Tether Operations Limited, has partnered with UAE Reelly Tech, a real estate B2B platform allowing over 30,000 local and international agents on Reelly Tech’s platform to leverage the power of USDT, streamlining processes and driving efficiency in one of the region’s most dynamic markets.

One of the other aspects of the collaboration as per the press release is that Tether and Reelly Tech will develop a comprehensive interactive educational series to be promoted on Reelly Tech’s platform. This initiative aims to assist agents in exploring the transformative potential of stablecoins in property transactions and understanding the various practical applications, such as USDT transfers for real estate purchases, with confidence and security.

Reelly offers in-depth analysis of more than 1,450 projects and AI solutions for generating branded presentations, enabling agents to save countless hours. For developers, the one-stop solution simplifies communication with agents, reduces marketing costs, and offers real-time analytics on agent performance. The company plays a pivotal role in the real estate developer market, where agents facilitate approximately 95% of all property transactions in the UAE. Uniquely positioned to integrate with this key channel, it ensures developers can capitalize on every lead.

The collaboration between Tether and Reelly Tech aligns with Tether’s broader mission to foster blockchain innovation and education globally. In recent months, Tether has made significant strides in the Middle East, including the acceptance of USD₮ by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (“FSRA”) as an Accepted Virtual Asset (“AVA”) in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (“ADGM”) as well as collaborations such as its work with RAK DAO in Ras Al Khaimah to promote education on Bitcoin and stablecoins.

Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, stated, “We are excited to collaborate with Reelly Tech to drive blockchain innovation in the UAE’s rapidly evolving real estate sector. This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing resilient digital economies by empowering individuals and businesses with the tools and knowledge to thrive in a digital world. Together, we aim to streamline real estate transactions, promote sustainable growth, and set new benchmarks for innovation in the region.”

Vitaliy Ryzhak, CEO of Reelly, said, “The joint launch of the training program is only the first step. The UAE real estate market is experiencing dynamic growth, attracting large amounts of capital from around the world. We aim to make international real estate investment safe, efficient, and easy. To do this, we plan to create tools to open up new opportunities for using USDT in real estate transactions.”

The Ministry of Interior have teamed up with Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority to collaborate for combating virtual asset financial crimes.

As per the press release, this agreement highlights the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding its financial system while fostering leadership in the digital economy.

The MoU aims to unify efforts in information sharing on virtual asset service providers, illicit transactions, and unlawful practices. By facilitating a rapid and secure exchange of data between VARA and the Ministry of Interior, the agreement ensures that the virtual assets sector in the UAE remains secure, innovative, and aligned with international standards.

As part of the collaboration, both entities will develop joint training programs, specialized task forces, and electronic platforms to monitor and detect suspicious activities. These initiatives aim to strengthen the regulatory framework, ensuring that only compliant virtual asset service providers operate in Dubai, thereby enhancing financial system integrity and consumer confidence.

Consumer protection is high up the list for both the UAE Ministry of Interior and VARA as is the combatting of money laundering efforts, and maintaining financial stability in the UAE.

Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaili, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to integrated collaboration with national institutions to enhance security and deliver services that reflect the UAE government’s vision and global standing. He highlighted the importance of institutional cooperation to achieve shared strategic goals and develop a robust regulatory framework.

This MoU marks a significant milestone in our collective mission to build a secure and well-regulated virtual assets ecosystem, said Matthew White, CEO of the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. By deepening our collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, we are reinforcing measures to detect and prevent financial crimes in the virtual assets space. This partnership ensures that Dubai continues to lead by example fostering innovation while safeguarding the integrity of the emirate’s financial ecosystem. Through this collaboration, we are not only enhancing the security of virtual assets but also cementing Dubai’s position as a global hub for responsible digital finance.

During the years between 2022 and 2024 Dubai Police revealed that they had conducted money laundering financial investigation cases including $16.3 million ( 60 million AED) in virtual assets, or crypto asset cases. This did not include a case where The Dubai Economic Security Center disrupted a $49 million crypto money laundering operation. Both investigations led to a total of $65.3 million crypto money laundering investigation cases.

As artificial intelligence (AI) cements itself as a cornerstone of technological innovation, ethical concerns surrounding AI governance have gained global attention. Leading the charge for responsible AI, Algorethics has officially started operations in the UAE, aligning its vision with the Dubai AI Commitment and the Dubai AI Seal.

This move places Dubai at the forefront of ethical AI regulation, offering businesses and developers in the UAE a powerful tool to validate AI models against international standards. With Dubai emerging as a hub for AI-driven enterprises, this expansion highlights the increasing need for accountability and transparency in AI solutions. The Algorethics Ethical AI Validator, a cutting-edge compliance platform, is designed to detect hidden biases, flag ethical risks, and promote fairness in AI applications, ensuring they align with Dubai’s robust regulatory frameworks.

DeepSeek’s Propaganda Problem and OpenAI’s Ethical Pitfalls

As AI models like DeepSeek R1 and OpenAI’s ChatGPT revolutionize industries from education to healthcare, they also expose significant ethical vulnerabilities. The Algorethics Ethical AI Validator has uncovered troubling biases in these models, providing crucial insights for businesses and developers aiming to ensure their AI systems comply with ethical standards.

DeepSeek R1 has been praised for its cost-effectiveness, saving startups and enterprises up to 40% in GPU costs. However, Algorethics identified that DeepSeek R1’s outputs consistently align with Chinese government narratives, raising concerns about AI neutrality and ideological influence. The risks associated with biased AI models include manipulation of public opinion, global adoption challenges, and erosion of user trust.

Similarly, OpenAI’s ChatGPT has demonstrated remarkable versatility but has faced scrutiny for bias in training data, privacy violations, and factual inaccuracies. Such challenges emphasize the urgent need for robust ethical frameworks, ensuring AI technologies do not reinforce harmful stereotypes, generate misinformation, or violate user privacy.

The Real-World Consequences of Unethical AI

The risks posed by biased AI models are not merely theoretical—they can lead to financial losses, legal liabilities, and reputational damage. Historical cases illustrate the impact of unethical AI:

  • Amazon’s AI Recruiting Tool was scrapped after it was found to systematically discriminate against women.
  • Apple Card’s AI Credit Decisioning faced backlash for alleged gender bias in 2020, leading to regulatory investigations.
  • Uber’s Self-Driving AI caused a fatal accident in 2018 due to recognition failures, leading to legal repercussions.

Such failures highlight the critical need for AI governance frameworks like Dubai’s AI Commitment, ensuring AI models are fair, unbiased, and transparent.

Algorethics Validator: The Ethical AI Game-Changer

The Algorethics Ethical AI Validator addresses these challenges by offering:

  • Bias Detection: Identifies and flags ideological, political, or cultural biases in AI models.
  • Transparency Reports: Provides detailed insights to developers for correcting ethical shortcomings.
  • Accessibility: Free to use for validating popular LLMs and AI models, making it a vital resource for startups.
  • Versatility: The Validator supports a wide range of AI models, offering in-depth ethical evaluations beyond surface-level assessments.

With this Validator, businesses and organizations can preemptively address ethical concerns, safeguard their reputations, and ensure compliance with global AI governance standards.

Dubai’s AI Commitment and Future Ethical AI Governance

Dubai’s AI policy is built on three key pillars: governance, transparency, and accountability—principles that align seamlessly with Algorethics’ mission. The Dubai AI Seal ensures AI models deployed in the UAE meet stringent ethical requirements, fostering trust and responsible innovation.

By establishing operations in the UAE, Algorethics reinforces Dubai’s role as a global leader in ethical AI governance. Companies that adopt ethical AI compliance will not only benefit from regulatory adherence but will also gain a competitive advantage, attracting investors and customers who prioritize transparency.

Robert McNamara, Co-Founder and Chief Ethical Innovation Officer of Algorethics, emphasizes the importance of ethical AI, “Unchecked AI can perpetuate biases, influence opinions, and erode public trust. The Algorethics Validator empowers organizations to uncover hidden biases and create systems that prioritize fairness, transparency, and inclusivity. The future of AI must align with humanity’s core values, and we’re proud to lead this transformation.”

Ensuring AI Accountability with Algorethics

With AI rapidly integrating into critical industries, responsible AI governance is no longer optional—it is imperative. Businesses, regulators, and developers must work together to ensure AI models align with ethical guidelines, preventing bias, misinformation, and regulatory risks.

The Algorethics Ethical AI Validator is now available in the UAE, providing real-time compliance monitoring, bias detection, and transparency reporting to help organizations build responsible AI solutions.

Test your AI models today using the Algorethics Ethical AI Validator. It’s free, accessible, and designed to help developers create unbiased, responsible AI systems.

BitGo, a digital asset solutions provider offering crypto custody, and trading services has received its crypto custodial license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). BitGo Custody MENA FZE, has received an in-principle approval (IPA) for a Virtual Assets Service Provider (VASP) license to provide custody services. This IPA marks a significant expansion of BitGo’s world-class suite of regulatory compliant custody services to leading financial markets around the world.

As per the press release, once fully approved and licensed, BitGo Custody MENA FZE will be able to offer its secure and efficient cold storage custody services to qualified and institutional investors in Dubai. 

Ben Choy, General Manager of BitGo MENA, said, “Dubai has cemented itself as a central hub within the digital asset ecosystem and we are excited to play an important role in its growth.This IPA marks a significant milestone in our journey and we are confident that BitGo’s innovative custody services will address the sophisticated needs of the market and will help deliver meaningful value to our clients.”

BitGo’s commitment to security and compliance aligns with VARA’s comprehensive regulatory framework, which is designed to protect investors and ensure market integrity. VARA’s forward thinking and innovative frameworks have positioned Dubai as the ideal choice for BitGo’s expansion into the region. 

Bitgo is one of eight virtual asset service providers currently holding in-principle approvals from Dubai’s regulator. Currently Zand Bank, Komainu, and HexTrust hold regulated licenses.

While the UAE Central Bank has made it clear that crypto cannot be used as a legal tender for the purchase of goods and services inside the country, while AED stablecoins can be, real estate investors and buyers can still utilize cryptocurrencies for real estate purchases with Klickl and IMKAN Properties which has 26 properties across two continents.

Klickl, the Web3 financial platform out of the UAE, will be able to help IMKAN offer international investors with secure, fast and flaxible options of alternative payments in high value sector such as real estate. Klickl will offer cryptocurrency payment processing system.

“Our collaboration with IMKAN aligns with our mission to extend the benefits of Web3 technologies into everyday business transactions,” said Michael Zhao, CEO of Klickl. “From cross-border remittances to real estate investments, digital currencies offer an unmatched level of convenience, transparency, and efficiency. By supporting IMKAN’s customers with both crypto payment acceptance and fiat conversion, we are creating a model that other real estate companies can adopt to attract a new generation of buyers.” He went on to say.

The collaboration will allow IMKAN to offer its clients the option of converting cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins like USDT for use to invest in premium real estate . With these options, both local and international buyers gain greater flexibility, avoiding the complexities and delays that often come with cross-border bank conversions.

One of the key drivers behind this initiative is the increasing number of international investors in UAE real estate. The ability to use digital currencies for conversion will streamline transactions for overseas buyers, especially those in emerging markets or regions with less-developed banking infrastructure.

“Crypto is more than a payment method—it’s a financial tool that enables us to operate more efficiently across borders,” Zhao explained. “Our goal with IMKAN is to offer this technology to its customers in a way that enhances liquidity and supports business continuity, providing real estate developers with the financial stability they need to grow.”

Klickl’s platform will be offered seamlessly with IMKAN’s existing sales and payment systems. Buyers will experience a straightforward process where cryptocurrency payments can be made through a secure platform, and all necessary regulatory checks will be conducted automatically.

Klickl will ensure that all transactions are compliant with UAE regulations. From Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols to anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, the platform incorporates best-in-class security features to protect both IMKAN and its clients.

“We are committed to maintaining the highest levels of security and compliance,” Zhao emphasized. “Every transaction will go through rigorous checks to ensure it meets regulatory standards, so our partners and their customers can transact with confidence.”

The long-term vision includes expanding the use of digital finance tools across IMKAN’s full range of projects, from luxury residential developments to large-scale commercial properties.

“The UAE is rapidly emerging as a major crypto hub driven by the region’s welcoming regulatory environment and its proactive approach to supporting the digital asset sector. As one of the nation’s leading real estate developers, IMKAN is proud to play a decisive role in revolutionizing real estate transactions by embracing cryptocurrency for property investments. Together with Klickl, we are helping to ensure that the UAE will remain a leader and not a follower in digital currency proliferation,” said Engineer Suwaidan Al Dhaheri, CEO of IMKAN Properties.

“This collaboration demonstrates how blockchain and digital assets can bring real value to traditional industries,” said Zhao. “It’s not just about following trends; it’s about using these technologies to solve real-world challenges and unlock new opportunities. We see the potential for this model to reshape not only real estate but also other sectors where high value transactions are common.”

WadzPay, a blockchain technology and financial services company that had applied and had received a VASP license pending further operational requirements in Dubai UAE, via the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, has been delisted from VARA’s public registry, which implies that WadzPay is no longer a regulated entity in Dubai UAE. Reasons behind this are not unclear given the efforts WadzPay had made over the years to received this license, yet on VARA website it shows that the license has been withdrawn.

This comes months after WadzPay in November of 2023, had announced it secured a capital commitment of $50 million SGD in the form of a Share Subscription facility from GEM Global Yield (GEM). The SSF as noted in that press release, was supposed to accelerate the company’s growth strategy via acquisitions, partnerships and organic initiatives.

The agreement established a Share Subscription Facility granting WadzPay the option to call upon GEM to subscribe for Ordinary Shares up to a total value of SGD 50 million (approximately USD 36.7 million) upon a successful public listing for a thirty-six-month period.

WadzPay had received a VASP license for crypto brokerage under pending status back in February 2024. Yet until now it was still pending. In November Anish Jain, Founder and CEO, noted that the company opened its Dubai offices back in 2022, citing that a main attraction of Dubai was its supportive regulatory environment.

WadzPay “bridges the gap between fiat currencies and virtual assets,” according to Anish Jain, founder and CEO.

Moreover Jain had described the license, – issuance of which is subject to meeting pre-operating requirements and qualifications – as a “pivotal advancement for WadzPay… enhancing trust and credibility among stakeholders viewing Dubai as a launchpad for global ambition.”

It would seem that this ambition has faded for WadzPay.

Deniz Ventures, the venture capital fund of DenizBank, established under the Emirates NBD Innovation Fund—the Corporate Venture Capital arm of Emirates NBD Group—and Qatar based Rasmal Ventures, a venture capital firm, have invested in Turkish based TeamSec, an a AI-powered securitization platform, transforming the structured finance industry through its innovative Securitization-as-a-Service platform.

Securitization is the process in which certain types of assets are pooled so that they can be repackaged into interest-bearing securities.

With a total investment raise of 7.6 million USD, TeamSec aims to accelerate its growth operations, focusing on rapid expansion in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The company already has an innovation license in DIFC ( Dubai International Finance Center). Additionally, TeamSec also aims to diversify its product and service portfolio and enhance current service offerings.

TeamSec in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, TeamSec has taken a major leap forward by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SIMAH, the Saudi Credit Bureau. This collaboration is a key milestone in enhancing the securitization ecosystem in the Kingdom, enabling us to access critical credit data and analytics required to structure robust securitization solutions.

The partnership with SIMAH will provide data-driven securitization models that meet international standards. By leveraging SIMAH’s extensive credit information database, the company seeks to ensure that their securitization products are built on a foundation of trust, reliability, and precision—qualities that are vital for attracting investors and fostering confidence in the market.

Through its AI and data analytics-based solutions, TeamSec seeks to create critical value for investors and financial institutions.

Commenting on the investment, Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking at Emirates NBD, said, “We recognize the immense potential securitization holds in supporting regional growth. Our recent strategic investment in TeamSec, a fintech innovator specializing in Securitization-as-a-Service, underscores our commitment to shaping this market and enabling its growth. We are the first investor in TeamSec, supporting the founder and team in their growth journey at an early stage.”

NEOHUB CEO Gürhan Çam highlighted that TeamSec’s technological infrastructure will lay the groundwork for stronger collaborations among financial institutions in the future and contribute significantly to the financial ecosystem. He stated: “Digital transformation in the fintech sector is no longer a luxury but a necessity. As DenizBank and NEOHUB, we aim to address the technological gaps in the field of securitization by collaborating with startups through our investment in TeamSec. We recognize that TeamSec’s innovations in securitization have the potential to set new industry standards.”

Emphasizing the collaborative approach, Rasmal Ventures’ Co-Managing Partner, Alexander Wiedmer, noted: “TeamSec’s bold vision to revolutionize the securitization industry across the Middle East and beyond resonates strongly with us. Their mission-driven, execution-focused team exemplifies the kind of ambition and innovation we are excited to support. Our investment, alongside Deniz Ventures, reflects our commitment to advance fintech solutions that redefine traditional financial processes. By backing teams like TeamSec, with deep expertise in their field, we aim to accelerate digital transformation and fortify the regional financial ecosystem.”

Emphasizing the role Emirates NBD’s Corporate Venture Capital arm played in driving this investment, Neeraj Makin, Group Head of Strategy, Analytics, and Venture Capital at Emirates NBD, added, “Emirates NBD’s Innovation Fund drives strategic investments in cutting-edge fintech startups like TeamSec, enabling us to deliver tailored solutions that align with our vision of being the most innovative bank for our customers. As the industry evolves, the fund ensures we stay ahead of disruptive trends while enhancing the digital experience for our clients.”

Esad Erkam Köroğlu, Founder and CEO of TeamSec, highlighted that this strategic investment from Deniz Ventures combined with the VC mindset and experience of the Rasmal Ventures’ team, is a key enabler in achieving the company’s vision: “The investment we received from ENBD and Rasmal Ventures demonstrates the trust placed in TeamSec’s vision and technological prowess by these renowned institutions. At the same time, this investment round supports our mission to revolutionize the securitization market, positioning TeamSec as a leader in the fintech sector as well as in the securitization market, particularly in the MENA region. With this investment, we endeavor to strengthen our position as a global game-changer in the field of securitization.”

Qatar based Rasmal Ventures, the first independent venture capital company within QFC authority, licensed to manage exempt funds domiciled in QFC, launched its Rasmal $100 million Fund I in 2023. The Fund was supported by key Qatari private investors and institutions.

Kaia, the DLT Foundation registered in ADGM in Abu Dhabi UAE has integrated Fireblocks, an enterprise platform to manage digital asset operations and build innovative businesses on blockchain.

As per the press release, the collaboration enables institutions to securely manage and transfer assets on the Kaia blockchain network, offering enhanced capabilities in tokenization, DeFi, and blockchain-based financial products. Fireblocks brings improved operational efficiency, reduced asset management risk, and simplified regulatory compliance to the Kaia blockchain ecosystem.

Kaia utilizes Fireblocks’ institutional-grade digital asset infrastructure for secure asset management, including leveraging Fireblocks’ Multi Party Computation (MPC) wallet technology for distributed private key management and end-to-end security, minimizing hacking risks. Kaia also leverages Fireblocks for extensive digital asset support and its API integration capabilities.

Kaia was formed through the merger of the Klaytn and Finschia blockchains initially developed by Kakao and LINE respectively. It aims to bring Web3 to the fingertips of hundreds of millions across Asia.

Ledger, crypto wallet hardware provider, have joined UAE based Mantra Layer1 Blockchain as one of the validators.

As per the blog post, Mantra noted, “We’re thrilled to announce that Ledger has joined MANTRA as a Validator, strengthening our network security and further decentralizing our governance process. MANTRA has also integrated with Ledger Live, allowing Ledger to support MANTRA Chain natively for all Ledger devices and enable users to manage and stake their $OM directly through the platform.”

The MANTRA Mainnet for real world asset tokenization launched in October 2024 with validators playing a crucial role in operating a blockchain, ensuring efficient and secure transactions, and upholding sound governance.

MANTRA has already onboarded prominent validators such as Google Cloud, Twinstake, and Hex Trust.

As per the blog post, Ledger, renowned for its hardware security devices like the Ledger Nano, brings solid security expertise to the MANTRA Chain validator set. This collaboration not only strengthens network security but also paves the way for additional integrations, leading to improved user experiences and enhanced security features within the MANTRA Chain ecosystem.

This comes weeks after UAE Conglomerate DAMAC Holdings announced it would be tokenizing $1 billion worth of assets on Mantra Blockchain. In an interview with CoinDesk, CEO of Mantra John Patrick Mullin, stated, ” The UAE will become the epicenter of where this all kicks off, as regulatory frameworks are critically supportive here.”

DAMAC’s Managing Partner Amira Sajwani also noted in the interview with CoinDesk, that it is the perfect time. She noted ” In the UAE, there is a massive spotlight on the country. Working with Mantra we are allowing people to enter lower entry point tokenizing properties, the timing is mature and there is an accurate regulatory framework coming in place, supporting innovation.”

She adds, ” We already had an entity regulated by DFSA and we already have experience fractionalizing real estate where the entry point is 500 AED equivalent to $150 and we have had huge traction. The average was much higher between $300-$10,000 investment tickets so we knew there was a market for it and a demand. Now we are moving it tokenized assets, tokenization allows more transparency and efficiency with the title deed of the property, and we chose Mantra because after exploring other chains, we chose them for their technology but the team was equally as important.”

In the 4th UAE AI and Blockchain Council meeting held in Ajman, Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, stressed that the data sector will significantly contribute to the future of the UAE economy.

He believes that as the reliance on Artificial Intelligence, AI, technology increases, becoming a base for many vital activities of future societies. Promoting investment in this rapidly evolving global economic sector comes as part of UAE plans to celebrate the export of the last barrel of oil in 50 years.

“The Government of the UAE is working to achieve its future strategic objectives. It strives to employ the AI sector as the main source of a diversified and sustainable knowledge economy, through the development of innovative practices and scientific uses of AI technology tools and enhancing cooperation among all parties to employ them in the development of government services and private sector performance. This contributes to achieving the objectives of the UAE Vision 2021, and the establishment of the future model of the UAE 2071,” said Al Olama.

The Minister’s remarks came during the fourth meeting of the UAE Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain Council, hosted by Ajman. The meeting was headed by Al Olama, in the presence of several officials and directors of federal and local government entities.

The meeting agenda covered key challenges and recommendations proposed to standardise data collection by the Data Committee within the Council. These included preparing qualified human resources, establishing a unified database, and defining data classification standards, as well the mechanism of coordination of efforts and the exchange of experiences between different entities by establishing a joint team. The participants also stressed the need to follow up the implementation of the recommendations of the Data Committee, by speeding up the development of data collection for AI technology and digital transactions, to promote the UAE as a leading center for data in the region.