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.

Serenity and MTA to launch blockchain real estate investment portal in UAE

Serenity and MTA to launch blockchain real estate investment portal in UAE

Serenity, a blockchain technology company specializing in secure digital finance solutions, has partnered with MTA Real Estate to develop a secure, blockchain-powered real estate investment portal targeting allowing for crypto to property purchases.

As per the press release, the initiative arrives amid growing momentum for real estate tokenization in the UAE. With growing institutional interest and clear regulatory support for blockchain-based asset infrastructure, the Dubai Land Department expects the market value for tokenized real estate to exceed $16 billion by 2033.

The portal, to be rolled out in phases, will allow qualified crypto users to explore select Dubai real estate listings, complete biometric-based KYC, and execute regulated crypto-to-property purchases through smart contracts. Also crypto buyers who purchase properties using this portal will be eligible for exclusive discounts, which brings in a valid commercial value proposition.

Serenity and MTA’s expertise will bring to market a full-technology stack serving as a blockchain window into property sourcing, transaction facilitation, and compliance with local real-estate regulations. 

“This partnership allows us to extend blockchain’s utility into tangible ‘real-world services’,” said Robert Boris Mofrad, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Serenity. “Dubai is already setting the pace on real estate tokenization – our goal is to operationalize that vision with compliant infrastructure that bridges Web3 and real-world ownership.”

Venket Naga, CEO of Serenity commented, “This agreement brings our ‘real-world services’ vision closer to reality,” said Venket Naga, Co-Founder and CEO of Serenity. “It’s about turning blockchain infrastructure into sustained, revenue-generating use cases – not just for Serenity, but for the entire Web3 ecosystem engaging with real-world assets.”

The platform’s KYC layer, built on Serenity’s decentralized identity protocol, will be integrated with the company’s sAxess biometric card, the world’s first fingerprint-authenticated blockchain multi function cold wallet card. Payments will be conducted through licensed intermediaries or accepted directly by developers that support crypto transactions. Off-plan purchases will be protected under the Dubai Land Department’s escrow framework, ensuring milestone-based fund releases and buyer safeguards.

At MTA Real Estate, we specialize in unlocking high-growth opportunities in Dubai’s real estate market – one of the most secure and lucrative in the world,” said Mohamed Taher Ali, Founder & CEO of MTA Real Estate. “This collaboration empowers crypto investors to diversify their portfolios with stable, income-generating assets backed by full regulatory transparency. Our goal is simple: bridge the gap between digital wealth and real-world property ownership through innovation, speed, and trust.

Serenity’s roadmap for the portal includes smart contracts for automated rent distribution, on-chain storage of ownership records with survivability and inheritance mechanisms, and future integration of DeFi-based mortgage tools. 

UAE Antier Blockchain to tokenize real estate sector in UAE

UAE Antier Blockchain to tokenize real estate sector in UAE

Antier, a Blockchain Development Company, has announced the expansion of its Real Estate Tokenization Platform Development services to the UAE region to accelerate the adoption of tokenization. Antier is already engaged with partners and clients in the UAE to develop tokenized marketplaces aligned with Dubai’s long-term digital asset strategy.

Antier has carried out over 100 successful RWA tokenization platform implementation in more than 20 countries and as the tokenized asset market is expected to hit $16 trillion by 2030 (Boston Consulting Group).

“We’re building the infrastructure to revolutionize property ownership, not just by changing perceptions but by creating real empowerment, accessibility, and diverse investment opportunities,” said Vikram R Singh, CEO and Founder of Antier.

With real estate tokenization projected to grow significantly, market insights suggest that tokenized real estate could make up 7% of total property transactions in Dubai alone, reaching an estimated $16 billion by 2033. Antier sees this as a pivotal moment to bridge the gap between traditional real estate markets and the future of digital assets.

As per the press release, the tokenization initiative will benefit a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including, real estate development firms
Property brokers and investment companies, fintech organizations, individual and institutional investors, tech-driven real estate platforms and comprehensive Tokenization Solutions: A Stack of Innovation

Antier offers end-to-end tokenization platform services designed to address the specific challenges and opportunities within the real estate market, including, fractional Ownership Platforms: For investors to buy and trade fractional shares of real estate assets and fractionalize access to high-value properties.

The tokenization platform also offers Blockchain-powered title management to unlock transparent and secure property deed registration through the blockchain, liquidity enhancement which creates accessible investment opportunities for a wider range of investors and makes real estate trading more fluid and seamless and regulatory compliance that navigates stringent regulatory requirements to ensure full compliance with financial standards.

The firm has successfully implemented tokenization platforms for clients in Switzerland, UAE, UK, Singapore, and the U.S., including enterprise-grade solutions for institutional asset managers, real estate developers, and government agencies.

“We view security as the core of everything we do. It’s not an add-on; it’s our promise. Our platform integrates multi-layered protection mechanisms, including encryption, multi-signature authentication, and rigorous regulatory checks to ensure every transaction is secure, transparent, and compliant,” added Vikram R Singh.

Antier will be competing with multiple tokenization players including Mantra Blockchain which recently signed a $1 billion deal with DAMAC, as well as Stobox which was recently licensed in Qatar.

Serenity launches its Blockchain biometric card in UAE

Serenity launches its Blockchain biometric card in UAE

Serenity, a blockchain technology company specializing in Decentralized Data Survivability Protocol (DeDaSP), launched the sAxess Biometric Card. Developed in partnership with IDEMIA, this world-first biometric-secured blockchain card revolutionizes secure data storage, digital identity authentication, and real-world asset monetization in Dubai UAE.

The sAxess Biometric Card is powered by Serenity’s patent-pending DeDaSP technology, designed to redefine secure digital asset storage and real-world usability. It offers a range of features, including biometric wallet authentication, providing secure access using advanced biometrics; an ultra-secure digital repository, with encrypted storage and recovery of wallet seed phrases without requiring traditional crypto wallets; and non-crypto user accessibility, providing a business-friendly solution for secure data storage without blockchain expertise.

The innovation delivers seamless real-world applications, including identity verification, file validation, secure payments, and credential updates, and is fast and intuitive to implement, with an ergonomic interface and a setup process under three minutes.

The launch event in Dubai UAE was attended by Mr. Robert Boris Mofrad, Co-founder & CPO of Serenity, and Mr. Venket Naga, CEO & Co-Founder of Serenity, who emphasized the revolutionary impact of sAxess on digital security and decentralized finance. The event featured keynote speeches by Mr. Ali Akbar, Head of Pre-Sales, Digital & Advanced Payments at IDEMIA, and Dr. Maria Papadaki, Chief of Strategy & Risk at Dubai Blockchain Center, who highlighted the significance of biometric technology in blockchain and the future of secure digital transactions.

Serenity’s Co-Founder & CPO, Mr. Robert Boris Mofrad stated, “sAxess is more than a product, it’s a revolution in digital asset security. By combining biometrics with blockchain, we’ve created a solution that enhances both accessibility and protection for users worldwide. This launch highlights Serenity’s leadership in blockchain innovation and fintech security, setting the foundation for a future where biometric-secured blockchain solutions become the global standard.”

Serenity (www.s.technology) is a blockchain-focused company integrating DeDaSP (Decentralized Data Survivability Protocol), DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks), and RWA (Real-World Assets) into RWS (Real-World Services). Their goal is to monetize and add value to assets through decentralized and secure data management. Serenity is working on innovative solutions in sectors like real estate, AI data centers, finance, and digital identity, leveraging technologies such as biometric authentication (via partners like Idemia) and secure tokenization for asset management and data survivability.

Serenity recently collaborated with Oman based Gulfdox, a provider of physical storage, data digitization, and storage software solutions, where Gulfdox will integrate Serenity’s cutting-edge blockchain technology into its service portfolio, offering clients a robust, secure, and future-ready digital storage solution.

Sonic Labs plans to launch algorithmic AED stablecoin denominated in USD

Sonic Labs plans to launch algorithmic AED stablecoin denominated in USD

A day after the UAE launched its digital dirham CBDC noting that it would be available to retail consumers by the end of 2025, Sonic Labs, an EVM Layer 1 platform that offers DeFi solutions, announced that it would be developing a UAE mathematically bound numerical AED stablecoin which is settled and denominated in USD.

The decision also seems to stems from the full draft of the STABLE Act by Congress for clearer oversight. According to the text, lawmakers are pushing for a two-year moratorium on algorithmic stablecoin.

As such Sonic Labs no longer wants to develop a US dollar pegged algorithmic stablecoin but an AED one. On March 22, Sonic Labs co-founder Andre Cronje said the company was working on a US dollar-pegged algorithmic stablecoin with an annual percentage rate (APR) of up to 23%.

But now Andre Cronje, Co Founder of Sonic Labs, and the Chief Technology Officer of the company stated on X, “We will no longer be releasing a USD based algorithmic stable coin. Completely unrelated, we will be releasing a mathematically bound numerical Dirham which is settled and denominated in USD, which is definitely not a USD based algorithmic stable coin.”

The UAE had enacted its stablecoin regulations back in 2024, allowing for regulated AED stablecoins to be used as a legal tender for the purchasing of goods and services, while allowing non AED stablecoins that had received regulatory approvals in the UAE to be used for the purchase of virtual assets and other crypto assets.

However the Central Bank of UAE strictly forbids the use of algorithmic stablecoins or crypto in any form.

This has pushed stablecoin issuers such as Tether to see a license for an AED backed stablecoin. Additionally the first AED regulated stablecoin, AE Coin from MBANK received a license. While Arab Financial Services (AFS), regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain and Egypt, also holding a retail payment license in the UAE has partnered with Ternoa Blockchain to launch stablecoin and crypto payments across POS ( Point of Service) counters for UAE merchants. The partnership will expand across the GCC.

Even Zand, a UAE digital Bank is also seeking to launch an AED stablecoin.

So it will be interesting to see how Sonic Labs will develop this mathematically bound numerical Dirham AED stablecoin and how it will work.

In December 2024, Sonic Labs launched its Sonic mainnet, an EVM-compatible layer-1 blockchain platform that offers developers attractive incentives and powerful infrastructure. With 10,000 transactions per second (TPS), sub-second finality, and a native, decentralized gateway to Ethereum, Sonic empowers developers to build the next generation of applications on unparalleled infrastructure and liquidity.

UAE DWF Labs launch $250 million crypto projects Liquid Fund

UAE DWF Labs launch $250 million crypto projects Liquid Fund

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.”

Blockchain payments platform Due launches in UAE

Blockchain payments platform Due launches in UAE

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.