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.

UAE Verofax to utilize blockchain to validate reforestation projects

UAE Verofax to utilize blockchain to validate reforestation projects

UAE and Saudi based Blockchain enabled Verofax, offering traceability and AI technologies, has signed an MOU ( Memorandum of Understanding) to partner with climate tech startup NetGreen to activate retail channels to lead the change in re-greening our planet with trust and transparency.

NetGreen’s platform meets an urgent market need where individuals can purchase a plant-a-tree service from validated reforestation projects to combat climate change. NetGreen enables participants to directly engage in reforestation through everyday transactions, such as converting loyalty points into tree plantings. This model not only supports carbon sequestration but also enhances biodiversity and fosters a deeper connection between communities and their natural environments.

With Verofax validating, reforestation projects becomes seamless using Verofax’ Tree Chain technology for identifying, tracking and measuring the carbon capture from trees using computer vision, AI drone feeds, geolocation, and an immutable ledger.

These technologies will automate operations to prevent double counting and ensure their alignment with the latest international standards, including Verra and UNFCCC CDM.

Nisreen Shadad, CEO and Co-Founder of NetGreen, stated, “Partnering with Verofax propels us towards our vision of a greener planet by enhancing the reach and effectiveness of our reforestation projects. Their advanced technology solutions will allow us to provide undeniable proof of impact to our participants, increasing trust and participation rates. This is a game-changer for environmental engagement.”

Wassim Merheby, CEO of Verofax, said, “This partnership is an excellent opportunity to showcase how innovative technology can be harnessed to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges. By supporting NetGreen, we are not only contributing to scaling reforestation but also demonstrating the potential for technology to create significant positive change.”

This is not the first time that Verofax partners with entities to support sustainability and environmental efforts. This year UAE based BANTgo and Verofax collaborated to enhance e-waste collection.  The partnership seeks to galvanize the masses into responsible recycling by rewarding their endeavors with tokenized incentives.

Abu Dhabi aims to become blockchain and Web3 center

Abu Dhabi aims to become blockchain and Web3 center

As Abu Dhabi works to become the center not only for AI development, digital assets but also Blockchain. This week the city inaugurated its first Blockchain center to foster innovation and growth in digital transformation, and establish Abu Dhabi as a leader in blockchain technology.

As per the website, the Abu Dhabi Blockchain Center, located in Abu Dhabi, is a global hub for education, events, venture creation and consultancy services in blockchain and Web3 technologies.

The center encompasses five vital areas of technology focus: Incubation and Acceleration Hub, Venture Capital, and Education and Research and Development (R&D), Consultancy, and Events.

The Incubation and Acceleration Hub will play the role of empowering startups with comprehensive resources, expert mentorship, and strategic funding. Meanwhile, the Venture Capital arm will focus on supporting and investing in Web3 startups and businesses to speed the development and deployment of new blockchain solutions and applications.

The Education and R&D will focus on offering cutting-edge educational programs, certifications, and pioneering research initiatives to advance blockchain knowledge, skills, and technological innovation. The hands-on human resources training center will provide education and R&D to ensure a continuous pipeline of talent and groundbreaking solutions.

The center’s other services include providing expert advisory and consulting services for projects. It focuses on helping both local and international businesses integrate, optimize, and leverage blockchain technology. Additionally, this includes assisting companies in navigating the regulatory landscape for a smooth transition into Abu Dhabi’s dynamic market.

Abdulla Al Dhaheri, CEO of the Blockchain Center, noted, “We are thrilled to launch the Blockchain Center in Abu Dhabi. Our vision is to create a global hub for blockchain innovation, education, and collaboration right here in Abu Dhabi.”

Abu Dhabi ADGM was the first to launch a DLT Foundation regulations, and registered two entities so far. In March ADGM registered its second DLT Foundation,The Finschia DLT Foundation, chaired by Youngsu Ko, as a Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Foundation. IOTA was the first to get registered in 2023.

The Saudi headquartered Digital Cooperation organization magazine covers topics on digital assets and tokenization

The Saudi headquartered Digital Cooperation organization magazine covers topics on digital assets and tokenization

The Saudi headquartered Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), a global multilateral organization committed to enabling digital prosperity for all by accelerating the sustainable and inclusive growth of the digital economy, in its second edition of EconomiX magazine will cover the topics of digital assets, tokenization, and the digital economy. This publication serves as a key platform for knowledge sharing and insightful discussions on the ever-evolving digital landscape.

EconomiX magazine brings together thought leaders from governments, businesses, academia, and international organizations to explore critical topics influencing the global digital economy.

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), an international multilateral organization that aims to promote digital prosperity for all by accelerating inclusive and sustainable growth of the global digital economy, announced in February 2024 that Jordan will hold the organization’s presidency in 2024. Jordanian Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Ahmad Hanandeh will be the new chairman of the DCO Council for Digital Collaboration. The announcement was made during the DCO’s third annual General Assembly meeting, which took place in Bahrain attended by heads of delegations, ministers, and representatives from the 16 DCO member countries. The next DCO General Assembly is scheduled for February 2025 in Jordan.

The second issue of EconomiX delves into a range of thought-provoking themes, including empowering women via gender parity and technology, digitalizing women-led MSMEs and facilitating their access to user-friendly e-commerce platforms, equipping entrepreneurs with skills and tools to grow and thrive in the digital economy, digital FDI and the digital investment map, bringing global trade systems under one digital roof, combatting online misinformation, digital assets and tokenization, and deep diving into digital economies of several DCO Member States looking at the key projects, initiatives, and prospects, as well as the challenges they are facing and the opportunities they are leveraging.

“The DCO is committed to bridging the knowledge gap and fostering meaningful dialogue on crucial aspects of the digital economy. EconomiX magazine serves as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration, empowering our readers to navigate the complexities of the digital age and unlock its immense potential. Building on the success of the inaugural issue of EconomiX, this edition dives deeper into critical digital economy trends, offering insightful analysis and expert commentary to empower informed decision-making,” said Manel Bondi, the DCO Chief of Digital Markets Growth and Chief Editor of EconomiX.

This edition features exclusive interviews with prominent figures shaping the digital world, along with insightful articles and case studies that provide actionable guidance for navigating the digital revolution. Readers will gain valuable perspectives on leveraging digital transformation to drive economic and social prosperity.

The launch of EconomiX by DCO comes at a time in Saudi Arabia and GCC region where Web3, blockchain, AI, and digital asset projects are kicking off.

Blockchain Global Trade Project sets up headquarters in Oman

Blockchain Global Trade Project sets up headquarters in Oman

Advanced Horizon Markets s.r.o. developing its Blockchain and AI enabled GlobalTrade project, has 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.

As per the press release, the investment marks a pivotal moment for GlobalTrade, propelling it into a new era of growth and expansion. As part of this development, the headquarters of the GlobalTrade project will be relocated to Muscat, Oman.

GlobalTrade aims to redefine international trade operations through digital innovation, transparency, compliance, and sustainability. With this investment, efforts to create a comprehensive digital marketplace that serves the global business community will be accelerated. 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.

Advanced Horizon Markets will retain 15% of the shares, with a three-year cliff, while an additional 5% will be distributed among dedicated technical team members. Advanced Horizon Markets specializes in creating technology-driven solutions that push the boundaries of what’s possible. The company is committed to enhancing global trade through cutting-edge digital platforms and services that promote innovation, sustainability, transparency, compliance, and simplified global trade.

Partnerships with international organizations, financial institutions, insurance companies, tech startups, and logistics providers underscore the commitment to making GlobalTrade a one-stop solution for all global trade needs. These collaborations enhance the platform’s offerings, making it a comprehensive and seamless experience for businesses worldwide.

Amin Mirfakhraie, Co-Founder of GlobalTrade, expressed his excitement about this new chapter: “We are thrilled about this investment and the opportunities it brings for GlobalTrade. Relocating to Muscat and collaborating with our Omani partners will enable us to leverage their expertise and resources, accelerating our platform’s development and introducing innovative solutions to the global trade market.”

Ripple and DIFC to accelerate blockchain in UAE

Ripple and DIFC to accelerate blockchain in UAE

Ripple, a provider of enterprise blockchain and crypto solutions, has partnered with the DIFC Innovation Hub to accelerate blockchain and digital assets innovation in the UAE.

As per the press release, the new partnership will connect the next generation of developers with the DIFC Hub, the largest innovation community in the region and home to more than 1,000 growth-stage tech firms, innovation companies, digital labs, venture capital firms, regulators and educational entities. The partnership between Ripple and the DIFC Innovation Hub will provide the means to drive blockchain and crypto adoption amongst early-stage companies and scale-ups as well as to introduce and position the technology with traditional large strategic institutions and their use cases.

“The UAE is one of the most advanced jurisdictions globally when it comes to offering regulatory clarity for licensed firms to offer virtual asset services and fostering an environment in which the next generation of financial innovation can flourish,” said Brad Garlinghouse, Ripple Chief Executive Officer. “Our partnership with the DIFC Innovation Hub promises to drive the adoption of blockchain technology in the region as the XRPL continues to be a leading blockchain for the region’s start-ups and scaleups building real use cases.”

Ripple has committed one billion XRP to accelerate development and new global use cases on the XRP Ledger (XRPL), the decentralised, layer 1 blockchain. Through the commitment, Ripple will provide financial, technical, and business support to developers. Since announcing the 1B XRP Fund in late 2021, Ripple has funded over 160 teams building on the XRPL, reaching 47 countries to date, across a wide range of use cases spanning decentralised finance (DeFi), to Real World Assets (RWA), and other groundbreaking new solutions.

Arif Amiri, DIFC Chief Executive Officer, added, “Today marks a significant milestone in Dubai’s ongoing journey to accelerate its position as a leading international centre of excellence for business and finance. Our partnership with Ripple underscores the strength of our developer community and DIFC’s commitment to fostering technological advancements. The collaboration further cements DIFC’s role as a leading global hub for talent, tech and innovation, as we continue to enhance our ecosystem, powered by a world-class regulatory jurisdiction, to drive the future of finance.”

“The UAE’s progressive approach to fintech, coupled with Ripple’s billion XRP developer fund, creates a fertile ground for innovation in the UAE,” said Reece Merrick, Ripple Managing Director, Middle East and Africa. “Our new collaboration with the DIFC will empower regional talent to build the next generation of financial solutions on the XRP Ledger, solidifying the UAE’s position as a leading fintech hub globally.”

XRP as a digital asset was recently accepted as a recognized crypto in DIFC.