UAE based Dohrnii and Blynex crypto exchange bury the hatchet

UAE based Dohrnii and Blynex crypto exchange bury the hatchet

After a few days of heated, he said she said drama with accusations of mis conduct attributed to both parties, UAE based Dohrnii Labs which seeks to empower financial education with blockchain and gamified learning and its utility token, DHN which it notes powers the Dohrnii ecosystem, and Blynex crypto exchange announced in a general post that all is resolved and everything is water under the bridge.

In an X post, they announced that thy were pleased to have successfully resolved all outstanding issues and have reached a mutually beneficial agreement.

The statement read, ” Following constructive dialogue and a shared commitment to long-term collaboration and innovation in the blockchain and fintech sectors, both parties have agreed on terms that close the chapter on recent disagreements. The resolution underscores the professionalism and forward-thinking approach of both teams, reaffirming their mutual respect and focus on delivering value to their respective communities.”

It added, that with this agreement, all prior concerns are considered settled, and both organizations reaffirm their commitment to professionalism, user trust, and the advancement of blockchain-based financial solutions.

In addition, the parties agreed to mutual cooperation and Blynex will provide self loan dashboard and staking for DHN Team as a sign of support for the project.

This comes after Dohrnii Labs took legal and police action again Blynex, an unregulated crypto exchange with a presence in the UAE. According to Dohrnii Labs, the company filed a police report against Blynex while attempting to withdraw 4000 DHN tokens were blocked from doing so, and also noted that Blynex had liquidated 8,600 of their DHN collateral selling it for 148,160.64 USDT. The company claimed that this was done without authorization, and demanded the immediate release of the 4,000 DHN and the return of the full USDT amount generate from their collateral.

With the end to the saga, all Dohrnii’s X posts accusing Blynx have been deleted.

Chainlink supports UAE’s tokenization projects registered in ADGM

Chainlink supports UAE’s tokenization projects registered in ADGM

UAE ADGM, the leading International Financial Centre (IFC) of the UAE’s capital, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chainlink, the standard for onchain finance, to help advance tokenization frameworks by supporting innovative projects under ADGM’s Registration Authority. Leveraging Chainlink’s technical expertise, industry insights, and a suite of advanced services the entities will maximize the utility of tokenized assets while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Chainlink’s market-leading services, including blockchain interoperability and verifiable data solutions, are facilitating liquidity across global markets, enabling over $19 trillion in transaction value.

Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, CEO of ADGM Registration Authority said, “This strategic alliance is a significant step in further solidifying ADGM’s leadership in enabling blockchain innovation and enhancing alignment in the regulatory approach globally. By collaborating with Chainlink, we are aiming to set a global benchmark that spearheads transparency, security, and trust across the blockchain space.

Under the MoU, ADGM and Chainlink will foster a dialogue on regulatory matters in blockchain, AI, and other emerging technologies. The agreement also outlines a series of events and workshops aimed at educating the UAE ecosystem on key topics related to blockchain and AI, such as tokenization, cross-chain interoperability, proof of reserves, and emerging blockchain standards.

Angie Walker, Global Head of Banking and Capital Markets at Chainlink Labs and Senior Executive Officer at Chainlink Labs Abu Dhabi said, “ADGM has developed a robust environment where tokenisation projects can thrive. Our alliance will elevate the blockchain ecosystem in the UAE, driving greater innovation and adoption. We are excited to see projects under the purview of ADGM Registration Authority adopt the Chainlink standard, enabling seamless compliance, enhanced connectivity across markets, and highly secure on-chain services.

Chainlink has been active in the MENA region. In February 2025 Saudi based Oumla, a Layer 1 blockchain platform that allows applications to be built on any blockchain with ease, as well as offers a secure vault infrastructure for storing digital assets announced its partnership with Chainlink.

Major financial market infrastructures and institutions, such as Swift, Fidelity International, and ANZ Bank, as well as top DeFi protocols including Aave, GMX, and Lido, use Chainlink to power next-generation applications for banking, asset management, and other major sectors.

In December 2024, Chainlink Labs, expanded its presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and set up an office and an entity in Abu Dhabi under the Registration Authority of ADGM.

Lebanon wont get USAID if its not on the blockchain

Lebanon wont get USAID if its not on the blockchain

As the United States President Donald Trump overhauls USAID with a new name as well as a proposed integration with Blockchain, Lebanon whose USAID funds were semi frozen might need to integrate Blockchain into its digitization strategy if it wants to be able to get USAID in the future.

President Donald Trump in a recent speech at the Digital Asset Summit in New York, plans to restructure USAID and rebrand it as U.S. International Humanitarian Assistant placing it under the Secretary of State’s authority.

This is in line with Elon Musk’s call to put the U.S. Treasury department on the blockchain as well, considering it would create efficiency and help to decrease costs in government. His view is that the transparency and immutability of the blockchain technology, which ensures all transactions are visible for everyone to see for the rest of time, would eradicate alleged fraud.

Blockchain to be incorporated into USAID


As per a memo circulating among State Department staff, Trump wants to integrate blockchain technology into USAID’s procurement system to enhance security, transparency, and traceability in aid distributions.


It would leverage a blockchain to trace aid distributions and enforce payment models based on outcomes rather than inputs. “All distributions would also be secured and traced via blockchain technology to radically increase security, transparency, and traceability,” the memo reportedly reads, adding that such an approach would encourage innovation and efficiency.


The President also reportedly wants cryptocurrency and blockchain technology to feature heavily in its operations. USAID has been under scrutiny from the Trump administration since the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk.

Lebanese USAID grants semi frozen

The U.S. president froze USAID payments in a January 20th under an executive order. The freezing also effected Lebanon which in 2024 alone received a total of $219 million in assistance from USAID of those $17 million came from the U.S. State Department with military aid accounting for 4% of the total funding and with remaining funds primarily supported humanitarian relief ($91 million) and education ($71 million).


The news of the freeze has had a negative effect on NGOs and their employees in Lebanon even though it was temporarily lifted in February 2025.


There are two major issues that will challenge Lebanon’s ability to received USAID, the first is level of historic corruption in Lebanese government and even claims of corruption within the NGO community, as well as lack of transparency, while the second is the lack of a digital infrastructure that can integrate Blockchain, AI, and other technologies such as digital payments into the web of aid or investment funds to the country.
If USAID will utilize blockchain and crypto, it will need to add the entities that funds are provided with to the blockchain as nodes to be able to track where money has been spent and if it has been spent correctly leading to results.

New Lebanese Cabinet under Salam discusses digital transformation

The new Lebanese Cabinet, under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is discussing digital transformation in the public sector, after enacting the first Ministry of AI in Lebanese government.
As per news reports, a committee will be formed to oversee coordination between Lebanese Ministries, even though the digitization theme has been in discussion for years. Several previous sessions addressed this issue, dating back to the government’s adoption of the Lebanon Digital Transformation Strategy 2020-2030.


Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized the government’s commitment to establishing a neutral, transparent, and efficient state administration as a cornerstone of governance. He stressed that “there is no state without an administration,” as it serves as the backbone of governance and a key tool for serving citizens.
He announced that the government formed a ministerial committee to study and modernize the public sector, along with another committee to examine digital transformation in public administration.


Lebanon still has one of the most outdated governmental services sector, where almost everything needs paperwork and in person visits.


Despite this, some ministries have taken independent steps to integrate technology into their services. In 2021, the Ministry of Labor launched an online platform for work permit applications for foreign nationals. The Interior Ministry introduced an electronic criminal record service, allowing citizens to request and receive documents through OMT centers across Lebanon. The Ministry of Justice has also advanced its digital services, enabling lawyers and citizens to create online accounts on the official judicial services platform for easier access to information and remote application submissions. Most recently, the Ministry of Economy introduced an online licensing system for market and exhibition organizers in Lebanon.


Yet all these are remnants of what other governments in the region and globally were doing in the early 2000s. Previous discussions on a CBDC launch and regulation of crypto have never seen the light.

Lebanese Ministry of Health dabbles with Blockchain


The only Ministry that has dabbled with Blockchain has been the Lebanese Ministry of Health which launched MediTrack back in December 2021. The first phase was used to track medicine for Cancer and chronic illness patients whose treatment is costly. Twenty hospitals from across Lebanon attended the training at Rafic Harriri International Hospital.

Minister Abyad in a statement at the time,” The MediTrack Solution will first be utilized for medicine related to high cost treatments such as cancer and other chronic diseases. It is essential in tracing the movement of medicine and will decrease the effects of the financial crisis that Lebanon is going through because it will stop the smuggling of medicine across the border as well as stop the storage and monopolization of these medicines ensuring it gets to the patient and only the patient.”


The Minister noted that this was carried with support of World Health Organization and European Union. In September of 2021, The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health signed a five year agreement with rfxcel, part of Antares Vision Group a solution provider in digital supply chain traceability solutions, to provide a Blockchain enabled GS1-compliant traceability hub to protect the entire pharmaceutical supply chain in the country. The Blockchain enabled solution will be implemented by rfxcel’s partner Medical Value Chain (MVC), the Bahrain subsidiary of US-based AVC Global. MVC

The Future of Lebanon will depend on Blockchain, AI, and datacenters


Future of Lebanon depends on receiving investments from around the globe and the region, and for this to happen, the Lebanese government has to show not only an appetite for reforms, but also a platform that brings transparency and trust. Once again Blockchain, AI, datacenters, become the only relevant solution to bureaucracy corruption and favoritism.


Smart contracts, public access to information on the blockchain, digital asset payments either in CBDCs or stablecoins will eliminate the waste, bureaucracy and corruption that has crippled the Lebanese state for decades, as well as restore trust and confidence in the political and governmental operation of the country.

Anything less than that will not be accepted as the United States and countries in the GCC and Arab world embrace blockchain, AI, digital assets, and the future.

In UAE’s SCA first meeting of the year the topic was blockchain

In UAE’s SCA first meeting of the year the topic was blockchain

The UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) held its first meeting for 2025 and the main topic being dished was leveraging advancements in fintech, blockchain and digital finance by developing innovative regulatory frameworks to facilitate digital transformation and attract international investors.

The first meeting of the year presided over by HE. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Board saw the participation of esteemed Board members, including HE. Faisal Yousuf Selaitin (Vice Chairman), HE. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, HE. Dr. Ali Mohammed Al Rumaithi, HE. Arif Mohammed Amiri, HE. Rashed Abdul Karim Al Blooshi, and HE. Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei.

As per the press release at the meeting, the Board articulated an ambitious strategic vision aimed at positioning the UAE as a global leader in financial markets. This vision focuses on the development of innovative regulatory frameworks designed to facilitate digital transformation and attract international investors. By leveraging advancements in fintech, blockchain technology, and digital finance, the SCA is committed to fostering a competitive and dynamic financial ecosystem that accelerates market growth.

“Our vision is to ensure the UAE leads in both financial innovation and regulatory excellence within the financial services sector, cultivating a dynamic and competitive financial ecosystem.” stated HE. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa.

HE. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the SCA, highlighted the organization’s commitment to positioning the UAE’s financial markets at the forefront of global financial innovation. “By prioritizing the establishment of a robust regulatory framework that emphasizes investor protection and enhances transparency, we aim to unlock new growth opportunities and reinforce the UAE’s status as a pivotal player in the global financial arena.” he affirmed.

The Board’s strategic framework is designed to adapt to evolving global trends in financial technology. This includes implementing comprehensive regulatory initiatives that enhance the SCA’s supervisory capacity and operational efficiency. By aligning regulatory practices with international standards, the SCA is poised to strengthen the resilience of the financial sector while ensuring robust investor protections. This proactive approach not only attracts increased global investments but also solidifies the UAE’s position as a leading global investment destination.

Earlier this year the UAE SCA invited feedback on its security tokens draft regulation using DLT technology to represent financial rights and tangible assets.

UAE Tokinvest participates in DLD and VARA pilot for tokenizing property titles

UAE Tokinvest participates in DLD and VARA pilot for tokenizing property titles

UAE Tokinvest, a VARA regulated marketplace for real world asset tokenization, is participating with Dubai Land Department, Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority and Dubai Future Foundation, in the pilot for tokenizing property deeds and titles in Dubai.

The pilot announced this week is in line with the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has launched the pilot phase of the ‘Real Estate Tokenization Project for property title deeds. The initiative, introduced under the Real Estate Innovation Initiative ‘REES,’ establishes DLD as the first real estate registration entity in the Middle East to implement tokenization on property title deeds. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) through Sandbox Real Estate.

DLD anticipates that this groundbreaking initiative will drive significant growth in the real estate tokenization sector, with its market value projected to reach AED 60 billion equivalent to $16 billion by 2033, representing 7% of Dubai’s total real estate transactions.

Scott Thiel, CEO & Co-Founder of Tokinvest, has shared his perspective on the significance of this milestone with Lara on the Block noting, “Dubai continues to set the global benchmark for real estate innovation, and the launch of the Real Estate Tokenization Project by the Dubai Land Department marks a transformative moment for the sector. The initiative not only reinforces Dubai’s leadership in blockchain adoption but also paves the way for a more inclusive, liquid, and efficient real estate market.”

He added that Tokinvest is proud to be at the forefront of this evolution. He explained, ” We are proud to be collaborating with key stakeholders in shaping the future of tokenized real estate. Through our regulatory expertise and technology-driven approach, we are excited to contribute to the success of this pilot, bringing real-world assets onto the blockchain in a secure and compliant manner. Tokenisation is no longer a concept, it’s a reality that will open up Dubai’s real estate market to a global pool of investors like never before.”

Tokinvest is looking forward to working closely with the DLD, VARA, and other industry pioneers to establish best practices and drive meaningful adoption. Thiel notes, “This is the beginning of a new era for real estate investment in Dubai, and Tokinvest is committed to playing a key role in this transformation.”

Already Tokinvest, has carried out strategic partnerships connecting 1 billion people to tokenized real estate, investment funds, and alternative assets. The partnerships cross geographies that include UAE, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and beyond to establish a global tokenization infrastructure. They include UDPN (Hong Kong): Developing a tokenized deposit and stablecoin infrastructure to power virtual asset adoption across MENA and Africa, InvestaX (Singapore): A MAS-licensed digital securities platform, enabling investors to access global RWAs and compliant security token offerings, Archax (UK), The first FCA-regulated digital securities exchange, providing brokerage, custody, and liquidity for tokenized assets in institutional markets, and HKVAX (Hong Kong): A regulated SFC-licensed virtual asset exchange, bridging institutional finance with blockchain-based asset issuance as well as Fasset (UAE, Indonesia, Malaysia, the EU, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain and others) and StegX (EEA), A Frankfurt-based real estate tokenization marketplace, providing European investors with access to Dubai’s booming property sector.

Scott Thiel, CEO & Co-Founder of Tokinvest, said, “This isn’t just about partnerships; this is about building a global ecosystem that enables seamless access to tokenized real-world assets across multiple jurisdictions. With our expanding network, Tokinvest is positioning itself as a leader in unlocking previously inaccessible investment opportunities and redefining how people engage with high-value assets. Our reach now extends to potentially over 1 billion people, and we are only getting started.”

In the near future, Tokinvest is gearing up for the launch of its platform in April 2025, where investors will be able to access exclusive tokenised property investments in Dubai. Through its strategic partnerships, strong regulatory backing, and best-in-class technology, Tokinvest is paving the way for a new era of accessible, transparent, and efficient investing.

UAE Oro Labs, built on Solana raises $1.5 million

UAE Oro Labs, built on Solana raises $1.5 million

UAE based ORO Labs, a Solana based tokenization protocol, has raised $1.5 million in a pre-seed funding round, let by 468 Capital, with participation from UAE regulated Fasset tokenization exchange platform, as well as Phantom, Jupiter, Helium, Squads, Sanctum, Anza Labs, Perena, Bonk, and Forma.

As per the announcement the $1.5 million pre seed funding will help ORO Labs expand its product offerings and deepen integrations within both decentralized and traditional financial markets. The company is also partnering with Fasset to drive adoption across the UAE, Malaysia, Bahrain, Indonesia, and Turkey, and will launch on Fasset’s Layer 2 network later this year.

ORO aims to make gold a dynamic, income-generating asset by allowing users to earn a real yield on their gold holdings, borrow against their gold to unlock liquidity, and trade gold-backed assets with instant settlement.

The UAE currently facilitates over $100 billion in gold transactions annually, and in the past two years the price of Gold has increased by more than 50 percent.

ORO is also expanding tokenized gold adoption across the UAE, Malaysia, Bahrain, Indonesia, and Turkey. Fasset will be its partner, helping drive retail and institutional access through its regulated financial infrastructure. ORO will also launch on Own (Fasset’s Layer 2 network) later this year.

Usman Saleem, Co-Founder & CEO of ORO, said, “Gold shouldn’t just sit idle—it should generate wealth. With ORO, gold isn’t just something you hold; it’s something you can earn with, borrow against, and use seamlessly across markets. This is gold, but better.”

Guilherme Steinbruch, Partner at 468 Capital, added, “We see ORO as a crucial bridge between legacy commodities markets and the next generation of financial infrastructure. By creating a gold-backed financial asset with real utility, ORO is unlocking new opportunities for both crypto users and traditional gold investors.”

Tokenization of assets has also been growing in the past year and especially in the UAE with announcements from MantraChain Blockchain and Damac, as well as Tokinvest, which implies the growing importance of tokenization in the UAE’s digital asset economy.

This announcement also comes at the backdrop of DFSA recent launch of its Tokenization sandbox.

Bybit crypto exchange hosts trading workshop with UAE University of Wollongong

Bybit crypto exchange hosts trading workshop with UAE University of Wollongong

Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, which has an in principle approval from VARA in Dubai, has partnered exclusively with the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) to host a Demo Trading Challenge & Workshop at UOWD campus. This initiative equipped students from Business Analysis, Finance, Accounting, and other business-related disciplines with practical trading knowledge, enhanced their understanding of cryptocurrency markets, and bridged the gap between academic theory and real-world trading strategies.

UOWD, the UAE’s first international Australian university, is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and industry collaboration. Accredited by both the UAE Ministry of Education and Australia’s Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), UOWD has played a key role in developing future business and finance leaders.

The workshop provided participants with hands-on experience using Bybit’s demo trading platform, allowing them to navigate market fluctuations in real time while learning key strategies from industry experts. The event culminated in a competitive trading challenge, where students applied their newly acquired knowledge in a dynamic, risk-free environment.

Attendees also gained insights from a lineup of distinguished speakers alongside Bybit’s senior product managers specializing in trading bots, copy trading, and demo trading. Their expertise gave students a deeper understanding of spot and contract trading processes, market data analysis, and risk management.

“At Bybit, we believe that financial literacy and hands-on experience are key to unlocking opportunities in the digital economy,” said Phoebe Peng, Head of Organization Development at Bybit. “Through this collaboration with UOWD, we empowered the next generation of professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the evolving world of cryptocurrency trading.”

OKX Ventures leads $7 million funding of UAE blockchain game startup PlaysOut

OKX Ventures leads $7 million funding of UAE blockchain game startup PlaysOut

OKX Ventures has led a $7 million of a seed funding into UAE based PlaysOut with additional participation from kbw Ventures and Pacific Century Group. This funding will be instrumental in expanding PlaysOut’s blockchain enabled mini-game ecosystem, fostering strategic partnerships, and enhancing its market presence.

PlaysOut is designed to assist developers in releasing mini-games on popular platforms such as Telegram, Discord, and YouTube. The platform integrates blockchain features and infrastructure, providing a seamless experience for developers and users alike. One of the key developments for PlaysOut is the upcoming launch of its embedded SDK in May, which is expected to further streamline the process of integrating mini-games with blockchain technology.

The participation of OKX Ventures underscores the growing interest in the mini-game sector and the potential of blockchain technology in enhancing gaming experiences.

KBW Ventures and Pacific Century Group, both known for their investments in innovative technologies, also bring valuable expertise and resources to the table. The funding will be used to expand the mini-game ecosystem, ensuring that PlaysOut can offer a diverse range of games and features to its users.

Overall, the $7 million seed funding round positions the platform for growth and innovation in the mini-game sector, leveraging blockchain technology to create a unique and engaging experience for developers and users. With the support of OKX Ventures, KBW Ventures, and Pacific Century Group, PlaysOut is well-equipped to achieve its goals and establish itself as a leader in the mini-game industry.

Amberdata digital asset analytics firm sets up office in UAE

Amberdata digital asset analytics firm sets up office in UAE

Amberdata, the US-based digital asset data and analytics for institutional customers, has expanded into the Middle East with a new office in Dubai. The office as per the press release will offer GCC current customers as well as new market entrants with sales and account management support including comprehensive, granular on-chain, DeFi, spot, and derivatives market data and market intelligence.

Amberdata chose the UAE due to its emergence as a crypto innovation center focused on creating a regulatory environment conducive to growth, attracting top talent, and fostering a robust ecosystem for the digital asset class.

“Dubai really has become a global hub of crypto innovation,” said Shawn Douglass, CEO of Amberdata. “Thanks to the growth of the DIFC (Dubai Financial International Centre) there are many institutions active in the region. This drives collaboration between traditional financial institutions and the crypto industry. We look forward to serving this growing market and providing more financial institutions with a competitive edge in the digital asset class.”

Amberdata delivers comprehensive data and insights into blockchain networks, crypto markets, and decentralized finance, empowering financial institutions with data for research, trading, risk, analytics, reporting, and compliance.

The announcement comes as financial institutions, and more VASPs enter the crypto space in the UAE and GCC region. One of the first digital asset data analytics firms to enter UAE was Chainalysis, and then Crystal Intelligence.

Amana UAE based neobroker now trades 450 cryptocurrencies

Amana UAE based neobroker now trades 450 cryptocurrencies

amana, UAE based neobroker with operations across the Middle East, has added 300 new cryptocurrencies to trade in, making the total available 450 cryptocurrencies. As per the press release this cements amana as the go-to platform for seamless digital and traditional asset trading in one powerful app.

This milestone fills a major gap: most crypto platforms focus solely on digital assets, while traditional brokers offer little to no crypto access. amana bridges both worlds, giving traders everything they need in one place—no multiple accounts required.

With 450 plus cryptocurrencies this makes the widest selection from any broker in MENA, including majors like Bitcoin or Ethereum and XRP, gaming coins like Decentraland, meme coins like the Trump coin, L1/L2s, DeFi, and many more,


“Trading crypto has never been this effortless,” said Muhammad Rasoul, CEO of amana. “With over 450 coins and a seamless all-in-one platform, we’re making it easier than ever for our customers to trade digital assets alongside stocks, forex, and commodities—all in one place, with zero hassle.”