Bybit officially receives MVP preparatory license from Dubai’s virtual asset regulator

Bybit officially receives MVP preparatory license from Dubai’s virtual asset regulator

After receiving is preliminary approval for a license, Bybit has jumped to the next stage with a minimum viable product preparatory license from Dubai’s virtual asset regulatory authority ( VARA).

VARA placed ByBit on its public registery.

This comes after global crypto exchange ByBit partnered with UAE’s DMCC freezone to offer financial support totaling $136,000 for new crypto businesses looking to set up in the DMCC crypto center. Bybit’s pledge of financial support in the amount of $136,000 will be used to kickstart the growth journeys of 15 new Web3 companies at the DMCC Crypto Centre.

Again Bybit also supported crypto and blockchain ecosystem in the UAE with the University of Sharjah. Bybit contributed $272.000 equivalent to 1 million AED to establish a scholarship fund to support 20 students to accelerate their academic and research career into fintech and blockchain at the American University of Sharjah.

In March 2023 Bybit was one of the global crypto exchanges to have received preliminary approval from VARA.

Crypto.com is close to receiving its operational license just as BitOasis did. Binance is still in the preparatory license phase. 

Global crypto exchange ByBit to support crypto businesses in Dubai’s DMCC

Global crypto exchange ByBit to support crypto businesses in Dubai’s DMCC

Global crypto exchange ByBit has partnered with UAE’s DMCC freezone to offer financial support totaling $136,000 for new crypto businesses looking to set up in the DMCC crypto center. Bybit’s pledge of financial support in the amount of $136,000 will be used to kickstart the growth journeys of 15 new Web3 companies at the DMCC Crypto Centre. To qualify for this opportunity, start-ups must successfully pass the standard compliance and due diligence checks required by DMCC.

Bybit will become the listing partner for the Crypto Centre, with the company providing dedicated support for crypto firms looking to list digital assets on one of the top global exchanges. Additionally, the partnership will bring Bybit Services to Crypto Centre members.

Bybit currently has its headquarters in Dubai UAE and boasts of 15 million users. Bybit will also participate in the DMCC Crypto Centre’s educational initiatives by delivering webinars and educational courses about the digital assets industry and emerging trends, centralized exchanges and their impact in shaping the Web3 industry. 

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive of DMCC, stated, “Dubai has truly cemented its position as a global hub for crypto and Web3, with the DMCC Crypto Centre boasting the highest concentration of crypto firms in the region. This status has only been bolstered by Bybit’s presence, so we are excited to have them on board as an official ecosystem partner. Thanks to Bybit’s industry-leading expertise and financial contribution, this partnership will accelerate the impact that Dubai’s game-changing crypto and Web3 businesses are having on the industry.”

 

Ben Zhou, Co-Founder and CEO of Bybit, added “Through the efforts of entities such as DMCC, Dubai has certainly become a global focal point for the crypto industry. The emirate is full of high-potential Web3 businesses, so we are proud to be working with DMCC to facilitate their success and continue the evolution of the crypto industry and global digital economy. By bringing our standard of transparency, listing and custodial expertise and services to Crypto Centre members, we can have a tangible impact on Dubai’s future as the crypto capital and deliver on our aim to be the world’s ‘Crypto Ark’.”

UAE’s DMCC crypto center partners with US enterprise Blockchain service provider Ankr

UAE’s DMCC crypto center partners with US enterprise Blockchain service provider Ankr

In a recent announcement, UAE’s DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Center), partnered with USA based ANKR, an enterprise blockchain infrastructure and services provider. As per the partnership, they will provide support for over 550 Web3 member businesses in DMCC crypto center through development of innovative products, infrastructure and advisory incubation.

 

Ankr’s solutions will be made available to businesses within the DMCC Crypto Center, empowering them with access to a wide variety of products and services, such as application-specific blockchain engineering, node infrastructure, Web3 gaming solutions, NFT marketplace solutions, staking, and decentralized finance products. These offerings will enable businesses to fast-track their development and go to market with every resource they need to thrive in emerging Web3 ecosystems.

 

“The partnership with the Dubai Multi Commodities Center is a testament to our commitment to drive the global proliferation of blockchain technology,” said Chandler Song, Ankr’s CEO. “Dubai is a critical hub for Web3 innovation, and by providing DMCC Crypto Center member businesses with industry-leading solutions, we can cultivate the next generation of Web3 businesses, applications, and experiences that have the capacity to take industry adoption to the next billion users.”

 

DMCC Executive Chairman and CEO, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, added, “By offering a comprehensive ecosystem that enables Web3 businesses to scale efficiently and with confidence, the DMCC Crypto Centre has become home to the highest concentration of crypto and Web3 firms in the MENA region. In expanding our platform through this key collaboration with Ankr, we are further enhancing our capabilities and the value we add to Web3 entrepreneurs and multinationals alike. We look forward to working with Ankr and activating their expertise and suite of services to continue to reinforce Dubai’s status as a global Web3 hub.”

UAE DMCC awards AI Blockchain EatCloud start-up Impact scale up program winner prize

UAE DMCC awards AI Blockchain EatCloud start-up Impact scale up program winner prize

UAE’s DMCC, freezone has awarded blockchain AI Columbian startup EatCloud with the Impact scale program award. EatCloud is one of three startups to win cash prizes of $49,000 for ‘DMCC Impact Scale-Up Program Powered by C3’.

The six-month program supports the growth of impact-driven businesses that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and it represents a part of DMCC’s ESG strategy. As the UAE prepares to host COP28 and lead the conversation that drives the global sustainability agenda, the program comes to an end. Fifteen impact-driven SMEs addressing some of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges pitched their companies to a panel of business experts from PwC, Global Ventures, Astrolabs, and Brunswick in a pitch day that marked the end of the program.

 

The winners of the program are Grocedy, a Nigerian FoodTech platform that aggregates micropayments from low and middle-income earners towards a monthly food subscription and other micro financial services, EatCloud, a Colombian start-up that uses AI and blockchain technology to redistribute surplus food worldwide, reducing waste and supporting food banks globally, and Chefaa, an Egyptian GPS-enabled pharmacy benefits platform that allows patients to order, schedule and refill recurring prescriptions as well as all pharmacy needs. 

Feryal Ahmadi, Chief Operating Officer, DMCC, said, “As DMCC continues to place Dubai at the heart of global trade, it is essential that we also use our platform to have a positive impact on society. This is a momentous year for the UAE where sustainability is center-stage, and it is also integral to DMCC’s strategy. With 15 companies tackling some of the most pressing environmental and social issues we face today, the first edition of the DMCC Impact Scale-Up Program marks a great success in working towards this goal. Congratulations to all the participants in the program – we are excited to see your successes and your positive impact in the coming years.” 

Khalid Kalbat, Director of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Department at the Ministry of Economy of UAE, added, “This program is a testament to the UAE’s commitment to social and environmental impact and to promoting entrepreneurship in the region. I commend DMCC and C3 for their efforts in enabling participating businesses to establish a presence in the UAE and leverage our local ecosystem as a launchpad to successfully expand across the MEA region.”

 All SMEs participating in the program became part of DMCC’s fast-growing community of over 22,000 member companies, receiving a bespoke 70% discount on license fees and flexi-desk space for two years. Further discounts on license renewals will also be offered for the following three years.

This comes as DMCC signed on two major blockchain partnerships this week. 

UAE’s DMCC signs two major partnerships in Blockchain, Metaverse and DeFi

UAE’s DMCC signs two major partnerships in Blockchain, Metaverse and DeFi

In less than a week apart Dubai’s DMCC has signed two major partnership agreements, the first with South Korean entities KBIPA and Seongnam City who are in the blockchain and metaverse industries, and secondly with nya Labs. Founded by a team of Stanford faculty and alumni, Enya Labs is a leading developer of decentralised infrastructure solutions, and is a core contributor to Boba Network.

With regards to the first partnerships DMCC signed MoUs with the Korea Blockchain Industry Promotion Association (KBIPA) and Seongnam City during DMCC’s Made for Trade Live roadshows in South Korea. Both MoUs seek to advance the development and application of Web3 technologies globally, including through affording growth opportunities to South Korean Web3 companies by supporting them in setting up at the DMCC Crypto Centre, and its new Gaming Centre.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said: “DMCC is committed to supporting high-growth sectors such as the Web3 space, and we believe that South Korean businesses will benefit greatly from setting up and scaling their operations in Dubai. The signing of these MoUs with KBIPA and Seongnam City comes at a perfect time, as we continue to accelerate our strategy of supporting businesses in these sectors. We are proud to contribute to the strong and resilient economic relations between the UAE and South Korea, which reflect the warm and friendly ties that our countries have always shared.”

Hyeong-Joo Kim, Chairman, KBIPA, said: “The United Arab Emirates represents one of the strongest economies in the MENA region, and Dubai in particular has risen as a global hub for Web3 technologies. Therefore, our partnership with DMCC comes at a strategic time to discuss business opportunities for the South Korean companies operating in the blockchain space. DMCC would certainly provide these companies with an enabling ecosystem that allows them to thrive.”

A spokesperson for Seongnam City said: “Partnering with DMCC will offer a fantastic opportunity to the many South Korean businesses operating in the area of metaverse technologies. By fostering a tighter partnership between our two countries, we are sure to enhance the global Web3 landscape for the mutual benefit of Seongnam City and Dubai.”

As for the second partnership, Boba Network is a global platform that allows blockchain and web3 businesses to build next-generation decentralized apps (dApps) with reduced transaction and computation fees and increased throughput. The platform provides an expanded set of capabilities for smart contracts on a range of blockchain networks including Ethereum, Moonbeam and Avalanche. Boba Network also offers Hybrid Compute technology, which allows developers to build dApps that can utilise ‘off-chain’ data from any web2-based system.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said: “The ability of the DMCC Crypto Centre to attract such high-profile and impactful players in the web3 space is a true testament to the thriving ecosystem that we have created. By bringing Boba Network into the fold, in partnership with Enya Labs, we are providing a new suite of resources for members to scale up their web3 businesses in Dubai and beyond.”

Web3 Blockchain crypto accelerator and incubator launched in UAE’s DMCC

Web3 Blockchain crypto accelerator and incubator launched in UAE’s DMCC

UAE DMCC, currently home to 550 Blockchain and crypto entities, and global Web3 incubator TDEFi have partnered to launch an accelerator program for Web3 and Blockchain companies in DMCC crypto center.

The accelerator program will offer mentorship and sessions on crypto and scaling businesses. The program will be over a month long and will run for a minimum of two editions over the next 12 months. 

At the end of each cohort, TDeFi will also select a handful of start-ups to be part of its in-depth incubation program, providing them with access to additional TDeFi advisory services and its growing ecosystem.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said, “Supporting Web3 and blockchain businesses is a key priority for DMCC as we build on the success that the Crypto Centre has seen since its launch. By providing everything crypto businesses and entrepreneurs need to thrive, we have emphatically positioned Dubai as a leading hub for crypto. This latest partnership with TDeFi adds yet another string to our bow and will help emerging crypto businesses bring their ideas to light in Dubai.”

Gaurav Dubey, CEO, TDeFi, added: “Our extensive program comprises various modules that will support entrepreneurs and businesses operating within the crypto space, from ideation to scaling their start-ups. Through its Crypto Centre, DMCC has established a leading ecosystem of Web3 and blockchain businesses, and so there is no better place for us to operate our latest accelerator program. Through this new partnership, we are looking forward to unlocking some truly game-changing projects in the Web3 space.”

UAE Blockchain gaming studio secures $5 million to develop its GameFi solutions

UAE Blockchain gaming studio secures $5 million to develop its GameFi solutions

UAE based Blockchain gaming entity, iBLOXX,Studio has secured a $5 million investment in a recent funding round led by PrimeXM. The capital will be utilized to expand the company’s GameFi division. The investment brings the gaming division’s post-money valuation to 30 million USD.

The funds will be primarily used to develop iBLOXX Studios, the group´s Web3 gaming arm. iBLOXX Studios is focused on building blockchain games using Unreal Engine and Unity, developing GameFi economy health- and monitoring solutions, as well as creating trading-related blockchain applications. With this funding, iBLOXX Studios will be able to accelerate the development of its gaming offerings and expand its reach in the blockchain gaming market.

“PrimeXM, who is amongst the world’s leading providers for foreign exchange and cryptocurrency trading solutions, caters to some of the industry’s largest players, such as Saxo Bank, IG, Equity.com, SwissQuote or OKCoin. Their decision to invest in iBLOXX is a testament to their unwavering confidence in our company’s potential for growth.” said Domenik Maier, CEO of iBLOXX.

iBLOXX recceived its license from Dubai DMCC in December 2021. 

Web3 technologies in gaming represents one of the fastest-growing segments of the nearly $200 billion global gaming industry. Currently standing at $1.8 billion, revenues generated by the gaming industry in the MENA region are expected to reach $5 billion by 2025. 

1,650 Blockchain crypto entities in the UAE a 13.8 percent growth YOY

1,650 Blockchain crypto entities in the UAE a 13.8 percent growth YOY

According to a Crypto Oasis at the end of 2022 there were 1,650 blockchain and crypto entities in the UAE. Crypto Oasis notes that the ecosystem has been growing faster than previously anticipated.

As per the release, the Ecosystem has witnessed a sturdy 13.8% growth that proves that the Crypto Oasis is expected to continue its robust growth in the coming months as regulators in the region welcome innovation and disruption, making it easier for blockchain-related companies to secure licenses and operate.

At the forefront of this is Dubai Multi Commodities Centre(DMCC) which is home to over 500 of these native Blockchain organizations, representing the largest concentration of crypto and blockchain companies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Crypto Oasis has added 200+ new organizations in Q4 2022 that have brought in 1,300+ new professionals to the burgeoning Ecosystem, bringing the total number of individuals working in this industry to 8,300+. This 19% growth in employment numbers can be attributed to the UAE being a force to reckon with in the global Blockchain landscape. 78.2 percent (approx. 6,500) of these individuals work in native blockchain organizations, i.e. those which are focused on blockchain and related decentralized technologies. 21.8 (approx. 1,800) percent work for non-native companies, i.e. those that offer blockchain related services or products but do not have blockchain as their primary focus.

Ralf Glabischnig, Founder of Crypto Oasis, stated, “We’re thrilled to have identified these new organizations in our ecosystem that are contributing to a diverse community of stakeholders. The possibilities for Web3 technology are vast, from finance and supply chain management to gaming and social media. However, as it’s a relatively new and emerging technology, its full potential hasn’t been reached yet and the industry is facing challenges such as scalability, security, and user adoption. It’s an exciting and rapidly evolving field to watch and we’re eager to collaborate and learn from each other as we work to improve Web3 and decentralized technologies.”

“The UAE is the perfect amalgamation of Talent and Capital built on a world class Infrastructure,” said Saqr Ereiqat, Co-Founder of Crypto Oasis. “The Ministry of Economy (MoE) has become one of the first Government entities in the world to be active in the metaverse. In 2022 the MoE published its Digital Economy Strategy which aims to double the contribution of digital economy from 9.7% to 19.4% in the next decade. The inception of regulators like VARA and various industry events like the Abu Dhabi Finance Week and Dubai Fintech Week, as well as the launch of the Dubai Economic Agenda “D33″, demonstrate UAE’s commitment in taking an active step to becoming the center of digital economy globally.”

UAE DMCC’s crypto center home to over 500 Blockchain crypto entities an increase of 231 percent

UAE DMCC’s crypto center home to over 500 Blockchain crypto entities an increase of 231 percent

UAE Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) announced that it had added 3,049 new businesses in DMCC in 2022, and the crypto center is now home to 500 crypto and blockchain entities an increase of 231 percent compared to 2021 when there were 151 crypto blockchain entities by end of year. The growth increase is 23% year-on-year, breaking previous record set in 2021 when DMCC registered 2,485 new members.

As per the press release, the record growth was driven by growing demand from blockchain and Web3 businesses for space at DMCC crypto center representing the largest concentration of crypto and blockchain companies in the region. 

In 2021, UAE DMCC Free Zone and Government of Dubai had added 151 crypto and Blockchain entities out of the 2,485 companies who registered in 2021. With 500 entities now in DMCC crypto center, this is an increase of 231 percent YOY making DMCC have the biggest concentration of blockchain and crypto entities in the region.

DMCC attributed the growth to the expansion of its commodities centers and the launch of the DMCC Crypto Centre. In September 2021 DMCC had licensed 50 Crypto blockchain entities just a few months after the launch of its crypto Centre. By the end of November early December, Ahmed Bin Sulayem had mentioned that DMCC had licensed 130 companies, by the end of 2021 it had reached 151 companies.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, stated, “Backed by a strong regional macroeconomic landscape, DMCC has been efficiently accelerating its growth strategy throughout 2022, focusing on supporting its member companies in high-impact sectors such as web3 and blockchain technologies, commodities and global trade. The unprecedented performance this year reflects this growth acceleration and highlights the significant value that DMCC adds to each of its members.”

DMCC Crypto Centre partnered with global VC firm Brinc to provide its members with access to their USD 150 million accelerator fund. Brinc is a portfolio company of Animoca Brands, a global leader in web3 and blockchain investment. This major partnership supports the long-term and rapid growth of the companies that develop web3 and blockchain technologies and associated value-added services at the DMCC Crypto Centre.

Reflecting DMCC’s drive to add value at the intersection of technology and commodities, DMCC partnered with SafeGold and Comtech Gold to tokenize gold bars based in UAE facilities. Each gold bar will be backed by a DMCC Tradeflow warrant, meaning that the increased ease of trading a tokenized asset is combined with the additional security, transparency and real-asset allocation provided by the Tradeflow warrant.

UAE ADIB Bank secured over $128 million in deals on Blockchain trade finance platform in 2022

UAE ADIB Bank secured over $128 million in deals on Blockchain trade finance platform in 2022

UAE Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank secured 130 deals valuing over $128 million from 11 banks in Bangladesh using Blockchain trade finance platform TradeAssets. TradeAssets is powered by blockchain technology for digital origination and the distribution of trade assets.

As a result UAE based Blockchain trade finance e marketplace TradeAssets has awarded Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), e-Marketplace Champion Award for its excellence in digital adoption from blockchain-powered e-Marketplace 

ADIB has been constantly embracing new and emerging technologies, with the strategic partnership signed last year with TradeAssets further strengthening the efficiency and productivity of businesses. 

Commenting on the recognition, Abdulla Shehhi , Global Head International Business Group (IBG), at ADIB, stated, “ADIB is at the cutting-edge of global transaction banking offering end-to-end Sharia’a-compliant trade financing through digital channels. Through the successful implementation of TradeAssets, ADIB has demonstrated to the world its commitment to efficiency, productivity, innovation and leading the way business should be done in a digital world.”

Sumit K Roy, Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Fintech Innovations International DMCC, TradeAssets, added, “This award and certificate of excellence are presented to a member bank in recognition of its commitment to the adoption of digital processes that support global access and efficiency. ADIB, through its active usage of our e-marketplace for the last three years, has demonstrated that the banks with progressive and futuristic thinking can change the entire industry for the better.”

$128 million in secured deals is double the amount of deals done on Blockchain platform TradeAssets in 2021. In April 2021 ADIB Bank executed over 60 trade finance cross border transactions in the first year of its partnership with  Blockchain trade finance market place, TradeAssets. In April 2020, ADIB became the first Islamic bank to use Blockchain technology for trade distribution.

This e-marketplace complements ADIB’s diversified digital cash, trade, and foreign exchange offerings, available to businesses through its flagship ADIB Direct platform. Aimed at businesses of all sizes, ADIB Direct improves companies’ ability to manage their finances locally and internationally. The key features include customisable dashboards, cashflow forecasting and online trade issuance and financing which are accessible across all devices including a mobile app.