Stobox receives license in Qatar to offer tokenization solutions

Stobox receives license in Qatar to offer tokenization solutions

Stobox, a blockchain enabled tokenization provider, has received a license in Qatar by Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) .

As per the press release, this milestone reinforces Stobox’s pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The license will allow Stobox to bring its technology and expertise to one of the world’s fastest-growing digital economies.

Qatar Financial Centre houses businesses, from start-ups to large corporations, like Deutsche Bank, Citibank, and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, among its clients. Now, these companies can access Stobox’s innovative tokenization frameworks and blockchain-powered financial solutions.

In addition to its operational license, Stobox has secured a business license to provide consulting services, technology solutions, and customer support.

“Securing this license marks a transformative moment for Stobox. It affirms our leadership in tokenization and unlocks access to government-supported initiatives, business development opportunities, and partnerships with major banks and investors. We’re committed to building a robust tokenization ecosystem in Qatar and throughout MENA,” said Ross Shemeliak, COO and Co-Founder.

Additionally, Stobox will introduce products to Qatar’s tokenization ecosystem such as Stobox 4 – an ecosystem where users can manage a diverse portfolio of assets with unparalleled security and ease. It accommodates an extensive range of cryptocurrencies while also pioneering the tokenization of real-world assets, transforming traditionally illiquid investments into accessible, liquid opportunities.
Turn-Key Solutions to Tokenize Your Real-World Assets.


It will also introduce the Stobox Decentralized Identity (DID) framework fortifies the integrity of tokenized transactions, ensuring that only credentialed and authorized participants can issue, transfer, or redeem digital assets. It aligns with global regulatory frameworks while streamlining compliance operations.

Additionally the company operates the STV3 Protocol delivers a secure, efficient, and scalable framework for managing tokenized assets. It integrates cutting-edge innovations for improved performance, regulatory compliance, and automated governance, thus providing a robust ruleset for modern digital asset ecosystems.

Stobox has already tokenized the world’s largest shrimp farm in collaboration with Qatar’s ICM Capital, a prominent conglomerate in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This project exemplifies the transformative potential of tokenization in the region.

Stobox is also working in the UAE and has initiated partnerships there.

Central Bank of UAE launches Dirham CBDC with new symbol

Central Bank of UAE launches Dirham CBDC with new symbol

The Central Bank of UAE (CBUAE) unveiling its new symbol for the UAE’s national currency, the Dirham has committed to the launch of the Digital Dirham as a CBDC. The CBDC project launched in 2023 has witnessed huge progress and will incorporate a Digital Dirham wallet. As per the press release, it seems that the Digital Dirham is already being used for B2B purposes and will be issued for retail segment in fourth quarter of 2025.

As per the press release the new Dirham Symbol and Digital Dirham will strengthen UAE’s positions as a leading global financial hub. The Digital Dirham was a key initiative the Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Program and was incorporated by Federal Decree-Law No. (54) of 2023 amending certain provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. (14) of 2018 concerning the Central Bank and Regulation of Financial Institutions and Activities which considers the Digital Dirham as a legal tender in all payment outlets and channels alongside the physical currency.

H.E. Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of UAE, said, “We are proud to unveil today the new symbol for the UAE’s national currency the “Dirham” in both its physical and digital forms, and the design of the Digital Dirham wallet. This reflects the significant advancements in the implementation of the Digital Dirham program and a leap towards realizing the CBUAE’s vision.”

UAE Digital Dirham CBDC Benefits

Built on Blockchain technology, the CBDC will incorporate high levels of security and efficiency and will be used for tokenization purposes as well as payments on smart contracts for complex transactions.

Banks, financial institutions, exchange houses, finance companies and fintech companies will issue the Digital Dirham CBDC to both individuals and businesses.

The Central Bank of UAE has also developed an integrated and secure platform for the issuance, circulation, and use of the Digital Dirham, the Digital Dirham wallet. The wallet will enable a number of financial transactions, including retail, wholesale, and cross-border payments, money transfers and withdrawals, top-ups, and redemption of the Digital Dirham when needed. This ensures a seamless and convenient user experience, in line with industry best standards and practices.

Balama also explained that the Blockchain based Digital Dirham will enhance financial stability, inclusion, resilience, and combatting financial crime. He also noted that it would further enable the development of innovative digital products, services, and new business models, while reducing cost and increasing access to international markets.

The Dirham Symbol both in physical and digital format

As for the new Symbol it will be applied for both the physical form of the currency and the digital form. The letter was chosen, derived from the English name of the Dirham, to serve as an international symbol representing the nation’s currency, incorporating two horizontal lines that embody the stability of the UAE Dirham and inspired by the UAE flag, to enhance financial and monetary stability.

On the other hand, the Digital Dirham symbol features a circle surrounding the physical currency symbol, using the colors of the UAE flag to reflect pride and national identity. The symbol choice serves as evidence of the national currency’s global reach and openness to a more prosperous future, and commitment to developing an innovative local financial ecosystem with a global perspective.

Paul Kayrouz, Chief Fintech Officer at Central Bank of UAE, noted in a Linkedin post, that the launch is a new era for Fintech in the UAE. He stated, ” We unveiled the new symbol for the UAE Dirham (AED), a major step in strengthening the currency’s digital and global presence. This symbol will streamline financial transactions, enhance recognition in international markets, and support the UAE’s vision as a global fintech and financial hub.”

UAE had previously also issued regulations for AED backed stablecoins that would also be used as legal tender in the country. With the launch of the Digital Dirham, the UAE becomes the fourth country to have launched a CBDC out of 134 countries who are either researching, piloting, canceling or have inactive CBDCs.

The announcement comes as nearly a third of central banks have pushed back launching digital versions of their currencies, a new survey Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF) think tank and German-based banknote firm Giesecke+Devrient  showed in February 2025, although a desire to protect their money-minting powers mean most still intend to go ahead.

U.S. President Donald Trump banned work on a digital dollar in one of his first moves after becoming president in January.

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.

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.

Dubai Land Department pilots tokenization of property title deeds

Dubai Land Department pilots tokenization of property title deeds

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. As per the announcement, 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.

His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Land Department, stated, “Amid rapid technological advancements and the increasing reliance on digital solutions, real estate tokenization emerges as a revolutionary tool driving fundamental change in the real estate sector. By converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology, tokenization simplifies and enhances buying, selling, and investment processes.”

He added: “It aligns with our strategy to unlock new opportunities for innovative real estate products, enhance property sector innovation, promote transparency and governance, and enable a wider pool of investors to participate in large-scale real estate projects in Dubai.

The announcement comes in the midst of increasing focus on tokenization in the UAE, as well as the announcement between DAMAC Group and MantraChain to tokenize $1 billion worth of assets.


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.

UAE financial center, DIFC, launches tokenization sandbox

UAE financial center, DIFC, launches tokenization sandbox

Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the regulatory arm of DIFC ( Dubai International Financial Centre) has announced the launch its tokenization regulatory sandbox.

The tokenization regulatory sandbox (TRS), which has two stages: the innovation testing license (ITL) under the tokenization cohort and a DFSA license to enter the program.

As per the press release, the regime asked firms to submit their expression of interest before April 24, 2025.


The tokenization regulatory sandbox will allow firms to test innovative products and services in a controlled environment. The sandbox will also provide an opportunity for firms to test tokenized financial solutions.

It will offer a regulatory pathway from experimentation to full authorization.

The DFSA’s innovation testing license has already been instrumental in supporting fintechs and digital finance pioneers in the DIFC. It will now expand its scope to tokenized investments.

As per the guidelines set by the DFSA, firms who are engaged in the tokenization of financial services such as trading, holding or settling tokenized investments like equities, bonds, sukuk, and collective investment fund units can express their interest in joining.

Additionally, existing DFSA-authorized firms who want to expand into the tokenization field can also apply.

Firms are required to have a strong understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements.

Interested firms will undergo an assessment process, and those that demonstrate strong business models and regulatory understanding may be invited to participate in the DFSA’s tokenization regulatory sandbox, where they will receive tailored regulatory support and structured testing opportunities, under what is called the ITL tokenization cohort.

The ITL tokenization cohort is the DFSA’s version of a regulatory “sandbox” focused on tokenization-related activities.

The announcement comes as more and more tokenization projects flourish in the UAE, with examples including Mantra Blockchain’s recent partnership with DAMAC Holdings to tokenize $1 billion worth of assets.

Additionally, other countries across the GCC and MENA region, such as Qatar have already made great strides with their tokenization and digital asset regulations and labs.

Stobox founder in a recent interview in Cryptopolitan noted that the MENA tokenization market could account for as much as 20% of the expected $30 trillion tokenization market by 2030. Stobox, was one of the 29 blockchain firms that have been accepted into Qatar Financial Centre’s Digital Assets Lab. Ross Shemeliak, the co-founder of the firm, noted that tokenization is taking the world and MENA region by storm.

Qatar National Bank Group signs partnership with QFC for digital assets and tokenization

Qatar National Bank Group signs partnership with QFC for digital assets and tokenization

As the second edition of Web Summit Qatar 2025 concludes, Qatar National Bank (QNB Group,) signed agreements with Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), Qatar Development Bank (QDB), and Rasmal Ventures. The agreement with QFC would allow fintech firms to access QNB banking infrastructure and support innovations in digital assets, tokenization, and embedded finance.

With QDB, the bank will collaborate on initiatives that promote Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, including funding opportunities for fintech startups and alternative financing models.


With Rasmal Ventures, QNB is creating new pathways for venture capital investment, enhancing support for high-potential startups and driving the adoption of cutting-edge financial technologies.


Speaking about the partnerships, Abdulla Mubarak Al-Khalifa, Group Chief Executive Officer of QNB, said, “Our strategic collaborations at Web Summit Qatar 2025 reflect our commitment to advancing digital finance and fostering a dynamic fintech ecosystem. By working closely with key financial and investment partners, QNB is strengthening Qatar’s role as a global financial hub and unlocking new opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.”

UAE based Mantra Token is on the rise despite bearish conditions

UAE based Mantra Token is on the rise despite bearish conditions

The Mantra Layer 1 blockchain network dedicated to the issuance, trading, and secure management of tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) has seen a significant rise in the price of its token despite bearish crypto conditions in the past week.

Mantra token is currently listed on 36 exchanges including Binance, Bybit, Gateio, Bitget, OKX, Kucoin and others.

The journey of Mantra has been a promising one. It not only raised $11 million led by UAE based Shorooq Partners with investors including Three-point capital, Forte Securities, VirtuZone, Hex Trust and GameFi Ventures, but it also became the first VASP to receive first DeFi license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulator Authority (VARA).

The core aim of Mantra is to position itself at the forefront of the rapidly evolving RWA sector in Middle East and Asia.

MANTRA CEO John Patrick Mullin stated, “Our vision is to spearhead the tokenization of Real-World Assets and set a global standard for security, compliance, and innovation. This will create a sustainable ecosystem for developers and institutions. By securing our foothold in strategic, crypto-friendly markets like Asia and the UAE, we’re not just navigating the future but actively building it. MANTRA will bridge the longstanding divide between traditional financial systems and the blockchain space, democratizing access to wealth and opportunity on a scale never seen before.”

It has already started with an agreement with UAE DAMAC group to tokenized $1 billion worth of assets. Soon afterwards launched RWAccelerator – a start-up accelerator program designed to empower builders and startups with investment capital, mentors, dedicated AI support supported by Google Cloud.

Already Bitget Wallet, a Web3 non-custodial wallet, is now fully supporting the UAE based Mantra Mainnet, a Layer 1 blockchain focused on the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA), UAE Tungsten Custody Solutions Ltd, also announced its support for UAE MANTRA (OM) Blockchain with its custodial services. While Ledger, crypto wallet hardware provider, joined UAE based Mantra Layer1 Blockchain as one of the validators.

As such it is no surprise that the native token of Mantra, OM, is on the rise and is currently trading at $8.04, reflecting an 8% increase in less than two weeks. Even today while the crypto ecosystem is taking a hit, Mantra’s price has not budged at$8.46, with a 24-hour trading volume of $340.03 M. OM is +0.00% in the last 24 hours. The OM token has a circulating supply of 973.65 M OM.

UAE Tokinvest partners with DSG Group in New Zealand to tokenize racehorses

UAE Tokinvest partners with DSG Group in New Zealand to tokenize racehorses

UAE regulated Tokinvest, a marketplace for real-world asset tokenization, and DSG Group, a New Zealand-based blockchain powered tokenization platform, have partnered to advance tokenized investment opportunities unlocking new asset classes and provide investors with access to exclusive, high-value investments.

Under the agreement, Tokinvest and DSG will work together to develop tokenized investment opportunities across multiple sectors, with an initial focus on tokenized racehorses, stables, and siring rights. Traditionally, racehorse ownership has been limited to wealthy investors or syndicates, but this partnership aims to change that by providing a regulated, secure and transparent framework for fractional ownership.

Racehorse investment has historically been an exclusive market, accessible only to high-net-worth individuals or small syndicates. By leveraging blockchain technology, Tokinvest and DSG are introducing a new level of accessibility, allowing investors to participate in this otherwise illiquid asset class. Tokenisation offers security in ownership rights, simplifies asset management, and enhances liquidity by making fractional shares of racehorses transferable.

Ryan Johnson-Hunt, Co-Founder & CEO of DSG Group, commented, “At DSG, we are committed to transforming capital markets through blockchain. Our partnership with Tokinvest is a natural step forward in building a global network for tokenized assets. Racehorse ownership is just the beginning – together, we’re unlocking new asset classes and expanding access to investment opportunities that were previously out of reach for most investors.”

The agreement will bring together DSG’s expertise in tokenization-as-a-service, combined with Tokinvest’s marketplace for fractional asset ownership, will accelerate the adoption of digital securities across multiple jurisdictions. Both companies will work closely with local regulators and strive for high standards of regulatory compliance.

Scott Thiel, CEO & Co-Founder of Tokinvest, added, “We believe blockchain technology has the power to break down barriers in investment markets. Partnering with DSG allows us to expand our offering and bring new, exciting investment opportunities to our community. Tokenizing racehorses is just the beginning – together, we are laying the groundwork for a broader tokenized asset ecosystem.”

DSG Group recently partnered with Evolution Stables to tokenize racehorse ownership via digital syndication. This initiative, conducted under the supervision of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), showcases how blockchain technology can introduce transparency, liquidity, and accessibility to traditionally exclusive asset classes. By enabling fractional ownership of high-value assets like racehorses, DSG is paving the way for similar tokenization models across other alternative investments, reinforcing the potential of blockchain-powered capital markets.

Tokinvest Continues to partner with global players

This is not the first partnership, Tokinvest, partnered recently with HKVAX, a crypto asset trading platform to transform the global digital asset markets by linking Hong Kong’s established financial infrastructure with Dubai’s rapidly expanding virtual asset ecosystem.

In addition Tokinvest, and InvestaX, a tokenization platform based in Singapore, also partnered to enhance global accessibility to asset-backed and rights-linked virtual assets.