UAE University carries out study on Blockchain for food safety

UAE University carries out study on Blockchain for food safety

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah ( AURAK) in UAE has released a new study on how the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain to dramatically boost food safety.

The study, done by Dr. Tahseen Arshi, Associate Provost for Research and Community Service at AURAK, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Naples, Italy, advocates integrating the IoT and blockchain to revolutionize the food supply chain significantly. Dr. Tahseen argues that combining these technologies into the food supply chain gives companies visibility into the upstream supply chain.

Food safety is a pressing global concern, particularly in light of the rapidly growing world population (currently 8.11 billion). WHO estimates that 600 million people – almost 1 in 10 persons in the world – fall ill after eating contaminated food, and 420,000 die every year.

This underscores the critical need for innovative solutions, such as those proposed in the study, to enhance food safety. For instance, IoT can track the temperature of food products during transportation, helping to prevent spoilage. Similarly, blockchain can provide a transparent record of a food product’s journey, from farm to table, helping to identify the source of contamination in case of an outbreak.

Prof. Stephen Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success and Provost at AURAK, stated: “Food safety is a highly complex issue. Given the dangers it poses to public health, it is vital we use new technologies to monitor the supply chain. AURAK is happy to support this research study, which is an earnest effort to highlight how the effective use of IoT and blockchain can prevent contaminated food from reaching consumers by enabling enhanced transparency and traceability in the food supply chain.”

Dr. Tahseen Arshi commented, “With the rising population, food safety will be under greater threat. Coupled with this, changing climatic weather patterns, scarcity of water, and soil degradation caused by industrialization and urbanization are adding to the problem. Our study investigates how technologies like the IoT and blockchain can revolutionize how food is monitored, traced, and managed across the supply chain, enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency.”

The study demonstrates how these new technologies can be game-changers in the area of food safety. Blockchain enables end-to-end traceability of food products. Each stage of the food supply chain—from production to processing to distribution—can be logged on a blockchain. IoT can track food products in real-time through sensors that capture and transmit data on where food has been, how long it has been stored, and under what conditions.

According to the study, these technologies are used for a wide variety of applications, such as Real-Time Monitoring (using sensors and smart tags to monitor environmental conditions during transportation), Predictive Maintenance (IoT devices monitoring equipment for signs of wear and tear); Automated Compliance (monitoring compliance with food safety regulations); Immutable Records (providing a decentralized, immutable ledger to record every transaction or change in the food supply chain) and Enhanced Transparency (access to detailed information about the origins and handling of food).

One of the biggest benefits offered by these technologies is Streamlined Recalls. In the event of a food safety issue, blockchain can help quickly identify and isolate affected products, streamlining the recall process and minimizing the impact of food safety incidents.

The study was published in 2023 as a chapter in IGI Global’s book ‘Impactful Technologies Transforming the Food Industry.’ IGI Global is a Scopus-indexed, US-based, independent international academic publisher dedicated to releasing high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarly research publications.

Central Bank of Qatar token regulations excludes crypto and stablecoins

Central Bank of Qatar token regulations excludes crypto and stablecoins

Qatar just announced its digital assets or token regulations. The Central Bank of Qatar, Qatar Financial Authority, as well as the QFC regulatory authority released the regulations that would allow for tokenization of real world assets not including cryptocurrencies or stablecoins. This comes after Qatar had announced its DLT regulations, as well as launched its Digital Assets Lab. Throughout this time Qatar had always made it clear especially through QFC that this pertained to tokenization of real world assets for financial and investment purposes.

On Sunday October 29th, Qatar announced one of the biggest digital assets initiatives in the country and the GCC region, the Qatar Innovation Dome for digital assets. The digital asset lab was aimed to develop tokenization platforms and ecosystems for everything that has value whether tangible assets or intangible assets including real estate assets, securities, Sukuk, bonds and others in the future utilizing DLT ( distributed ledger technologies), blockchain, and smart contracts.

Today the digital asset token regulations has provided the framework to implement this.

The regulations cover all activities related to permitted tokens

As per the framework the regulations apply to tokens meeting the criteria specified which are under permitted tokens. It also covers transactions involving permitted tokens, and the provisioning of these token services. It also covers token custodians, and token exchanges, token transfer providers, token validators as well as token issuers which they call token generators.

Token custody services means the service of holding or controlling tokens on behalf of clients; or holding or controlling the means by which clients’ tokens may be recorded and transacted on token infrastructure. A company that holds or safeguards the private keys for its clients’ tokens is providing custody services in relation to those tokens. An entity licensed to provide token custody services may be referred to as a token custodian.
Qatar regulations also discussed Operating a token exchange which means operating a system which brings together multiple third party buying and selling interests in tokens, in accordance with the system’s non-discretionary rules, in a way that results in a contract in respect of the tokens. As per the regulation a token exchange which operates a facility which is merely an order routing system where buying and selling interests in, or orders for, tokens are merely transmitted but do not interact is not operating a token exchange.

Token is defined as digital representation of real property or rights

As per the regulation a token means a unique electronic data unit that is cryptographically secured. It is a digital representation of real or personal property rights including contractual rights and is capable of being issued, transferred or stored using DLT ( Distributed Ledger technology) or other similar technology.

DLT or blockchain technology will be used to transfer and store the permitted token.

Crypto and stablecoins not included in Digital asset regulation

The new digital asset regulations however are very clear on what they considered as not permitted tokens. In short, non permitted tokens are tokens that do not represent a right in a property. As such cryptocurrencies, and stablecoins are considered not permitted or excluded tokens from this regulation.

As noted in the regulation “ Excluded tokens include a currency that can otherwise be used as a means of payment. Examples: A cryptocurrency token that is used as an alternative to fiat currencies but is not issued or backed by any governmental authority and does not represent any ‘off-chain’ property, is an example of an excluded token.”

It goes on to add, “ A token commonly referred to as a stablecoin, is an example of an excluded token. This is because a stablecoin is regarded as a substitute for currency that can be used as a means of payment.”

Accepted tokens include for example a token representing a right to a commodity, such as a precious metal.

Investment tokens included in regulation

The regulation also allows investment tokens under what it calls tokenized schemes or token investing schemes or tokenized funds.
As per the regulations, “ A QFC scheme, or a sub scheme of a QFC umbrella scheme, is a tokenized scheme if any of the units in the scheme or sub scheme are investment tokens. A QFC scheme, or a sub scheme of a QFC umbrella scheme, is a token investing scheme if the scheme’s, or sub scheme’s, constitutional document states that it is an object of the scheme to invest in tokens.”
The regulation notes that tokenized investment schemes could cover Islamic funds, money market funds, feeder funds or property fund schemes.
In addition the regulation discusses tokenized investment funds and notes that, “ a professional investor fund is a tokenized fund if any of the units in the fund are investment tokens; a token investing fund if the fund’s constitutional document states that it is an object of the fund to invest in tokens.

 H.E. Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani, Qatar Central Bank Governor, stated, “Launching the 2024 Digital Assets Regulations marks a significant milestone in our journey towards realizing the Third Financial Sector Strategy.” He noted that this framework will create significant opportunities and support establishing a robust regulatory environment within the financial sector. This will support Qatar’s digital transformation goals, in line with the Third National Development Strategy, the final phase of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, Chief Executive Officer, QFC, added “The introduction of the Digital Assets Framework 2024 underscores our commitment to creating a robust regulatory regime aligned with international best practices. We are proud to set a blueprint for developing, applying, and operating digital assets, that promotes market trust and confidence. We anticipate that this regulatory clarity will attract both domestic and international players, boosting Qatar’s financial services sector competitiveness.”

UAE based Web3 entity Verofax for customer relations raises $3 million

UAE based Web3 entity Verofax for customer relations raises $3 million

The Abu Dhabi-based Web3 services provider Verofax has raised $3 million in bridge capital. Leads in the round were King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, Plug & Play Tech Center, Navig8 Group, and Trove Capital UK. Other participants included Jawa Brothers Advisory, Alzamil Pedco CVC, and Tracecore CVC.

As per the announcement, the money will be used by the company to carry out its planned projects in the Middle East and the EU, including AI-powered guides in the GCC and sports fan guides in the EU and North America.

Verofax uses patented Web3 technologies like augmented reality, blockchain, and artificial intelligence to create elevated tourist, shopper, and brand marketing experiences. These technologies allow retailers, sports stadiums, and destinations to make their experiences more interactive, increase conversion, and promote social virality. Through direct involvement and the use of gamification, brands can establish a closer relationship with their customers and achieve better outcomes from AI and AR experiences.

Leading companies such as Anheuser Busch Inc. and Emirates Airlines currently use Verofax products, which are applicable to a variety of industries, including retail, tourism, and sports.

Wassim Merheby, CEO of Verofax, said, “Our solution helps tourists elevate their experiences, unlock personalized discounts and offer gamified ‘Explore to Win’ sponsored games in augmented reality. This allows enterprises and brands to sponsor and elevate their marketing efficiency, power direct-to-consumer communication and deliver amazing experiences to drive growth and boost loyalty. We are thrilled to be joined by strategic investors that will help us accelerate our AI guide solution and AR gamified experiences and grow through their collective network and with their advice.”

This allows travel destinations, retailers, and sports stadiums to make their experiences interactive in order to increase conversion and social virality. Through direct involvement and gamification, brands can increase consumer intimacy and get unparalleled outcomes from AI and AR experiences.

Verofax has received numerous accolades for using artificial intelligence in the retail and tourism industries, and it has made over $3 million in sales for Fortune 100 firms in 50 different countries so far.

UAE based Cypher Capital participates in $3.5 million round in Echelon decentralized lending protocol

UAE based Cypher Capital participates in $3.5 million round in Echelon decentralized lending protocol


UAE headquartered Cypher Capital, a crypto investment firm, has participated in the $3.5 million seed funding round for Echelon, an innovative decentralized lending protocol. The seed round attracted additional support from strategic partners including Amber Group, Laser Digital, Saison Capital, Selini Capital, Interop Ventures, and Re7. 

As per the press release, this investment demonstrates Cypher Capital’s commitment to supporting advanced solutions in decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain technology. Echelon aims to enhance DeFi lending by improving capital efficiency, integrating with other DeFi applications, and providing innovative yield strategies on Move-based blockchains such as Movement and Aptos.

“Echelon has demonstrated that their project is truly driving innovation in the DeFi space,” said Harsh Agarwal, Investment Lead at Cypher Capital “Echelon’s focus on capital efficiency, user-friendly design, and its potential to integrate real-world assets makes it a standout in the evolving DeFi landscape. We are excited to support their efforts in developing high-performance lending markets.”

Echelon’s protocol features advanced functionalities including increased borrowing power on correlated assets, isolated pools for niche asset markets, and direct in-wallet integration for streamlined yield strategies. The platform is designed to target institutional-grade markets while ensuring affordable borrowing rates and innovative yield opportunities.

“This funding will help us build additional lending and risk management products, expand to new networks, and provide global access to dollar denominated yields,” said Glen Rose, cofounder of Echelon. “We’re excited to build core primitives on high performance Move-based chains.” 

With the new funding, Echelon plans to enhance its offerings by developing strategies backed by treasury and real-world assets (RWAs), implementing cross-chain deposit vaults, and expanding its team of full-stack and smart contract engineers.

TonCoin loses 18% of its value on Telegram’s 11th anniversary and Durov’s arrest

TonCoin loses 18% of its value on Telegram’s 11th anniversary and Durov’s arrest

While Telegram Founder Pavel Durov awaits an appearance in court today in France, the crypto world and the defenders of Freedom of speech are speaking out loud about the infringement that is happening when it comes to Telegram, which celebrated its 11th anniversary this week.

The Russian government, once against Telegram is now defending Durov. Deputy Speaker of Russian State Duma Vladislav Davankov stated, ” Hardly anyone else has done more for the development of digital services in Russia and the world. We need to get him out of there. His arrest could be politically motivated and used to gain access to personal information on telegram users. We cannot allow this.”

Yet the TONCoin continues to face downward loss in value now reaching 18% decline. Last night it had lost 16% when Durov’s arrest was made public.

Ton Network and its associated Toncoin had been doing quite well. This year Toncoin had launched a $40 million fund, through its Open Network TON venutes, a new venture capital (VC) firm. The aim of which was to support early-stage crypto projects growing on the TON ecosystem. The new venture firm is founded by former senior members of the TON Foundation.

The launch comes amidst a growth of projects fuelled by the Toncoin Telegram partnership. The Toncoin price has also been on the rise. Analysts had noted that it was predicted a that Toncoin would potentially surge 2X in the coming weeks.

But today with Pavel Durov, under investigation for lack of moderators on Telegram allowing criminal activity to go untouched, He could face indictment today ( Sunday 25th), the Toncoin is under duress.

Durov faces possible indictment on Sunday, according to French media.

This all comes as Telegram celebrated its 11th birthday this week, adding new ways to support content creators with Star Reactions and Star Subscriptions, allowing admins to post as their profile or other channel in Super Channels and more.

The Ethereum co-founder responded to reports of Pavel Durov’s arrest, saying the outlook for freedom in Europe looked very bad “I’ve criticized Telegram before for not being serious with encryption. But (given the info available so far: the charge seems to be just being “unmoderated” and not giving up people’s data), this looks very bad and worrying for the future of software and comms freedom in Europe.”

Formerly in an interview in the Tucker Carlson show, Pavel Durov discussed how US agencies tried to gain a backdoor to Telegram. Followed by Israel’s request to censor them which Telegram refused. 

However, Telegram has on many occasions been considered as platform for spams, thefts, and other criminal activities. Russian based Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence team analyzed shadow Telegram channels. Their findings reveal a troubling trend: cybercriminals are increasingly using Telegram as a platform for underground market activities. Cybercriminals actively operate channels and groups on Telegram dedicated to discussing fraud schemes, distributing leaked databases, and trading various criminal services, such as cashing out, forging documents, DDoS attacks as a service and more.

According to Kaspersky’s Digital Footprint Intelligence data, the volume of such posts surged by 53% in May-June 2024 compared to the same period last year. “The growing interest in Telegram from the cybercriminal community is driven by several key factors. Finding or creating a community on Telegram is relatively easy, which, combined with other factors, allows various channels, including cybercriminal ones, to gather an audience quickly,” explains Alexey Bannikov, analyst at Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence.

The question remains what is the main reason for the arrest today, politics, war cabinets, or the fight against criminal activity?

The Blockchain Center in Abu Dhabi to launch $100 million Web3 fund with Gate.io ventures

The Blockchain Center in Abu Dhabi to launch $100 million Web3 fund with Gate.io ventures

The Blockchain center in Abu Dhabi, a hub for Web3 and Gate Ventures, the venture capital arm of Gate.io, have launched the Falcon Gate Ventures, a $100 million Web3 fund. This joint venture initiative takes a global stance to support Web3 builders that are committed to reshaping the world in the digital age.

As per the announcement, Gate Ventures and the Blockchain Center synergize their expertise and resources to help young talents from key regions including the USA, Asia, Europe, and the MENA region. Falcon Gate Ventures is designed to advance decentralized infrastructure and applications and accelerate the adoption of pioneering technologies.

The fund will support high-potential projects across the world, with a targeted focus on technical breakthroughs in the Middle East, Asia, the US and other key regions

Falcon Gate Ventures will work closely with international regulatory authorities to develop frameworks that both foster innovation and ensure global user protection.

“Choosing Gate Ventures as our partner for this joint fund was a natural decision for us. Gate Ventures brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the blockchain and digital assets space. Their deep industry expertise, combined with their innovative approach to investing, aligns perfectly with our vision at the Blockchain Center in Abu Dhabi,” said Abdulla, CEO of the Blockchain Center in Abu Dhabi. “We believe that together, we can create a powerful synergy that will drive forward our mission to support and scale high-potential blockchain projects. Gate Ventures shares our commitment to fostering cutting-edge technologies, and with their global network and insights, we are confident that this partnership will accelerate the adoption and impact of blockchain innovations, both in the UAE and internationally.”

Leveraging the extensive network and expertise of both Gate Ventures and the Blockchain Center, Falcon Gate Ventures seeks to discover and support projects poised to shape the future of blockchain technology and digital assets.

“Falcon Gate Ventures marks a significant step in our mission to advance global blockchain innovation,” said Kevin Yang, Managing Partner at Gate Ventures. “In partnership with the Blockchain Center in Abu Dhabi, we are investing in the digital future, supporting transformative ideas across continents.”

Falcon Gate Ventures is poised to drive blockchain innovation on a global scale. The venture aims to foster Innovation, accelerate the deployment of blockchain solutions by funding innovative projects and startups worldwide and support Education and Research.

Binance powers Azerbaijan Chain reaction event

Binance powers Azerbaijan Chain reaction event

Binance, a Web3 Blockchain ecosystem and the largest crypto exchange in terms of trade volume, is powering the Chain Reaction, event series organized by FARI Solutions in Baku Azerbaijan. The event will be held from September 10-11th 2024.

The conference is a melting pot of innovation, where the sharpest minds in Web3, crypto, AI and blockchain will converge to push boundaries, share groundbreaking ideas and set new directions for the future. As the globe’s foremost experts, innovators and thought leaders assemble, we extend an invitation for you to join this transformative experience.

Rachel Conlan and Vishal Sacheendran, the respective Global Chief Marketing Officer and Global Head of Regional Markets at Binance, will be speaking at the conference. They will be joined by ministers and government officials such as Inara Valiyeva, Chairwoman, Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA); Fariz Jafarov, Executive Director of the Centre for the 4th Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Azerbaijan; Dr. Angelika Layr, Deputy Director of the Office for Financial Market Innovation & Digitalisation, Liechtenstein; and representatives from Barings, Vodafone, Syz Group, Beincrypto, Jadwa Investment, Dow Jones, EY, Deloitte, among many others.

Chain Reaction 2024 powered by Binance, coincides with the high-energy atmosphere of the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, guaranteeing unmatched exposure and engagement. Partners will have a unique platform to showcase their brands to a diverse audience, while attendees will benefit from exclusive access to industry pioneers and immersive, hands-on workshops.

For those interested in attending they can visit www.chainreaction.farisolutions.com

The announcement comes as Binance has restarted its operations in India.

Bahrain Blockchain entity partners with Saudi Industrial tech entity for Intelligent transformation in KSA

Bahrain Blockchain entity partners with Saudi Industrial tech entity for Intelligent transformation in KSA

Bahrain headquartered iBLOCKCHAIN, a Web3 digital solutions provider, has partnered with Saudi Arabian Nesma United Industries, a prominent technology provider for the industrial sector in Saudi Arabia to advance “Intelligent Transformation” within Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector.

The agreement was signed by both chief executive officer Dr. Marwan Gholmieh of Nesma United Industries and iBLOCKCHAIN CEO Eng. Wassim Jarkas.

As per the press release, the initiative aligns with the ambitious objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and underscores the critical intersection between industrial and technological sectors in the region.

Mr Jarkas emphasised the significance of this partnership, stating, “This unique transformation agreement ushers in a new era of ‘Intelligent Transformation’ rather than just digital transformation. Our collaboration with Nesma United Industries is a testament to their forward-looking vision and commitment to pioneering disruptive changes in the industry. We at iBLOCKCHAIN are proud to lead in this revolutionary approach, setting the stage for unprecedented advancements in both technological innovation and industrial excellence.”

This collaboration will integrate cutting-edge technologies including Web 3.0, big data management, artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics, and Blockchain solutions. The press release adds, “These innovations will not only protect critical data but also ensure transparency and traceability within supply chains, setting a new standard for industrial operations in the region.”

A roadmap has been established, featuring four distinct phases: Discovery, Analysis, Processing, and Execution. This structured approach will guide the successful implementation of the project, ensuring that the partnership delivers on its promise of transformative impact.

Dr Gholmieh expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “This partnership opens up vast opportunities for comprehensive digital transformation. It will significantly enhance our technological and operational capabilities, preparing us to lead in the digital future.”

Echoing this sentiment, Chief Strategy Officer at iBLOCKCHAIN Engineer Sary Qasim remarked, “This agreement represents a big leap forward for both the technological and industrial sectors.”

UAE regulated crypto custodian Komainu chosen by Nasdaq

UAE regulated crypto custodian Komainu chosen by Nasdaq

UAE regulated Komainu, diigtal asset custodian is now a Core Custodian for Nasdaq’s suite of Crypto Indices. Nasdaq’s Core Custodian requirements are designed to ensure the security and integrity of digital assets.

Key criteria include, bankruptcy remoteness which entails legal protection and segregation of client assets in the event of custodian insolvency,   regulatory compliance which entails licensing by reputable regulatory bodies. Komainu is regulated by Dubai’s Virtual Asset regulatory Authority. Also included in the criteria that allowed Komainu to be chosen is the advanced security practices for private key generation and segregated storage, cold storage, risk management that offers a comprehensive frameworks for operational and custody risk mitigation.

In addition criteria also include asset recovery, auditing, and insurance protection.

“We are pleased to be selected as a Core Custodian by Nasdaq, a testament to our commitment to institutional-grade security and operational excellence. This partnership validates our approach to digital asset custody and aligns perfectly with our mission to become the preferred gateway to digital assets for institutional investors. At Komainu, we’ve built our foundation on the very principles Nasdaq demands, ensuring that institutional investors can engage with digital assets confidently and securely.”

Komainu, was the first VASP in UAE to be granted a full virtual assets service provider license by Dubai’s virtual asset regulatory authority in UAE. The license was issued on August 18th 2023.

The announcement comes as the first Ethereum spot exchange-traded product (ETP) goes live on Nasdaq. The product is called the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF. It can be identified by its ticker symbol ETHA. Nasdaq and BlackRock collaborated extensively, crossing both regulatory and operational hurdles, to successfully launch ETHA.

SurferMonkey partners with NYALA to bring privacy to tokenized assets

SurferMonkey partners with NYALA to bring privacy to tokenized assets

UAE registered SurferMonkey, has partnered with NYALA to revolutionize financial privacy and compliance within blockchain technology.

As per the announcement, the traditional financial systems often grapple with inefficiencies that drive up costs and cause delays. Blockchain protocol promises to streamline processes across primary and secondary markets, yet its inherent transparency poses challenges such as privacy concerns and confidential data exposure to competitors.

NYALA, tokenization platform is converting real world assets into digital twins. NYALA ensures seamless, compliant asset management, setting new benchmarks in efficiency, while SurferMonkey aims to complement NYALA’s platform by introducing regulatory privacy to the ecosystem.

SurferMonkey’s solution safeguards transactional privacy while adhering to regulatory standards including the Travel Rule. Their pioneering ZKP Mixing technology shields sensitive transaction data from competitors, ensuring robust data protection and compliance with regulatory frameworks such as MiCa or the German Electronic Securities Act (eWpG).

This strategic collaboration explores diverse use cases, including Asset Minting, DvP (Delivery versus Payment) for bonds using stablecoin EURe (Monerium), and more. Institutions can confidently tokenize and manage assets with the assurance that their data remains secure, private, and regulatorily compliant.

“We are huge believers in public chain infrastructure, says NYALA Co-CEO Johannes Schmitt. “However, this infrastructure needs to be complemented with applications and tools that allow for selective confidentiality. This is why we are excited about partnering with SurferMonkey ”.

Miguel Diaz Montiel, CEO of SurgerMonkey, “We believe in the potential of blockchain asset tokenization; however we know that many user cases cannot be exposed to anyone outside theinstitution sending them and regulators. Critical data cannot be exposed to prying eyes. Our collaboration with NYALA highlights how tokenized assets can be privatized on public blockchains.”

Speaking to Lara on the Block, Al Amin Al Bakry, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Surfermonkey noted, “We are registered in the ADGM UAE and in the FCA in the United Kingdom. We continuously work with ADGM discussing our technology and how it can be applied to other companies within the ADGM that need to privatize certain transactional flows on the blockchain.”

SurferMonkey employs Zero-Knowledge Proof technology to ensure secure, confidential, and compliant blockchain interactions.

Currently these solutions are being tested in the sandbox in ADGM.