Dubai Land Department and VARA to enable fractional real estate ownership with tokenization

Dubai Land Department and VARA to enable fractional real estate ownership with tokenization

The UAE governmental entity, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has partnered with the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to link the real estate registry to property tokenization through an advanced governance system. The collaboration aims to enable the fractional ownership of real estate assets, allowing a broader base of investors, particularly small investors, to enter Dubai’s real estate market. This contributes to greater economic inclusion and enhances the sector’s appeal to global investments.

This agreement follows the launch of the pilot phase of the “Real Estate Tokenization Project.” In line with the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has launched the pilot phase of the ‘Real Estate Tokenization Project for property title deeds. As per the announcement, the initiative, introduced under the Real Estate Innovation Initiative ‘REES,’ establishes DLD as the first real estate registration entity in the Middle East to implement tokenization on property title deeds. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) through SandBox Real Estate.

It was signed in the presence of Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the Department of Economy and Tourism, and Marwan bin Ghalita, Director-General of Dubai Land Department, alongside senior officials from both entities.

The project also supports the objectives of the “Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033” to grow real estate transaction volume to $272 billion equivalent to AED1 trillion, and contributes to the goals of the “Dubai Economic Agenda D33,” which seeks to double the emirate’s GDP over the next decade.

Helal Almarri affirmed that the agreement reflects the spirit of innovation and integration between Dubai’s government and digital sectors, noting that real estate tokenisation represents a qualitative leap toward a more inclusive and transparent investment model.

For his part, Marwan bin Ghalita highlighted the importance of this step in driving real estate innovation, attracting technology companies, and enhancing the sector’s digital infrastructure.

Web3 is a Joke presents Crypto Roast Comedy Night on the sidelines of Token 2049 Dubai

Web3 is a Joke presents Crypto Roast Comedy Night on the sidelines of Token 2049 Dubai

Web3 is a Joke, founded by comedian Mona Shaikh, bridges the gap between comedy and blockchain technology. With sold-out events across the US, UK, Hong Kong, and beyond, the brand has become a global leader in making Web3 accessible through humor.
The event will turn blockchain into belly laughs in Dubai UAE during Token2049 on April 29th at The Kempinski Palm from 6-8pm.

“Web3 is a Joke” Crypto Roast Comedy Night at Token 2049 Dubai side event, will be a transformative experience featuring hilarious comedians, delicious libations and unparalleled networking opportunities designed for crypto, web3 and comedy lovers.

Mona Sheikh, Founder of Web3 is a Joke, notes, ” The mission is to help with mass adoption through comedy. “Web3 is a Joke”, serves as a platform to achieve two big goals: Build trust in crypto and educate through entertainment. We will bring together crypto, Web3 and comedy lovers for a day filled with hilarious crypto roast jokes, tearing down Web3 and rebuilding it with non-stop laughter. Sponsorship opportunities are available for companies in both Web2 and Web3 and in all industries. Media entities can also partner.”

Whether you’re looking to break away from the nerdy panels and need something new and exciting to laugh, learn and link, Web3 is a Joke Crypto Roast Comedy Night is where you need to be.

This year’s lineup includes Founder & Roast master Mona Shaikh followed by a hilarious crypto roast with comedians from the US, Dubai and South Asia. Each comedian offers unique insights into the world of crypto comedy. Attendees will have the chance to engage with comedians, network, and connect with sponsors with display booths all designed to entertain, learn and collaborate.

Web3 is a Joke is the perfect gathering for aspiring entrepreneurs, crypto, tech and web3 enthusiasts along with creative minds and
comedy lovers. Whether you’re looking to learn more about web3 and crypto, network with the best or just get some good laughs, you’ll find valuable opportunities to grow and learn.

Secure your spot at our exclusive event on our website by reserving your complimentary ticket today. Tickets are available at www.web3isajoke.io or on Luma. For Sponsorship and media partnership opportunities please email mona@web3isajoke.io.


WEEX Crypto exchange launches headquarters in UAE

WEEX Crypto exchange launches headquarters in UAE

WEEX crypto exchange, which has over 5 million customers, has set up its headquarters in Dubai UAE with 600 employees already working there and plans to add 50 more over the next two years. The unregulated exchange has chosen the UAE as it expands into the MENA region.

As per the press release, the WEEX crypto exchange will not be serving UAE customers until it receives its VARA ( Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority) license.

Andrew Weiner, Vice President of WEEX, noted that setting up headquarters in the UAE is part of WEEX’s rapid expansion into the MENA region. He states,“ We plan to expand our team further in Dubai over the next one to two years, adding 30 to 50 new hires to better support local operations and service deployment. Dubai will serve as the central hub for the platform’s global expansion, driving localized operations and team-building efforts to enhance WEEX’s global strength and influence.

WEEX already serves 6.2 million customers across 130+ countries. The crypto exchange has a daily trading volume of over $5 billion and supports more than 1,700 trading pairs. WEEX also boasts of a 1,000 BTC Protection Fund to protect users’ assets.

WEEX is currently participating at and sponsoring TOKEN2049 Dubai event.

UAE has witnessed a growth in the number of crypto exchanges that have chosen the country to house their offices or headquarters. Binance, OKX, Crypto.com among other including CoinMENA and BitOasis all have a strong presence in the country.

Recently the UAE announced not only its stablecoin regulations but also the launch of a Digital Dirham CBDC for the retail sector, while banking entities such as Emirates NBD foray into the crypto scene through subsidiaries like Liv Digital Bank.

BitPanda has secured a crypto broker license in UAE

BitPanda has secured a crypto broker license in UAE

Bitpanda, A European virtual asset platform, has secured a crypto broker-Dealer license from the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

As per the press release, the license will allow Bitpanda to make its virtual assets platform available to investors in the UAE including access to over 500 virtual assets – the most extensive virtual assets offering available on the market.

Lukas Enzersdorfer-Konrad, Deputy CEO at Bitpanda Group, noted, “Bitpanda is built on the principle that virtual assets should be secure and accessible. With our VARA license, we are bringing that vision to the UAE, ensuring investors and financial institutions have access to a fully compliant digital asset platform. This is just the beginning of our expansion beyond Europe. We are ready to grow in a region that embraces innovation and regulation equally.”

Bitpanda has already established a permanent office in Dubai at the DMCC Crypto Centre and has a team of regional experts in place who will now work to develop products tailored to the UAE market. Onboarding for UAE investors will begin in the coming months.

Fabian Reinisch, General Counsel at Bitpanda Group, commented: “We obtained approval in record time and I believe that is a testament to the decade experience of our teams working in the digital asset space and our commitment to the highest regulatory standards.”

BitPanda had received preliminary approval back in December 2024, which means it took only four months to get its full license.

BitPanda holds several licenses including a MiCAR license from the German regulator BaFin, registration with the UK’s FCA, a PSD2 E-money license, a MiFID II license, and VASP registrations across multiple markets.

UAE Tokinvest participates in DLD and VARA pilot for tokenizing property titles

UAE Tokinvest participates in DLD and VARA pilot for tokenizing property titles

UAE Tokinvest, a VARA regulated marketplace for real world asset tokenization, is participating with Dubai Land Department, Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority and Dubai Future Foundation, in the pilot for tokenizing property deeds and titles in Dubai.

The pilot announced this week is in line with the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has launched the pilot phase of the ‘Real Estate Tokenization Project for property title deeds. The initiative, introduced under the Real Estate Innovation Initiative ‘REES,’ establishes DLD as the first real estate registration entity in the Middle East to implement tokenization on property title deeds. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) through Sandbox Real Estate.

DLD anticipates that this groundbreaking initiative will drive significant growth in the real estate tokenization sector, with its market value projected to reach AED 60 billion equivalent to $16 billion by 2033, representing 7% of Dubai’s total real estate transactions.

Scott Thiel, CEO & Co-Founder of Tokinvest, has shared his perspective on the significance of this milestone with Lara on the Block noting, “Dubai continues to set the global benchmark for real estate innovation, and the launch of the Real Estate Tokenization Project by the Dubai Land Department marks a transformative moment for the sector. The initiative not only reinforces Dubai’s leadership in blockchain adoption but also paves the way for a more inclusive, liquid, and efficient real estate market.”

He added that Tokinvest is proud to be at the forefront of this evolution. He explained, ” We are proud to be collaborating with key stakeholders in shaping the future of tokenized real estate. Through our regulatory expertise and technology-driven approach, we are excited to contribute to the success of this pilot, bringing real-world assets onto the blockchain in a secure and compliant manner. Tokenisation is no longer a concept, it’s a reality that will open up Dubai’s real estate market to a global pool of investors like never before.”

Tokinvest is looking forward to working closely with the DLD, VARA, and other industry pioneers to establish best practices and drive meaningful adoption. Thiel notes, “This is the beginning of a new era for real estate investment in Dubai, and Tokinvest is committed to playing a key role in this transformation.”

Already Tokinvest, has carried out strategic partnerships connecting 1 billion people to tokenized real estate, investment funds, and alternative assets. The partnerships cross geographies that include UAE, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and beyond to establish a global tokenization infrastructure. They include UDPN (Hong Kong): Developing a tokenized deposit and stablecoin infrastructure to power virtual asset adoption across MENA and Africa, InvestaX (Singapore): A MAS-licensed digital securities platform, enabling investors to access global RWAs and compliant security token offerings, Archax (UK), The first FCA-regulated digital securities exchange, providing brokerage, custody, and liquidity for tokenized assets in institutional markets, and HKVAX (Hong Kong): A regulated SFC-licensed virtual asset exchange, bridging institutional finance with blockchain-based asset issuance as well as Fasset (UAE, Indonesia, Malaysia, the EU, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain and others) and StegX (EEA), A Frankfurt-based real estate tokenization marketplace, providing European investors with access to Dubai’s booming property sector.

Scott Thiel, CEO & Co-Founder of Tokinvest, said, “This isn’t just about partnerships; this is about building a global ecosystem that enables seamless access to tokenized real-world assets across multiple jurisdictions. With our expanding network, Tokinvest is positioning itself as a leader in unlocking previously inaccessible investment opportunities and redefining how people engage with high-value assets. Our reach now extends to potentially over 1 billion people, and we are only getting started.”

In the near future, Tokinvest is gearing up for the launch of its platform in April 2025, where investors will be able to access exclusive tokenised property investments in Dubai. Through its strategic partnerships, strong regulatory backing, and best-in-class technology, Tokinvest is paving the way for a new era of accessible, transparent, and efficient investing.

Binance participates at Dubai’s Token 2049 with its clubhouse

Binance participates at Dubai’s Token 2049 with its clubhouse

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and users, a strategic partner of TOKEN2049, taking place in Dubai from 30 April to 1 May 2025, is bringing back its Binance Clubhouse at Madinat Jumeirah.

As per the press release, the exclusive space will serve as a hotspot for the crypto community, driving the conversation on responsible innovation and global adoption, setting the standard for what’s next in blockchain technology. It will offer attendees a co-working and networking space, insightful talks and special guests from key industry voices and Binance representatives, games, giveaways, and experiences. Binance Clubhouse will be the hub for those who are not only seasoned enthusiasts but also curious newcomers looking to collaborate with industry leaders.

Binance is the title sponsor of this year’s TOKEN2049, further solidifying its leadership in the Web3 space and the region’s expanding crypto landscape. Binance CEO, Richard Teng, will also be on the ground at the Binance Clubhouse, engaging with the community and sharing insights on the future of the industry.

“We are thrilled to reunite with TOKEN2049, bringing back our much loved Binance Clubhouse. With over 1,500 events annually, Binance Clubhouse remains a cornerstone of our vision, empowering the next chapter of Web3. Designed for both industry veterans and curious newcomers, this space offers something for everyone – connection, impactful conversation, growth, and inspiration.” Rachel Conlan, Binance Chief Marketing Officer

Dubai Land Department pilots tokenization of property title deeds

Dubai Land Department pilots tokenization of property title deeds

In line with the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has launched the pilot phase of the ‘Real Estate Tokenization Project for property title deeds. As per the announcement, the initiative, introduced under the Real Estate Innovation Initiative ‘REES,’ establishes DLD as the first real estate registration entity in the Middle East to implement tokenization on property title deeds. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) through SandBox Real Estate.

DLD anticipates that this groundbreaking initiative will drive significant growth in the real estate tokenization sector, with its market value projected to reach AED 60 billion equivalent to $16 billion by 2033, representing 7% of Dubai’s total real estate transactions.

His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Land Department, stated, “Amid rapid technological advancements and the increasing reliance on digital solutions, real estate tokenization emerges as a revolutionary tool driving fundamental change in the real estate sector. By converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology, tokenization simplifies and enhances buying, selling, and investment processes.”

He added: “It aligns with our strategy to unlock new opportunities for innovative real estate products, enhance property sector innovation, promote transparency and governance, and enable a wider pool of investors to participate in large-scale real estate projects in Dubai.

The announcement comes in the midst of increasing focus on tokenization in the UAE, as well as the announcement between DAMAC Group and MantraChain to tokenize $1 billion worth of assets.


Unchained Summit to feature prominent figures in Web3 in Dubai UAE

Unchained Summit to feature prominent figures in Web3 in Dubai UAE

As the world races toward a decentralized future, the Unchained Summit 2025 is set to take center stage in Dubai, hosting what promises to be a transformative gathering for the Web 3.0 ecosystem. Scheduled for April 28th and 29th at the luxurious Kempinski Central Avenue, this upcoming crypto conference in Dubai aims to redefine the global impact of blockchain technology, decentralized finance (DeFi), and the broader Web 3.0 landscape.

Tuesday, 11 March 2025, UAE: Organized by Aeternum, a rising B2B events company specializing in emerging tech, the Unchained Summit is poised to unite over 1,500 attendees, including visionaries, investors, developers, and policymakers; to spark meaningful dialogues, catalyze innovation with the help of curated topics and one-on-one networking.

The global momentum for crypto regulation and adoption is stronger than ever. Following major policy discussions, including the recent White House Crypto Summit featuring industry leaders, Unchained Summit will further drive the conversation by uniting the ecosystem’s top minds in Dubai.

The summit’s lineup features prominent figures from the Web 3.0 ecosystem, including:

• Greg Scanlon, VP Quantitative Blockchain, Franklin Templeton Digital Assets
• May Zabaneh, VP of Product – Blockchain, Crypto & Digital Currencies, PayPal
• Richard Muirhead, Chairman & Managing Partner, Fabric Ventures
• Rushi Manche, Co-Founder and Lead Architect, Movement Labs
• Jack Platts, Co-Founder, Hypersphere Ventures
• Shuyao Kong, Co-Founder, MegaETH, among others.

Martin de Rijke, one of the speakers attending the event, said, “Maple Finance is transforming institutional credit in crypto, providing a scalable on-chain infrastructure for transparent and efficient lending. As Head of Growth, I lead Maple’s expansion by forging strategic partnerships and scaling adoption among institutional borrowers and lenders. At Unchained Summit Dubai, I will share insights on the evolving credit landscape in crypto, the role of on-chain finance in institutional markets, and what’s next for decentralized lending.”

Among the attending organizations is Mesh, a platform that facilitates crypto transactions by integrating with over 300 exchanges and wallets. Bam Azizi, CEO and Founder of Mesh, commented, “Just as the internet transformed communication and commerce, crypto is shaping the future of payments. I look forward to engaging with the industry leaders, investors, and companies that will shape the financial system of our future. This is the time to create scalable, consumer-ready solutions and I can’t think of many places better than the Unchained Summit to have these discussions.”

The event’s structure prioritizes networking, with dedicated lounges, curated topics, fireside chats led by Founders and Investors, and an exclusive afterparty where attendees can unwind and forge partnerships. Over 300 investors are expected to attend, representing venture capital firms and funds eager to back Web 3.0 projects. For startups, the summit offers a rare chance to secure funding and mentorship in a single setting. For seasoned professionals, the event provides a platform to explore reconnect with the Crypto community, alongside learn from trends like asset tokenization, decentralized AI, and the intersection of Web 3.0 with traditional finance.

Sharath Kumar, Founder and CEO of Aeternum, organizer of Unchained Summit, said: “Unchained Summit distinguishes itself with a highly curated attendee profile, ensuring the presence of key decision-makers from across the Web 3.0 ecosystem. With a strategic focus on connecting VCs, crypto-focused hedge funds, and institutional investors with the most promising emerging projects, the summit aims to facilitate meaningful engagement beyond conventional networking. This will be achieved through pre-arranged one-on-one meetings, targeted investor introductions conducted in the lead-up to the event, and continued engagement opportunities post-event, positioning Unchained as a premier platform for high-value connections and strategic partnerships.”

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

Dubai crypto regulator monitoring and tracking Bybit hack situation

Dubai crypto regulator monitoring and tracking Bybit hack situation

Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority has confirmed to Lara on the Block that they are actively monitoring the ByBit hack situation as the matter evolves and are closely tracking it until it stabilizes. The statement was made after Bybit, the second largest crypto exchange globally was hacked on February 21st 2025, losing $1.4 billion in Eth.

As per Bybit, whose headquarters are based in Dubai UAE, the exchange detected unauthorized activity within one of their Ethereum (ETH) Cold Wallets during a routine transfer process. The transfer was part of a scheduled move of ETH from their ETH Multisig Cold Wallet to their Hot Wallet. Unfortunately, the transaction was manipulated by a sophisticated attack that altered the smart contract logic and masked the signing interface, enabling the attacker to gain control of the ETH Cold Wallet. As a result, over 400,000 ETH and stETH worth more than $1.5 billion were transferred to an unidentified address.

It was later found that the Lazarus Group out of North Korea were responsible, and since then have been transferring ETH to new addresses through ChainFlip.

VARA spokesperson told Lara on the Block, ” Bybit has not been granted a regulatory licence under VARA, and is currently working towards fulfilling the stringent licensing requirements to secure a VASP operating permit in Dubai. As part of VARA’s rigorous due diligence, we have been actively monitoring the situation since the hack on ByBit was confirmed last night – this remains a highly evolving matter that we will continue to closely track until it stabilizes.”

Bybit headquartered in Dubai UAE

Bybit had set up its headquarters in Dubai UAE back in 2023, citing it as one of the most progressive crypto jurisdictions. The crypto exchange then received its in-principle license in September 2024 and is still in the process of receiving its full license. Bybit has been very active in the UAE partnering and working with entities to increase crypto awareness and investments in the ecosystem.

Bybit in turmoil after $1.4 billion hack

The Bybit hack is the biggest loss in the entire history of crypto exchanges. The exchange lost 400,000 ETH and stETH worth more than $1.5 billion. What is more interesting is since the hack the exchange has seen withdrawals of more than $5 billion. According to Bybit CEO Zhou speaking in an X space, ” Fortunately the company’s assets are far greater than $1.5 billion, there is a cold wallet in safe with nearly $3 billion in USDT, and fortunately this has not been stolen.” He adds though that, “if more than $10 billion was stolen, it might be necessary to consider selling the company.”

Cryptocurrency exchange Bybit has maintained reserves exceeding its liabilities despite suffering a $1.4 billion hack and an overall $5.3 billion decline in total assets, according to DefiLlama data. Bybit processed more than 350,000 withdrawal requests within 10 hours, completing 99.9% of them by 1:45 am UTC, Bybit co-founder and CEO Ben Zhou noted.

“Although we have been hit by the worst hack possibly in the history of any medians (banks, crypto, finance), But all Bybit functions and product remain functional, the Whole team had been awake all night to process and answer client questions and concerns,” Zhou wrote.

One of the exchange updates stated that they had reported the case to the appropriate authorities, and have worked quickly with on chain analytics such as Chainanalysis, and Hacken to identify and demix the implicated addresses.

Global crypto community shows solidarity with Bybit

In a show of solidarity, other crypto exchanges such as Bitget, Binance, OKX, and even some Chinese cryptocurrency leaders are actively transferring ETH to Bybit to support its liquidity. Even Huobi co-founder Du Jun deposited 10,000 ETH to Bybit as well as founders of Conflux and Mask Network.

In a recent Xpost Zhou also thanked MEXC, Solana, TON, Blockchain UAE, Ghaf Capital in UAE as well as Tether and Galaxy Digital among others.

Additionally according to Ethescan, the Mantle powered mETH Protocol has salvaged 15,000 cmETH from Bybit Exploiters worth about $2.76 million.

Updated at 8:00 pm Dubai UAE time