Okto, self custody wallet from CoinDCX gets licensed in UAE

Okto, self custody wallet from CoinDCX gets licensed in UAE

Okto, the self custody wallet created by India’s CoinDCX crypto exchange which already has 1 million users, has secured a business license within the UAE through the RAK Digital Assets Oasis.


As per the blog post, Okto stated, that this is a significant milestone that underscores their commitment to compliance and operational excellence and marks a new chapter in their journey to democratize blockchain technology.


RAK Digital Assets Oasis is an initiative by the government of Ras Al-Khaimah, designed to foster innovation in digital assets, Web3, and AI. RAK DAO’s mission is to create a robust ecosystem that supports developing and adopting cutting-edge technologies. By providing operational clarity, RAK DAO plays a crucial role in positioning Ras Al-Khaimah as a global hub for digital innovation.

The license will enable a broader reach for Okto wallet. It will also bring new user benefits and improved services and security.

The business license will allow them to offer more robust tools and resources for developers, helping them create cutting-edge applications with ease. The blog post also notes that it will strengthen their platform.

The company plans to launch new features such as enhancing the Okto Wallet and Web3 SDK.

On X Neera Khandelwa, Co Founder of Coindex noted, “Thrilled to share that Okto has secured an operational license from RAK Digital Assets Oasis the world’s first Free Zone dedicated to digital assets! This milestone makes Okto the first Web3 wallet to achieve such a license, marking a significant step in our mission to democratize blockchain technology and foster Web3 adoption.”

In July 2024, CoinDCX acquired UAE based BitOasis crypto exchange, which according to Bloomberg could add $50 million in revenues to Coin DCX as it expands into the MENA region with the acquisition.

Established in 2018, CoinDCX has a user base of over 15 million, offers access to over 500 crypto assets, and facilitates average quarterly trading volumes exceeding $840 million in spot in 2024 while BitOasis established in 2016, holds over 60 tokens with fiat currencies such as AED, SAR, and USD and has processed over $6 billion in trading volume.


UAE and Bahrain CoinMENA expands its crypto offering with Bitpanda

UAE and Bahrain CoinMENA expands its crypto offering with Bitpanda

CoinMENA B.S.C., a crypto asset platform licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain and sister company CoinMENA FZE, licensed by the Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), have expanded the range of crypto assets available on its platform through its partnership with Bitpanda Technology Solutions, the leading digital assets infrastructure provider as a liquidity provider. The collaboration will enhance trade efficiency on the platform as well.

CoinMENA Co-Founders Dina Sam’an and Talal Tabbaa said, “We are excited to partner with Bitpanda Technology Solutions, an industry leader that shares our commitment to providing top-tier crypto asset trading services. This collaboration will not only enhance trading efficiency but also fulfil one of the most requested features from our users, enabling us to add new crypto assets more rapidly to meet market demands.”

When fully implemented, CoinMENA will have the ability to integrate the most complete range of crypto assets available on the market to meet the demands of its users safely and securely. By integrating Bitpanda Technology Solutions as a liquidity provider, CoinMENA will enhance trading efficiency, and ensure users receive the best possible prices. These improvements will deliver a smoother and more reliable trading experience, reinforcing CoinMENA’s position as a leading crypto asset service provider in the region.

Nadeem Ladki, Global Head, Bitpanda Technology Solutions, added: “The MENA region is one of the most ambitious and innovative regions in the world when it comes to crypto assets. Bitpanda Technology Solutions provides institutions in the region access to one of the broadest ranges of crypto assets available, in a fully modular way, all with a highly regulated and trusted partner.” 

Both Bitpanda and CoinMENA will collaborate closely with respective regulators to ensure full compliance in all future endeavors. In August 2024 CoinMENA announced that they have achieved a new milestone with crypto, fiat trading volumes surpassing $2 billion.

The Blockchain Center in Abu Dhabi to launch $100 million Web3 fund with Gate.io ventures

The Blockchain Center in Abu Dhabi to launch $100 million Web3 fund with Gate.io ventures

The Blockchain center in Abu Dhabi, a hub for Web3 and Gate Ventures, the venture capital arm of Gate.io, have launched the Falcon Gate Ventures, a $100 million Web3 fund. This joint venture initiative takes a global stance to support Web3 builders that are committed to reshaping the world in the digital age.

As per the announcement, Gate Ventures and the Blockchain Center synergize their expertise and resources to help young talents from key regions including the USA, Asia, Europe, and the MENA region. Falcon Gate Ventures is designed to advance decentralized infrastructure and applications and accelerate the adoption of pioneering technologies.

The fund will support high-potential projects across the world, with a targeted focus on technical breakthroughs in the Middle East, Asia, the US and other key regions

Falcon Gate Ventures will work closely with international regulatory authorities to develop frameworks that both foster innovation and ensure global user protection.

“Choosing Gate Ventures as our partner for this joint fund was a natural decision for us. Gate Ventures brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the blockchain and digital assets space. Their deep industry expertise, combined with their innovative approach to investing, aligns perfectly with our vision at the Blockchain Center in Abu Dhabi,” said Abdulla, CEO of the Blockchain Center in Abu Dhabi. “We believe that together, we can create a powerful synergy that will drive forward our mission to support and scale high-potential blockchain projects. Gate Ventures shares our commitment to fostering cutting-edge technologies, and with their global network and insights, we are confident that this partnership will accelerate the adoption and impact of blockchain innovations, both in the UAE and internationally.”

Leveraging the extensive network and expertise of both Gate Ventures and the Blockchain Center, Falcon Gate Ventures seeks to discover and support projects poised to shape the future of blockchain technology and digital assets.

“Falcon Gate Ventures marks a significant step in our mission to advance global blockchain innovation,” said Kevin Yang, Managing Partner at Gate Ventures. “In partnership with the Blockchain Center in Abu Dhabi, we are investing in the digital future, supporting transformative ideas across continents.”

Falcon Gate Ventures is poised to drive blockchain innovation on a global scale. The venture aims to foster Innovation, accelerate the deployment of blockchain solutions by funding innovative projects and startups worldwide and support Education and Research.

Bahrain Blockchain entity partners with Saudi Industrial tech entity for Intelligent transformation in KSA

Bahrain Blockchain entity partners with Saudi Industrial tech entity for Intelligent transformation in KSA

Bahrain headquartered iBLOCKCHAIN, a Web3 digital solutions provider, has partnered with Saudi Arabian Nesma United Industries, a prominent technology provider for the industrial sector in Saudi Arabia to advance “Intelligent Transformation” within Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector.

The agreement was signed by both chief executive officer Dr. Marwan Gholmieh of Nesma United Industries and iBLOCKCHAIN CEO Eng. Wassim Jarkas.

As per the press release, the initiative aligns with the ambitious objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and underscores the critical intersection between industrial and technological sectors in the region.

Mr Jarkas emphasised the significance of this partnership, stating, “This unique transformation agreement ushers in a new era of ‘Intelligent Transformation’ rather than just digital transformation. Our collaboration with Nesma United Industries is a testament to their forward-looking vision and commitment to pioneering disruptive changes in the industry. We at iBLOCKCHAIN are proud to lead in this revolutionary approach, setting the stage for unprecedented advancements in both technological innovation and industrial excellence.”

This collaboration will integrate cutting-edge technologies including Web 3.0, big data management, artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics, and Blockchain solutions. The press release adds, “These innovations will not only protect critical data but also ensure transparency and traceability within supply chains, setting a new standard for industrial operations in the region.”

A roadmap has been established, featuring four distinct phases: Discovery, Analysis, Processing, and Execution. This structured approach will guide the successful implementation of the project, ensuring that the partnership delivers on its promise of transformative impact.

Dr Gholmieh expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “This partnership opens up vast opportunities for comprehensive digital transformation. It will significantly enhance our technological and operational capabilities, preparing us to lead in the digital future.”

Echoing this sentiment, Chief Strategy Officer at iBLOCKCHAIN Engineer Sary Qasim remarked, “This agreement represents a big leap forward for both the technological and industrial sectors.”

UAE XRP oil sale deal is false and illegal in UAE

UAE XRP oil sale deal is false and illegal in UAE

The recent story that the UAE and India carried out an oil deal using XRP token over CFT (Crypto trading Fund) ledger, is not only unbacked and false but also illegal in the UAE.

The story which was first published in a media entity called Cryptoalert soon was copied and published as if it was real news.

The cryptoalert piece stated that “In a historic shift, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have completed their first-ever crude oil transaction using their local currencies, effectively bypassing the US dollar. This landmark trade signals a broader strategy, set in motion last July, aimed at promoting trade in native currencies and cutting down on dollar-conversion costs.”

It also stated that the trade was integrated with the XRP Ledger System CryptoTradingFund (CTF), allowing customers to earn cash back rewards in CTF tokens.

The piece did not mention which entities had transacted this crude oil transaction, nor where there any social media posts, press releases or confirmations from either CTF or Ripple on the topic. Yet this did not stop many media entities in the crypto and blockchain ecosystem from publishing the story.

Since then prominent blockchain pundits have noted how media publish false stories to push crypto users to purchase XRP and CFT token.

Ripple is not XRP

“XRP” and “Ripple” are often erroneously used interchangeably. Ripple (previously Ripple Labs) is a company, and XRP is the name of the native cryptocurrency for XRP Ledger, an open-source distributed ledger run by the XRPL foundation.

As such proponents of XRP are distributed across many entities and individuals and not only Ripple which uses XRP ledger in some of its products.

UAE Dirham backed stablecoin

In addition, the UAE Central Bank recently announced its payment token regulation which stipulates that stablecoins, and crypto cannot be considered as legal tender in the UAE. The only stablecoin that the UAE will allow for payments inside the UAE are digital dirham stablecoins.

To date no digital dirham stablecoin has been issued within the UAE. As such it would be not only impossible but also illegal for oil to be sold to another country using a digital asset, crypto other than the dirham stablecoin which is pegged to the UAE Dirham.

XRP recognized in DIFC

The only recognition for XRP in the UAE is within DIFC ( Dubai International Financial Center). In November 2023, two new crypto tokens TonCoin (TON), and XRP joined Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum, and Litecoin as recognized crypto tokens by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the financial regulatory agency of the special economic zone, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The announcement of XRP being accepted into DIFC as a crypto token was published in a Ripple press release.

The DFSA the crypto token regime now includes five crypto tokens that can be utilized by virtual asset firms within the DIFC. Licensed firms will be able to incorporate XRP and TON into their virtual asset services. XRP and TON will be available for use by institutions located in the DIFC to accelerate faster, more efficient global value exchange.

As such the only legal utility for XRP would be in a free zone DIFC to be specific.

Tether invests $3 million in Kuwait’s Kem fintech startup

Tether invests $3 million in Kuwait’s Kem fintech startup

Tether Operations Limited, a company in the digital assets domain, and creator of USDT stablecoin has announced a $3 million strategic investment in Kuwait based Kem app, a platform designed for money transfers and financial management.

As per the press release, the investment and collaboration will allow Kem App to introduce USDT on its platform to drive widespread adoption in the MENA region to revolutionize traditional payment systems.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has the sixth largest crypto economy of any region, with an estimated $389.8 billion in on-chain value received between July 2022 and June 2023. This represents nearly 7.2% of global transaction volume during this period.

The announcement notes that with the launch of USDT on Kem app, millions of expats in countries such as Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iraq will benefit from using USDT and accessible financial services.

The Kem app, enbles seamless cross-border transactions. Tether’s investment underscores its commitment to expanding accessibility and fostering global financial inclusion. This initiative also signifies a strategic expansion into the Middle East market, with Kem serving as a regional asset.

Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, said, “This investment reinforces Tether’s commitment to promoting financial inclusion and stability. We believe that everyone should have the means to protect their families and businesses against inflation while enjoying unrestricted access to financial services. Our investment in Kem App is a testament to this belief, as the platform provides tools that simplify access to the financial system, perfectly aligning with our mission to advance financial freedom for all.”

Stablecoin Growth in MENA

In June 2024, the UAE Central Bank approved the issuance of a regulation for licensing and overseeing stablecoins and a series of policies aimed at supporting the banking, insurance, and financial services sectors. UAE Stablecoin Payment Token services regulation came out laying down the rules and conditions by the Central Bank of UAE for licenses pertaining to payment tokens, not allowing algorithmic tokens to be included and only allowing foreign stablecoins to be used to purchase virtual assets.

The UAE Central Bank made a clear distinction between the Dirham Payment token which can be issued by licensed payment token issuers used for any lawful purpose, and the foreign payment token issued by a Registered Foreign Payment Token Issuer which can only be used as a means of payment for purchasing virtual assets or derivatives of virtual assets.  

As reported by CoinMarketCap, the total market capitalization of stablecoins reached $174 billion as of August 2024 – with USDT (Tether), USDC (Circle), and DAI, together accounting for circa 93 percent of the market.

Tether is not the only stablecoin issuer that is trying to enhance its presence in the MENA region. In December 2023, Circle Internet Financial (Circle), and UAE based Fuze, MENA’s digital assets infrastructure provider, to expand adoption of USDC stablecoin in MENA region, after signing MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).

Circle, the issuer of the US-dollar backed stablecoin USDC, will work with Fuze to expand the adoption of USDC amongst new customers in the region, such as banks, fintechs, traditional enterprises and Web3 firms. The scope of the agreement covers the Middle East, Africa and Turkey, paving the way for the expanded use of USDC in these regions and the piloting of new use cases relevant to these markets.

Tether’s investment and collaboration is also setting the stage for Kem to enhance its offerings and better serve millions of underserved businesses throughout the Middle East. By incorporating cryptocurrencies into its platform, Kem aims to replicate the success of financial platforms offering cryptocurrencies in other markets, driving mass adoption and fostering a more inclusive banking landscape in the Gulf region.

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UAE Al Fardan Exchange and Dubai AI Web3 Festival to drive AI integration in Finance

UAE Al Fardan Exchange and Dubai AI Web3 Festival to drive AI integration in Finance

Al Fardan Exchange has partnered with the Dubai AI & Web3 Festival 2024, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both parties to drive forward AI integration within the financial sector.


Hasan Fardan Al Fardan, Chief Executive Officer of Al Fardan Exchange and a member of the festival’s advisory committee, highlighted the transformative impact of this partnership. He called the collaboration with the Dubai AI & Web3 Festival 2024 a pivotal opportunity to drive AI advancements in the financial sector. In his role on the advisory committee, Hasan Fardan Al Fardan is dedicated to championing the UAE’s ambition to become a global leader in digital finance. This partnership reflects Al Fardan Exchange’s commitment to shaping a future where AI enhances both financial services and customer experiences.


AI has the potential to revolutionize customer interactions within the financial sector. Recent studies highlight that businesses adopting AI in customer service report a 40% reduction in response times and a 38% increase in customer satisfaction. According to McKinsey, financial institutions implementing AI can see a 20% increase in operational efficiency and a 10-15% reduction in costs. Al Fardan Exchange is committed to utilizing AI to provide these enhanced experiences, ensuring every customer interaction is seamless and effective.


Additionally, AI plays a pivotal role in advancing financial inclusion, making financial services accessible to a wider audience. The World Bank estimates that AI-driven solutions could bring financial services to over 1.7 billion unbanked individuals globally, bridging this gap and providing essential financial services to underserved populations. This initiative aligns with Al Fardan Exchange’s mission to foster global financial inclusion.


“Our partnership with the Dubai AI and Web3 Festival 2024 is aimed at advancing AI integration within the financial sector. As a member of the advisory committee, I am committed to supporting the UAE’s vision of a digitally advanced financial landscape,” said Hasan Fardan Al Fardan. He continued, “AI holds significant promise in enriching customer experiences, advancing financial inclusion, and strengthening the financial ecosystem. This partnership reaffirms our commitment at Al Fardan Exchange to deliver technology-driven financial solutions whilst ensuring an effortless customer journey.”

In 2024 UAE Fuze, digital assets infrastructure provider, which recently received a license from Dubai’s regulator, signed an MOU with UAE Fardan Exchange to allow the exchange to offer digital asset products such as buying, selling and transfer.

Qatar Rasmal Ventures to launch $100 million tech fund

Qatar Rasmal Ventures to launch $100 million tech fund

Qatar based Rasmal Ventures, the first independent venture capital company within QFC authority, licensed to manage exempt funds domiciled in QFC, has announced the launch of its upcoming Rasmal $100 million Fund I, with the support of key Qatari private investors and institutions. For its first closing of over USD $30 million, it includes a prestigious institutional investor, family offices and individual high net worth investors from across Qatar and the rest of the world.

As per the release, the team is working with QFCRA to incorporate the fund, and a first closing is expected to be announced in Q4 2023. The fund will make up to 25 equity investments in Qatari start-ups and scale-ups affording outstanding growth potential as well as regional (MENA) and selective international technology investment opportunities at Pre-Series A, Series A, Series B stages. 

The newly launched Fund manager aims to target high performing startups in fast-growing technology sectors. The fund will have a generalist tech approach across all sectors, but will also specialize in verticals such as climate tech and energy tech, supply chain logistics, fintech, B2B Saas Software and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Founded by five seasoned venture capitalists, Rasmal Ventures is licensed to manage exempt funds domiciled in QFC as well as provide advisory services. Two of them, Alexander Wiedmer and Angus Paterson, were previously partners of Iris Capital and of a GCC fund that was the first institutional investor in Careem among other successful investments. Both have 20+ years of venture capital experience and 10+ years’ experience of VC investing in the GCC. They are joined by the founding partner of Doha Tech Angels and former executive at Ooredoo and Kahramaa Dr Shaikha Al Jabir; ex-asset manager for Qatar Energy and M&A Advisor at PwC Marc Bourland, and Soumaya Ben Beya Dridje, who has VC, fund investment and entrepreneurship experience in Silicon Valley, Europe and North Africa.

Dr Shaikha Al Jabir, Partner at Rasmal Ventures, said, “MENA has seen a dynamic and evolving venture capital landscape in recent years. According to a report by MAGNiTT, in 2022 alone the amount of funding in the region reached $3.2 billion, with 627 registered deals and a remarkable uptick in exits.    For our team, this offers an attractive opportunity to establish our base in a thriving market within a regulated environment. We strongly believe that Qatar’s stable economic outlook and well-regulated infrastructure will appeal to Qatar-based, as well as international, investors.”

On his side, Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, Chief Executive Officer, QFC, said, “We are delighted to welcome Rasmal Ventures LLC to the QFC platform, yet another significant addition to our growing community. At the QFC, we remain committed to providing an exceptional and attractive business environment for startups to grow their businesses in Qatar. As an integral part of Qatar’s strategic initiative to build a robust economy, we aim to foster a thriving business ecosystem that drives innovation and accelerates technological advancement in the country. We are confident that Rasmal Ventures LLC will contribute to further the economic development of the region.”

Blockchain company DMZ Finance joins Qatar Digital assets lab

Blockchain company DMZ Finance joins Qatar Digital assets lab

Singaporean Blockchain fintech company DMZ Finance has been chosen by Qatar QFC Digital Assets Lab, which was developed by the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) a special economic zone established by the Qatar government to promote the development of the national financial industry.

DMZ Finance is dedicated to “Navigating DeFi with World-Class Banking”. By partnering with world-class banking institutions, DMZ Finance provides traditional financial institutions and VIP investors with comprehensive institutional-grade solutions for entering the crypto world.

The QFC Digital Assets Lab is its new innovative platform, guided and supported by the Qatar Central Bank (QCB). QFC aims at promoting the development and application of digital asset technology in Qatar and the whole Middle East region. Joining the lab is a crucial step toward obtaining a TSP license in Qatar, which is key for compliance in the issuance, custody, and operation of digital asset exchanges.

DMZ CEO Lee Kai Yang commenting,” Joining the QFC Digital Assets Lab is a significant achievement. “QFC Digital Assets Lab recognizes the DMZ team’s technical strength. We look forward to working with QNB and other partners to promote adoption of blockchain technology, creating a safer, more efficient, and transparent global financial system.”

In June 2024, Blade Labs is a financial technology that tokenizes financial productions and services secured a fintech license at Qatar Financial Center, and was also admitted to the Digital Asset Lab. Blade Labs had partnered with The Hashgraph Association, a Swiss digital enabler of the Hedera Network, to utilize DLT ( distributed ledger technology) to foster and advance financial services to the masses of the MENA region.

UAE QCP capital: investors sideline ETH and Bitcoin makes incredible recovery

UAE QCP capital: investors sideline ETH and Bitcoin makes incredible recovery

UAEbased QCP Capital recently analyzed the price of Bitcoin stating that it has witnessed an unbelievable and swift recovery, comparing it with the increasing sideline of ETH ( Ethereum).

QCP, an institutional digital assets company received In-Principle Approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to conduct regulated activities in May 2024. According to QCP, the decision to make a move into this strategic market for the company’s footprint was in anticipation that the Middle East is going to become a dominant global hub for capital flowing into traditional and digital assets.

According to their market insights report published on August 10th , BTC ( Bitcoin) price is almost exactly where we started a week ago, hovering above 60k. It noted, “Truly an unbelievable and swift recovery, after getting hammered to 49k lows on Monday which was the worst single-day drawdown we’ve seen in years.”

The added that there were two major observations, the first is that there has been a fundamental shift in the liquidity profile of ETH relative to BTC. As per their analysis, while BTC is becoming increasingly integrated into the mainstream macro capital markets, ETH is becoming increasingly sidelined. This development likely stems from the distinct lack of interest in the ETH spot ETFs relative to the BTC spot ETF.

They believe that BTC as digital gold is a compelling narrative to investors while ETH is lacking one. This liquidity shift was made painfully obvious on Monday when ETH plummeted 22% compared to BTC’s 16%.

Yet they state that this is not necessarily negative for ETH price, because while Bitcoin has a propensity for exponential price gains, it also has a potential for larger drawdowns. They note in the report, “Before the ETH spot ETF, the difference in implied volatility between BTC and ETH was closer to 5%. Right now, it has expanded towards 20% and could be even higher. Perhaps the strategy here is to sell BTC volatility and buy ETH volatility.”

In terms of the second observation, they believe the Bitcoin is bullish. They attribute this analysis to the fact that despite what they call the crazy volatility, there was consistent demand for BTC calls expiring in 2025 with strikes close to 100K.

According to their analysis, the crypto market, is back on track towards a bullish year end.