Arts DAO Web3 Festival returns to UAE with digital art NFTs and more

Arts DAO Web3 Festival returns to UAE with digital art NFTs and more

Arts DAO Festival, a Web3 cultural event in the MENA region, is returning to the UAE on April 20-21, 2024. The Agenda will host this event, standing as a hub for digital art enthusiasts and internet culture aficionados alike. Attendees are promised an immersive and unforgettable journey, highlighting the boundless creativity and innovation that define the digital art domain.

This year’s edition of Arts DAO Fest will offer experiences designed to engage, inspire, and enlighten. From awe-inspiring digital art exhibitions to interactive workshops, a gaming zone, and a party-like festival, the event provides a unique platform where culture intersects with technology, fostering a space where creativity and innovation can flourish.

Arts DAO Fest also unveiled their initial speaker lineup – an assembly of visionaries and pioneers from various sectors, including NFTs, gaming, investment, and technology. Each speaker brings a wealth of knowledge and insights, promising to shine a light on the diverse aspects of the Web3 ecosystem.

Each Arts DAO Fest 2024 Zone is meticulously curated to offer a complete exploration of digital culture, allowing attendees to dive deep into art, technology, gaming, music, and investments.

The Creator Zone is an interactive wonderland featuring an array of NFTs and captivating installations. Attendees can explore the forefront of digital creativity, offering a tangible connection to the collections that define our era.

The Talk is designed for both newcomers and seasoned digital specialists. It offers insightful discussions led by some of the world’s foremost leaders in the field. Participants will have the chance to engage in dialogues that deepen their knowledge and expand their perspectives on the digital future. 

“The heart of Arts DAO Fest lies in the exchange of ideas and the spark of innovation. We have designed a gathering where the brightest minds in digital culture come together to share insights and connect on a different level,” underscored Danosch Zahedi, Co-Founder and CEO at Arts DAO Fest. “Whether you’re just beginning your journey or you’re a seasoned expert, there’s something here to expand everyone’s horizon.”

The Gamer Zone presents a next-generation gaming experience. Here, attendees will find themselves in a gaming adventure, where the virtual worlds they explore are as boundless as their imaginations. This zone is designed to elevate the gaming journey of competitive players and casual enthusiasts alike.

The Beat is where electrifying DJs and live performers set the stage for an unparalleled auditory journey. This vibrant space is the heart of the festival’s lively spirit, inviting attendees to lose themselves in music and dance, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Speakers’ Roster

ArtsDAO is honored to present the opening lineup for the 2024 event:

Zeneca, Web3 Thought Leader & Founder of Zenacademy, is renowned for his deep insights into the Web3 ecosystem. His commitment to education and onboarding new users into Web3 has made him a must-follow for anyone venturing into the Web3 space.

Punk6529, Web3 Thought Leader, is celebrated for his visionary perspectives on the digital future. With an influential voice in the NFT space, his contributions continue to shape the evolving landscape of digital ownership and art. 

Tristan Yver, Co-Founder of Backpack and MadLads,  has reinvigorated the Solana ecosystem, breathing new life into the digital landscape and showcasing exceptional talent for sparking innovation and rallying community engagement with vibrant enthusiasm.

Poopie, Co-Founder at Doodles, stands at the creative forefront of the NFT revolution. His work with Doodles has not only popularized digital collectibles but also fostered a vibrant community around blockchain-based art. 

Clement Chia, Co-Founder of Imaginary Ones, merges creativity with technology, innovating at the dynamic intersection of entertainment and NFTs. His vision brings digital art and collectibles to life, engaging communities in unprecedented ways.

Farokh, Co-Founder and President of DASTAN, home of RugRadio and DecryptMedia, has launched platforms that are not just sources of news and entertainment but also critical educational resources for the Web3 community. His transparency and consistency over the years have made him a cornerstone for those looking to navigate Web3 fully.

Wale.Swoosh, Web3 Thought Leader, is known for his strategic insights into the blockchain industry. His expertise and forward-thinking have made significant impacts on the adoption and understanding of Web3 technologies.

Minh Do, COO at Animoca Brands, plays a pivotal role in driving innovation within the blockchain gaming sector. His efforts have been instrumental in establishing Animoca Brands as a leader in the immersive Web3 gaming experiences.

Eowyn Chen, CEO Trust Wallet, is at the forefront of making cryptocurrency accessible and secure for users worldwide. Her leadership is critical in Trust Wallet’s mission to provide a safer, more user-friendly platform for managing digital assets.

Sergej Kunz, Co-Founder of 1INCH Network, has been a transformative force in decentralized finance (DeFi). His work with 1INCH Network is revolutionizing how users interact with DeFi services, prioritizing efficiency and security in digital transactions.

“Our speakers are at the vanguard of Web3, each bringing a unique perspective. We’re proud to host such a diverse array of visionaries who are not just shaping the future of digital culture but are also eager to share their journey and insights with our attendees,” highlighted Danosch Zahedi, Co-Founder and CEO at Arts DAO.

As the largest Web3 cultural gathering in the MENA region, Arts DAO Fest invites artists, creators, investors, and enthusiasts from around the globe to join in celebration of digital art’s vibrant future. This event not only highlights the incredible talent and potential within the digital art world but also serves as a pivotal moment for the Web3 community, fostering connections and collaborations that will shape the trajectory of digital culture.

Crypto derivative exchange BioFin sponsors Token2049 event in Dubai

Crypto derivative exchange BioFin sponsors Token2049 event in Dubai

BioFin, a crypto derivatives exchange is sponsoring the Token2049 event in Dubai UAE. As per the press release, this sponsorship marks a significant milestone for BloFin, following its successful participation as a Gold Sponsor at TOKEN2049, in Singapore in 2023. It is dedicated to furthering the blockchain industry’s growth and development by partnering once again with TOKEN2049.

As a Platinum Sponsor, BloFin aims to showcase its commitment to innovation, technology, and community engagement within the blockchain ecosystem. TOKEN2049 Dubai 2024 promises to be a gathering of industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts from around the world, and BloFin’s sponsorship underscores its position as a key player in shaping the future of blockchain technology and digital asset trading.

BloFin’s exclusive WhalesNight AfterParty is poised to make waves. Scheduled to be held at the scenic Sobe Dubai Rooftop Sundowner, the event will commence at 19:30 (UTC+4) on April 18, 2024.

The BloFin WhalesNight AfterParty will bring together industry leaders, BloFin Whales (influencers), and BloFin VIPs from around the world. Attendees can look forward to engaging discussions, exciting news, and valuable networking opportunities in a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. It will serve as a platform for participants to connect, share insights, and explore new opportunities in the ever-evolving cryptocurrency landscape.

With years of experience in the blockchain industry, Matt Hu, the CEO of Blofin, is anticipating this opportunity and recognizes the significance of attending TOKEN 2049 in Dubai as a platinum sponsor for his product: 

“Bitcoin is being heralded as the modern-day gold, while Dubai is on the rise as the world’s new financial epicenter. Dubai Token2049 presents an unparalleled platform for dialogue, not just for us, but for global users as well. As one of the most rapidly expanding exchanges, BloFin is excited to showcase our breakthroughs in product innovation, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled security  measures. We’re not stopping there; BloFin is committed to ongoing investment in our product suite, technological advancements, security protocols, and operational efficiencies to ensure our users receive nothing but the most exceptional and dependable services. Join us at Dubai Token2049 to witness the future of finance, today.” 

Attendees at TOKEN2049 in Dubai will have the opportunity to delve into the diverse features of the Blofin ecosystem, spanning fiutures trading, copy trading, and more. Through interactions with experts, Web3 builders, thought leaders, and enthusiasts at TOKEN2049, BloFin aims to forge a robust foundation for the advancement and maturation of the blockchain ecosystem.

Bitget crypto exchange reveals crypto statistics as it courts the MENA region

Bitget crypto exchange reveals crypto statistics as it courts the MENA region

Bitget crypto exchange released some statistics on how MENA investors anticipate Bitcoin halving on its price as well as information from Bitget’s managing Director on crypto mining in the region as it courts MENA crypto traders, investors, and regulators.

As per the Bitget study 80% of MENA investors believe that bitcoin halving will lead to price fluctuations between $30,000 and $60,000 at the time of halving.

In addition, 82% of crypto investors residing in MENA who were surveyed intend to augment their investments in 2024 with merely 4% planning to reduce their crypto holdings.

Bitget Managing Director Gracy Chen has revealed that the MENA region bitcoin mining hashrate now exceeds 8 percent and is expected to grow as miners migrate from countries with regulatory instability towards low-cost reliable surplus of energy.

She notes that in Oman for example $1.1 billion of investment has gone into crypto mining, she expects as such the share of bitcoin mining in MENA to go over 15%.

Crypto exchange Bitget, with roots in India has been courting the MENA region for some time. While the crypto exchange has yet to receive a license from any GCC or MENA regulator, it has launched a Ramadan campaign to celebrate the holy month with its Arabic speaking audience. The campaign includes daily token giveaways along with the chance to win airpods, headsets, laptop, smartwatch and more.

As per the release, to make this program inclusive, Bitget will be donating $1 towards charity for each winner during the campaign timeline. Users who follow Bitget MENA on Twitter can utilize #BitgetRamadanChallenge to get noticed and win exciting rewards. Giveaways will be settled every Saturday and requires users to complete a set of challenges to be eligible for the event.

“Middle east and North African regions have increased its crypto adoption drastically in recent times. At Bitget we plan to leverage our resources to strengthen this growth. With regional specific campaigns, language support, crypto conversion and trading choices, we’ve tailored our app for our MENA users. The region is bound to grow and increase its adoption, and we’re here to fuel it,” says Vugar Usi Zade, COO at Bitget.

Back in November 2023, Bitget, even expanded its support for fiat gateways in the Middle East region. The crypto exchange announced that users can now utilize the platform’s peer-to-peer trading for seven currencies: DZD (Algerian Dinars), BHD (Bahraini Dinars), TND (Tunisian Dinars), JOD (Jordanian Dinars), QAR (Qatari Rials), MRU (Mauritanian Ouguiyas), and OMR (Omani Rials).

With the newly added fiat support, Bitget users can start buying and selling crypto with zero fees on Bitget P2P. Users can purchase USDT with integrated local currencies using local payment methods from anywhere globally via Bitget P2P. The exchange also launched Arabic lingual support for its website and mobile application.

At the time Chen noted, “Our products are aligned with Bitget’s expansion plans in the Middle East. We want to enable our traders to trade in their preferred fiat currencies. With Bitget P2P we’re enabling a seamless and convenient trading experience for our valued users in the region. We’re focused on driving financial sovereignty as we make crypto accessible and user-friendly throughout the globe.”

Bitget confirmed that it had begun exploring license applications in order to operate in target Middle East markets. In the same press release it stated, gaining proper licenses and regulatory approval is a top priority to support expansion and allow the company to open regional offices. Bitget has been scaling its operational reach globally in recent months, including the registration as VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider) in Poland and similar crypto registration in Lithuania. The new expansion plan in the Middle East region aligns with Bitget’s vision of spreading crypto’s mass adoption.

In 2023 Bitget announced opening of operations in Dubai UAE, and recruiting over 60 new staff members to fill back-office positions.

Bitget even has its own X channel for the MENA region where it is posting competitions and challenges.

Bitget is now rated as the number 12th crypto exchange in world, with more than $2 billion worth of trading as per CoinMarketCap.

Dubai cyber security firm FearsOff secures crypto exchanges HTX and Poloniex

Dubai cyber security firm FearsOff secures crypto exchanges HTX and Poloniex

Dubai based cyber security firm, FearsOff has partnered with HTX crypto exchange and Poloniex crypto exchange to secure and protect those crypto exchanges.

This partnership aims to improve HTX and Poloniex’s existing security infrastructure with asset and data protection by integrating FearsOff’s specialized expertise while ensuring the safety of user assets and data by addressing specific security challenges collaboratively.

According to the recent Kucoin Survey , The Cryptoverse, Understanding Crypto Users in the UAE, which revealed insights into the UAE’s role as a crypto hub, it was found that 48 percent of UAE crypto users are concerned about lack of trust in crypto exchanges, with 63 percent of them prioritizing security

The Chief Operating Officer at FearsOff, Marwan Hachem, commented “We’re thrilled to partner with HTX and Poloniex, and commend their leadership for taking proactive measures to be one step ahead of future threats. Often, the best defense is a good offense; this collaboration enables us to identify and neutralize potential vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them, thereby preventing future breaches.”

Prior to its official Dubai debut in 2022, the FearsOff core team of veteran ethical hackers collaborated for over 15 years on hundreds of projects. One key to FearsOff’s success is integrating deep research into innovative, proprietary tools and software, enhancing assessment capabilities.

This comes as more and more exchanges in the UAE are receiving regulatory licenses.

Cardano Summit to be held for second year in Dubai

Cardano Summit to be held for second year in Dubai

As Cardano Foundation gears up for its upcoming Cardano Summit which will be held once again in Dubai UAE between October 23rd-24th, Cardano news is buzzling in the UAE, with the announcement that the UAE police have piloted Cardano blockchain.

As per Cardano press release, the decision to host the Cardano Summit in Dubai once again pays homage to the city’s rich tradition of facilitating commerce and connectivity, plus driving forward technological innovation. Dubai has consistently ranked as one of the world’s most influential crypto hubs, with an encompassing blockchain strategy that makes the city a key region for the blockchain sector. By hosting the Summit in Dubai for the second year, the Cardano community will have the opportunity to tap into the innovation showcased at the Summit last year, strengthening connections, and building new relationships in one of the nerve centers of the blockchain world.

In addition, Cardano in its press release made it clear that Dubai in particular has deployed Blockchain in several key sectors. The Cardano Foundation’s CEO, Frederik Gregaard, commenting on the importance of the Summit 2024, said: “This is shaping up to be an exciting year for blockchain, with adoption across a wide range of sectors growing significantly. Dubai, in particular, has deepened the strategic deployment of blockchain in several key sectors, and we are thrilled to host the Cardano Summit in Dubai for the second time. Year on year, the Summit has proven to be invaluable in building connections, consolidating relationships, and catalyzing innovation.”

This comes at the heels of the announcement made by Chris O, the Founder of the Cardano GhostFund DAO, that Dubai police had submitted a Cardano based pilot project holding data management capabilities. As per Chris O’s X statement, “The project analyzed the secure sharing of sensitive data related to criminal investigations with authorities such as Interpol. The presentation of the Cardano integrated project highlighted the high level of security involved in sharing the scans of bullets in concrete obtained through an advanced scanner. Using the blockchain, significant forensic information was distributed safely among international stakeholders worldwide.”

He adds, “The blockchain ensures that the data is not tampered with and can be tracked among various stakeholders. This is an ideal use case for blockchain & Cardano. Ensuring data can be securely shared and managed in a decentralized network is becoming more and more relevant in industries from energy, defense to IoT.”

Few days earlier on March 4th 2024, EMURGO Africa, the investment and commercial arm of Cardano in Africa, announced the launch of EMURGO Labs, a dedicated development entity for emerging Web3 technologies. EMURGO Labs is designed to support the growth of established and nascent Web2 and Web3 organizations. EMURGO Labs is set to spearhead the digital transformation across borders, leveraging the transformative power of the Cardano blockchain.

Dubai’s DMCC now home to 600 crypto blockchain companies

Dubai’s DMCC now home to 600 crypto blockchain companies

DMCC announced the number of new companies that enrolled in 2023, with 123 new crypto and blockchain entities registering at the DMCC crypto center, culminating in 600 companies in total. By the end of 2022 DMCC had announced that it had 500 crypto blockchain entities registered in its freezone.

In total Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has enrolled 2,692 new companies in 2023, taking the total number of companies in DMCC to over 24,000.

The launch of new industry ecosystems, the expanded service offerings and the physical growth of the Uptown Dubai district with the launch of Uptown Tower have driven DMCC’s 2023 growth story.

DMCC accounted for 11% of Dubai’s total FDI inflows. As per the 2023 annual report, DMCC became a hub for trading of commodities such as diamonds, and precious stones, gold, as well as a hub for high value services such as crypto, gaming and Web3.

 Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said, “For DMCC, 2023 showcased its ability to sustain its record performance whilst undertaking crucial infrastructure expansions. Attracting 2,692 new companies is testament to our efforts to continuously enhance our value proposition year after year, reinforcing the role we and our members play in driving trade and investment, contributing up to 11% of all FDI inflows to Dubai. With the opening of Uptown Tower and the wider development of Uptown Dubai, our business district is stronger now than it has ever been, and we have set ourselves up for accelerated growth, a crucial factor as we accommodate new waves of investment to Dubai.”

 The DMCC Crypto Centre welcomed industry leaders such as Bybit, Solana and TDeFi into the fold alongside an additional 129 companies. The Centre is now home to 600 firms, further reinforcing its position as the largest concentration of crypto, blockchain and Web3 companies in the region.

Two core growth sectors for DMCC show promising opportunities in 2024 are the Gaming Centre and the impending launch of a new AI Centre. Over the past year, DMCC’s Gaming Centre doubled in size to reach almost 100 members at the year end.

Dubai digital asset association discusses virtual asset regulations with VARA and SCA

Dubai digital asset association discusses virtual asset regulations with VARA and SCA

Dubai’s virtual assets regulatory accomplishments was the center of discussions at the recent event hosted by Dubai Digital Assets Association (D2A2), supported by Dubai Chamber of Commerce. On the one-year anniversary of VARA (Virtual assets regulatory authority) in Dubai, the forum provided a platform for industry stakeholders to review and analyze the development of the regulatory landscape for virtual assets and the challenges industry is facing.

The feedback and insights gathered during the roundtable discussion will be consolidated into a submission by D2A2 on behalf of the stakeholders to regulatory authorities for suitable action.

Participants included VARA, the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), several government authorities that are focused on developing the web3 ecosystem – such as Dubai Economy, DWTC, RAKDAO – to name a few, licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) by VARA, and service providers such as lawyers, compliance specialists and forensic intelligence consultants.

During the Forum, VARA outlined the licensing regime it has put in place and process of licensing adopted to support the industry.  Industry Participants highlighted the areas where they seek clarifications, adjustments, or improvements in the regulatory framework.

The occasion also presented an opportunity for regulators, businesses, and all stakeholders to engage in a meaningful and open discussion about the future of Virtual Assets in Dubai. Participants were able to exchange views with the regulatory authorities and fellow industry participants.

Gaurang Desai, Chairman of the D2A2, commented on the occasion “At D2A2, it is important for us to bring together all stakeholders to bring out opportunities and challenges faced by each of them in order to arrive at solutions that are equitable and prudent for long-term sustainable growth of this nascent industry. We look forward to building on this momentum and becoming a trusted partner for industry participants and the regulators in time to come.”

D2A2 has the  goal of enhancing the ease of doing business in Dubai, driving positive economic impact, and further strengthening the emirate’s position as a leading global business hub.

Dubai regulator grants WadzPay a crypto broker license but not a payment one

Dubai regulator grants WadzPay a crypto broker license but not a payment one

The Dubai based entity of WadzPay, WPME Technology, which specializes in blockchain based technology for virtual assets has been granted a Virtual Assets Service Provider (VASP) Licence for Virtual Asset Broker-Dealer service activities, better known as crypto broker license, by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

The crypto broker licence remains non-operational until the company fully satisfies all remaining conditions and select localisation requirements defined by VARA, following which it will be able to commence operations, subject to regulatory reverification and approval.

As per the press release, WadzPay is excited to deliver its innovative and industry-leading solutions to customers across Middle East while working closely with regulators in contributing to build a compliant and robust fintech ecosystem.

Mr. Anish Jain, Founder & CEO, WadzPay stated “This licence showcases WadzPay’s dedication in promoting innovation in the field of virtual assets domain and blockchain technology bringing us a step closer to delivering world class solutions to businesses in Middle East.”

WadzPay aims to revolutionise the way people in the Middle East transact and manage virtual assets. WadzPay’s commitment to compliance ensures that financial institutions and their customers can confidently embrace the benefits of blockchain technology while adhering to regulatory standards, ultimately contributing to the growth and sustainability of the fintech ecosystem in the Middle East.

Mr. Ram Chari, Board Member and Group Director, WadzPay quoted “This will further solidify WadzPay’s position as a trusted and reliable blockchain technology based financial service provider in the region. With the broker-dealer services, WadzPay will provide the technology to its clients to enhance the experience of their customers by enabling virtual assets transactions in a seamless and secure manner. “

To which Mr. Khaled Moharem, President – MENA & Europe at WadzPay, emphasised, “This cements our hard work and sets the stage for transformative blockchain solutions, promoting compliance and customer confidence in the Virtual Assets Industry.”

WadzPay received its initial approval for a license back in October 2023.

In 2022, KSA based Geidea, a leading fintech company in Saudi Arabia and Blockchain based payments solutions, WadzPay Middle East Technology forged a new strategic partnership to power the transformation of pilgrimage payments.

WadzPay had been strivign to obtain a Blockchain settlement and payment license from VARA in Dubai, yet this will need further framework and direction from the Central Bank of UAE.

Fastex crypto exchange gets initial approval from VARA in Dubai

Fastex crypto exchange gets initial approval from VARA in Dubai

Fastex, a crypto exchange, payments gateway and ecommerce platform, has set up an office in Dubai World Trade Center, as it seeks a license from Dubai’s virtual asset regulatory authority (VARA). Fastex has already received initial approval from VARA.

As per the press release, Fastex chose the office because of its proximity to VARA. As stated, “This proximity enhances Fastex’s ability to work closely with the authority and expedite the licensing process as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP). In addition to the office opening, Fastex has received initial approval from VARA to conduct Broker-Dealer and Exchange operations, highlighting its commitment to regulatory compliance.”

Vardan Khachatryan, the Chief Legal Officer and Member of the Board of Directors at Fastex, stated, “Opening our new Dubai World Trade Center office is a noteworthy step in Fastex’s growth strategy. This move underscores our commitment to adhering to industry standards and maintaining high-quality service in the digital asset field. Being located in the DWTC, close to VARA and other key industry participants, positions us well to offer reliable and regulated services to our clients.”

Fastex will be participating at the AIBC Summit in Dubai UAE. They announced on X platform that they were nominated for best exchange of the year award.

This comes as DKK Partners FZE, subsidiary of DKK Partners a fintech company also announced that it has been granted an initial approval by the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) for crypto brokerage dealer services.

So far more than 11 crypto exchanges have received licenses in UAE.

New crypto broker license on the way for DKK partners with initial approval from Dubai VARA

New crypto broker license on the way for DKK partners with initial approval from Dubai VARA

DKK Partners FZE, subsidiary of DKK Partners a fintech company, has announced that it has been granted an initial approval by the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) for crypto brokerage dealer services.

DKK Partners FZE will continue to work towards acquiring a full Virtual Asset Service Provider crypto broker license from VARA.

The VARA initial approval allows DKK FZE to move forward in the licensing process as they look to offer corporate and institutional customers in Dubai and the UAE access to stablecoin blockchain technology, utilizing USDT and USDC.

Khalid Talukder, Co-Founder and CEO of DKK Partners, stated, “It is an incredibly exciting time for DKK in the Middle East and securing the VARA Initial approval will enable us to continue making a splash in the region. Our expansion to Dubai last year was a huge success and we’re looking to extend our influence in the market by strengthening our compliance and innovation in the Virtual Asset space. This license is a game-changer for DKK and the digital asset landscape in Dubai empowering businesses to confidently engage in blockchain technology, benefiting from the stability of stablecoins and the regulatory framework.”

Victoria Albergini, Head of Partnerships for DKK Partners FZE in Dubai added, “Since our launch last year, DKK Dubai has gone from strength to strength and is now in a prime position in the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape. The VARA initial approval enhances our ability to serve the unique needs of corporate and institutional customers.”