UK based Khalij Group, a well-established financial solutions provider and Islamic Finance solutions has joined the Qatar digital asset lab based out of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC).

Khalij Group is a conglomerate focused on servicing the needs and requirements of the Islamic financial services industry and Islamic capital markets, including creating innovative and be-spoke structured solutions, fund raising and distribution of both debt and equity instruments.

In a LinkedIn post, Henk Jan Hoogendoorn, Chief Financial Officer at QFC stated, “ Khalij Group will join Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority digital asset Lab and will bring a wealth of experience in fintech as well Islamic investments , structuring and sharia advisory from the UK to Qatar and GCC.”

Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Khalij Group boasts a robust presence across key international financial hubs including the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Qatar and the United States of America.

In October 2023, Qatar announced one of the biggest digital assets initiatives in the country and the GCC region, the Qatar Innovation Dome for digital assets. As per the live event keynotes, the digital assets lab will develop tokenization platforms and ecosystems for everything that has value whether tangible assets or intangible assets including real estate assets, securities, Sukuk, bonds and others in the future utilizing DLT (distributed ledger technologies), blockchain, and smart contracts.

The Qatar Central Bank(QCB) also announced that it would be working to attract Big Tech and Fintech entities in the fields of Blockchain, AI, Tokenization, Digital assets and crypto to the country. As per its third financial sector strategy launched by HE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohamed Bin Abdulrahman Bin Jassim Al Thani, the Qatar Central Bank recommended enhancing financial inclusion, measures to facilitate building a world-class shared market infrastructure and establishing a financial technology talent center of excellence.

In addition, the Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA), the legal and tax arm of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC signed an MOU with the Asian Institute of Digital Finance (AIDF), a research institute of the National University of Singapore (NUS), to embark on projects encompassing ESG, Fintech, digital assets, Web3 and other emerging technologies.

All these efforts seek to place Qatar as a leading country for tokenization and digital asset implementations.

UAE regulated crypto digital asset exchange Fasset has launched its official application in the UAE. Fasset received a VARA (Dubai’s virtual asset regulatory authority) license in November 2023.

The app’s launch in the UAE is a strategic step for Fasset, following a successful launch in Indonesia last year, where it attracted over one million users within the first week. Fasset allows users to carry out spot trading and investment services in cryptocurrencies, stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets.

On the educational front the application includes Fasset Play, designed to offer a risk-free learning environment for users to hone their investment skills. This initiative aligns with Fasset’s mission to democratize access to financial services, enabling a wider audience to explore and manage their wealth.

Fasset CEO Mohammad Raafi Hossain commented, “UAE is experiencing a surge in digital asset investment as the government promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. We are happy to extend our secure and transparent platform to customers in the UAE. Our goal is to empower people to have universal access to financial services, so they have more opportunities to build and manage their wealth.”

Fasset’s strategic partnerships have been instrumental in its rapid growth. In Indonesia, the company partnered with Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison to launch the world’s first embedded digital asset exchange in a telco app, reaching over 100 million users. Additionally, Fasset collaborated with Mastercard to introduce a crypto card for users in the region.

Fasset has raised a total of $26.7 million in funding. This includes a significant $22 million raised in a Series A funding round in April 2022, led by Liberty City Ventures from New York and Fatima Gobi Ventures from Pakistan, with additional participation from Soma Capital and MyAsiaVC. Before this, Fasset raised $4.7 million across two rounds, including seed funding from Dubai’s Ceras Ventures in May 2021.

UAE ADGM Academy has backed up a partnership between Hub71 and Solana Blockchain to foster innovation for real world assets projects by offering incentives, office space, regulatory support and the UAE Golden visa.

This marks a significant step towards establishing the UAE as a hub for technological advancement and blockchain innovation. The Solana Foundation, committed to the Solana ecosystem, offers valuable resources and expertise to boost the UAE’s tech community.

Leveraging Solana’s blockchain, the partnership aims to attract talent and foster solutions for real-world challenges.

Hub71, strategically located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, is also a partner in the endeavor. Its mission to provide a nurturing environment for startups and tech companies aligns perfectly with the objectives of the Solana Foundation. This environment is conducive to creativity and innovation, providing the perfect setting for Solana RWA projects to thrive.

A critical component of this partnership is the support provided by the ADGM Academy. The Academy’s role is to provide projects with premier educational resources and regulatory advice. This support is vital for navigating the complexities of blockchain technology and its applications in real-world scenarios.

On offer is the UAE Golden Visa to Solana RWA projects. This long-term visa offers entrepreneurs stability and freedom from visa concerns, allowing them to concentrate on innovation. It’s a clear signal of the UAE’s commitment to attracting and retaining top talent in the technology sector.

South Korean Nexon gaming enters the UAE with its latest game MapleStory using blockchain. Nexon is working on a game that will bring together their classic games with Blockchain under the name MapleStory. Nexon has launched in the UAE under two subsidiaries Nexon Universe Global and Nexpace.

Nexon chose UAE because it is a hotspot for cutting edge technology. MapleStory will include NFTs,

This strategic move aims to fortify Nexon’s foothold in the burgeoning blockchain gaming sector within its target market, the Middle East, according to industry insiders.

Nexpace, a blockchain gaming venture introduced by Nexon in the previous year, is poised to play a pivotal role in the company’s expansion endeavors. At the core of Nexpace lies MapleStory N, a project that integrates Nexon’s well-known intellectual property, MapleStory, with Non-Fungible Token (NFT) technology.

In line with its expansion strategy, Nexon Korea Corp. is gearing up to unveil MapleStory N in select markets later this year. This anticipated launch signifies a significant stride towards broadening Nexon’s portfolio in the realm of blockchain gaming.

The move to establish subsidiaries in the UAE underscores Nexon’s commitment to harnessing the potential of blockchain technology within the gaming landscape. By extending its presence into the UAE, Nexon Korea Corp. aims to leverage the region’s conducive environment for technological innovation and entrepreneurial growth. This expansion not only signifies Nexon’s ambition to tap into new markets but also reflects its dedication to fostering a dynamic gaming ecosystem on a global scale.

Nexon plans to launch MapleStory N in select countries this year, marking a significant step in its strategy to broaden its blockchain gaming portfolio.

Animoca brands, which offers digital property rights for games and open metaverse, continues to invest in gaming and Web3 start-ups in the MENA region. Its latest investment is with UAE based Param Labs, a blockchain enabled gaming infrastructure provider.

EMURGO Middle East Africa, the investment and commercial arm of the Cardano blockchain platform Cardano in Africa and the Middle East, today announced a strategic partnership with Encryptus, a leading Crypto, Fiat infrastructure provider. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in providing seamless on and off-ramp services to support the Cardano ecosystem, fostering ADA adoption across frontier markets.

EMURGO MEA leverages Cardano’s innovation, security, and sustainability to drive digital transformation, creating impactful blockchain solutions. By partnering with Encryptus, known for its pioneering crypto-to-fiat and fiat-to-crypto transaction solutions.

This partnership empowers Encryptus to unveil a suite of new products designed specifically for Cardano users. These offerings include cutting-edge; compliant payout solutions such as bank wire transfers across over 80 countries, mobile wallet services in more than 40 countries, and an array of gift cards and mobile plans accessible in over 110 countries.

“Our collaboration with Encryptus is a testament to our dedication to not only advancing the Cardano ecosystem but also to innovating the blockchain space as a whole. By integrating Encryptus’ leading crypto-to-fiat transaction solutions, we’re set to unlock unprecedented opportunities for ADA users and continue to lead in the creation of blockchain-enabled ecosystems” said Yosuke Yoshida, Co-CEO of EMURGO MEA.

Shantnoo Saxsena, CEO & Founder of Encryptus, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “True adoption of blockchain technology extends beyond simple access to cryptocurrencies. It necessitates robust off-ramping capabilities that empower users to effortlessly convert ADA into fiat currencies and various payment methods. This collaboration is a game-changer especially in the frontier markets, completing the essential link for broader crypto adoption and enhancing the utility of ADA across numerous markets.”

“Encryptus’ unique banking infrastructure is what sets them apart from their competition. Their ability to provide cryptocurrency services akin to traditional finance services is why we believe the team has the capabilities to build many additional layers of value creation, on top of their existing offerings. We at EMURGO MEA are very excited about the prospects of our partnership, in creating stronger accessibility to ADA and the Cardano chain, with hands-on support from our recent launch of EMURGO Labs,” said Ahmed M. Amer, EMURGO Labs CEO.

Under the partnership, Encryptus will leverage its vast off-ramp infrastructure and regulatory compliance expertise to facilitate efficient ADA-to-fiat conversions. Simultaneously, EMURGO Middle East and Africa will develop smart contracts and additional UI components necessary for the seamless integration of Cardano into Encryptus’ platforms, ensuring a smooth user experience for converting ADA across various payment systems.

This strategic partnership is poised to significantly enhance the utility of ADA, making it more accessible and usable across the globe. By providing efficient, secure, and compliant pathways for crypto-to-fiat transactions, EMURGO MEA and Encryptus are paving the way for increased adoption of the Cardano blockchain, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of the digital economy in the Middle East, Africa and beyond.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

CASHIN Saudi Arabia, a POS and digital payments fintech provider and UAE based Fils, a blockchain enabled empowering climate-positive transactions, have partnered to empower CASHIN KSA’s extensive network of merchants across the kingdom, comprising a significant share of the market, to integrate Fils’s blockchain enabled enterprise-grade payments platform. Through this collaboration, merchants will gain the ability to accurately track their environmental impact, mitigate their carbon footprint with high-quality carbon credits, and transparently report their progress.

This partnership represents a significant milestone for Fils, which, following its successful ventures with other market leaders in the region, is now expanding its footprint in Saudi Arabia. By leveraging CASHIN KSA’s extensive market reach and established presence, Fils is primed to accelerate its growth trajectory and advance its mission of embedding climate positivity into every transaction.

“Our collaboration with CASHIN KSA underscores our commitment to advancing sustainability in the financial sector and aligns perfectly with our mission to empower businesses to embed climate action into their operations,” said Nameer Khan, CEO of Fils. “Together, we are not only driving positive environmental change but also supporting the climate goals of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.”

According to Omar AlRammah, CEO of CASHIN KSA, this partnership exemplifies the company’s dedication to sustainability and innovation: “Our collaboration with Fils marks a significant step forward in our journey towards a more sustainable future. By integrating Fils’s cutting-edge technology into our payments infrastructure, we are advancing our commitment to environmental responsibility and paving the way for a greener financial ecosystem.”

Saudi Arabia will be hosting a Web3 Blockchain event called “Outer Edge”. The event will be held in partnership with Animoca Brands, the Blockchain gaming open metaverse company, and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KAUST), the national labs of the Kingdom. The event will be held on April 23 2024. Outer Edge Riyadh  event is set to bring together some of the biggest names in the blockchain, AI, and gaming ecosystems from all over the world to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Outer Edge, historically based in LA and now expanding to the Middle East, is known for hosting memorable events and presenting invaluable networking opportunities for founders, builders, and venture capitalists in emerging technologies.

The Saudi Arabia tech revolution has already made major strides in developing various industries as the country builds a solid ecosystem for digital entrepreneurship. Saudi Arabia is focusing on enhancing its technology sector in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 plan, as businesses continue to invest in new tech such as AI, blockchain, VR, AR, and the Internet of Things. 

Outer Edge Riyadh, a partnership between Edge of Company and Animoca Brands, presented by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), comes at a pivotal moment during the growth of the blockchain sphere. The partnership aims to bring together industry leaders, experts, creatives and more to Riyadh’s innovation district, The Garage, a technology hub for local and international startups. KACST’s strategic partnership with Animoca Brands includes plans for the development of a physical Web3 hub in Riyadh to enhance research and development efforts within the fields of Web3, blockchain, gaming, AI, as well as providing bespoke educational programs. 

Mohammad Hadhrawi, general manager, Gaming and Immersive Technologies Institute at KACST, notes, “At KACST’s Gaming and Immersive Technologies Institute, we are dedicated to advancing the frontiers of R&D in gaming and immersive technologies. Our efforts are aligned with the national vision and strategies, aiming to foster an innovative ecosystem that nurtures creativity, technological advancement, and economic diversification. By spearheading projects that leverage web3, AI, and immersive experiences, we aim to impact the global technology landscape and equip our nation with the skills and opportunities to excel in these fields. Our commitment is to deliver tangible outcomes that contribute to the Kingdom’s position as a leader in the economies of the future (a key priority area for the kingdom), ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all.” 

Joshua Kriger, Outer Edge co-founder and co-host of Edge of NFT and Edge of AI podcasts, stated, “When we started Outer Edge LA, the intent was always to catalyze innovation globally. We are thrilled to take the concept of co-creation, connection and community abroad to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and unite regional and global leaders in Web3, AI, and gaming. Our unique format cultivates long-term collaboration opportunities at the intersection of culture, entertainment, and technology.”

Outer Edge, one of the pioneer events in the world of Web3, tech, culture, and entertainment, today announced a partnership with Animoca Brands, the company advancing digital property rights for gaming and the open metaverse, and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), the national labs of the Kingdom, to debut Outer Edge Riyadh on 23 April. The dynamic event is set to bring together some of the biggest names in the blockchain, AI, and gaming ecosystems from all over the world to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Outer Edge, historically based in LA and now expanding to the Middle East, is known for hosting memorable events and presenting invaluable networking opportunities for founders, builders, and venture capitalists in emerging technologies.

The Saudi Arabia tech revolution has already made major strides in developing various industries as the country builds a solid ecosystem for digital entrepreneurship. Saudi Arabia is focusing on enhancing its technology sector in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 plan, as businesses continue to invest in new tech such as AI, blockchain, VR, AR, and the Internet of Things.

Outer Edge Riyadh, a partnership between Edge of Company and Animoca Brands, presented by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), comes at a pivotal moment during the growth of the blockchain sphere. The partnership aims to bring together industry leaders, experts, creatives and more to Riyadh’s innovation district, The Garage, a technology hub for local and international startups. KACST’s strategic partnership with Animoca Brands includes plans for the development of a physical Web3 hub in Riyadh to enhance research and development efforts within the fields of Web3, blockchain, gaming, AI, as well as providing bespoke educational programs.

Mohammad Hadhrawi, general manager, Gaming and Immersive Technologies Institute at KACST, notes: “At KACST’s Gaming and Immersive Technologies Institute, we are dedicated to advancing the frontiers of R&D in gaming and immersive technologies. Our efforts are aligned with the national vision and strategies, aiming to foster an innovative ecosystem that nurtures creativity, technological advancement, and economic diversification. By spearheading projects that leverage web3, AI, and immersive experiences, we aim to impact the global technology landscape and equip our nation with the skills and opportunities to excel in these fields. Our commitment is to deliver tangible outcomes that contribute to the Kingdom’s position as a leader in the economies of the future (a key priority area for the kingdom), ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all.”

Joshua Kriger, Outer Edge co-founder and co-host of Edge of NFT and Edge of AI podcasts, said: “When we started Outer Edge LA, the intent was always to catalyze innovation globally. We are thrilled to take the concept of co-creation, connection and community abroad to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and unite regional and global leaders in Web3, AI, and gaming. Our unique format cultivates long-term collaboration opportunities at the intersection of culture, entertainment, and technology.”

Taking place on 23 April at The Garage in the center of the city, Outer Edge Riyadh will bring together industry leaders, creatives, visionaries, entrepreneurs, and investors for an experience that threads together education and entertainment, to explore beyond the implications of decentralized, Blockchain, Web3 and AI technology on society. Topics will include smart cities, gaming, esports, art, culture and more.

Notable speakers at Outer Edge Riyadh will include Yat Siu, co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands; Calvin Zhou, co-founder of Shrapnel,a venture backed UGC; Salwa Radwi, founder of ‘Nuqtah’, the first Saudi NFT Marketplace; Vatom founder and CEO Eric Pulier; Amanda Cassat, founder and CEO of Serotonin; Cole Damon, CEO of AG Esports Global; Yasser N Al Obaidan, chairman of Jawraa; and Sebastien Borget, co-founder and COO of The Sandbox.

Yat Siu, the co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands, added, “Through our partnership with Outer Edge Riyadh we are honoured to help support the MENA region’s progress toward fully harnessing the power of Web3 and blockchain. Global leaders at Outer Edge Riyadh will gather to engage in spirited discussions, forge valuable partnerships, create new opportunities, and mobilize on a variety of topics ranging from revolutionizing smart cities to redefining finance and entertainment.”

Recently  Co-Founder of the Satoshi Roundtable retreat, and managing director of Chainstone Labs, Bruce Fenton, stated that he is heading to Saudi Arabia to bring Blockchain and Bitcoin education and investment into the country. ChainStone Labs is a Stealth mode financial tech company focused on tokenization of securities and digital assets backed by hard assets.

While Animoca Brands continues to invest heavily in the region.

UAE Alpha Token Capital, a Dubai based cryptocurrency venture capital firm has invested in Carrieverse, a Web3 company. Utilizing the investment and partnership Alpha Token Capital will make a crypto investment in CVTX token and a strategic investment in Carrieverse.

 In addition to the investment, Carrieverse will receive strategic collaboration in global business development using Alpha Token’s partnerships and network, key opinion leader (KoL) partnerships, exchange listings, marketing, and community.

Alpha Token Capital is a global crypto venture capital firm with networks not only in Dubai but also in India and Singapore.

The virtual asset CVTX issued by Carrieverse is used as a governance token for its proprietary Web3 gaming platform ‘Cling’. ‘Cling’ will soon expand into the global market with over 30,000 DAUs in the Southeast Asian region, including the Web3 metaverse ‘Carrieverse’ and the card strategy RPG ‘Super Kola Tactics’ scheduled for a global launch in the second quarter.

David Yoon, the CEO of Carrieverse who led the investment, stated, “Carrieverse has been consistently knocking on the doors of Dubai and the MENA market, and now we are seeing the fruits of our labor. Through this investment, we will expand the ecosystem of CVTX and upgrade its value.”