Bailey, CEO of BTC Inc. “The response to last year’s event was overwhelming. In 2025, we’re scaling everything — from speaker programming and exhibition space to VIP experiences and side events — to match the global importance of this region.”

The Bitcoin Conference, organized by BTC Media (parent company of Bitcoin Magazine), is a global event series featuring notable industry speakers, policymakers, workshops, exhibitions, and entertainment. The flagship event took place in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2024, and Bitcoin 2025 is scheduled to be held in Las Vegas in May 2025. Its international events include Bitcoin Asia (Hong Kong, August 28-29, 2025), and Bitcoin MENA (Abu Dhabi, December 8-9, 2025).

Web3 is a Joke presents Crypto Roast Comedy Night on the sidelines of Token 2049 Dubai

Web3 is a Joke presents Crypto Roast Comedy Night on the sidelines of Token 2049 Dubai

Web3 is a Joke, founded by comedian Mona Shaikh, bridges the gap between comedy and blockchain technology. With sold-out events across the US, UK, Hong Kong, and beyond, the brand has become a global leader in making Web3 accessible through humor.
The event will turn blockchain into belly laughs in Dubai UAE during Token2049 on April 29th at The Kempinski Palm from 6-8pm.

“Web3 is a Joke” Crypto Roast Comedy Night at Token 2049 Dubai side event, will be a transformative experience featuring hilarious comedians, delicious libations and unparalleled networking opportunities designed for crypto, web3 and comedy lovers.

Mona Sheikh, Founder of Web3 is a Joke, notes, ” The mission is to help with mass adoption through comedy. “Web3 is a Joke”, serves as a platform to achieve two big goals: Build trust in crypto and educate through entertainment. We will bring together crypto, Web3 and comedy lovers for a day filled with hilarious crypto roast jokes, tearing down Web3 and rebuilding it with non-stop laughter. Sponsorship opportunities are available for companies in both Web2 and Web3 and in all industries. Media entities can also partner.”

Whether you’re looking to break away from the nerdy panels and need something new and exciting to laugh, learn and link, Web3 is a Joke Crypto Roast Comedy Night is where you need to be.

This year’s lineup includes Founder & Roast master Mona Shaikh followed by a hilarious crypto roast with comedians from the US, Dubai and South Asia. Each comedian offers unique insights into the world of crypto comedy. Attendees will have the chance to engage with comedians, network, and connect with sponsors with display booths all designed to entertain, learn and collaborate.

Web3 is a Joke is the perfect gathering for aspiring entrepreneurs, crypto, tech and web3 enthusiasts along with creative minds and
comedy lovers. Whether you’re looking to learn more about web3 and crypto, network with the best or just get some good laughs, you’ll find valuable opportunities to grow and learn.

Secure your spot at our exclusive event on our website by reserving your complimentary ticket today. Tickets are available at www.web3isajoke.io or on Luma. For Sponsorship and media partnership opportunities please email mona@web3isajoke.io.


Hodl Blockchain Summit coming to Dubai in May 2025

Hodl Blockchain Summit coming to Dubai in May 2025

HODL Summit born from the legacy of the iconic World Blockchain Summit (WBS) and organized by Trescon, is the World’s Longest-Running Crypto and Web3Summit Series with 29 global editions across cities like Dubai,Singapore, and Bangkok. Since 2017, HODL has served as a platform for blockchain deal-making, innovation, and connecting disruptive projects with investors, enterprises, and governments. Join HODL Dubai on May 14-15, 2025,to engage with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge blockchain developments, and secure your place at the forefront of Web3 innovation.

As a premier platform for blockchain and Web3 innovation, HODL 2025 will bring together 5,000+ Web3 Innovators and Investors, including industry leaders and high-impact decision-makers. This highly anticipated event will showcase cutting-edge advancements in blockchain, crypto, DeFi, and digital assets, offering unparalleled networking and business opportunities in one of the world’s most forward-thinking tech hubs.

HODL 2025 will host leading blockchain pioneers, crypto innovators, top-tier investors, and government representatives, making it the most anticipated Web3 business conference in the region. Designed to facilitate serious deal-making, strategic partnerships, and high-value networking, HODL is where ground-breaking ideas meet real-world implementation.