Crypto.com keeps adding crypto payment partners in UAE, latest Emirates Airlines

Crypto.com keeps adding crypto payment partners in UAE, latest Emirates Airlines

After signing up with Emarat Energy, Dubai Land Department, and Dubai Duty Free, Crypto.com has signed a deal with Emirates Airlines to allow its customers to make crypto payments using crypto.com’s exchange services.

The partnership, which is expected to come into effect next year, is aimed at tapping into “younger, tech-savvy customer segments who prefer digital currencies”, Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ deputy president and chief commercial officer, said in a statement.

Earlier in the year, Air Arabia announced that it would be allowing AED stablecoin payments using the AE Coin, as did Abu Dhabi taxi service.

The agreement today signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline & Group, and Michael Doersam, Emirates’ chief financial & group services officer, by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ deputy president and chief commercial officer, along with Mohammed Al Hakim, president of Crypto.com’s UAE operations will offer more diverse digital asset payment services.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates Deputy President and CCO stated, “Partnering with Crypto.com to integrate cryptocurrency into our digital payments system reflects Emirates’ commitment to meeting evolving customer preferences, in addition to tapping into younger, tech-savvy customer segments who prefer digital currencies.”

“We’re delighted to complete the signing of this important MoU with Emirates Airline. As we continue to expand the everyday use case for crypto, integration with exceptional partners such as Emirates will bring real momentum to the digital asset industry and enable both companies to offer genuine innovative finance solutions for our customers. We look forward to working together as we continue to build our crypto offering in the GCC,” said Eric Anziani, president and COO of Crypto.com.

Dubai Land Department, crypto real estate payments in October 2025

Dubai Land Department, crypto real estate payments in October 2025

While PRYPCO MINT, the first licensed real estate tokenization platform, in partnership with Dubai Land Department, Dubai’s Regulatory Authority, and powered by Ctrl Alt blockchain, announced two new tokenized properties for investment, Dr. Mahmoud Al Burai, Senior Director of real estate policies and Innovation at Dubai Land Department also announced that soon it will all include crypto payments in October 2025.

In a recent LinkedIn post Dr. Mahmoud Al Burai noted that Crypto is coming as well as more opportunities in the real estate industry. He stated, “We are disrupting the industry big time. Hopefully we see soon investors and tenants paying in Crypto. Crypto traders buying real estate tokens, brokers getting commission in crypto and service charges paid in crypto.”

He also announced that due to the great success of Real estate tokenization project, They would be extending phase 1 of tokenizing ready properties till September 2025. He explained, “More properties will be tokenized soon by VARA licensed entities.” Finally he noted that in phase two cryptocurrency will be added in October. He explained, ” In phase two, we will add crypto currency to the model, expected October this year.”

Crypto.com and DLD sign agreement for including crypto in real estate sector

Just this week, Dubai Land Department and Crypto.com global crypto exchange recently signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to explore the use of Blockchain and digital currencies or crypto in the real estate sector. As per the announcement, the initiative is part of Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 that aims to build a smart, sustainable, real estate ecosystem using advanced technologies such as blockchain, and digital assets as well as tokenization.

PRYPCO announces two new tokenized properties

As for now PRYPCO Mint has announced that they are bringing a stunning apartment in Dubai Marina, and a beautiful viall in Dubai Land. In their X post they noted, “Get ready before launch. Stay tuned and keep your wallets ready!”

PRYPCO Mint already sold two tokenized properties. The first fully funded property attracted 224 investors from over 40 nationalities, with an average investment amount of $2,900. On the heels of the success of the first tokenized property listing in UAE and MENA, which brought in investments of over $700K, PRYPCO then did their second tokenized property worth $650K which was also a success.

TON clarifies Golden Visa initiative

TON clarifies Golden Visa initiative

TON Foundation ( The Open Network) has issued a clarification regarding its UAE Golden Visa initiative, saying that the announcement was published prematurely and that the initiatives stems from a collaboration between TON and a licensed partner specialized in blockchain and tokenized assets and has nothing to do with UAE governmental entities.

As per the medium post, TON noted, ” With regards to premature announcement that circulated on X regarding a UAE Golden Visa initiative offered by TON. While we understand the community’s interest and enthusiasm, it’s necessary to provide clarity. The initiative in question stems from an independent collaboration between TON and a licensed partner specializing in blockchain infrastructure and tokenized assets. This exploratory effort is developing outside of any formal arrangement with the UAE government entities.”

TON assets that there are no official Golden Visa program launched in partnership with the government of the United Arab Emirates, nor has any governmental endorsement been granted to TON.

Collaboration with Blockchain entity for Golden Visa initiative is in early stages

TON explained that the collaboration is in the early stages of development and is part of a broader effort to explore how compliant, blockchain-based frameworks might eventually support real-world access to residency pathways.

TON assets that any offering would be subject to all applicable laws and regulations and that application alone does not guarantee visa issuance, the authority for which remains at the discretion of the relevant UAE government bodies.

TON Supports UAE government statement

In the post TON also expressed their support for the joint statement issued by by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), which confirms that no digital residency or investment visa initiatives have been formally approved or launched in partnership with the UAE government.

TON notes that this aligns with their position as the initiative is being developed independently by TON and their blockchain partner.

TON states, “We welcome the clarity provided and appreciate the UAE’s ongoing commitment to regulatory transparency. Should official involvement emerge in the future, it will be communicated transparently and through the appropriate channels.”

The clarification comes after TON spun out of Telegram, unveiled what it described as a new pathway to United Arab Emirates residency, offering 10-year golden visas to applicants who stake $100,000 worth of Toncoin for three years and pay a one-time $35,000 processing fee.

“Secure your Golden Visa in under 7 weeks from document submission to the Visa Office,” TON announced, detailing that its UAE-based partners will manage the visa processing and residency status confirmation.

However, the Emirates News Agency said later in a press release that the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, the Securities and Commodities Authority, and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority have issued a joint statement that golden visas are not issued to digital asset holders.

Crypto.com and Dubai Land department to include crypto payments in real estate transactions

Crypto.com and Dubai Land department to include crypto payments in real estate transactions

Crypto.com, a global cryptocurrency exchange regulated by Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) and Dubai Land Department (DLD) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to explore the use of Blockchain and digital currencies or crypto in the real estate sector.

As per the announcement, the initiative is part of Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 that aims to build a smart, sustainable, real estate ecosystem using advanced technologies such as blockchain, and digital assets as well as tokenization. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Omar Hamad BuShehab, Director General of the Dubai Land Department, and Mohamed Abdul Latif Al Hakim, the authorised signatory for Crypto.com, in the presence of several officials and CEOs from both sides.

Crypto.com will support Dubai’s digital real estate transactions using blockchain and digital currencies/crypto for property transactions. This will not only help to increase liquidity in the real estate sector but also modernize it by enabling real estate asset trading, investor verification as well as digital custody and settlement processes.

Crypto.com will propose solutions for tokenizing real estate and trading digital assets, while Dubai Land Department will explore them and provide administrative and logistical support to implement these regulatory approved joint projects.

Crypto.com will also offer technical support, analytical tools and reports for these projects.

Previously, the Department of Finance in Dubai Government, responsible for the development of the general annual budget and its execution (DOF), also agreed to enable government service fees to be paid in crypto using Crypto.com. Once the system is activated, individuals and businesses will be able to use Crypto.com’s digital wallet to pay for government services. The platform will convert crypto payments into AED and securely transfer the funds to Dubai Finance accounts.

Recently under the Real estate tokenization project, DLD, VARA, and the Dubai Future Foundation, with PRYPCO Mint underwent two tokenized property listings which were both sold out.

Mathew White, CEO of Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), recently noted on LinkedIn that the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) is no longer an experiment. He stated, “It’s happening right now.”

He explained how VARA views tokenization as more than a blockchain use case but rather as a structural shift and the foundation for a new kind of financial system. He explains, ” Everything from real estate and art to commodities and IP can be digitally represented, owned and exchanged in real time.”

He adds, “It’s a system of fractional ownership and near-instant settlement, where global markets are trustless, borderless, and always on. The illiquid can become liquid.”

Zodia Custody acquires UAE crypto custodian Tungsten

Zodia Custody acquires UAE crypto custodian Tungsten

Backed by Standard Chartered Bank, and SBI Group, Zodia Custody, a global crypto asset custodian has completed its acquisition of UAE regulated Tungsten Custody Solutions, crypto custodian. In April of 2025, Zodia Custody had announced it was seeking to acquire Tungsten.

As per the X post, Zodia custody noted that this is a strong step in their expansion plans into the MENA region as they will benefit from the license that Tungsten already has within Abu Dhabi’s ADGM.

“Zodia Custody’s acquisition of Tungsten reflects our long-standing and ongoing commitment to the UAE,” said Dominic Longman, Global Head of Markets at Zodia Custody. “We are excited to deepen our presence in a market that is leading digital asset regulation through meaningful collaboration and revenue synergies with businesses operating under its authority. We hope to replicate this type of relationship across the markets in which we operate.”

“From day one, our ambition with Tungsten was to help build a custody platform that meets the highest global standards while being deeply rooted in the UAE’s regulatory frameworks,” said Mohamed Hamdy, Managing Partner at Further Ventures. “Zodia Custody’s acquisition is a validation of that vision and a major step forward for institutional digital asset infrastructure in the region. We’re proud to join forces with a partner that shares our conviction in the future of compliant, secure, and borderless finance.”

This announcement comes on the same day that Figment partnered with Tungsten to offer digital asset staking services for institutional clients in the region.

Binance Connect and Trust Wallet make crypto access easier

Binance Connect and Trust Wallet make crypto access easier

Trust Wallet, a leading self-custody Web3 wallet trusted by over 200 million users, has launched Buy+, a new feature powered by Binance Connect, to simplify crypto access for users worldwide and make onboarding easier for newcomers.

As per the press release, the feature allows anyone to purchase tokens on BNB Chain, Base and Solana using fiat, without needing to own crypto assets, or to understand complex crypto workflows.


Before this improvement, buying a new or trending token often meant a multi-step process, including manual swaps and switching between platforms. For many this was confusing, time-consuming, and carried the risk of mistakes. Now, with Buy+, Trust Wallet simplifies everything into one seamless flow ,making it possible to go from card, Apple/Google Pay and more, to a user’s desired token in just a few taps, all without leaving the app or giving up self-custody.

“The first step to onboard a fiat asset into the desired crypto asset directly is often the hardest. And that’s what we’re improving as part of the effort to bring web2 user experience to web3 tech,” said Eowyn Chen, CEO of Trust Wallet. “When people discover a good crypto asset, they want to be able to buy it quickly, securely, and easily. Increasingly, these assets are not the major coins but rather smaller, trending tokens. So, we seamlessly integrate fiat onboarding with on-chain crypto swapping with the fewest steps. With this new capability, we’re giving users a simpler, safer, and smarter way to get their desired tokens —without compromising on self-custody or experience.”


Buy+ works by intelligently routing transactions based on token availability. If a token is directly supported by Binance Connect, the purchase is completed in one seamless fiat-to-crypto flow. If not, the feature automatically facilitates a two-step process — first acquiring the required native token and then swapping it within the Trust Wallet app — all while maintaining full self-custody and minimizing complexity for the user.

This feature pairs Binance Connect’s fiat-to-crypto infrastructure with Trust Wallet’s smart routing and swap capabilities to deliver a uniquely seamless experience that balances speed, flexibility, and full ownership.

“At Binance, we’re focused on breaking down barriers to crypto adoption, and the launch of the Buy+ feature in Trust Wallet — powered by Binance Connect — is a major step in that direction,” said Thomas Gregory, Vice President of Fiat at Binance. “By removing the complexity of chains, swaps, and token transfers, we’re giving users — especially those new to crypto — a faster, simpler way to access the tokens and communities they care about. Binance Connect is proud to power this experience and enable our partners to deliver seamless fiat-to-crypto journeys.”

Other blockchain networks will be supported in the future as Binance Connect expands access to Web3 tokens.

The feature however is currently not available in the UK, US, Canada, Nigeria, Netherlands, Russia, Belarus, Cape Verde, Cuba, Syria and Iran. This communication is not intended for audiences within the United Kingdom. If you are accessing this content from within the United Kingdom, please exit immediately.

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Chainalysis expects that illicit crypto volume in 2024 will reach $51 billion

Chainalysis expects that illicit crypto volume in 2024 will reach $51 billion

In a recent Chainalysis 2025 Crypto Crime Report, the firm notes that while it may look like illicit cryptocurrency volumes are lower than 2024, their data has shown that year over year illicit crypto activity has grown at an average 25%. As such assuming a similar growth rate between now and next year’s Crypto Crime Report, their annual totals for 2024 could surpass the $51 billion threshold.

They noted, “At the time of this publication, we see a reduction in absolute value of illicit activity year-over-year (YoY); however, based on historical growth rates, we suspect that this number will eventually exceed last year’s total as our data attributions improve. In addition, our estimate for the share of all attributed crypto transaction volume associated with illicit activity, depicted below, also fell to 0.14% from 0.61% in 2023.1 Similarly, we expect this share to rise over time, although historically these rates consistently remain below 1%.”

The report also noted that usage of BTC for cyber criminals has decreased, replaced by stablecoins which now occupy the majority of all illicit transaction volume (63% of all illicit transactions). This is expected given that stablecoins occupy a sizable percentage of crypto activity which is around 77%.

In their 2024 Geography of Cryptocurrency report, Chainalysis covered the wide array of practical use cases for stablecoins in a range of markets, such as storing value, sending remittances, facilitating cross-border payments, and international trade.

Additionally, stablecoin issuers often freeze funds if they are made aware of their use by illicit actors. For example, Tether has frozen addresses of concern linked to scams, terrorist financing, and sanctions evasion, which can make stablecoins a poor tool for the transfer of value by illicit actors. Nonetheless, despite these ecosystem-wide trends, some forms of crypto crime, such as ransomware and darknet market (DNM) sales, remain BTC-dominated.

Stolen funds increased by approximately 21% YoY to $2.2 billion. Although the largest share of stolen funds was robbed from decentralized finance (DeFi) services, centralized services were the most targeted in Q2 and Q3.

Private key compromises accounted for the largest share (43.8%) of stolen crypto in 2024, with North Korean hackers stealing more from crypto platforms than ever before: $1.34 billion, representing 61% of the total amount stolen for the year. Some of these events appear to be linked to North Korean IT workers, who have been increasingly infiltrating crypto and web3 companies, compromising their networks, and using sophisticated tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).

Bitcoin and Ethereum take 10th and 18th place in most traded instruments in GCC

Bitcoin and Ethereum take 10th and 18th place in most traded instruments in GCC

AvaTrade, aglobal trading company, released the latest data from its key GCC platforms, reinforcing its role as a source of real-time market intelligence. Covering activity across the region since April 1st, the data reveals the Top 25 most traded instruments by USD volume, with gold taking the lead and in the 10th and 18th place being Bitcoin and Ethereum. B

Based on AvaTrade’s platform activity over the past 2.5 months, collected from Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, gold appears as the most traded, with strong interest in U.S. equities, with all three major indices, NASDAQ 100, DJ30, and S&P 500, ranking within the top four, and the Russell 2000 close behind in eighth.

Commodities also featured prominently, with crude oil and Brent oil both placing in the 15 most traded instruments, and silver also making the list. Foreign exchange trading is also active, with major pairs such as USD/JPY, EUR/USD, and GBP/USD all ranking in the top ten. Other currency pairs like AUD/USD, USD/CHF, USD/CAD, and GBP/JPY follow closely behind.

Meanwhile, the inclusion of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin in 10th and Ethereum, ranked 18th, reflects a broader diversification in trading preferences across the region.

Reflecting on the recent data, Dáire Ferguson, CEO of AvaTrade, stated, ‘Sharing this type of trading insight is one of the many ways we aim to support our growing base of investors across the GCC. In an ever-changing global market, where regional dynamics also play a key role, timely data helps traders make more informed decisions.’

Established in 2006 as a pioneering online trading platform, AvaTrade is one of the most trusted brokers in the industry with nine regulations across six continents. Offering access to over 1,000 CFDs across forex, ETFs, indices, commodities, and crypto, the platform caters to both experienced investors and newcomers through a range of educational resources, trading tools, and market insights.

Middle East governments building on blockchain, AI and Bitcoin reserves

Middle East governments building on blockchain, AI and Bitcoin reserves

Raoul Pal, the Co-Founder and CEO of Real Vision, a financial knowledge and educational platform, in his recent visit and meeting with sovereign wealth funds in the MENA region, specifically in the GCC, has found that the mandate is to use AI ( Artifical Intelligence) and Blockchain across the entire region.

In his X video post interview, Pal noted, ” A month ago during my last trip to MENA region, and in my meetings with sovereign wealth funds across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and UAE, the mandate across entire region from Saudi, Abu Dhabi Bahrain and Qatar is AI and Blockchain and not just using Bitcoin as a reserve asset but building the entire government structure on blockchain, driving licenses, property deeds the whole bloody lot.”

Pal is also the co-founder and CEO of Exponential Age Asset Management, an asset management business that focuses on investing in the digital asset space via a fund of hedge funds (EADAF) and other vehicles.

He adds with the money coming in from sovereign wealth funds, if we are to go from $3 trillion to $100 trillion you need the largest players each time, unless you have bigger players. function of size of market more blockchain technology is used the use of Alt coins for infrastructure rails increase.

MENA Sovereign Wealth funds invest in Bitcoin

His statements come at a time when sovereign wealth funds either openly or less openly are investing in Bitcoin. Earlier this year Mubadala, Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, disclosed a $408.5 million stake in IShare Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) in a 13F filing released on My 15th 2025. The fund reported holding 8,726,972 shares as of March 31, 2025, an increase from 8,235,533 shares reported at the end of 2024. This increased exposure showcases the perception change regarding Bitcoin and crypto in general after President Trump has taken office. Back at the end of 2024, UAE Mubadala, a sovereign investment fund, revealed in an SEC Filing that in late 2024 it invested $436 million worth in BlackRock’s Ishares Bitcoin Trust ETF. The disclosure was made through a 13F filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

While Saudi Central Bank better known as SAMA in a recent SEC ( Securities and Commodities Exchange) 13F filing disclosed that it has invested and holds 25,656 shares in MicroStrategy Inc. For those not familiar with MicroStrategy, now known as Strategy, it is an award-winning AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Business Intelligence platform trusted to deliver intelligence everywhere, on any cloud, at enterprise scale. It is also one of the biggest buyers of Bitcoin. Its strategy has been to issue equity, debt and preferred stock to acquire the digital currency, and it has been on a buying spree.

Even Bahrain based Al Abraaj Restaurants Group B.S.C. (Ticker: ABRAAJ) (“Company”), a public listed company on the Bahrain Bourse, has announced that it put Bitcoin on its balance sheet. The Group has purchased Bitcoin in partnership with U.S. based 10X Capital, becoming the first publicly traded company in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Gulf Cooperation Council (“GCC”), and the Middle East to acquire Bitcoin as a treasury asset.

MENA Governments all in on AI and Blockchain

It is no secret that Saudi Arabia is investing in AI as is UAE and Qatar. Additionally the UAE has been implementing blockchain within the government over the years but in recent times Abu Dhabi has stated it will utilize blockchain in the government. Agile Dynamics, a UAE based consulting firm, will work to develop a sovereign quantum resistant blockchain infrastructure with Abu Dhabi Department of Government Enablement in UAE. Agile Dynamics has been selected as the program’s strategic partner, while ADI Blockchain Foundation will be developing an AED stablecoin to be issued by First Abu Dhabi Bank, with the support of ADQ a sovereign investor and IHC an investor as well.

Then ofcourse there is Qatar with its digital asset tokenization strategy and Digital Assets Lab. Recently during the Qatar Economic Foundation, attendees got a glimpse of a future that might include stablecoins. The UAE is well ahead with its stablecoin regulations and its AECOIN.

PAL sees Bitcoin growth phase

Amidst all this Pal believes “With the dollar breaking down even today, it’s starting to suggest this may go into Q2 2026,” he said. Since the beginning of the year, the US Dollar Index has been down 8.995, sitting at 98.77 at the time of writing, according to data from TradingView. Bitcoin and DXY are inversely correlated. This means that when the dollar weakens, Bitcoin becomes more attractive not just as a speculative investment but as an alternative currency.

Pal also added that macroeconomic data has been a primary reason why the crypto cycle has always shifted further back. “It’s like the whole cycle got shifted cause rates didn’t get adjusted; the dollar was sideways for some time,” he said. He also said that the current market may show signs of looking like the market in 2020 more than the one in 2021, suggesting that it could be at an earlier growth phase than many are predicting.

Bitcoin began 2020 at $7,174, but dropped by 27% in March to $5,227. The asset then rebounded 129% to hit $11,990 in August, before witnessing a 304% increase, ending the year at $28,993.

Will the Banking sector take over crypto exchanges using stablecoins?

Will the Banking sector take over crypto exchanges using stablecoins?

In an article this week on CNN Business Arabic, Bitget crypto exchange COO and Bitgo MENA regional Manager gave their views on how banks are entering the crypto space through stablecoins. This comes as the United States passed the Genius Act in the Senate, and now is going to the House with extra push from Trump himself.

The article notes that stablecoins have gained a steady ground within the banking sector as regulatory legislation advances in the United States and Europe. Several major banks have entered pilot tests or begun developing their own stablecoins.

According to CoinDesk data, the market capitalization of stablecoins hit an all-time high of $251.7 billion, up 22% so far this year, with Citi Group noting that stablecoin market will reach $3.7 trillion by 2030.

In the CNN article Vugar Usi Zade, COO of Bitget, the world’s fourth-largest cryptocurrency exchange, noted that this trend reflects the importance of stablecoins as an integral part of the financial landscape. He emphasized that the entry of banks does not mean the end of trading platforms. “We don’t just provide financial services; we are the financing tools of the future,” he said.

For his part, Nick Coombs, Regional Director of BitGO in MENA, sees collaboration as the future of the sector and a great opportunity for expansion. “Big banks are by nature slow and conservative. We provide them with the digital infrastructure they couldn’t build on their own,” he told CNN Business.


Bitgo, the custodian of the USD1 stablecoin, provides turnkey solutions for banks through its “Stablecoin-as-a-Service” service. It also offers technologies such as “Advanced Key Management,” which allows banks to issue their own currencies at lower costs and with ready-made infrastructure.

Vugar that the entrance of banks into the crypto domain, will lead to more control over custody services which could lead to more centralization. The absence of crypto self custody services means less privacy notes Vugar. Yet he sees the future as hybrid, between crypto exchanges, crypto custodian and banking sector.

Nick Coombs explains that crypto is being reshaped today to serve the very system it was born to oppose, but banks will still need to partner with specialized entities like BitGo to ensure security, compliance, and speed in developing new products. “Because of their cautious nature, banks will not service many emerging blockchains, as they will focus on Bitcoin, even though there are thousands of blockchains that need the services of companies like us,” he added.

Vugar adds, “What distinguishes us is speed, innovation, and our commitment to a culture of decentralization. We are not replicating the experience of banks, but rather reinventing it.” He said, “Stablecoins have changed the rules of the game in cross-border payments, and they offer tremendous advantages, given their speed and competitive cost of no more than 0.1%.” He predicted that this market will grow within five years, with stablecoin adoption increasing tenfold.

He predicted that we will soon witness initial public offerings (IPOs) for cryptocurrency exchanges, as they are technology companies. This will attract significant investments, allow them to grow, and possibly acquire small and medium-sized banks to offer banking products to a global audience.

The article notes that with the entrance of banks, will crypto be losing the reason for its creation, or will a new financial system emerge.