Blockchain cybersecurity entity partners with Abu Dhabi Blockchain center

Blockchain cybersecurity entity partners with Abu Dhabi Blockchain center

The Abu Dhabi Blockchain Center (ADBC) and Verichains, an entity in finance and blockchain cybersecurity, have partnered to support blockchain developers, businesses, and institutions throughout every stage of their journey, from early development to operational maturity. This partnership reflects a shared vision to provide a secure foundation to promote and develop blockchain technologies in the region, unlocking its potential for economic growth and technological leadership.


“Blockchain innovation can only thrive when it’s built on a foundation of trust and security,” said Abdullah Dhaheri, CEO of The Blockchain Center Abu Dhabi. “This partnership with Verichains brings unparalleled expertise to the region, ensuring that blockchain companies have access to the technical support needed to develop and grow their project. Announcing this initiative at Bitcoin MENA 2024 underscores our commitment to fostering a secure and vibrant blockchain ecosystem for the MENA region.”

Through its comprehensive security services, Verichains will enable developers to tackle key challenges at every stage of the development cycle:

Early Design and Architecture Review: Assisting teams in designing secure and scalable blockchain systems from the ground up, helping projects avoid costly codebase rework.

Audits and Pre-Deployment Assessments: Identifying vulnerabilities in the protocol and smart contracts before projects go live, providing technical assurance for developers, users and investors alike.

Post-Deployment Services: Offering regular penetration testing, threat modeling, and security assessments to keep live projects resilient to emerging risks.

Incident Response Services: Providing rapid response and mitigation services for projects facing security threats, minimizing downtime and protecting assets.

“We are thrilled to bring our world-class security expertise to foster a secure and trusted blockchain ecosystem in the region, fully supporting ADBC’s vision of driving innovation and positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in blockchain technology and decentralized ecosystems”, said Thanh Nguyen, Founder of Verichains.

The Abu Dhabi Blockchain Center has signed several partnerships over the past few months. One of them was with Aethir to push forward AI, blockchain and gaming startups.

UAE among the top 10 global Blockchain countries with 340 patents

UAE among the top 10 global Blockchain countries with 340 patents

In a recent study by ApeX exchange the UAE came in among the top 10 globally ranked countries for blockchain and crypto technology. The UAE had a score of 73.2 with 340 blockchain patents. UAE also has 414 blockchain-related jobs, providing opportunities in a budding ecosystem.

Singapore took the lead, with the highest composite score of 85.4, with over 2,400 jobs related to blockchain technologies. Additionally, it has one of the largest concentrations of crypto exchanges globally, with 81 platforms.

Hong Kong ranks second in blockchain and cryptocurrency technology with a composite score of 82.7. Its financial infrastructure integrates blockchain seamlessly, supported by more than 1,100 jobs in blockchain technologies and a strong presence of crypto exchanges.

Estonia ranks third with a composite score of 81.5. It has the smallest population among the countries studied but still achieves impressive results with 95 blockchain patents, 149 blockchain-related jobs, and 52 crypto exchanges.

Switzerland secures fourth place in blockchain and cryptocurrency technology, with a score of 80.2. The country’s leadership in decentralized finance is backed by 440 blockchain-related jobs and 32 crypto exchanges.

The United States is fifth, scoring 79.8, and leading the way in blockchain and cryptocurrency technology, achieving the highest numbers across all key metrics. With 32,000 blockchain patents and more than 17,000 jobs related to blockchain available. The country hosts 166 crypto exchanges, providing platforms for trading and utilizing cryptocurrencies.

Canada ranks sixth in blockchain and cryptocurrency technology, with a score of 77.3. The country offers over 1,200 blockchain-related jobs, which shows the demand for skilled professionals in the sector. It also has 1,200 blockchain patents, while its 32 crypto exchanges provide ample platforms for cryptocurrency transactions.

UAE Ministry of Interior and the FSRA regulatory arm of ADGM partner to fight virtual asset crimes

UAE Ministry of Interior and the FSRA regulatory arm of ADGM partner to fight virtual asset crimes

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM (FSRA) and the UAE Ministry of Interior, have partnered to coordinate and combat financial crimes in the virtual asset, crypto realm.

As per the press release, the agreement aims to facilitate the exchange of information, strengthen risk mitigation frameworks, and support the national strategy to safeguard the financial system against evolving threats in the digital asset landscape.

Commenting on the importance of proactive cooperation in combating financial crime, Emmanuel Givanakis, CEO of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority, said, “The FSRA is focused on collaboration with UAE authorities to proactively fight against financial crime. Financial crime is constantly evolving, and it is crucial that regulators stay ahead of potential threats. Our goal is to build long lasting partnerships across the UAE to ensure prevention of financial crime in financial services including the use of virtual assets. We aim to protect the financial ecosystem and lead regulatory efforts in line with international best practices and federal laws. We also seek to raise awareness internally and locally to ensure proper understanding of financial crime risks and assist actively in the efforts conducted on a national level”.

This MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between the FSRA and the Ministry of Interior, supporting the exchange of information and coordination on matters related to financial crime and virtual assets. It also aims to bolster the security and efficacy of the UAE’s financial system while enabling knowledge-sharing initiatives, joint training programs, and strengthened investigative efforts.

This agreement comes at a time when Chainalysis recently reported that In 2024, crypto platforms experienced a 21% increase in stolen funds compared to last year, totaling an estimated $2.2 billion. This marks the fifth year on record with losses exceeding $1 billion.

Private key compromises were the leading method of theft, representing approximately 43.8% of stolen crypto.

Tokenized Gold now in UAE with Fasset and Own Foundation

Tokenized Gold now in UAE with Fasset and Own Foundation

Fasset, a UAE regulated digital asset platform focused on enhancing financial inclusion in high-growth markets, has introduced ORO, the first application built on its Ethereum Layer 2 network, Own, in partnership with The Own Foundation. Through tokenization, ORO users will be able to invest in smaller, more affordable increments of gold ($GOLD), leveraging blockchain’s transparency, security, and yield-generation features, all with minimal fees and no storage costs. The offering will be launched in early 2025.

Gold, long regarded as a reliable store of value, has gained renewed significance as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. Since 2008, high-growth markets such as India have doubled their central bank gold reserves, underscoring the asset’s appeal. However, traditional gold ownership remains costly and inaccessible for many, often involving high entry thresholds and complex storage requirements. ORO addresses these challenges by leveraging blockchain to offer secure, fractionalized ownership with minimal fees and no physical storage needs.

“ORO is a showcase of how Own’s infrastructure can deliver meaningful financial solutions, particularly for markets underserved by traditional systems,” said Mohammad Raafi Hossain, Co-Founder of Fasset and Own. “By combining blockchain’s transparency with gold’s enduring value and an innovative yield product, ORO redefines what’s possible for a trusted asset.”

Each ORO token represents one ounce of 99.99% fine gold securely stored with blue-chip custodians and fully insured. Tokens can be redeemed for physical gold starting at $85 increments or exchanged for USDC for added liquidity. Moreover, ORO offers a highly competitive financial opportunity by combining gold’s historical appreciation—averaging around 8% annually—with a 3-4% APY earned through staking $GOLD on the platform. This potential total yield of approximately 12% significantly outpaces traditional savings accounts, which typically offer returns of just 3-4%, and provides a better alternative to conventional gold investments.

Joining the waitlist ensures early access to product updates, beta testing opportunities, and potential rewards ahead of ORO’s full 2025 launch.

ORO was founded by Usman Saleem, a member of the ARY family, renowned for their century-long expertise and leadership in the gold industry in the UAE and beyond. Building on this heritage, Saleem launched ORO to expand access to gold investments, combining trusted industry knowledge with blockchain-powered financial solutions.

“Own’s commitment to creating meaningful financial opportunities in regions like Asia and the Middle East makes it the perfect platform for ORO,” said Saleem. “Together with Own, ORO is unlocking the full potential of gold by introducing innovative use cases for an asset trusted for millennia. By bringing gold on-chain, we make it inflation-resistant, DeFi-compatible, and staking-ready.“

Own is managed through The Own Foundation, which is powering Fasset’s mission to expand access to decentralized finance globally, lower costs, and enhance scalability while ensuring compliance in key markets. Founders Mohammad Raafi Hossain and Daniel Ahmed created Own to address challenges like inflation, remittance costs, and limited financial access.

Crypto.com appoints UAE National as president of its UAE Operation

Crypto.com appoints UAE National as president of its UAE Operation

Crypto.com has announced the appointment of Mohammed Al Hakim, a UAE national, as president of its UAE operation for the company’s growth and diversity in the region.

Al-Hakim will head up business development, strategic partnerships, and financial innovation to Crypto.com. According to the press release, he has been key in driving over $800 million in foreign investments into Dubai. Al-Hakim has raised millions in sponsorships for UAE government initiatives and launched programs aimed at empowering Emirati professionals.

Kris Marszalek, CEO of Crypto.com, expressed confidence in Al-Hakim’s leadership, stating that his expertise will be pivotal in advancing the company’s goals in the UAE. “The UAE is a critical market for us, and Mohammed’s leadership and experience will help us build strong relationships and achieve sustainable growth in this key region,” said Marszalek.

Al Hakim shared his enthusiasm for joining Crypto.com, emphasizing, “The UAE’s leadership in fostering a forward-thinking regulatory framework has set the stage for exponential growth, and I look forward to contributing to Crypto.com’s mission by driving innovation and delivering exceptional value to our users across the UAE and GCC.”

“We have a number of growth initiatives and exciting product launches in the pipeline for 2025 in the UAE and wider GCC region and we’re delighted to have Mohammed onboard to spearhead these,” said Eric Anziani, President and Chief Operating Officer of Crypto.com.

Al Hakim is also a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development’s 7th cohort. This program is focused on developing future leaders, reflecting his dedication to innovation and leadership in the UAE and GCC.

He worked as a Director for the Corporate Management and Loyalty and Incentives Programs at the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

The UAE is now one of the top global hubs for digital assets, ranking third in the MENA region with over $30 billion in cryptocurrency transactions from July 2023 to June 2024.

This announcement follows Crypto.com’s recent acquisition of Orion Principals Limited in Abu Dhabi and the launch of its AED Wallet, which allows users in the UAE to easily deposit and withdraw in local currency. Additionally, Crypto.com partnered with Mastercard to offer a prepaid debit card to eligible users in the GCC.

Few weeks ago, Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, met with the President and Chief Operating Officer of Crypto.com, Eric Anziani, at Gudaibiya Palace where he presented His Royal Highness with the company’s new Mastercard prototype and is regarded as the first of its kind in the Middle East.

In September 2024, Crypto.com, received a crypto payment service provider license from the Central Bank of Bahrain allowing it to offer e-money and fiat-based payment services regionally, including prepaid cards.

Crypto.com had already received a crypto exchange license from Dubai’s virtual asset regulator in UAE, and considers this license as part of its expansion plans in the GCC region.

Hex Trust crypto platform launches fiat on and off ramping services in UAE

Hex Trust crypto platform launches fiat on and off ramping services in UAE

Hex Trust, a regulated provider of virtual assets custody, staking and market services has officially opened HT Markets MENA offering fiat on/off-ramp services in Dubai UAE through its secure, institutional-grade platform.

These services are immediately available for institutional clients and accredited investors with a minimum on-ramp threshold of AED 368,000 (equivalent to USD $100K).


Hex Trust established a Dubai office in June 2022. It currently holds three Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licenses in Dubai, issued by the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA). This includes a license to provide Virtual Asset Custodial Services, a second license for its VA Broker-Dealer and and a third for VA Management and Investment arm, HT Markets MENA FZE.

As per the announcement, these licenses allow Hex Trust to offer comprehensive Virtual Asset services covering Broker-Dealer and Management and Investment Services, which include regulated Staking Services.


“We are one of the first VA broker-dealers in the MENA region to offer an efficient and secure bridge between fiat and virtual assets. This unique offering caters to the huge appetite for on/off-ramp services in Dubai and is a significant achievement for HT Markets MENA.
We see enormous potential for virtual asset growth in Dubai given the progressive regulations, welcoming governments, and thriving crypto ecosystem. ” Filippo Buzzi, Hex Trust’s Regional Director MENA.


Hex Trust Markets offers safe access to the DeFi ecosystem, where clients can generate yield with native on-chain staking solutions and execute trades with the support of Hex Trust’s dedicated Markets team. It also brings secure access to crypto-fiat conversions through Hex Trust’s fully-licensed, institutional-grade custody platform. This enables investors in Dubai to seamlessly move their cryptocurrencies into fiat currencies, fostering a secure and compliant trading environment.

BitPanda crypto exchange steps out of Europe to UAE

BitPanda crypto exchange steps out of Europe to UAE

Bitpanda, a European crypto platform, has obtained an in-principle approval from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), as its first expansion outside of Europe. BitPanda received the in-principle approval only after 8 months since submission.

As per the press release, once officially licensed, Bitpanda will be able to commence operations in the UAE as Bitpanda Broker MENA DMCC.

The expansion follows a series of strategic moves, including the establishment of its Dubai office at the DMCC Crypto Centre earlier this year, onboarding a team of regional experts, and forming key partnerships with financial institutions such as The National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (“RAKBANK”) and CoinMENA, one of the UAE’s leading licensed crypto platforms.

Eric Demuth, Co-Founder and CEO of Bitpanda, commented, “In Europe, we have built a reputation as the most trusted and regulated digital asset platform. Now, we are scaling this proven model globally, with Dubai and the UAE serving as our strategic launchpad for international expansion. The opportunities are immense, and we are uniquely positioned to seize them – both as Europe’s leading crypto broker and as a top infrastructure provider in the digital assets space.”

Fabian Reinisch, General Counsel of Bitpanda, added: “Securing VARA’s in-principle approval in under eight months reflects the strength of VARA’s progressive regulatory framework and Bitpanda’s steadfast commitment to compliance and innovation. For over a decade, we have demonstrated that a compliance-first approach is the only path to sustainable and responsible growth in our industry. Now, we are extending this approach to markets beyond Europe.”

As it expands into the Middle East, Bitpanda is taking a decisive step toward a truly global presence, reaffirming its role as a pioneer in driving the adoption of digital assets around the world.

Circle of Games has launched in MENA out of UAE

Circle of Games has launched in MENA out of UAE

Circle of Games (COG), the blockchain enabled Web3 global multi-gaming platform backed by Nazara, has launched in the MENA region at the renowned Global Game Show held at the Grand Hyatt Exhibition Centre in Dubai.

The launch event drew an audience of industry pioneers, gamers, and Web3 enthusiasts, with Yat Siu, Chairman of Animoca Brands, as the distinguished chief guest. His keynote address celebrated COG’s innovative integration of casual gaming with blockchain technology, positioning it as a leader in the Web3 gaming ecosystem.

The event highlighted COG’s robust portfolio of games, including globally popular titles like Ludo, Fruit Slash, Bubble Shooter, Chess, and 8-Ball Pool. With six games already live and an ambitious roadmap to surpass ten titles by Q1 2025, COG is set to become the preferred destination for casual gamers worldwide.

The launch underscored COG’s strategic collaborations with key global corporations and leading strategic partners. These alliances offer access to over 500 million users across 50+ countries, strengthening the company’s competitive edge. By drawing users from an established ecosystem, COG is accelerating its growth and establishing a foundation for long-term success.

Attendees witnessed live demonstrations of COG’s state-of-the-art features, including seamless user experiences, multi-chain integrations, and engaging game mechanics. With over 500,000 registered users so far and ambitious goals to reach 25 million users by the end of 2025 and 100 million users by the end of 2027 worldwide, COG is reshaping the future of casual gaming in the Web3 era.

“Today marks a significant milestone for Circle of Games as we expand into the MENA region. With our robust ecosystem, strategic partnerships, and an experienced team, we are committed to delivering an unparalleled gaming experience for users worldwide,” said Rabilal Thapa, CEO/Co-Founder of Circle of Games, during the event.

Circle of Games, funded by Nazara, has outlined an ambitious regional expansion strategy, with launches slated for the UAE in Q4 2024, followed by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain in Q1 2025, and Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco in Q2 2025. With projections to achieve 7.5 million users by 2025, 18 million by 2026, and 25 million by 2027, COG is poised to dominate the Web3 gaming landscape in the region.

Circle of Games receives investments from THA and Nazara

In April of 2024, Circle of Games (COG), raised $1 million in equity funding from strategic investors Nazara Technologies FZ LLC, (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Nazara Technologies Limited) and The Hashgraph Association, the Swiss-based organization at the forefront of global digital enablement for Hedera.

At the time, COG noted that it intended to use this funding to fast-track its go-to-market strategy, improve platform capabilities, and widen its international presence in the US, EU, Middle East, Africa, and Asia in 2024.

COG has implemented multi-chain technology, with Hedera being the primary mainnet where the majority of on-chain transactions occur, and is empowering players with full ownership and control over their in-game assets and tokens.

Gaming in MENA region

Gaming in the MENA region and especially in the UAE has become a big market. According to recent reports, the gaming market value in the MENA region is expected to reach $10 billion by 2027. This surge is driven by the growing number of gamers and the rising popularity of mobile games.

Saudi Arabia is more than just participating in the global gaming arena. As the 19th largest gaming market in the world, with 89% of its population engaged in gaming, including 42% women and 45% aged 21-35—the kingdom is redefining what it means to be a player in this dominating entertainment frontier.

Aligned with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to develop 30 competitive games and establish itself as a global gaming hub by 2030. The kingdom is backing this ambition with a bold $38 billion investment from the Public Investment Fund (PIF)’s Savvy Games Group, which is focused on acquiring publishers and nurturing local talent.

UAE is also becoming a fast mover by embracing the developing blockchain gaming sector. After a brief period of decline due to innovative and regulatory challenges, Web3 gaming has seen a revival in user engagement this year. In the third quarter, the sector reached 4.4 million daily active wallets. In the same period, blockchain games attracted more than $110 million in funding.

The UAE has positioned itself as a global leader in driving the blockchain gaming sector. Proactive policies and strategic investments are transforming the country into a central hub for Web3 gaming projects. The sector is expected to hit $1 billion in the UAE alone by 2025.

Recently The Beam Foundation launched Beam Ventures in Abu Dhabi, the first venture fund focused exclusively on Web3 gaming from ADGM. The $150 million gaming fund aims to accelerate promising founders and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s transformation into a global gaming hub.

Digital asset platforms Fuze and Fils in UAE to embed sustainability in all crypto transactions

Digital asset platforms Fuze and Fils in UAE to embed sustainability in all crypto transactions

Fuze, a digital assets infrastructure provider in MENA, and Fils, an enterprise-grade digital infrastructure platform dedicated to embedding sustainability into every transaction, have partnered to launch the first-of-its-kind sustainable digital asset solution in the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey.

This collaboration will integrate blockchain-powered solutions through Fils’ use of the Layer-1 blockchain, ensuring transparency, traceability, and trust in every transaction, creating a seamless way for customers to measure and offset the carbon footprint of their digital asset purchases, supporting regional institutions and fintechs in meeting sustainability goals while navigating the growing demand for digital assets, and to lead in sustainability by aligning with global ESG goals.

The importance of this initiative is also underscored by the UAE’s rapidly growing digital assets market, which is projected to generate $453 million in revenue by the end of 2024, with further growth expected to surpass $616 million by 2028.


Nameer Khan, Founder and CEO of Fils, commented, “Our partnership with Fuze represents a milestone for both fintech and sustainability in the region. By embedding climate action directly into the digital assets ecosystem and leveraging the power of our blockchain technology, we’re providing the most comprehensive and first-of-its-kind solution that not only meets but exceeds global ESG expectations. This partnership underlines the growing importance of aligning financial innovation with environmental responsibility. Together, we are building the rails for a future where every transaction contributes to a greener planet, demonstrating how fintech can lead the charge in achieving net-zero goals.”
Mohammed Ali Yusuf (Mo Ali Yusuf), Co-Founder and CEO of Fuze, added, “Our partnership with Fils underscores Fuze’s commitment to innovation and responsibility. As digital assets become a mainstay for financial institutions, embedding sustainability in these transactions is essential for long-term growth and environmental stewardship. Together with Fils, we’re setting a new standard for green finance in the region.”
The partnership includes the following initiatives, providing real-time data on the environmental impact of digital asset transactions, empowering customers to make informed decisions, enabling customers to offset the carbon footprint of their transactions seamlessly, fostering climate-positive actions and helping banks and fintechs across the region adopt sustainable practices, aligning with global ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards.

The collaboration between Fuze and Fils reflects a shared vision for responsible innovation. By integrating sustainability into digital assets, the partnership supports businesses in achieving both financial and environmental goals, paving the way for a greener economy.
funds, and HNIs (high-net-worth individuals) in executing large digital asset trades securely and efficiently. Fuze also offers crypto payment solutions, facilitating global, real-time, multi-currency transactions for businesses.

Abu Dhabi AI G42 invests in Inveniam private market tech entity

Abu Dhabi AI G42 invests in Inveniam private market tech entity

Abu Dhabi based, G42, a global leader in creating visionary artificial intelligence for a better tomorrow announced a strategic investment in Inveniam, an innovator in private market financial technology that utilizes DLT technology to tokenize assets.

As per the announcement, this marks a significant step in G42’s mission to apply cutting-edge AI solutions to industries that are critical to global economies but remain underserved by technology.

Inveniam’s pioneering data architecture and expertise in private market systems align seamlessly with G42’s advanced AI capabilities. The collaboration will enable secure, privacy-first solutions for managing sensitive financial data while improving efficiency and transparency in private markets.

As per G42 this partnership underscores G42’s commitment to building transformative, AI-driven ecosystems that reshape industries for the better. Inveniam’s innovative technology and leadership make it the ideal partner to drive meaningful change in private markets globally.

With regards to Inveniam, which has raised over $120 million previously, the partnership is important because of their need for AI to deliver the world’s leading solutions for Private Markets.

Private markets, the realm of real estate, private equity, private credit and infrastructure investments, represent the world’s largest asset class, worth hundreds of trillions of dollars. Yet despite their massive size, these markets operate much like they did decades ago, with scattered data, manual processes, and long transaction times. Inveniam have spent years building technology to solve this problem, creating the infrastructure that allows these assets to be managed, shared and traded with the efficiency of public markets, while keeping sensitive data secure and in the clients’ systems using agents.

Patrick O’Meara, Chairman & CEO, Inveniam noted, ” As we built our solution, we realized that it would not be a single new technology that transforms this market. It is the convergence of AI, DLT, and DeFi. There were a number of significant technical barriers, but these have been overcome in the past several years. Now, Inveniam is utilizing these technologies together at scale. Inveniam’s platform delivers trust in the source data with visibility, transparency, and auditability around the automation which we refer to as Smart Provenance™. This context, attribution, and trust opens the door for enterprise use against private market assets.”

Inveniam and G42 will offer solutions that deliver trust in the value of underlying assets for investors exchanging billions of dollars daily on private market funds, indices, derivatives, and eventually the underlying assets.

G42 has built some of the most advanced AI systems in the world and partners with leading organizations across industries and geographies.

Enterprises need a tool to get their data ready for AI and maintain readiness for automation tools, such as AI. This is where Inveniam’s sophisticated permissions and workflow solutions allow for management of data operations in a decentralized data environment with a focus on the unstructured data associated with private markets.

Both companies will be building something that hasn’t existed before a comprehensive technology platform that combines G42’s AI capabilities with Inveniam’s data architecture. The world’s first private markets derivatives exchange, beginning with real estate, that enables these assets to be traded dramatically more efficiently, with a target of reaching the efficiency of the public markets.


From this foundation of permissioned-access to trusted data, The partnership with G42 provides the resources for the next several years of operations as well as technological capabilities to expand to all private markets – from infrastructure projects to private equity investments.

We’re building the infrastructure that will allow the world’s largest asset class to operate with the efficiency of public markets while maintaining privacy and control that private market participants require. This leapfrogging of public market centralized data solutions will transform Private Markets. With G42 and our ecosystem of partners, we are starting to deliver this reality.