Web3 Holon green data storage provider sets up in UAE

Web3 Holon green data storage provider sets up in UAE

Australian Web3 Holon, a pioneer in Web 3.0 and AI-driven data storage and compute, has set up a base in the UAE.

Based in Australia, Holon has been building their innovative technology since 2018, with the aim of becoming the world’s greenest Web 3.0 infrastructure company. Holon is working to establish a 100% verifiably green global data network and empower data ownership.

“Holon recognized early that Web 2.0’s legacy infrastructure would struggle with cybersecurity, data privacy, and resource consumption. Web 3.0, with its decentralized, open-source framework, offers solutions for creating secure, transparent, and efficient digital ecosystems,” said Heath Behncke, Managing Director. “The UAE, particularly Dubai, have emerged as global leaders in fostering technological innovation. The country’s comprehensive approach to regulation, policy, and infrastructure development makes it an ideal hub for Web 3.0 and AI advancements. Holon’s commitment to Web 3.0 aligns with its vision to drive innovation for a sustainable and equitable digital future.”

Holon’s approach to sustainable data innovation involves modular micro-data centers equipped with immersion cooling technology. These small, efficient units can be integrated into existing properties, reducing the need for large, energy-intensive data centers. By leveraging Web 3.0’s distributed and decentralized technologies, Holon can bring data storage and computing closer to the user, improving latency, security, and energy efficiency. Additionally, Holon’s solutions can be powered by green energy, with the added benefit of repurposing waste heat to offset property energy costs, making it a win-win for businesses and the environment.

The company noted that the growth of data is staggering, from 1 Zetabyte (ZiB) in 2010 to over 100 ZiB in 2020. With AI driving significant data consumption, it is forecasted that 75,000 ZiB of machine-generated data will be generated annually by 2040. This surge will require around 1,000 ZiB of enterprise storage, a 250-fold increase. However, this expansion comes with a rising carbon footprint, with data centers projected to consume 8% of global electricity by 2030.

Heath said, “The blend of AI and Web 3.0 is transforming data management, offering secure, verifiable, and efficient handling of large data sets. Web 3.0’s decentralized infrastructure meets AI’s demands for accuracy and security, fostering a global ecosystem essential for AI deployment. Holon is committed to leading the way in sustainable data innovation, ensuring a secure and prosperous digital future.”

The company is exploring new opportunities to support commercial real estate firms in repurposing their infrastructure to tap into the booming data market. By merging property and data infrastructure, Holon is set to create a new future for both industries, ensuring they are well-positioned to thrive in economic challenges.

UAE based decentralized credit intelligence platform appoints blockchain expert

UAE based decentralized credit intelligence platform appoints blockchain expert

UAE based Synnax Technologies, a decentralized credit intelligence platform, has appointed Luc Froehlich, the ex-global Head of Digital assets solutions at Fidelity International as their Chief Commercial Officer. He will lead Synnax’s global commercial strategy and operations.

Synnax was established in Dubai in 2023 by Founders Robert Alcorn, Dario Capodici, and Alessio Quaglini, who bring over a decade of experience in digital assets (Hex Trust, Clearpool) as well as extensive backgrounds in traditional finance.


As per the press release, Froehlich brings over two decades of expertise in fixed income, experience in scaling businesses within global financial institutions, and leading high-performing teams. Froehlich’s extensive professional background and MSc in Blockchain, coupled with his thought leadership and research contributions at the World Economic Forum, equip him to lead Synnax in delivering groundbreaking credit intelligence solutions.

Synnax is revolutionizing the credit analysis industry by harnessing a decentralized network of data scientists to predict companies’ future credit metrics. This innovative approach benefits a broad range of users, including lending and borrowing platforms, market makers, asset managers, and investment managers, providing them with financial health data critical for their business.


“Credit markets, particularly private credit, have boomed over the past few decades. In contrast, the risk assessment toolkit has lagged, transparency is still lacking, and conflict of interest remains. Synnax introduces a revolutionary approach to credit analysis. By leveraging advanced encryption, we can now harvest the computing power of a broad network of AI models to deliver credit intelligence. I am excited to join an experienced and trustworthy team to develop and deploy this pioneering technology. We’ll provide a competitive edge to traditional credit investors and risk managers, and open up a new realm of opportunities in the on-chain lending space.” – Luc Froehlich, Chief Commercial Officer, Synnax.


“We are thrilled to welcome Luc to the Synnax team,” said Robert Alcorn, CEO and Co-Founder of Synnax. “His deep expertise in credit markets and proven track record of driving innovation in the digital asset space will be invaluable as we work towards our mission of providing a more trustless and privacy-preserving framework for institutional credit assessment. His appointment is also timely as we prepare to release our first public model.”


Froehlich‘s appointment follows the successful closure of Synnax’s pre-seed funding in March 2024, led by No Limit Holdings; evidence of the firm’s forward momentum and growth. With Froehlich’s leadership and Synnax’s cutting-edge technology, the company is set to empower businesses with better information to improve their capital allocation decisions, revolutionizing the traditional approach to credit assessment and ratings for the digital asset era.

UAE licensed DRIFE Web3 ride hailing platform now on Sui Blockchain

UAE licensed DRIFE Web3 ride hailing platform now on Sui Blockchain

DRIFE, a leading Web3 Mobility infrastructure provider, and the first ride-hailing decentralized application to operate in India and the UAE, has announced its integration with Sui, a Layer 1 smart contract platform and Blockchain.

DRIFE with this move, aims to offer a seamless, simplified onboarding process for ride hailing users and ecosystem partners. The migration of DRIFE onto Sui Blockchain which was created by Mysten Labs, is a step in expanding the decentralized mobility infrastructure sector.

Sui streamlines the process for developers to launch their projects on the Sui platform as it eliminates technical barriers.

DRIFE Taxi 3.0 service is set to disrupt the Taxi 2.0 such as UBER, Lyft, and others. These companies pioneered the use of mobile apps to connect passengers and drivers conveniently and affordably, yet their centralization has slowly eroded the benefits, and earnings of drivers due to high commission rates, while controlling the price customers pay.

The company is entering the market offering an innovative, transparent, fair solution that empowers both drivers and riders. The DRIFE platform offers a zero-commission fee structure which allows drivers to earn more income and pass on the benefits to riders in the form of savings. Sui is the optimal blockchain platform for DRIFE as it offers low network fees, reduced transaction costs, and enhanced overall affordability for users.

Firdosh Sheikh, Founder of DRIFE states, “Given we are pioneering a decentralized ride-hailing application, a concept unprecedented, we required a strategic partner and a blockchain infrastructure that aligned seamlessly with our vision. Sui is the ideal choice due to its scalability, security and cost-effectiveness.”

DRIFE will utilize various features in SUI’s architecture including its ZKlogin which enables frictionless user interaction without necessitating intricate blockchain knowledge. Sheikh adds, “This aligns perfectly with our goal of creating a seamless user experience and lowering entry barriers. Moreover, SUI’s scalability and speed are paramount, ensuring DRIFE can accommodate rapid growth and deliver real-time services efficiently.”

zkLogin, makes Web3 login as simple as signing in with familiar web credentials such as Google or Twitch. Sui continues to advance zkLogin, adding new providers and additional features such as multi-sig capability and more.

“Sui was created to provide a decentralized platform to support exactly the kind of innovative decentralized solution that DRIFE offers in its mobility infrastructure services,” said Dr. Greg Siourounis, Managing Director of the Sui Foundation. “It is extremely gratifying for the Sui community to see DRIFE leveraging zkLogin and other parts of Sui’s technology to address real challenges people face in their everyday lives.”

By leveraging SUI’s technology, DRIFE is poised to deliver an unparalleled ride-hailing experience that is not only efficient and user-friendly but also cost-effective and scalable.

Blockchain AI real estate DAO sets up in UAE

Blockchain AI real estate DAO sets up in UAE

BrickLayer DAO a tokenized RWA platform built on Blockchain, and AI, for real estate has set up in the UAE and is seeking a license from FSRA in ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) as well as a license in VARA (Dubai’s virtual asset regulatory Authority).

According to their website, Bricklayer platform is fueled by AI and virtual assets, providing a decentralized Blockchain access to institutional grade real estate. It also offers over-leverage crypto holders with access to institutional real estate without sacrificing the speculative gains, providing consistent change to real yield dividends in ‘$MORTAR’.

As per their website and linkedIn post, Bricklayer DAO is in the process of being regulating under FRSA, VARA and UAE common law, giving a legal layer of protection to investors.

Nick Prescott one of the founders who was a former executive at Amazon and now the co-founder of BrickLayer explored blockchain but faced uncertainty in picking genuine projects. Nick’s frustration with corporate hierarchies fueleda quest for a blended solution—a platform combining blockchain’s speculative nature with REIT’s stability, all while giving investors a voice.

Nick delved into DAOs, decentralized environments where everyone’s voice matters. After completing a cryptocurrency course at MIT, he left Amazon and founded Bricklayer. This real estate fund, powered by Ethereum blockchain, adopted a decentralized strategy influenced by $BRICKS token holders. It offered a unique blend of speculation, hedged with one of the safest of asset classes.

Bricklayer is now incorporated the UAE. Bricklayer aspires to become the Robinhood of real estate, reshaping the traditional landlord-occupier dynamic. As stated, “We’re committed to increasing leasehold flexibility and reducing occupational costs, forging partnerships with occupiers to create a more equitable and flexible real estate ecosystem. Bricklayer is dedicated to advancing blockchain adoption within the real estate industry. We’re on a mission to persuade vendors to embrace virtual assets as a valid form of exchange in real estate transactions, ushering in a new era of efficiency and transparency.”

Tokenization of real estate in UAE is picking up with recent Desert Pearl project.

Blockchain at the heart of Saudi Arabian Smart City

Blockchain at the heart of Saudi Arabian Smart City

In the midst of Saudi Arabia, in Jeddah to be exact, a city is emerging, a smart city that is built on Blockchain. The city is called Mayasem

Mayasem is a smart city construction project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that covers 1.6 million square meters strategically located in Obhur, the thriving new heart of north Jeddah.

Saudi based Shamayel United Development Company; a Jeddah based real estate developer founded in 2010, is the master developer of a 1.6 million sqm plot in the district of Obhur north of the city of Jeddah. The development is an integrated sustainable mixed-use community.

The site of the smart city built on Blockchain, lies adjacent to the development of the Kingdom Tower poised to be the world’s tallest skyscraper.

In Mayasem city, Blockchain technology is not just a concept but the core foundation. It is not just the physical features of the city that are future looking and innovatively designed but as per the developers it is integrated into the blockchain.

The technology in Mayasem is providing an improved standard of living and a new level of data control.

As per the Youtube video on Mayasem, “Every brick, every tree, every drop of water is part of a larger interconnected network. It is not just a city it’s a smart City. It uses data to change the way cities are run and that’s why it is the city of the future but what makes Maysem unique is the blockchain.”

According to the developers, the blockchain technology is the lifeblood of this city, it keeps the heart of the city pumping.

The developers state that the entire construction project has DLT technolog woven into its very fabric. It manages the data from the high end apartments to the shopping malls, luxury parks, up to the lagoons.

The technology is giving the people of the city control over their data and in turn a better standard of living. It is reinventing the way cities are run by offering empowerment, transparency ad progress.

Recently, more and more blockchain projects are being built in Saudi Arabia. For example, blockchain enabled Crysp Farms, a UAE based innovator and operator of decentralized blockchain enabled vertical farms, has secured a $2.25 million ‘Pre-Series A’ round structured and led by Gate Capital with participation from regional investors, including those from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and is planning to launch in KSA.

While most recently, the Hashgraph Association and the Saudi Ministry of Investment signed a partnership to launch a $250 million Deep tech studio for emerging technologies.

Genesis Tech and BRI launch Blockchain data project in Qatar

Genesis Tech and BRI launch Blockchain data project in Qatar

Qatar based BRI ( Blockchain Research Institute) Middle East and Genesis Technologies have announced the deployment of a Blockchain data storage system to a client in the country.

As per the press release, BRI Middle East and Genesis Technologies will utilize blockchain for distributed database backup. The new system will improve data availability and reliability, reducing downtime and ensuring uninterrupted access to critical information.

The decentralized nature of the network also provides scalability, allowing organizations to seamlessly expand their storage capacity as their needs evolve.

Genesis Technologies developed the DDS system which is the foundation of the project. By utilizing blockchain technology, the solution provides an unmatched level of security and privacy for critical files.

“This project represents a major leap forward in data protection, offering our client unparalleled security, reliability, and peace of mind. By harnessing the power of blockchain, we have transformed the landscape of database backup, setting a new standard for the industry” said Aline Daoud, Managing Partner at BRI Middle East.

“Our mission with the DDS System is to revolutionize the way sensitive data is stored,” said Dr. Mazen El-Masri, CEO of Genesis Technologies. “In this digital age, security and availability are paramount. The DDS System leverages blockchain technology not just as a buzzword but as a concrete solution to real-world data storage challenges.”

On LinkedIn Mazen El Masri explained that this was the second project they deliver after their first one in KSA. He states, ” We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of Genesis Technologies second project! While our first project exceeded the expectations of a key ministry in Riyadh, this second project with a private Qatari Based company clearly highlights the value of blockchain technology in revolutionizing data storage while offering unparalleled security.”

Genesis Technologies was launched in Qatar back in September 2022.

UAE decentralized Ecommerce platform to incorporate AI and Web3 Technology

UAE decentralized Ecommerce platform to incorporate AI and Web3 Technology

UAE decentralized ecommerce platform, Ayshei ( Aya Shee in Arabic), backed by Medad Holding will be launching in early 2024 as the first fully enabled Web3 AI marketplace.

Ayshei will incorporate cutting-edge features such as online auctions, virtual stores, delivery services, and AI technology, among other distinctive solutions as part of its decentralized ecommerce platform.

CEO of Ayshei, Mohammed Shaiba Al Mazrouei, emphasized that Ayshei.com represents more than just a marketplace—it signifies the dawn of a new era for online commerce in the UAE. Al Mazrouei stated that the platform empowers businesses, fosters innovation, and creates a thriving community. As the first platform to provide full transparency on fee structures and onboarding processes, Ayshei invites users to become early adopters and join the Ayshei Community, a space where limitless opportunities await.

Ayshei is positioning itself as a market enabler for SMEs, startups, and home businesses. The platform will offer an all-in-one virtual store, providing essential services such as a trade license, bank account, payment gateway, logistics (including end-to-end self-storage), and delivery. This approach aims to empower businesses to establish and flourish in the digital realm.

Being a decentralized platform leveraging web3 technology, Ayshei prioritizes user security and transparency. The platform implements multiple security measures, including profile verification through Emirates ID, UAE Pass integration, high-value product authentications, advanced transaction monitoring, property and car inspections.

The platform will offer intelligent solutions in real estate, auctions, and other domains.

UAE based Seagrass and The Hashgraph Association Announce Launch of Co-Funded Carbon Credit Web3 Identity Wallet 

UAE based Seagrass and The Hashgraph Association Announce Launch of Co-Funded Carbon Credit Web3 Identity Wallet 

The Hashgraph Association, the non-profit organization accelerating the broad adoption of the DLT ( Distributed Ledger Technology) network Hedera globally, has today announced a co-funding initiative with UAE based Seagrass, a climate action company and subsidiary of E.ON, one of Europe’s largest operators of energy networks and energy infrastructure. 

This initiative facilitates the building of the Seagrass Wallet, a proof-of-concept Web3 identity wallet that provides users with a decentralized digital identity and wallet that relates to their carbon projects. 

Seagrass which is based in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) financial centre UAE holds a license to arrange trades in environmental instruments from ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority. Seagrass chose the UAE because of its position as the cross roads and stands where carbon credits are originated as well as demanded.

Seagrass aims to unlock the potential of the carbon markets and transform carbon finance, which can make an important contribution to the net-zero transition. This collaboration supports its goal of bringing together supply from certified projects with large-scale demand from buyers with ambitious climate strategies on a centralized marketplace driven by technology, transparency and integrity.

The Web3 identity wallet provides transparency on environmental, economical and project data to buyers and developers. Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) architecture enabled by Hedera ensures users will have a decentralized digital identity and crypto wallet that is compliant with European standards. This leading-edge Web3 digital wallet creates, stores, and presents digital identities with verifiable credentials, alongside the storage and exchange of assets.

The digital identity would put users who had been onboarded by Seagrass in charge of their credentials, potentially allowing them to save time and reduce costs by interacting with other market participants without having to go through fresh due diligence or know-your-client checks.

The proof-of-concept has been designed to be compatible with Seagrass Carbon Map, a live application available to buyers and sellers on the Seagrass marketplace that provides users with sophisticated data on the impact of nature-based projects and enables deep, ongoing engagement between project developers and carbon credit buyers. Seagrass Wallet is currently in testing and will be made available to clients in 2024.

Thomas Birr, Chief Strategy and Innovation officer at E.ON and Managing Director of Seagrass’ shareholding company, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with The Hashgraph Association and Hedera on the use of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) to unlock opportunities in the carbon markets via Seagrass.  I look forward to seeing its implementation and use in 2024.”

Kamal Youssefi, President of the Board of The Hashgraph Association, said: “As we build a vibrant innovative ecosystem for startups, enterprises, and government institutions around the world, we simultaneously focus on the realization of a net zero carbon future. Combining the power of Hedera’s DLT with Seagrass’ commitment to scale the carbon markets via liquidity, integrity, and digital access for all, it also builds value on the wider engagement with E.ON.”

Blockchain and AI enabled WorldCoin World ID orb available in UAE at Crypto Oasis Centre

Blockchain and AI enabled WorldCoin World ID orb available in UAE at Crypto Oasis Centre

As per a recent announcement, WorldCoin, blockchain and AI based digital identity protocol World ID has launched one of its orbs in Dubai UAE, at Crypto Oasis Centre.

World ID according to WorldCoin ia a more human internet with global proof‑of‑personhood. Privacy‑First. Self‑custodial. Decentralized.

Worldcoin is dramatically increasing access to World ID—the digital identity protocol powered by the Worldcoin ecosystem. The project will increase the number of available Orbs to 1.5K throughout the summer and fall in more than 35 cities around the world. One of those cities listed is Dubai UAE.

The World ID Orb will be located at Crypto Oasis Innovation Hub, Gate C, Floor 1, Office 176, DIFC

Over the last six months of its beta phase, the Worldcoin project has verified the uniqueness and humanness of more than 40,000 individuals per week. The availability of 1.5K Orbs will more than 5x sign up capacity globally and enable millions of additional people to join the 2 million who have already signed up for World ID.

In countries like Spain, where more than 150K people have already verified their World ID, the project will scale its existing operations up to 3x in the coming months. In other countries such as France and Brazil, for a limited time pop-ups will allow people to locate a nearby Orb and sign up for World ID.

To review, the Orb, which was originally developed by Tools for Humanity (TFH), is the first custom biometric imaging device built for the Worldcoin project to verify humanness and uniqueness in a secure and privacy-preserving way. Anyone with a World ID-compatible wallet, such as TFH’s World App, can sign up for World ID at an Orb by visiting a Worldcoin Operator location or community specialist to access an Orb.

Currently and in the future orbs will be available in Dubai, Kampala, Nairobi, in the MENA region. As for the Americas, it will be available in Bariloche, Bogota, Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Los Angeles, Mar del Plata, Mexico City, Miami, Monterrey, New York, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, San Francisco, and São Paulo

In Asia the orb is and will be available in Bangalore, Delhi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Manila, Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo. While in Europe it will be available in Barcelona, Berlin, Bilbao, Lisbon, London,Madrid, Munich, Palma de Mallorca, Paris, Porto, Sevilla, Valencia,  and Warsaw

On July 24, the OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced the launch of the Worldcoin protocol and the WLD token after years in development.

Altman claims that Worldcoin could eventually pave the way for AI-funded universal basic income — all while “preserving privacy.”

Backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Khosla Ventures, and LinkedIn’s Reid Hoffman, the startup has already raised close to $250 million as it begins to roll out its new global initiative. Prior to Monday’s debut, the company has already experienced a significant wave of interest, with over two million users participating in its beta version.