Four Blockchain companies get on UAE Future 100 list

Four Blockchain companies get on UAE Future 100 list

Four blockchain-enabled entities based out of UAE have made it to the 2024 Future 100 list, a national initiative launched by the UAE Ministry of Economy in partnership with the UAE Minister of State for Government Development and the Future. The entities are Emperia, HubPay, Invoicemate and Norbloc.

Empeiria is the first End-to-End Verifiable Data Infrastructure (EVDI). It enables seamless web3 adoption through one-click deployment, empowering AI Agents with the data of the future. Empeiria’s End-to-End Verifiable Data Infrastructure (EVDI) taps into the power of Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs), Verifiable Credentials (VCs) and Zero‑Knowledge‑Proofs (ZKPs).

Marcin Parafianowicz, Founder and CEO of Empeiria noted on LinkedIn, ” The UAE is a beacon of bold dreams and boundless innovation, a place where the future is built. We’re beyond proud to be among the Future100 companies handpicked by the UAE Ministry of Economy as architects of tomorrow. At Empeiria, we bring a spark to this vibrant community – a blockchain-based trust layer for AI and beyond that transforms information into a high-value asset and redefines digital interactions with immutable trust.”

HubPay, a cross border and custodian built on blockchain and regulated by ADGM in UAE, as well made it to the list. The company has already processed $2.6 billion in payments supporting 145 currencies in 85 countries. Recently Hubpay and Aquanow, crypto asset exchange, introduced the UAE’s first fully regulated crypto payment gateway for businesses. Powered by Aquanow’s cutting-edge infrastructure and Hubpay’s secure, regulated platform, this partnership enables UAE businesses to seamlessly accept crypto payments, globally.

CEO & Founder, Kevin Kilty, on making it to Future 100 list noted, “This recognition is a testament to our team’s innovation, commitment, and the trust of our clients and partners. We’re excited to continue pushing boundaries, driving progress, and shaping the future of fintech.”

InvoiceMate one of the long standing blockchain tech companies helping to make offering invoice management and booking system was on the list as well. InvoiceMate’s Blockchain-powered invoice verification offers efficient Due Diligence saving time and money. Secure lending with blockchain and AI verification and KYI.

Muhammad Salman Anjum, CEO of InvoiceMate noted, ” We are grateful to be one of the startups recognized in Future 100. This wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our investors and Hub71.

Finally Norbloc made it to the list. The company offers KYC on blockchain and was one of the first implementations in the UAE. Recently UAE KYC Blockchain platform led by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism ( DET) and powered by Norbloc Blockchain added the first insurance member, Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI). The KYC Blockchain platform aims to improve ease of doing business, company KYC compliance, and customer data quality and enable the KYC network’s future growth by leveraging it as a reliable customer data ecosystem.

Bahrain digital asset exchange ATME issues gold backed tokens

Bahrain digital asset exchange ATME issues gold backed tokens

Bahrain regulated digital assets exchange platform ATME, has issued gold-backed tokens with the support of the Central Bank of Bahrain marking it as the first case of its kind in the Kingdom of Bahrain.


ATME issued two tokens, designed for accredited investors, which were acquired by an eligible investor. Each token is backed by one kilogram of gold to provide a modern and secure way to invest in one of the most trusted assets for wealth preservation.


The company’s tokenized gold offering allows ownership of the physical metal without the complexities of storage or transportation. The tokens represent gold that is securely held in custody until its redemption or trade in ATME’s secondary market.


Commenting on the milestone, Alex Lola, Chief Executive Officer of ATME remarked, “Today marks a defining moment for ATME as we launch our first tokenized gold issuance. By combining the timeless value of gold with the transformative potential of blockchain technology, we are unlocking new ways for investors to access and trade high-value assets. This achievement highlights our team’s tireless dedication and our collective vision of building. We are excited about the possibilities ahead as we plan to expand our offerings to include more asset classes on our platform.”


The announcement also notes that future issuances will provide investors with access to a wider range of alternative assets. ATME remains focused on driving financial inclusivity and efficiency in the capital markets of Bahrain and the wider region.

Qatar National Bank Group signs partnership with QFC for digital assets and tokenization

Qatar National Bank Group signs partnership with QFC for digital assets and tokenization

As the second edition of Web Summit Qatar 2025 concludes, Qatar National Bank (QNB Group,) signed agreements with Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), Qatar Development Bank (QDB), and Rasmal Ventures. The agreement with QFC would allow fintech firms to access QNB banking infrastructure and support innovations in digital assets, tokenization, and embedded finance.

With QDB, the bank will collaborate on initiatives that promote Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, including funding opportunities for fintech startups and alternative financing models.


With Rasmal Ventures, QNB is creating new pathways for venture capital investment, enhancing support for high-potential startups and driving the adoption of cutting-edge financial technologies.


Speaking about the partnerships, Abdulla Mubarak Al-Khalifa, Group Chief Executive Officer of QNB, said, “Our strategic collaborations at Web Summit Qatar 2025 reflect our commitment to advancing digital finance and fostering a dynamic fintech ecosystem. By working closely with key financial and investment partners, QNB is strengthening Qatar’s role as a global financial hub and unlocking new opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.”

Unchained Summit to bring together Key Web3 decision makers

Unchained Summit to bring together Key Web3 decision makers

Dubai is set to host Unchained Summit 2025, a highly curated gathering of leaders and innovators in Web 3. Scheduled for April 28 – 29, 2025, at Kempinski Central Avenue, the summit will serve as a platform for in-depth discussions and meaningful connections, bringing together key voices influencing the evolution of Web 3.0 globally.

Dubai has established itself as a hub for Web 3.0, driven by a proactive regulatory framework and a growing ecosystem of innovators. With clear policies supporting blockchain development and oversight from entities like the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), the city has become a key destination for Web 3.0 companies looking to scale globally.

Unlike large-scale conferences that prioritize hype, Unchained Summit is designed for high-value, strategic networking. It brings together key decision-makers and curated investor-startup connections, ensuring that emerging Web 3.0 projects engage directly with leading VCs actively seeking new ventures.

Beyond networking, the summit features high-impact discussions on institutional adoption, regulation, blockchain infrastructure, payments, and scaling. Investors gain direct access to promising startups, while builders and innovators connect with industry leaders who understand blockchain’s complexities and are ready to explore solutions that drive real progress.

A Powerhouse Speaker Lineup:

The summit will showcase an impressive lineup of speakers, including:

  • Ronghui Gu, Co-Founder, CertiK
  • Sreeram Kannan, Founder & CEO, EigenLayer
  • Luca Schnetzler, CEO, Pudgy Penguins
  • Katherine Dowling, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer, Bitwise Asset Management
  • Greg Scanlon, VP, Franklin Templeton Digital Assets
  • Yat Siu, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Animoca Brands, and many more.

Unchained Summit will also see participation from major industry players such as Bitwise Asset Management, Franklin Templeton, PayPal, and CertiK, alongside some of the most prominent investors in Web 3.0. Leading venture capital firms, including Fenbushi Capital, Hypersphere Ventures, Lemniscap, and Big Brain Holdings, will be in attendance, actively scouting for high-potential projects and investment opportunities.

Talking about enhancing security protocols in a dynamic landscape, Ronghui Gu, said, “In the fast-evolving blockchain space, security protocols must continuously adapt to emerging threats. Recent incidents, such as the Bybit exploit, underscore the urgent need for proactive risk management. CertiK’s approach — combining continuous monitoring, real-time threat analytics, and rigorous smart contract audits — ensures vulnerabilities are identified and mitigated before they can be exploited. This commitment to dynamic security sets an industry benchmark and offers an interesting topic for discussion at Unchained Summit.”

Sharath Kumar, CEO of Aeternum, organizer of Unchained Summit, emphasized: “April is a buzzing month for Web 3.0, with Dubai hosting numerous events. However, the sheer volume often dilutes quality and impact. At Aeternum, we are committed to standing out by curating an event that connects high-potential startups with serious investors. Unchained Summit prioritizes funding opportunities for new projects, bringing together the region’s most influential VCs, institutional investors, and policymakers. By combining strategic networking with high-impact content, we ensure that founders meet the right backers to accelerate growth and drive real innovation in Web 3.0.”

Tickets to the event are available on the official website: unchainedsummit.com

SettleMint Blockchain pilots private share tokenization of QFC

SettleMint Blockchain pilots private share tokenization of QFC

SettleMint, a blockchain company that enables enterprises to easily and rapidly build and integrate blockchain applications, which was accepted into the Qatar Financial Center (QFC) Digital Assets Lab, has successfully piloted the tokenization of private shares of QFC.

In a LinkedIn post, Henk Jan Hoogendoorn, Chief of Financial Services Sector at Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority, stated, ” Thank you Matthew Van Niekerk and team for the successful pilot of the private share tokenization of QFC. We call upon the Financial Sector to find more use cases tokenization in Qatar.”

In November 2023, Henk had noted that QFC and SettleMint would be tokenizing the private shares and equity for companies in Qatar. He had stated at the time, “ Next steps on tokenization of private shares / Private Equity discussed with our digital asset lab partner SettleMint both for Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority and any investment manager that would that would like to tokenize or fractionalize investments.”

In April 2023, Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA) signed its second Blockchain MOU with Settlemint, after signing its first with R3. The agreement with Settlemint aimed to work on Blockchain and digital asset initiatives in the financial sector. QFCA and Settlemint agreed to explore potential synergies with industry participants, including financial institutions, fintech firms, and corporate organizations, to accelerate the adoption of blockchain and digital asset business models and solutions.

QFC ( Qatar Financial Center) also played an instrumental role in the recent collaboration and partnership of two DLT entities, The Hashgraph Group, a Swiss-based international business, venture capital and technology company, and SettleMint a blockchain transformation company. The partnership seeks to accelerate the impact of DLT ( Distributed Ledger Technologies) and digital assets across several industries.

UAE Tokinvest partners with DSG Group in New Zealand to tokenize racehorses

UAE Tokinvest partners with DSG Group in New Zealand to tokenize racehorses

UAE regulated Tokinvest, a marketplace for real-world asset tokenization, and DSG Group, a New Zealand-based blockchain powered tokenization platform, have partnered to advance tokenized investment opportunities unlocking new asset classes and provide investors with access to exclusive, high-value investments.

Under the agreement, Tokinvest and DSG will work together to develop tokenized investment opportunities across multiple sectors, with an initial focus on tokenized racehorses, stables, and siring rights. Traditionally, racehorse ownership has been limited to wealthy investors or syndicates, but this partnership aims to change that by providing a regulated, secure and transparent framework for fractional ownership.

Racehorse investment has historically been an exclusive market, accessible only to high-net-worth individuals or small syndicates. By leveraging blockchain technology, Tokinvest and DSG are introducing a new level of accessibility, allowing investors to participate in this otherwise illiquid asset class. Tokenisation offers security in ownership rights, simplifies asset management, and enhances liquidity by making fractional shares of racehorses transferable.

Ryan Johnson-Hunt, Co-Founder & CEO of DSG Group, commented, “At DSG, we are committed to transforming capital markets through blockchain. Our partnership with Tokinvest is a natural step forward in building a global network for tokenized assets. Racehorse ownership is just the beginning – together, we’re unlocking new asset classes and expanding access to investment opportunities that were previously out of reach for most investors.”

The agreement will bring together DSG’s expertise in tokenization-as-a-service, combined with Tokinvest’s marketplace for fractional asset ownership, will accelerate the adoption of digital securities across multiple jurisdictions. Both companies will work closely with local regulators and strive for high standards of regulatory compliance.

Scott Thiel, CEO & Co-Founder of Tokinvest, added, “We believe blockchain technology has the power to break down barriers in investment markets. Partnering with DSG allows us to expand our offering and bring new, exciting investment opportunities to our community. Tokenizing racehorses is just the beginning – together, we are laying the groundwork for a broader tokenized asset ecosystem.”

DSG Group recently partnered with Evolution Stables to tokenize racehorse ownership via digital syndication. This initiative, conducted under the supervision of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), showcases how blockchain technology can introduce transparency, liquidity, and accessibility to traditionally exclusive asset classes. By enabling fractional ownership of high-value assets like racehorses, DSG is paving the way for similar tokenization models across other alternative investments, reinforcing the potential of blockchain-powered capital markets.

Tokinvest Continues to partner with global players

This is not the first partnership, Tokinvest, partnered recently with HKVAX, a crypto asset trading platform to transform the global digital asset markets by linking Hong Kong’s established financial infrastructure with Dubai’s rapidly expanding virtual asset ecosystem.

In addition Tokinvest, and InvestaX, a tokenization platform based in Singapore, also partnered to enhance global accessibility to asset-backed and rights-linked virtual assets.

Cryptoverse Warsaw will step into the future of Blockchain and crypto

Cryptoverse Warsaw will step into the future of Blockchain and crypto

Cryotoverse Warsaw has announced its upcoming conference on May 21-22, in WarSaw Poland. The organizers will step into the Future of Blockchain & Crypto.
The Cryptoverse Warsaw Conference is a meeting place of innovation, technology and vision with more than 80+ world class speakers that include the COO of BlackRock Rob Goldstein, Paolo Ardoino, CTO of Tether and Bitfinex, Cathie Wood, CEO of Ark Invest, Tim Draper, Founder of Draper Associates, Gavin Wood, Founder of Polkadot, Jeremy Allaire, CEO of Circle, John Wi President of Avalanche, and Raul Pal CEO of Real Vision among many others.

More than 2,000 professional will converge to discuss Blockchain’s Future and global trends, tokenization of real world assets, AI’s role in cryptocurrency and various other topics.

Cryptoverse is one of the biggest blockchain and crypto conferences in Europe which commenced in 2021.

UAE based XDC network launch money fund tokens with Archax

UAE based XDC network launch money fund tokens with Archax

UAE based XDC Network, an enterprise-grade Layer-1 blockchain, have launched the first money fund tokens on its platform in collaboration with Archax, the FCA regulated digital asset exchange, broker and custodian.

As per the announcement this builds on the previous partnership announcement between XDC and Archax for real-world asset (RWA) tokenization. The first fund tokens that are live represent four of the world’s largest MMFs from providers including abrdn, Fidelity International and State Street, and will be followed by others from the 100+ available through Archax from a variety of asset managers.

Tokenized access to money market funds addresses a growing demand from institutional investors for regulated, digital-first financial products. There are currently $11.5 billion tokenized RWAs on-chain with some projections estimating the value could reach $16 trillion by 2030. By bringing these established investment vehicles onto the blockchain, XDC Network and Archax are creating new opportunities for improved liquidity, faster settlement, and reduced operational costs.

“Providing digital representations of major MMFs opens up a potential new audience for these types of yield-bearing products that historically have been challenging for some to access,” said Keith O’Callaghan, Head of Asset Management and Structuring at Archax. “We’re excited to hit this milestone with XDC Network, a firm that is poised to become one of the railways of the future of the finance industry.”

The implementation leverages XDC Network’s delegated proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, enabling transactions with sub-second finality and near-zero gas fees. The platform’s enterprise-grade infrastructure aims to meet compliance with institutional requirements for security, scalability, and regulatory reporting.

“With our platform’s robust performance and functionality, we have the ideal protocol for real world asset tokenization for institutions who want to work with regulated entities like Archax,” said Angus O’Callaghan, Head of Trading and Markets at XDC Network. “We’re excited to be taking this next step in our partnership with Archax and unlock access to some of the world’s largest MMFs with transparency and efficiency.”

Earlier RAK DAO, the free zone for digital assets companies located in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah UAE, partnered with XDC Blockchain the accelerator program – Builder’s Oasis with a funding pool of $2 million.

Blockchain tokenization entity CryptoAutos acquires $20 million worth of luxury vehicles in Dubai

Blockchain tokenization entity CryptoAutos acquires $20 million worth of luxury vehicles in Dubai

CryptoAutos,a Real-World Asset (RWA) entity in the Blockchain tokenization space, has acquired a rental fleet of luxury vehicles worth $20 million in Dubai UAE. As per the announcement CryptoAutos is seeking to bridge digital assets with physical assets and aimed at redefining vehicle ownership and investment through blockchain technology.

“Acquiring real-world assets and making them accessible through tokenization is at the core of what we do,” said Waqas Nizam, Founder of Crypto Autos. “This $20M fleet acquisition is another step towards enabling individuals to leverage their digital assets in meaningful, practical ways. Let’s put it into perspective – we’ve spent $20M on this fleet, this is significantly more than the majority of RWA projects have managed to raise.”

Backed by multiple funding rounds of $60,000,000 and $7,500,000 CryptoAutos will create investment opportunities in its fleet, allowing users to potentially earn yield in USDT from both the rental and sales of its luxury vehicles. Investors will benefit from an estimated annual rental yield of $15,000,000, making this a lucrative real-world asset-backed investment.

Through CryptoAutos’ platform, users can invest in fractional ownership of high-value vehicles, receive potential rental-based earnings.
Gain exposure to the appreciation and resale value of exotic cars, and by combining the efficiency of blockchain with real-world revenue streams, CryptoAutos ensures that digital asset holders can participate in a stable, high-yield investment model.

CryptoAutos’ decision to establish a stronghold in Dubai aligns with the region’s growing adoption of crypto-backed investments and digital finance.

“With its progressive stance on blockchain and finance, Dubai is the perfect location for our first acquisition,” added Waqas. “The city provides the ideal ecosystem for RWAs to flourish, and we are excited to drive this movement forward.”

As the company continues its expansion, CryptoAutos is set to introduce additional asset-backed opportunities, further bridging the gap between Web3 and traditional industries. The latest acquisition is just the beginning of a broader strategy to integrate RWAs into everyday transactions, making digital asset usability more practical than ever before.

It is noteworthy that CryptoAutos, while having acquired $20 million worth of vehicles in Dubai UAE, has yet to be regulated in the country.

Laser Digital launched Digital NEAR Adoption Fund excluding UAE

Laser Digital launched Digital NEAR Adoption Fund excluding UAE

Laser Digital Nomura’s digital assets subsidiary with a regulated presence in UAE , has launched the Laser Digital NEAR Adoption Fund (the ‘Fund’). However investors in the UAE cannot participate in the fund. The announcement notes, that information contained herein, does not constitute, and is not intended to constitute, a public offer of securities in the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) and accordingly should not be construed as such.

The shares are only being offered to a limited number of exempt investors in the UAE who (a) are willing and able to conduct an independent investigation of the risks involved in an investment in such shares, and (b) upon their specific request. The shares have not been approved by or licensed or registered with the UAE Central Bank, the Securities and Commodities Authority, or any other relevant licensing authorities or governmental agencies in the UAE. No transaction will be concluded in the UAE and any enquiries regarding the Shares should be made to Laser Digital UK Ltd at 1 Angel Lane, London, EC4R 3AB. 

As per the announcement the Fund’s strategy seeks to provide a long-term exposure to the NEAR token enhanced with staking which allows institutional investors residing in eligible jurisdictions (“Investors”) to participate in the blockchain consensus mechanism and take advantage of the economic opportunities of the NEAR blockchain.

Consequently, the Fund aims to harvest gains from a long-term trend combined with carry component in the Digital Assets asset class. The Fund utilizes TruFin’s institutional-grade liquid staking solution, TruStake, to provide Investors with seamless exposure to the NEAR token, as well as the network’s underlying staking rewards.


The entire internet will experience a paradigm shift towards AI-first interfaces and businesses, and Laser Digital believes that NEAR has positioned itself to be at the forefront of this AI-first future as the blockchain for AI. This is enabled by NEAR’s core technologies bridging AI and web3 – bringing agents, users, and services together in one single protocol:

  • User-Owned AI: Building towards AI that users can trust with their data & assets and ultimately AI that makes choices to benefit individual users rather than some centralized profit-maximizing entity
  • Chain Abstraction: A technology that connects all assets, across all chains, between AI agents and users while empowering AI agents to transact, and thereby solves for the interoperability problem
  • Intents: A new type of transaction that allows information, assets, goods and services exchange between AI agents, users, and real world services, making it possible to unify liquidity across crypto ecosystems and also bring AI participants together with financial services, commerce, and end users
    Sharded Blockchain: NEAR Protocol as a sharded, proof-of-stake blockchain with fast transaction throughput and already tens of millions of active users, offering scalable infrastructure for AI agents and users to transact effectively at any scale

These features make NEAR a valuable Layer-1 digital asset for the next wave of AI-driven Web3.0 applications. From this perspective NEAR aims to benefit from two long-term major trends: blockchain and AI, and the Fund aims to provide Investors exposure to both.

The Fund will be available in traditional format, after registration, in selected jurisdictions (with the exclusion of the US) to eligible institutional and professional investors. The Fund will also be available through various wealth management platforms.

The Fund is a segregated portfolio part of Laser Digital Funds SPC, a Segregated Portfolio Company registered as a mutual fund pursuant to section 4(3) of the Mutual Funds Act with CIMA (Cayman Islands Regulatory Authority).

Laser Digital is led by CEO Jez Mohideen who has over 25 years of experience in systematic investment strategies and macro trading at both Brevan Howard and Nomura. On launching the fund, Mohideen commented: “The Fund gives Investors a seamless way to gain exposure to digital assets through a long orientated exposure to the NEAR protocol that combines two major investment themes of digital assets and AI, alongside a carry overlay via the staking.”

David Norris, CFO at NEAR Foundation: “We are excited to launch the Laser Digital NEAR Adoption Fund to give institutional investors exposure to NEAR‘s rapidly growing AI ecosystem, enhanced with staking returns. We are convinced that Laser Digital with its strong expertise and distribution capabilities is the right partner to provide investors with seamless and compliant access to NEAR.”