Dubai Land Department and Ctrl Alt to build real estate tokenization platform on XRP

Dubai Land Department and Ctrl Alt to build real estate tokenization platform on XRP

UK, Ireland, and UAE based Ctrl Alt is the tokenization partner for Dubai Land Department aimed to tokenize real estate using XRP Ledger Blockchain. The initiative which is being carried out alongside VARA ( Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority), the Dubai Future Foundation, and PRYPCO seeks to tokenize real estate to develop the future of property investment in Dubai through fractional ownership.The initiative is projected to contribute to the growth of an AED 60 billion ($16 billion) tokenized real estate market by 2033, equivalent to 7% of Dubai’s total property transactions.

Ctrl Alt, is a B2B is a B2B infrastructure provider that makes structuring and investing in alternative asset classes efficient, cost-effective, and accessible. Launched in 2022 by Matt Ong (formerly of Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse) to open up access to the growing world of alternative assets, Ctrl Alt has since become the leading expert in the sector. Through Ctrl Alt, businesses can structure and distribute private equity, infrastructure, private credit, films and more. This is achieved via their sophisticated technology stack which includes tokenization, that streamlines existing investment structures.

The Ctrl Alt team is composed of financial and product experts including alumni from Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse, UBS and Revolut.

As the designated tokenization provider for the project, The DLD and Ctrl Alt have worked closely together on the development of a secure and compliant tokenization framework, focusing on structuring, minting and placing real estate title deed tokens on-chain. The XRP Ledger (XRPL), a decentralized layer 1 blockchain renowned for its decade-long reliability and stability in tokenizing and exchanging digital and real-world assets, has been selected as the blockchain of choice for the project.

Additionally, Ctrl Alt has integrated directly with the DLD to synchronize both digital and traditional real estate ledgers, ensuring coordination between the on-chain and the conventional property registration system. This enables a fully integrated and transparent tokenization process that aligns with local regulations and enhances investor confidence.

The project has been developed under the Real Estate Evolution Space Initiative (REES) and marks the first time in the Middle East that a government real estate registration authority has implemented a public blockchain-based tokenization of property title deeds. With this move, the DLD is leading the charge toward a more accessible, transparent and efficient real estate market, enabling fractional ownership, broadening investor participation and enhancing operational efficiency.

By leveraging native tokenization, ownership of real estate has been fractionalized, allowing multiple investors to co-own a single property. This is achieved through the PRYPCO Mint real estate platform, which is now live and allows investors to participate with a starting minimum investment of AED 2,000. EID holders are able to participate at mint.prypco.com.

Matt Ong, CEO and Founder, Ctrl Alt said, “We’ve been working closely with the DLD on this project for some time, and we’re delighted to be taking this major step together to bring real estate investment to a wider audience. As experts in the space, we are proud to create the tokenization infrastructure that enables DLD’s partners to offer fractional real estate to investors. Dubai’s leadership in embracing next-generation financial technologies is truly world-class and this project is a powerful signal of what’s to come. We’re thrilled to launch this pilot and continue building with DLD in the months ahead.”

LBank suspends UAE new users and disables trading for existing ones

LBank suspends UAE new users and disables trading for existing ones

LBank, a crypto exchange offering more than 800 crypto assets is seeking a license in UAE through Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) and as a result they are implementing changes to ensure regulatory compliance and high standards of consumer protection and transparency which include suspending new user registrations from the UAE.

As per their blog post, “As part of our ongoing commitment to full regulatory compliance and responsible innovation, LBank is currently in the process of securing a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license under the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).
In alignment with regulatory expectations and to ensure the highest standards of consumer protection and operational transparency, the following temporary changes will apply to users accessing our services from the UAE.”

New user registrations from the UAE will be temporarily suspended, while existing UAE users will only be able to, cancel open orders
close active positions, withdraw funds. The blog post notes, deposits and new trading orders will be disabled during this interim period.

LBank stated, “We understand the importance of uninterrupted access and are working closely with regulators to complete the licensing process as efficiently and transparently as possible. This transition underscores our deep commitment to the UAE’s progressive regulatory framework and our goal to operate with full authorization and oversight under VARA. We appreciate your continued trust and patience as we work to build a safer, stronger, and fully compliant digital asset ecosystem in the UAE.”

Dubai’s VARA updates supervisory mechanisms for VASPs in UAE

Dubai’s VARA updates supervisory mechanisms for VASPs in UAE

The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority [VARA] has published Version 2.0 of its activity-based Rulebooks, in an efforts to further future proof Dubai’s regulatory framework that balances innovation with robust market safeguards.

As per the press release, the updated Rulebooks include enhanced supervisory mechanisms across the following regulated virtual asset [VA] activities, Advisory services, Broker-dealer services, Custody services, Exchange services, Lending and borrowing services, VA management and investment services and VA transfer and settlement services.


Key refinements in Version 2 include strengthened controls around margin trading and token distribution services, clearer definitions for collateral wallet arrangements, and harmonized compliance requirements across all licensed activities.

Ruben Bombardi, General Counsel and Head of Regulatory Enablement VARA, “Our commitment remains to ensuring that innovation and compliance go hand in hand. These rulebook updates reinforce the foundations of a responsible scalable ecosystem.

The updates are designed to promote greater market discipline, risk transparency, and operational resilience across Dubai’s VA ecosystem.

For example, with regards to VA Management and Investment VASPs, in addition to the requirements of before, they will need to establish, implement and enforce appropriate written internal policies and procedures relating to the ability of clients to have access to and withdraw their Virtual Assets including, but not limited to, during periods of high uncertainty and/or extreme volatility; their assessment of client suitability for relevant products or services, including but not limited to the nature, features, costs and risks of investment services, Virtual Assets or other financial instruments selected for their clients, while taking into account cost and complexity; how they ensure all Staff providing VA Management and Investment Services to clients are sufficiently competent in accordance with Rule II.B.1 of this VA Management and Investment Services Rulebook; and such other policies and procedures as VARA may require from time to time.


In line with global regulatory best practices, a 30-day transition period has been granted to all impacted virtual asset service providers [VASPs], with full compliance required by 19 June 2025. VARA’s Supervision Teams will engage directly with each licensed entity to provide activity-specific guidance as needed.


Prior to this, VARA in coordination with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), had issued an alert regarding entities who have falsely claimed involvement or participation in the pilot phase of the DLD Real estate tokenization project. The tokenization project in question is that launched by DLD in March whose partners include the Dubai VARA regulatory authority and the Dubai Future Foundation through its Sandbox Real Estate. The project will tokenize property deeds to enable the fractional ownership of real estate assets, and was introduced under the Real Estate Innovation Initiative.

With already more than 30 licensed VASP operators, VARA has continuously been advancing its regulations, and rulebooks as well as issuing warnings and alerts to ensure better transparency and compliance.

Dubai’s Grand Millenium Hotel and Bybit to offer perks the exchange’s customers

Dubai’s Grand Millenium Hotel and Bybit to offer perks the exchange’s customers

Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai signed a partnership with Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange to offer Bybit clients savings and rewards at the hotel in addition to exclusive privelages. It also makes Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai Bybit’s first-ever hotel partner. 

The official signing ceremony was attended by Helen Liu, COO & Partner of Bybit, Sheikh Almualla bin Ahmed Almualla & Feras Al Sadek of Ghaf Group, and Giacomo Puntel, General Manager of Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai.

This strategic alliance enables Bybit cardholders to unlock up to 30 percent in savings across Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai’s standout offerings. Guests can now enjoy exclusive privileges at signature venues including Belgian Beer Café, Toshi Pan Asian Restaurant, Lucky Voice Dubai, Crystal Bar, and Juzz Bar. The benefits also extend to hotel room suites and serviced apartments, meeting and event spaces, and expert catering services, making everyday moments more rewarding for Bybit’s tech-savvy global community.

“This partnership is a signal of where the future of travel and lifestyle is headed,” said Giacomo Puntel, General Manager of Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai. “As the first hotel brand in the region to join forces with Bybit, we are proud to be part of a digital evolution that places accessibility, innovation, and guest experience at the heart of everything we do.”

The collaboration represents a major leap forward in integrating cryptocurrency into real-world travel, making everyday luxuries more attainable for Bybit’s tech-forward community. Whether booking a weekend staycation, planning a corporate gathering, or heading out for a night of exceptional dining and entertainment, Bybit users will find Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai more connected, convenient, and future-ready than ever before.

“Bybit is on a mission to integrate crypto payments into every spending and daily luxuries for our community.UAE Dubai is one of the most popular destinations for entrepreneurs and crypto fans, and this partnership reflects our commitment to supporting them throughout their crypto journeys around the world,” said Helen Liu, COO & Partner of Bybit.

The Bybit Card boasts year-round offers including exclusive travels, early access to premium events, and an expanding network of global partners. The digital-native crypto and fiat card is one of the fastest growing payment solutions of its kind with over 1.7 million cards issued worldwideworld wide. 

The benefits are reserved for Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai guests who use their Bybit Card for eligible payments at the hotel only. 

HODL 2025 ends with a move to KSA in December

HODL 2025 ends with a move to KSA in December

HODL 2025 concluded its highly Dubai edition at Madinat Jumeirah, bringing together a powerful mix of blockchain pioneers, Web3 innovators, DeFi leaders, regulators, and institutional investors from across the globe. The summit, held in alignment with the Dubai FinTech Summit as part of the broader effort to shape the future of finance in the region, reinforced HODL’s position as a leading platform for collaboration and innovation in the decentralized economy.


This edition marked a major milestone in the HODL journey exploring the Future of Decentralized Finance and Web3 in the MENA Region

Over two days, the summit featured 50+ sessions that explored next-generation themes like:
• Blockchain Market Trends 2025
• Innovative Governance for Virtual Assets
• AI x Blockchain: Converging Technologies
• DeFi Evolution and Banking Disruption
• Tokenization of Real-World Assets
• NFTs and the Metaverse Frontier

Attendees included key decision-makers from governments, blockchain networks, crypto exchanges, venture funds, and DAOs, along with founders, CTOs, developers, and asset managers.

“HODL 2025 in Dubai brought together a powerful mix of visionaries shaping the future of digital finance. As we head to Riyadh, we aim to build on this momentum and further accelerate Web3 and blockchain innovation across the region.” Mohammed Saleem, Founder & Chairman of Trescon, the organisers of HODL.

During the Crypto Rulebook: Global Best Practices & Regulatory Measures panel discussion, Dyma Budorin expressed that “We want to have the best ecosystem for entrepreneurs to run their business.”


In the same session, Samir Safar-Aly emphasized that “Regulations need to catch up and work together.”


During the Insuring the Future of Crypto: Bridging Risk & Innovation in the Digital Asset Economy session, Joseph Ziolkowski stated that “Insurance has been a bedrock component of sustainability; it is a $6 trillion market.”

HODL 2025 also hosted high-level networking sessions and investor roundtables, providing a fertile ground for deal-making and strategic partnerships. The event was supported by an impressive roster of sponsors and featured in leading media publications HODL 2025 is proudly supported by leading media outlets, including CNN Business Arabic as the Official Media Partner, Khaleej Times as the Exclusive Media Partner, Entrepreneur Middle East as the Ecosystem Partner, Arabian Business as the Business Media Partner, and ZEX PR Wire as the Digital PR Partner — collectively amplifying its global reach..


HODL 2025 is powered by a strong lineup of sponsors, with Liquid Loans.io as the Platinum Sponsor, Coinvoyage as the After Party Sponsor, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Gofaizen & Sherle as Gold Sponsors, Facephi as the Silver Sponsor, and Skygate Network, FMCPay, Pays Solutions, and PEP as Bronze Sponsors.

HODL 2025 ended with an announcement of HODL Riyadh KSA in December of this year. This comes as Saudi Arabia rapidly emerges as a global tech and finance hub, driven by bold initiatives under Vision 2030, the country is making significant strides in the digital asset and blockchain space. With regulatory clarity evolving and institutional interest accelerating, Riyadh presents a strategic next stop for the HODL platform.

HODL Riyadh will serve as the most important gathering of Web3 leaders, investors, policy-makers, and innovators in the Kingdom – connecting the region’s ambitions with global blockchain ecosystems. This upcoming edition is expected to focus on:
• Regulatory frameworks supporting virtual assets and tokenization
• Institutional DeFi and digital asset adoption
• Public-private collaboration on blockchain infrastructure
• Web3 innovation in financial services, real estate, and logistics

HODL Blockchain summit starts tomorrow in Dubai

HODL Blockchain summit starts tomorrow in Dubai

The landmark 30th edition of the HODL (Formerly World Blockchain Summit), the world’s longest-running Crypto & Web3 Summit series is set to return to Dubai on 14-15 May 2025 at Madinat Jumeirah. HODL will bring together over 5,000 attendees, including policymakers, regulators, institutional investors, technological innovators, and entrepreneurs to drive critical conversations and partnerships shaping the future of decentralised finance, asset tokenisation, and AI-powered infrastructure.


Organised by Trescon and building on the legacy of the World Blockchain Summit, HODL has hosted 29 editions across key global hubs, including Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok. This milestone event in Dubai cements its position as a leading global platform for blockchain innovation and strategic collaboration.

“HODL has become the definitive platform for blockchain innovation in the Middle East and beyond. This 30th edition marks a turning point as institutional adoption meets breakthrough tech. We’re proud to drive the conversations shaping the future of decentralisation,” said Mohammed Saleem, Founder & Chairman of Trescon.

HODL will spotlight cutting-edge developments driving the crypto and Web3 ecosystem — including real-world asset tokenization, advancements in modular blockchain infrastructure, the next wave of DeFi innovation, evolving regulatory frameworks, and enhanced security protocols for digital assets. These trends are accelerating global momentum toward institutional and enterprise blockchain adoption.

Featuring a powerhouse line-up of speakers including:
• Corbin Fraser, Chief Executive Officer, Bitcoin.com
• Nils Andersen-Röed, Global Head of FIU, Binance
• Gracy Chen, Chief Executive Officer, Bitget
• Rifad Mahasneh, Chief Executive Officer MENA, OKX
• Robert Crossley, Global Head of Industry and Digital Advisory Services, Franklin Templeton
• Joseph Ziolkowski, Chief Executive officer, Relm Insurance

• Viktor Fischer, Managing Partner, RockawayX
• Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer, BingX
• Luther Maday, Global Head of Payments, Algorand Foundation
• Dyma Budorin, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Hacken Click here to see full list of speakers.

“HODL 2025 is where the future of Web3 and crypto innovation takes shape. I am thrilled to collaborate with pioneers shaping this exciting digital revolution,” stated Corbin Fraser, CEO of Bitcoin.com.

Talking about the opportunity, Nils Andersen-Röed, Global Head of FIU at Binance remarked, “Excited to share insights on blockchain and connect with leaders driving GameFi, NFTs, and Web3 advancements at HODL 2025.”

In a significant development for the region’s innovation landscape, HODL has partnered with Pegasus Tech Ventures to host the UAE Regional Round of the Startup World Cup offering emerging blockchain ventures a chance to pitch for a place at the global finals and compete for a $1 million investment. Pegasus has invested in over 260 companies, with 71 exits and 22 IPOs, providing a formidable launchpad for start- up growth.


HODL 2025 provides its attendees unprecedented access to more than 500 institutional investors, creating opportunities for strategic collaborations with industry leaders, regulatory authorities, enterprise organisations, and government officials. This environment is optimally structured for capital formation, strategic insight development, and institutional partnerships.
Reflecting the growing influence of blockchain in global finance, HODL is backed by leading sponsors and ecosystem partners including:
• Platinum Sponsor – Liquid Loans
• After Party Sponsor- Coinvoyage
• Gold Sponsors – Tata Consultancy Services | Gofaizen & Sherle
• Silver Sponsor – Facephi
• Bronze Sponsors – Skygate Network | FMCPAY | Pays.Solutions | P2P

With the strategic support of over 60 global media and listing partners, participating organisations will achieve significant visibility across international platforms. CNN Business Arabic serves as the Official Media Partner, with Khaleej Times as Exclusive Media Partner, and ZEX PR WIRE as the Official Digital PR Distribution Partner.


Dubai Government allows crypto payments for government fees with Crypto.com

Dubai Government allows crypto payments for government fees with Crypto.com

Dubai Department of Finance (DOF) , the governmental entity responsible for budget and its execution has signed an MOU ( Memorandum of Understanding) with Global UAE regulation Crypto.com to allow crypto payments for governmental fees.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the Dubai FinTech Summit in the presence of senior officials. 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 Fiat currency and securely transfer the funds to Dubai Finance accounts. As per the announcement the move supports the Dubai Cashless Strategy, which aims to boost the local economy and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global leader in financial innovation and digital transformation.

Just last week, Crypto.com and Emarat gas stations also signed an agreement to allow for crypto payments at gas stations in the UAE.

While Eric Trump noted that they would accept crypto for Trump Towers project in the UAE, as well as noting that the World Liberty Financial USD stablecoin (USD1) is the stablecoin that will be used for the UAE MGX Binance deal.

UK crypto broker DKK Digital receives license in UAE

UK crypto broker DKK Digital receives license in UAE

DKK Digital FZE, a Dubai based subsidiary of DKK Partners based in London, has secured full regulatory approval from the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to operate as a licensed Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) Broker/Dealer as it plans to scale its operations across the Middle East.

As per the announcement, DKK Digital is now authorized to offer a comprehensive suite of regulated digital asset services, including fiat on/off ramp infrastructure and liquidity provision for stablecoins such as Electronic Dirham (EAED), USD Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC), and Ripple USD (XRP).

Khalid Talukder, Co-Founder & CEO of DKK Digital commented, “Receiving full regulatory approval from VARA is a major milestone for DKK Digital and a strong validation of our commitment to building within a compliant and forward-thinking framework while contributing to Dubai’s vision as a global hub for blockchain and Web3 innovation. This license enables us to officially operate as a regulated Broker/Dealer VASP and further strengthens our ability to deliver secure, institutional-grade digital asset solutions across the region and beyond.”

The firm’s approval also reinforces its capacity to build robust partnerships with banks, fintech companies and financial institutions across the regions, enabling regulated services for cross-border settlements, FX markets and treasury operations.

This week alone in the UAE, several crypto brokers and exchanges such as Gate.io and Bitgo both receiving licenses from VARA adding to the already competitive crypto exchange market.

TOKEN 2049 in Dubai lures 15,000 participants and 200 speakers

TOKEN 2049 in Dubai lures 15,000 participants and 200 speakers

TOKEN2049, a premier crypto conference, has officially sold out ahead of the event in Dubai UAE, with 15,000 participants and 200 speakers. From 30 April – 1 May 2025, TOKEN2049 Dubai will host a landmark roster featuring Binance Founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization Eric Trump.

They will be joined by more than 200 other founders, investors, builders and policymakers – including Balaji Srinivasan (The Network State), Raoul Pal (Co-Founder and CEO, Real Vision), Star Xu (Founder, OKX), Richard Teng (CEO, Binance), Paolo Ardoino (CEO, Tether), Arthur Hayes (CIO, Maelstrom), Jeremy Allaire (Co-Founder and CEO, Circle).

Alex Fiskum, Co-Founder of TOKEN2049, commented that they were excited to be welcoming this record number of attendees with 80% of them from outside of the UAE. He noted, ” The global crypto industry has truly gathered in Dubai for TOKEN2049 Week, with over 500 side events happening across the city. We’ve curated an incredible program featuring the industry’s most influential voices, alongside immersive activations and a citywide experience.”

TOKEN2049 Dubai Title Sponsors include OKX – a leading technology company building a decentralized future; Binance – the largest crypto exchange by trading volume and users; BloFin – a global, secure, and user-first platform for premium futures trading; Spacecoin – a decentralized internet satellite network using blockchain technology for global connectivity; MEXC – a global exchange known as “Your Easiest Way to Crypto;” KuCoin: Shaping the Future of Crypto, and Mesh – the first global crypto payments network.

Global Crypto Custodian Bitgo now licensed in UAE

Global Crypto Custodian Bitgo now licensed in UAE

BitGo, a global crypto custodian and crypto staking provider has received a license in the UAE through its Dubai subsidiary, BitGo Custody MENA FZE. BitGo obtained the license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. The Virtual Assets Service Provider (VASP) operating license will allow BitGo to offer Virtual Asset Custody Services and Staking. This approval follows BitGo’s receipt of the in-principle approval (IPA) in January 2025.

BitGo Custody MENA FZE will now be offering secure and efficient cold storage custody services to Institutional and Qualified Investors in the UAE.

Ben Choy, General Manager of BitGo Custody MENA FZE, said, “At BitGo, we provide the most secure and scalable solutions for the digital asset economy. A large part of this effort is ensuring we adhere to the highest regulatory standards. Receiving authorization from VARA reinforces our role as a trusted partner for institutional investors and allows us to provide our award winning services from Dubai.”

Bitgo recently secured its position as the world’s largest staking platform by total locked value with $48 billion in assets staked.