From real estate to gold, Dubai’s VARA is piloting the tokenization of everything

From real estate to gold, Dubai’s VARA is piloting the tokenization of everything

Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) CEO has revealed in an interview with the UAE Emirates News Agency (WAM) that it is working on new pilot projects after the success of the real estate tokenization pilot project with Dubai Land Department. The new pilot involves tokenization of Gold using DeFi.


Mathew White also noted that The Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has so far issued 36 full licences to entities operating in the virtual assets sector, with several hundred at various stages of the licensing process.


He noted that the ecosystem now includes over 400 registered entities involved in activities ranging from proprietary trading to blockchain technology services and other supporting operations.


Speaking on the DLD real estate tokenization project he added that these will soon be available on trading platforms allowing more accessibility and liquidity in the real estate market.

In June White on LinkedIn announced that VARA was piloting a decentralized exchange project, (DEX), the first of its kind in the MENA region. DEX is a peer to peer marketplace where users can trade cryptocurrencies directly with each other without the need for a central intermediary, differing from centralized crypto exchanges.

According to Mathew White CEO of VARA in a LinkedIn post, ” The conversation around decentralised finance (DeFi) has evolved. Not long ago, the question was “Will it survive?”. Now it’s “How fast can we integrate it? At the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority [VARA], we don’t see DeFi as a threat to traditional finance (TradFi), but a high-efficiency tool for accelerating its evolution.”

White has stated out 2025 noting that it was the year of tokenization. In early January on Linked he had stated, ” Tokenized RWAs are on-chain representations of ownership in, or rights and obligations related to, assets like real estate, debt, equity, and other traditionally more illiquid financial assets. Tokenization can make them globally accessible and tradable, while also opening investment opportunities to individuals previously excluded from these asset markets.”

UAE Byzanlink tokenization platform to deploy on Hedera network

UAE Byzanlink tokenization platform to deploy on Hedera network

UAE based Byzanlink, a tokenization platform bridging traditional and decentralized finance, has partnered with the Hedera Foundation where in the first phase the company will integrate and deploy on Hedera Network, the enterprise-grade public network renowned for its high-performance and energy-efficient distributed ledger technology.

As per the press release, the collaboration marks a strategic step toward building a compliant, programmable infrastructure for tokenized financial assets. Byzanlink will leverage Hedera’s scalable and secure architecture to accelerate the development of tokenized real-world assets and expand institutional access to compliant, yield-generating financial instruments. The integration enables real-time settlement, increased transparency, and automated asset lifecycle management across a wide range of asset classes.

Byzanlink is developing an integrated platform that enables institutions, treasuries, and fintechs to interact with tokenized financial assets through a seamless and compliant framework. Through this integration, Byzanlink will leverage Hedera’s Network to ensure scalable deployment and real-time settlement for tokenized asset classes.

“We’re excited to collaborate with the Hedera Foundation as we bring real-world financial assets onchain,” said Anbu Kannappan, Founder and CEO of Byzanlink. “Hedera’s enterprise-grade capabilities align well with our vision of building secure, programmable, and transparent financial infrastructure for the future of global capital markets.”

Byzanlink is targeting the tokenization of over $100 million in real-world assets over the coming years, focused on enabling institutional access to secure, yield-generating financial instruments.

“Byzanlink’s infrastructure is aligned with our vision for enabling the next generation of institutional finance on Hedera,” said Vignesh Raja, Director of Business for Middle East & South Asia at Hedera Foundation. “We believe their model offers a compelling framework for tokenizing real-world assets at scale, and we’re proud to support their growth.”

Saudi Arabian NTDP recently invested in Byzanlink

Saudi Arabian NTDP ( National Technology Development Program), an entity aimed to transform Saudi Arabia into a tech leader by fostering sustainable development and innovation invested along with Outlier Ventures, Smart IT Frame, Sensei Capital as well as angel investors Murali Kulala (CEO, Smart IT Frame), Salman Butt (Co-founder, Salla), and Christopher, a seasoned fintech investor, along with several other prominent angel backers, a sum of $1 million in UAE based Byzanlink, a Blockchain enabled real-world asset (RWA) tokenization platform bridging traditional finance and decentralized finance (DeFi), in a private funding round.

Binance launches new Sharia investment multi token staking product

Binance launches new Sharia investment multi token staking product

Binance has launched a new Sharia investment multi token staking product called Sharia Earn. As per Binance this is the first Sharia compliant multi token staking product. It is build on Binance’s Earn core products that include BNB locked products, ETH staking and SOL staking.

As per the announcement, with over 280 million users worldwide, Binance is committed to building products that serve the diverse needs of their global community. the announcement notes, “We’re proud to answer the call for faith-aligned crypto solutions because we believe the future of finance should be inclusive by design. And now, thanks to Sharia Earn, users can grow their crypto while staying true to Islamic finance principles.”


While conventional staking products follow standard financial models, Sharia Earn is uniquely structured to align with the core tenets of Islamic finance. Certified by Amanie Advisors, a globally respected Sharia advisory firm, users’ assets are carefully managed in full accordance with Islamic finance principles, in particular such as no interest (riba), no excessive uncertainty (gharar), no exposure to haram sectors like alcohol, gambling, or adult content.

Users can also view the Sharia Compliance Certificate for Sharia Compliant Earn Products, issued by Amanie Advisors on 2025-07-01, signed by Dr. Mohd Daud Bakar, confirming Sharia Earn’s adherence to Sharia principles.

Through a Wakala agreement, users’ staked crypto supports Halal blockchain ventures; all protocols are screened for ongoing Sharia compliance, ensuring full transparency in how rewards are generated and distributed. For more details on the reward mechanisms, please refer to our Sharia Earn, Simple Earn Locked Product, ETH Staking & SOL Staking FAQs.


For BNB, rewards are generated on-chain through the Simple Earn Locked Products. Users receive halal rewards daily at a variable rate, paid directly to their Spot Accounts. Users maintain full visibility and control throughout and can choose to withdraw early at any time, at the cost of forfeiting accumulated rewards. For more details, please refer to our Simple Earn Locked Product FAQs.

For ETH and SOL, users receive WBETH and BNSOL upon subscription. These liquid staking tokens increase in value over time regularly per the staking rate of return displayed on the product pages. This is reflected in the regular update of WBETH & BNSOL’s exchange rate on the product pages – illustrating both the staked assets and halal rewards earned. Users can redeem them at any time for ETH or SOL, including all accrued value. For more information, please refer to our ETH Staking & SOL Staking FAQs.

The mechanics of BNB Locked Products, and ETH Staking & SOL Staking take effect through the Wakala agreement and the structuring of the Sharia Earn Terms of Use and have been reviewed by Sharia scholars and deemed to be Sharia Compliant for our Islamic users. More information can be found here.

Sharia Earn will be available for users in the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Egypt, Indonesia, India, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Palestinian territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tunisia, Turkey (.com), United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan.

Binance will announce as availability expands to additional jurisdictions.


Sharia Earn is part of our broader vision of a truly global and inclusive financial system. It embodies our personal values, centered on fairness, transparency, and shared prosperity. To celebrate the launch of Sharia Earn, we’re running exclusive launch promotions with up to $100,000 in crypto rewards.

Campaign 1: Subscribe to Sharia Earn, Earn Points, and Share $80,000 in USDT Rewards

Promotion A: Subscribe & Earn Subscribe or stake a minimum amount to any eligible Sharia Earn product and climb the leaderboard to win a share of $60,000 in USDT rewards.

Promotion B: New User Exclusive The first 5,000 eligible new users who subscribe at least 20 USDT to any eligible Sharia Earn product may receive a 4 USDT token voucher from a 20,000 USDT reward pool on a first-come, first-served basis.

Campaign 2: Red Packet Giveaway: Share Up to $20,000 in USDT Rewards

Promotion A: Register for a Binance account and complete identity verification (KYC), then subscribe to any eligible Sharia Earn product during the Promotion Period. The first 2,000 users will each receive a $5 USDT Red Packet on a first-come, first-served basis.

Promotion B: Refer a friend who registers for a Binance account, completes identity verification (KYC), and subscribes to Sharia Earn. Once complete, both the referrer and their referred friend will each receive a $2.5 USDT Red Packet. This Promotion is capped at 1,000 referrers and 1,000 referees on a first-come, first-served basis. Each referrer can receive a maximum of 2 Red Packets only.

Dubai Duty Free to offer crypto payments with Crypto.com

Dubai Duty Free to offer crypto payments with Crypto.com

Dubai Duty Free has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Crypto.com, a global crypto exchange regulated in UAE, to explore enabling crypto payment and develop collaborative initiatives.

As per the press release, the MoU paves the way for exploring crypto payments at Dubai Duty Free both in-store and online, offering travelers more diverse and innovative payment options and expanding collaborations through strategic partnerships, joint marketing campaigns, and customer engagement programs that leverage the strengths of both organizations.

The agreement was signed at the Emirates Headquarters by Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free and Mohammed Al Hakim, President of UAE Operations at Crypto.com. The signing took place in the presence of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Duty Free.

Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free noted that the MOU will offer more convenience and choice for their customers. He noted, “Dubai Duty Free continually seeks to enhance the retail experience. We believe that embracing digital currency payments, such as cryptocurrency, is a forward-looking step that will add significant value for our diverse customer base and support our vision for sustained growth.”

Eric Anziani, President and COO, Crypto.com added, “We’re delighted to complete the signing of this important MoU with Dubai Duty Free. As we continue to expand the everyday use case for crypto, integration with exceptional partners such as Dubai Duty Free will bring real momentum to the digital asset industry and enable both companies to offer genuine innovative finance solutions for our customers.”

Both parties will begin feasibility studies and detailed planning to bring crypto payment solutions to life and roll out collaborative initiatives under the MoU.

A couple of years back, Dubai Duty Free was in the process of offering stablecoin payments using WadzPay, but this did not materialize.

Prior to this Crypto.com exchange partnered with Emarat Energy Company to offer crypto payment options at select Emarat service stations. As per the LinkedIn post the expansion depends on regulatory approvals and customer demand.

QNB launches First regulated tokenized fund for UAE and MENA

QNB launches First regulated tokenized fund for UAE and MENA

During the Qatar Economic Forum, there was alot of discussions about cooperation between Financial zones collaborating on joint initiatives especially between Qatar and the UAE. Today this news on Qatar National Bank ( Singapore Branch) and DMZ Finance, a blockchain financial technology company also headquartered in Singapore have received the first MENA regulated tokenized money market fund from Dubai Financial Services Authority, the regulatory body at DIFC in Dubai UAE.

For those unfamiliar with the term money market fund, it is a type of mutual fund that invests in low-risk, short-term debt securities like Treasury bills, commercial paper, and certificates of deposit.

As per the press release, QNB, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, will serve as the fund’s lead originator and investment manager. DMZ Finance, acting as co-originator, providing the exclusive tokenization infrastructure powering the fund.

RWAs are increasingly recognized as a critical bridge between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). According to a recent report by Ripple and BCG, the market for tokenized RWAs is projected to grow to USD18.9 trillion by 2033 under a midpoint scenario.

Mr. Silas Lee, CEO of QNB Singapore, highly praised the successful launch of QCDT. He stated, “QCDT is not only the first DFSA-approved tokenized money market fund in Dubai but also a pivotal step in QNB’s digital asset journey. It marks a new phase in our strategic roadmap and lays a strong foundation for the future of multi-asset tokenization. As the Middle East rapidly emerges as a global hub for financial innovation, the successful deployment of QCDT further consolidates QNB’s leadership in the regional financial ecosystem and reflects our long-term vision to shape the next generation of financial infrastructure.”

Mr. Nathan Ma, Co-Founder and Chairman of DMZ Finance, emphasized: The tokenization of real-world assets is becoming a fundamental bridge between traditional capital markets and the digital asset economy. DMZ Finance is working closely with regulatory and financial institutions across the Middle East and other emerging markets to promote the compliant development of RWA infrastructure. Our commitment is to build a secure, efficient and transparent financial buffer between on-chain and off-chain markets.

QCDT strengths will be in its offering of stable yield, institutional-grade custody, on-chain transparency and regulatory endorsement, QCDT sets a benchmark for compliant tokenized financial products in the Middle East.

QCDT is designed to serve a wide range of institutional use cases: as eligible collateral for banks, mapped collateral for centralized exchanges, reserves for stablecoins and a foundational layer for Web3 payment infrastructure.

TON clarifies Golden Visa initiative

TON clarifies Golden Visa initiative

TON Foundation ( The Open Network) has issued a clarification regarding its UAE Golden Visa initiative, saying that the announcement was published prematurely and that the initiatives stems from a collaboration between TON and a licensed partner specialized in blockchain and tokenized assets and has nothing to do with UAE governmental entities.

As per the medium post, TON noted, ” With regards to premature announcement that circulated on X regarding a UAE Golden Visa initiative offered by TON. While we understand the community’s interest and enthusiasm, it’s necessary to provide clarity. The initiative in question stems from an independent collaboration between TON and a licensed partner specializing in blockchain infrastructure and tokenized assets. This exploratory effort is developing outside of any formal arrangement with the UAE government entities.”

TON assets that there are no official Golden Visa program launched in partnership with the government of the United Arab Emirates, nor has any governmental endorsement been granted to TON.

Collaboration with Blockchain entity for Golden Visa initiative is in early stages

TON explained that the collaboration is in the early stages of development and is part of a broader effort to explore how compliant, blockchain-based frameworks might eventually support real-world access to residency pathways.

TON assets that any offering would be subject to all applicable laws and regulations and that application alone does not guarantee visa issuance, the authority for which remains at the discretion of the relevant UAE government bodies.

TON Supports UAE government statement

In the post TON also expressed their support for the joint statement issued by by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), which confirms that no digital residency or investment visa initiatives have been formally approved or launched in partnership with the UAE government.

TON notes that this aligns with their position as the initiative is being developed independently by TON and their blockchain partner.

TON states, “We welcome the clarity provided and appreciate the UAE’s ongoing commitment to regulatory transparency. Should official involvement emerge in the future, it will be communicated transparently and through the appropriate channels.”

The clarification comes after TON spun out of Telegram, unveiled what it described as a new pathway to United Arab Emirates residency, offering 10-year golden visas to applicants who stake $100,000 worth of Toncoin for three years and pay a one-time $35,000 processing fee.

“Secure your Golden Visa in under 7 weeks from document submission to the Visa Office,” TON announced, detailing that its UAE-based partners will manage the visa processing and residency status confirmation.

However, the Emirates News Agency said later in a press release that the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, the Securities and Commodities Authority, and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority have issued a joint statement that golden visas are not issued to digital asset holders.

Crypto.com and Dubai Land department to include crypto payments in real estate transactions

Crypto.com and Dubai Land department to include crypto payments in real estate transactions

Crypto.com, a global cryptocurrency exchange regulated by Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) and Dubai Land Department (DLD) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to explore the use of Blockchain and digital currencies or crypto in the real estate sector.

As per the announcement, the initiative is part of Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 that aims to build a smart, sustainable, real estate ecosystem using advanced technologies such as blockchain, and digital assets as well as tokenization. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Omar Hamad BuShehab, Director General of the Dubai Land Department, and Mohamed Abdul Latif Al Hakim, the authorised signatory for Crypto.com, in the presence of several officials and CEOs from both sides.

Crypto.com will support Dubai’s digital real estate transactions using blockchain and digital currencies/crypto for property transactions. This will not only help to increase liquidity in the real estate sector but also modernize it by enabling real estate asset trading, investor verification as well as digital custody and settlement processes.

Crypto.com will propose solutions for tokenizing real estate and trading digital assets, while Dubai Land Department will explore them and provide administrative and logistical support to implement these regulatory approved joint projects.

Crypto.com will also offer technical support, analytical tools and reports for these projects.

Previously, the Department of Finance in Dubai Government, responsible for the development of the general annual budget and its execution (DOF), also agreed to enable government service fees to be paid in crypto using Crypto.com. Once the system is activated, individuals and businesses will be able to use Crypto.com’s digital wallet to pay for government services. The platform will convert crypto payments into AED and securely transfer the funds to Dubai Finance accounts.

Recently under the Real estate tokenization project, DLD, VARA, and the Dubai Future Foundation, with PRYPCO Mint underwent two tokenized property listings which were both sold out.

Mathew White, CEO of Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), recently noted on LinkedIn that the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) is no longer an experiment. He stated, “It’s happening right now.”

He explained how VARA views tokenization as more than a blockchain use case but rather as a structural shift and the foundation for a new kind of financial system. He explains, ” Everything from real estate and art to commodities and IP can be digitally represented, owned and exchanged in real time.”

He adds, “It’s a system of fractional ownership and near-instant settlement, where global markets are trustless, borderless, and always on. The illiquid can become liquid.”

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange to list first ever MENA blockchain based digital bond

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange to list first ever MENA blockchain based digital bond

Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), the largest exchange in the UAE and second largest exchange in the Middle East North Africa (MENA), has started the pricing stage as an initial step towards listing the first ever DLT ( Distributed Ledger Technology)/ Blockchain digital bond in the MENA region.

As per the announcement the DLT digital bond will be issued by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) using HSBC Orion, digital asset platform. The listing on ADX is a collaboration of all three entities powered by HSBC Orion which is operated by the Central Moneymarkets Unit (CMU) in Hong Kong, and structured with support from leading international law firms, reflecting the high standard of governance.

HSBC Orion has led the way in the digitalisation of the capital market infrastructure. It facilitated the launch of the European Investment Bank’s first-ever digital bond in pound sterling2, and the world’s first multi-currency digital bond offering as well as the largest digital bond issuance for the HKSAR Government. HSBC is also the first bank in the world to offer tokenized ownership in physical gold.

Global investors can access the digital bond through accounts held with CMU, Euroclear and Clearstream, onboarding onto HSBC Orion as direct participant, or via their existing custodian who can participate through one of the above options.

Introducing the digital bond into ADX’s growing list of financial products supports its broader ambition to offer innovative financial instruments and signifies the Exchange’s pioneering role in introducing tokenized finance. Digital bonds, fixed-income securities issued and recorded on blockchain technology, offer operational efficiencies, improved settlement cycles, reduced counterparty risk, improved security and enhanced transparency for institutional investors.

HSBC acted as the sole global coordinator, lead manager and bookrunner on the transaction, and played a central role in bringing the end-to-end blockchain-based issuance to the MENA region.

Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, Group Chief Executive Officer of ADX, said, “The successful issuance of MENA’s first blockchain-based digital bond, in close collaboration with FAB and HSBC, marks a defining moment in our journey to transform capital markets through innovation. ADX was central in facilitating this milestone, ensuring the bond’s seamless integration with existing post-trade infrastructure and compatibility with global settlement standards.”

He added that this initiative not only expands access to institutional grade digital instruments but lays the foundation for broader class of tokenized assets which include green bonds, sukuk, real estate linked products and more. He noted, ” It reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global financial centre. It aligns with the UAE’s national agenda to build a diversified, technology-driven capital market anchored in transparency, resilience, and long-term growth.”

Lars Kramer, Group Chief Financial Officer at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), also explained, “This milestone marks a significant advancement in our innovation journey, establishing FAB as the issuer for the first blockchain-based digital bond in the MENA region. Together with ADX and HSBC, we are setting new benchmarks in efficiency, transparency, and security, while aligning with the UAE’s progressive regulatory framework. We are supporting investors navigate the global digital assets landscape. This bond issuance accelerates the development of a robust digital capital markets ecosystem in the UAE.”

Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Chief Executive Officer, UAE, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, added that the successful launch of MENA’s first digital bond on ADX using HSBC Orion shows how they are transforming the promise of tokenization into reality within the MENA region. He explains, “This is a significant milestone towards a future where digital assets become a mainstream part of the Middle East’s financial landscape.”

This comes after the Securities and Commodities Authority in UAE issued its security and commodity token regulation.

UAE Web3 Fund Aqua 1 invests in World Liberty Financial tokens

UAE Web3 Fund Aqua 1 invests in World Liberty Financial tokens

Aqua 1, Web3-native fund which seems to have been created recently, and on its website does not state who its team is announced it invested $100 million into Trump’s World Liberty Financial (WLFI) token, as a means to participate in the governance of the DeFi platform. The partnership will seek to synergize USD1 infrastructure to ignite adoption across commercial payment gateways and treasury management systems.

As per the announcement, the commitment will help accelerate the creation of a blockchain powered financial ecosystem centered on blockchain, Real World Asset (RWA) tokenization, and stablecoin integration.

The authors go on to noted, together, WLFI and Aqua 1 are building the definitive bridge between legacy systems and blockchain innovation, an institutional-grade marketplace delivering unparalleled access to traditional assets.

“We’re excited to work hand-in-hand with the team at Aqua 1,” said Zak Folkman, Co-Founder of World Liberty Financial. “Aligning with Aqua 1 validates our blueprint for global financial innovation, as we have a joint mission to bring digital assets to the masses and strengthen our nation’s standing as a champion and leader of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.”

“WLFI and Aqua 1 will jointly identify and nurture high-potential blockchain projects together,” stated Dave Lee, Founding Partner of Aqua 1. ( no LinkedIn profile available)“WLFI’s USD1 ecosystem and RWA pipeline embody the trillion-dollar structural pivot opportunity we seek to catalyze, where architects merge traditional capital markets with decentralized primitives to redefine global financial infrastructure.”

Beyond the U.S. market, Aqua 1’s global investment and compliance teams will assist WLFI in expanding across South America, Europe, Asia, and emerging markets to accelerate digital asset ecosystem development.

Strategically, WLFI also plans to support the launch of Aqua 1’s Aqua Fund, a UAE-domiciled investment fund developed in partnership with leading regional stakeholders. The fund will be dedicated to accelerating the Middle East’s digital economy transformation through advanced blockchain infrastructure, artificial intelligence integration, and global Web3 adoption.

Aqua Fund aims to serve as a gateway for capital, talent, and technology to converge, positioning the region at the forefront of the next digital wave. Aqua Fund intends to partner with a secondary trading venue within ADGM to list the fund and facilitate secondary market liquidity for investors.

Furthermore, both parties plan to jointly develop and incubate BlockRock (https://x.com/BlockRock_rwa), an institutional RWA tokenization platform, focused on digitizing and integrating premium traditional assets into the Web3 ecosystem.

This is not the first time a UAE entity engaged with World Liberty Financial when it was announced that MGX, an Abu Dhabi tech company invested $2 billion in Binance crypto exchange, using the USD1 stablecoin. Binance listed World Liberty Financial USD (USD1) and opened trading for the following spot trading pair USD1/USDT.

UAE Omining crypto mining entity expands operations to Kenya

UAE Omining crypto mining entity expands operations to Kenya

UAE based Omining, the crypto mining infrastructure company operating under the DMCC ecosystem, has expanded operations into Kenya with new established facility in the Kenyan Special Economic Zone (SEZ) makes it one of the first large-scale Web3 deployments in East Africa by a UAE-based entity.

The company’s entry comes as global technology players, including Microsoft, expand into Kenya’s SEZ framework, with Google and Amazon reportedly completing due diligence for future presence in the region. Omining’s new facility will serve as its operational hub, with a 90-megawatt capacity currently being expanded to 200 megawatts.

It leverages Kenya’s stable electricity costs, investor-friendly regulation, and growing global relevance. Naivasha, where the plant will run, offers other key advantages: a year-round temperate climate ranging from 6 to 30 degrees Celsius, a 100% tax-free regime within the SEZ, and a currency whose value is closely aligned with the US dollar – much like Dubai.

“We’re witnessing the beginning of a revolutionary era – the democratization of cryptocurrency mining. By enabling anyone to mine a currency without government control, we’re participating in a groundbreaking movement that’s reshaping the world’s financial landscape,” said Francesco Colucci, Managing Partner at Omining.

In under-electrified markets, crypto mining operations can play a broader role. Kenya has made significant strides in renewable energy generation, yet in rural areas, grid expansion often remains economically infeasible due to low demand. Omining’s consistent, large-scale energy consumption and investments in the region can help stabilize long-term revenue for utility providers. This, in turn, adds to the long-term health of both infrastructure and access.

“The infrastructure we’re building is about more than just scale,” said Lorenzo Calligaris, CTO at Omining. “You need to be in environments that understand what you’re doing and let you move fast, but responsibly. That’s what we’ve had in Dubai, and now we’re applying that playbook in Kenya.”

Kenya’s positioning as an SEZ destination is rapidly gaining traction across multiple industries because of a skilled labor pool, and growing integration with global digital trade systems. Recent public commentary from Kenneth Chelule, CEO of the SEZ Authority, referenced the potential of crypto mining firms like Omining to contribute to SEZ employment and energy monetization.

Recently Phoenix Group also entered the African continent with operations in Ethiopia. expanded its operations into the burgeoning African market with the acquisition of an 80-megawatt (MW) power purchase agreement (PPA) in Ethiopia. This landmark deal, forged in partnership with Abu Dhabi-based cybersecurity firm Data7, marks a significant step in Phoenix Group’s global diversification strategy.