Join the Global Blockchain Show: The Ultimate Blockchain Season Finale!

Welcome to the Global Blockchain Show, the Web3 Founders’ Festival set to unite industry leaders, developers, and blockchain enthusiasts from around the world. Taking place in the vibrant city of Dubai on 12-13 December 2024, this event will immerse you in the future of blockchain with 16 hours of unplugged networking, discussions, and collaboration with Web3’s top 1%.

This year’s show is more than just a conference – it’s a festival including the best minds in Web3. With 3000+ Web3 Founders, 75+ industry icons, 200+ startups, and 100+ of the most sought-after investors, you’ll be part of something truly exceptional.

Our agenda covers a wide range of trending topics across various verticals, including:

  • Web3 Gaming: Explore the future of gaming in the decentralized web.
  • Digital Currency: Understand the evolving landscape of digital financial systems.
  • Blockchain Regulations: Gain insights into the regulatory frameworks shaping the blockchain industry.
  • Crypto Mining & Trading: Learn from experts about the latest strategies and technologies in cryptocurrency mining and trading.
  • Web3 Security: Discover cutting-edge security measures to protect decentralized applications and platforms.
  • Integration of AI & Blockchain: Examine how artificial intelligence and blockchain are converging to create innovative solutions.
  • Crypto Collectibles: Dive into the world of NFTs and other digital collectibles.

The Global Blockchain Show provides an unparalleled opportunity to network in an unhinged, informal setting with top professionals from sectors such as startups, corporations, solution providers, and investors.

Event Highlights:

  • Meet the top 1% in Web3 during a 16-hour mixer
  • 200+ of the top 1% Web3 Startups showcasing their innovations
  • 100+ of the most influential Web3 investors ready to connect, and with buying intent

Top Speakers Include:

  • Yat Siu: Co-Founder and Chairman, Animoca Brands
  • Rachel Conlan: Global Chief Marketing Officer, Binance
  • H.E. Justin Sun: Founder of TRON, Member of the HTX Global Advisory Board
  • Marcello Mari: CEO & Founder of SingularityDAO
  • Alicia Kao: Managing Director, Kucoin
  • David Palmer: Chief Product Officer, Co-founder, Vodafone
  • Vivien Lin: Head of BingX Labs, BingX
  • Jason Allegrante: Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Fireblocks
  • Dr. Sameer Al Ansari: CEO, RAK DAO
  • Pierre Samaties: Chief Business Officer, DFINITY
  • Alex Fazel: Chief Partnership Officer, Swissborg

To View the Full List of Speakers – Click Here

Who Should Attend? 

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, developer, researcher, or simply passionate about Web3, this event is for you. If you’re looking to explore opportunities, gain cutting-edge insights, or connect with like-minded individuals shaping the future of blockchain, the Global Blockchain Show in Dubai is the place to be.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this revolutionary event.

For more information and to secure your ticket, visit: https://www.globalblockchainshow.com/tickets/

The House of Emirates, a UK based collector entity, specializing in ethereal jewellery, eternal treasures, splendid art, rare coins, and royal gifts has announced that it has tokenized for the first UAE Dirham tender coin minted in 1973.

As per the X post, ” House of Emirates is so thrilled to offer its elite clientele the FIRST EVER tokenized first UAE legal tender coin ( Dirham ) minted in 1973. This exceptional coin of a great historical significance was the first ever currency for the newly formed country. This historical decision to issue a united currency was ordained by the visionary founder of the UAE, HH Sheikh Zayed Ben Sultan Alnahyan. Now you can own this magnificent coin physically and on the blockchain at the same time.”

The coin was tokenized on the Galileo Protocol. Galileo is developing the world’s first platform and ecosystem for the tokenization and redemption of physical assets. Tokenization involves representing real-world assets as digital tokens on a blockchain, enabling secure and transparent exchange and transfer.

Using blockchain, Galileo’s platform offers solutions for tokenizing physical assets such as real estate, artwork, collectible cars, precious metals, and more. It allows asset owners to convert these assets into tokens, making it easier to divide them into fractions, trade them, and increase their liquidity.

Galileo’s ecosystem also includes asset custody infrastructure, ensuring the secure storage of the underlying physical assets. Owners can store their assets in certified and audited vaults, benefiting from a secure and regulated storage solution.

Scintilla, a platform delivering onchain solutions has bought out TOKO FZE registered and licensed out of Dubai UAE by VARA ( Virtual assets regulatory authority) as a crypto exchange and broker.

Originally developed within DLA Piper’s Law& innovation portfolio, the former TOKO brand has evolved into Scintilla with a fresh identity, new leadership, and groundbreaking product offerings.

Scintilla offers a range of tokenization services that bring liquidity, transparency, and efficiency to traditional financial sectors. By enabling the tokenization of various financial products, real estate, and new legal funding instruments, Scintilla empowers investors to access previously untapped and illiquid asset classes, fostering inclusivity and transforming how the world invests.

Advisory Services:
The gateway to successful market entry. From initial opportunity assessment to strategic development of game-changing tokenization-based solutions.
Use Case Development:
Bringing products to life. From initial POC development and iteration towards MVP all the way through to the full market launch.
Broker/Dealer Services:
Creating new markets. Regulated primary market trading, ensuring the highest levels of trust and security within the tokenization space.
Exchange Services:
Universal participation. Seamless, secure secondary trading of tokenized assets, with industry-leading technology and compliance standards.

“Our relaunch marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Scintilla and the wider industry. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in digital finance while ensuring our solutions are underpinned by strong regulatory compliance,” said Tim Popplewell, CEO of Scintilla. “With our new suite of products and services, we are empowering investors to transform the way they manage and access value.”

Jean-Pierre Douglas-Henry, Managing Director, Sustainability and Resilience at DLA Piper, added, “Innovation is a key strand in our business strategy. As our business focuses on developing and nurturing innovations that add significant value to our clients through our Law& innovation program, it is fantastic to see this solution spun out into the thriving digital asset space for the next stage of its growth and development.”

The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) disrupted a multi-billion dollar money laundering network, which provided services to a wide range of illicit actors, including Russian and international elites, cybercriminals, and drug gangs.

The NCA’s efforts, named “Operation Destabilise,” identified two Russian-speaking networks (Smart and TGR) leading these operations, which have thus far led to 84 arrests of individuals linked to these groups and the seizure of more than 20 million Euros in cash and cryptocurrency.

Today’s disruption was an internationally-coordinated effort, involving organizations including the U.K. Metropolitan Police Service, France’s Direction Centrale de la Police Judiciaire, the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), among others. This collaboration led to the arrest of another individual linked to Smart and TGR who facilitated global money laundering.

Additionally, OFAC sanctioned four entities and five individuals associated with TGR; OFAC included cryptocurrency addresses for two of the individuals:

George Rossi (AKA Maksakov, Yury, Georgy Rossi, or Heorhii Rossi): A Ukrainian national who founded TGR Partners, is the director of TGR Corporate Concierge LTD, and likely controls the TGR Group.
Elena Chirkinyan (AKA Yelena Norayrovna Chirkinyan or “Elle”): A Russian national who is Rossi’s direct subordinate, a partner at TGR Partners, the CEO of TGR Corporate Concierge LTD, and the manager of TGR DWC-LLC.
Andrejs Bradens (AKA Andrejs Carenoks): A Latvian national associated with several TGR networks.
Nikita Vladimirovich Krasnov (AKA “ACESCOM”): A Russian national who laundered cash and cryptocurrency on behalf of elite clients.
Khadzhi Murat Dalgatovich Magomedov (AKA Magomedov or Murat): A Russian national who laundered cash and cryptocurrency on behalf of elite clients.
TGR Partners: A Moscow-based organization founded by Rossi that provided services to a wide range of illicit actors, such as cryptocurrency trading, foreign exchange payments, and concierge services.
TGR Corporate Concierge LTD: A U.K.-based network controlled by Bradens. Chirkinyan is its CEO.
TGR DWC-LLC: A UAE-based network operated by Chirkinyan that provided services to help elites obscure the source of ill-gotten funds.
Siam Expert Trading Company Limited: A Thailand-based network associated with Bradens.
Pullman Global Solutions LLC (Pullman Global): A Wyoming-based organization owned by Bradens.
The cryptocurrency addresses in OFAC’s designation include a deposit address for Chirkinyan at a mainstream exchange (TDdbRFoBTEmE3qiR69Y6rKRSG1hoF65QaE) that has received over $146,000, and a high-volume wallet controlled by Magomedov (0x1999ef52700c34de7ec2b68a28aafb37db0c5ade) that has processed more than $200 million. The wallets have received high-value transfers, reflecting bulk cash transfers and transactions conducted on behalf of TGR clients.

Operation Destabilise determined that Smart, TGR, and their related networks often transferred money across borders by swapping cash and cryptocurrency. In some instances, Smart and TGR would receive funds in crypto from a client, facilitate a transfer in cash, and take a percentage of the amount. They would also follow a similar process in reverse, exchanging cash for crypto. It was unlikely that these clients would overlap, given that Smart and TGR were operating across 30 countries, and used a network of international controllers and couriers to actually perform the handovers.

The NCA also detailed that Smart and TGR provided illicit financial services on the streets in the U.K. to traditional crime groups by exchanging their cash proceeds for crypto, which they then used to further their criminal activities by paying for drugs to international cartels. Unfortunately, these networks enable serious crime in the U.K. and other countries, which threatens the country’s financial integrity and, in many cases, results in physical violence.

Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has issued alerts for seven crypto entities claiming to be registered and licensed in Dubai. The entities include, Koto Crypto, Finchain, Crypto Force, Coin Cashy, BTC Bay, XT, and Stabit.

The first entity is Koto Crypto based out of DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Center). As per VARA the company which claims to be registered in Dubai UAE, is carrying out non regulated virtual asset activities operating without a proper license.

As per the notice, “Any activities related to virtual assets conducted on this platform are therefore not in compliance with VARA Regulations. Engaging with unlicensed platforms that are not in compliance with VARA Regulations exposes users to significant financial risks and potential legal consequences for violating regulatory requirements, or criminal laws.”

The same applies to Finchain Payment Service Provider L.L.C. and Finchain Technologies DMCC also claiming to be registered out of DMCC. On checking FinChain website, it is no longer operational, claiming they are undergoing maintenance.

Also mentioned is Crypto Force registered as well in DMCC, which is conducting un-regulated virtual asset activities.

In addition VARA issued alerts for Coin Cashy, BTC Bay, whose website is also no longer active, as well as XT.Com crypto exchange which was recently hacked.

XT.com is a centralized cryptocurrency exchange established in 2018 and is registered in the Seychelles. The exchange facilitates trading of more than 1,000 digital currencies, with daily trading volumes of around $3.4 billion.

As for the 7th crypto entity put under alert status is Stabit, associated to Genesis Digital Assets Commercial Brokers Co. L.L.C, also offering un-regulated crypto trading services.

All these entities are unlicensed as per VARA and as such are not operating legally in the jurisdiction.  As such any promotion, advertising, or solicitation related to these seven entities has not been approved by VARA, and the platform is therefore prohibited from offering, promoting, or marketing any Virtual Asset products or services in Dubai or to its residents.

VARA advised investors and consumers to avoid using them and to exercise caution when considering interactions with unregulated platforms.

The regulator also notified users that access to these websites might be restricted without prior notice. As per the regulator, “It is recommended to take immediate necessary measures to ensure protection of user assets.

The alerts come after VARA has announced in October that it issued cease-and-desist orders, along with accompanying fines, to 7 entities for operating without the required licenses and for breaching marketing regulations.

SEE Institute, the hub for sustainability education, research, and business incubation located in The Sustainable City in Dubai, UAE has partnered with the Cardano Foundation to integrate blockchain technology into its global sustainability efforts.

As per the announcement, the partnership aims to support the advancement of sustainable solutions through blockchain-powered initiatives in the key sectors of food, energy, water, products, mobility, and waste. Through this partnership, SEE Institute and Cardano are positioning blockchain as a key enabler of sustainable development, driving innovation and global adoption in key sustainability sectors.

It will see the duo introduction of a Professional Diploma in Sustainable Blockchain – a first-of-its-kind program that combines SEE Institute’s expertise in sustainability with Cardano’s cutting-edge blockchain knowledge. This six-module course will equip professionals to utilize blockchain innovations to tackle global sustainability challenges.

The parties will also benefit from The Sustainable City’s Living Lab, a research hub for developing projects that explore blockchain’s potential in sustainability sectors.

“Blockchain technology is transforming transparency and traceability within the sustainability sector. By integrating blockchain into projects and initiatives, we create accurate, verifiable records of sustainability data and enable real-time tracking of goods and materials throughout supply chains,” said SEE Institute’s Founder & Chairman Engineer Faris Saeed after signing the deal with Cardano Foundation’s CEO, Frederik Gregaard.

“This decentralized approach builds trust, enhances data accuracy, and empowers scalable, data-driven solutions to address critical challenges in food, energy, water, products, mobility, and waste—ultimately supporting global net zero emissions targets,” stated Saeed.

“That goal includes working across all stakeholders in society to achieve blockchain literacy, from individuals to enterprise. Our partnership with SEE Institute—a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest public companies in the world – highlights both the appetite for blockchain education as well as the growing reach of the Cardano Foundation and its mission,” he stated.

In September 2024, Cardano partnered with The Dubai Blockchain Center (DBCC) to advance blockchain education and technology adoption across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

ABO Digital, a digital asset investment firm has invested $5 million in UAE based The Binary Holdings, a UAE-based technology powerhouse valued at $16.9 billion.

As per the release, this investment will power The Binary Holdings to accelerate its mission of transforming the global digital economy. With a robust user base of 169 million across multiple verticals, The Binary Holdings is reshaping how businesses, consumers, and investors interact in the digital landscape, and is targeting one billion users by 2025.

The company seeks with this investment to drive the expansion of a decentralized open network that seamlessly integrates with Web2 infrastructure while unlocking the full potential of Web3, empowering businesses and users to benefit from digital services such as cross border payments, gaming, digital social and other compelling services.

The Binary Holdings has contracts with seven leading telcos and a growing network of non-telco partners. At the center of the Decentralized Open Network for Distribution and Commerce is The Binary Network, where users, businesses, and service providers can seamlessly connect and transact across borders.

By using BNRY, the network’s single digital currency, The Binary Network is redefining the way value flows between participants, ensuring that payments are frictionless and accessible to users worldwide. This bold vision of using a single digital currency across its vast ecosystem enables true interoperability and cross-pollination amongst its diverse range of partners in both the telco and non-telco sectors, allowing for commerce to flow in a way that was previously unimaginable, eliminating the barriers between platforms and national borders.

The platform’s ability to facilitate seamless transactions and interactions across multiple industries has already garnered attention from some of the world’s largest companies. With contracts signed with seven major telcos, The Binary Holdings is on track to reach 1 billion users by December 2025, becoming a true global player in the decentralized economy.

In Q2 2025, The Binary Holdings will launch Millenia, a digital bank aimed at simplifying cross-border payments and remittances for users within The Binary Network. Designed to empower seamless transactions for individuals and businesses, Millenia will offer a low-cost, fast, and transparent service powered by the secure decentralised and interoperable infrastructure of The Binary Network, with BNRY as the primary transaction digital currency.

The Binary Holdings’ blockchain infrastructure is gaining strong traction among dApp developers. Through partnerships with over seven Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchain networks, The Binary Holdings has created unique bridges which provide dApps immediate access to Binary’s expanding user base of 169 million, projected to reach one billion by 2025, creating unmatched engagement and utility.

“The Binary Holdings is at the forefront of creating a new global standard for digital distribution and commerce,” said Siddharth Sahi, CBO, The Binary Holdings. “With the launch of the Binary Digital Bank, support from ABO Digital, and an expanding network of partners, we’re excited to continue pushing boundaries and bringing innovative solutions to our global community.

A Tech Powerhouse in Southeast Asia and the Middle East and a Global Leader in the Digital Economy through Mass Adoption

The Binary Holdings is rapidly establishing itself as one of the region’s most valuable and innovative tech companies, with a valuation of $16.9 billion. With strong partnerships, an expanding user base, and a commitment to essential infrastructure, The Binary Holdings is on track to become a global digital economy leader. Its blockchain technology drives innovation in decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, gaming, and digital commerce at scale, building a robust ecosystem that redefines business, payments, and global interactions.

“We are excited to collaborate with The Binary Holdings at such a pivotal time in the evolution of the digital economy” said Talal Samy, Investment Associate at ABO Digital. “The company’s ability to innovate, scale, and bring real-world solutions to a global audience is unmatched. Their groundbreaking work in creating seamless global interoperability and fostering mass adoption of decentralised technologies aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are proud to support them as they continue to shape the future of Web3.”

Velocity, the entrepreneurship center of the Canadian University of Waterloo, the number one school in Canada for entrepreneurs has signed an MOU ( Memorandum of Understanding) with The Abu Dhabi Blockchain Center.

The recently launched Blockchain Center in Abu Dhabi seeks to become a global hub for Blockchain and Web3. As per the press release, the collaboration with the University and Velocity will empower Waterloo students, alumni and entrepreneurs with a global network of industry experts and capital to accelerate innovative applications of blockchain in healthcare, government, finance, energy and e-commerce.

The Abu Dhabi Blockchain Center was founded by Waterloo alum and serial entrepreneur Mickey Areibi (GBDA ’18) and expert Abdulla Al Dhaheri. The center focuses on training, events and entrepreneurship to drive blockchain adoption. It aims to empower businesses, governments and individuals for sustainable growth. As digital transformation accelerates, blockchain technology offers transparency, security and efficiency.

“As a proud Waterloo native, I’m thrilled to partner with the University of Waterloo, a global leader in entrepreneurship and talent. Together, we’re bringing an ecosystem of blockchain support to Waterloo, fostering the next generation of blockchain entrepreneurs and innovators to drive startup growth and creating transformative co-op opportunities. This partnership not only strengthens the connection between two thriving ecosystems but also builds a world-class hub for blockchain solutions — rooted in the talent and spirit of where it all began for me, at Waterloo,” says Areibi.

“We’re excited to partner with the Blockchain Center in Abu Dhabi to create unique opportunities for our students and entrepreneurs in blockchain commercialization, education and innovation,” says Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Waterloo.

“As we advance UWaterloo’s vision for a better future for humanity and our planet, we look forward to working together to explore the role of blockchain technology to unlock opportunities in health data, cybersecurity and beyond. Together, we are building a world-class hub for blockchain solutions and driving transformative change around the world.”

The partnership will also integrate with Waterloo’s co-operative program.

“Our partnership with the University of Waterloo combines their legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship with our global network, empowering founders to tackle big challenges and drive lasting impact. Together, we’re fostering a new wave of high-impact founders and trail blazing innovators,” says Dhaheri.

In celebration of the UAE’s 53rd National Day, UAE based Mbank (Al Maryah Community Bank) , a digital bank, launched Jaywan Cards, the UAE’s first National Debit Card, on its blockchain enabled Mbank Wallet platform.

As per the press release, the national debit card is powered by advanced blockchain technology. It empowers customers with the ability to pay seamlessly at all POS terminals across the UAE, transfer money internationally with ease, and enjoy zero fees for cash withdrawals. By leveraging the security and efficiency of blockchain, Mbank sets a new benchmark in financial convenience and inclusivity, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and serving the diverse needs of its customers.

The press release added, that the launch of Jaywan Cards reflects Mbank’s commitment to fostering financial inclusion, serving the local community, and enhancing its position in the UAE’s financial ecosystem.

This initiative aligns with the Central Bank of the UAE and Al Etihad Payments’ strategic timeline, supporting the introduction of over 10 million new debit cards into the UAE market over the next two years. Mbank extends its gratitude to Al Etihad Payments for their unwavering support and collaboration, which has been instrumental in bringing this transformative initiative to life and advancing the UAE’s payment infrastructure.

The Mbank Wallet offers a full suite of payment solutions, giving users the ability to manage their finances on the app while using Jaywan Cards for in-person transactions.

The Mbank Wallet is the UAE’s first national digital wallet built on decentralized blockchain technology, offering:

  • Payments Through All POS Terminals in the UAE: Jaywan Cards are widely accepted across the country for seamless transactions.
  • Instant Payments with QR Technology: Secure and quick payments for in-store and online purchases.
  • Cross-Border Transactions: International transfers facilitated through Lulu Exchange.
  • No Bank Account Needed: Customers can send, receive, and request payments using an IBAN, eliminating the need for a bank account.
  • Zero Fees for Cash Withdrawals: A fee-free experience at ATMs, ensuring greater financial accessibility.
  • Digital E-Vouchers: Simplify the process of purchasing gift vouchers from a wide range of top merchants

“As we celebrate the UAE’s 53rd National Day, we take immense pride in introducing a transformative step forward with the launch of Jaywan Cards through the Mbank Wallet,” said Mr. Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Al Maryah Community Bank. “This groundbreaking initiative is a testament to our unwavering commitment to empowering the nation’s financial landscape, enhancing customer experiences, and driving the UAE’s vision of becoming a leader in financial inclusion and digital innovation.”

He added, “With Jaywan Cards and the Mbank Wallet, we are not just redefining the banking experience but also reinforcing the UAE’s position as a hub for cutting-edge financial solutions. Our focus is on creating meaningful impacts that bring convenience and accessibility to every customer, reflecting the spirit of progress and innovation that defines our nation.”

This announcement comes after AED Stablecoin LLC stated that the Central Bank of UAE provided it with in principle approval to launch and establish its own stablecoin, AE Coin.

Deribit, a crypto derivatives exchange, will be launching its spot and derivatives trading in the UAE and migration of all activities towards Deribit’s Dubai-based entity, Deribit FZE, after it has received its full license from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) of Dubai. It has received its conditional license back in April 2024.

Effective January 1, 2025, all qualified and institutional investors will be welcomed as direct clients of Deribit FZE, while retail clients will continue to be serviced by DRB Panama, now operating as a broker member of Deribit FZE.

As per the press release, this transition reflects Deribit’s focus on regulatory compliance and superior client service, leveraging Dubai’s advanced crypto infrastructure.

Client Transition Deadline: All clients must accept the new terms of service by January 1, 2025.


Mandatory KYC Refresh: Clients who do not complete the KYC process before January 1 will be placed on “Reduce Only” mode, restricting new positions but allowing the closure of existing positions. Deribit will migrate its substantial open interest, currently valued at nearly USD 50 billion, to its Dubai entity.


“Dubai has rapidly positioned itself as a global hub for digital assets, thanks to the visionary efforts of VARA and the UAE government. The city’s forward-looking regulatory environment provides the ideal foundation for Deribit’s growth and innovation. As the crypto industry matures and global regulatory needs evolve, our institutional clients require our regulated trading platform to be able to evolve with the industry. This move underscores our commitment to meeting these expectations while delivering exceptional, best-in-class service to our clients and adhering to the highest standards of transparency and compliance,” said Luuk Strijers, CEO of Deribit FZE.


Unlike other global trading venues establishing new entities, Deribit will consolidate all flow and activities into its Dubai entity. Deribit FZE will be the sole platform offering trading in all our products like spot, perpetuals, futures and options as well as all post-trade activities, all of which are under the supervision of VARA.


According to the press release the migration is a testament to the company’s ongoing mission to shape the future of crypto derivatives trading, ensuring regulatory alignment, operational efficiency, and client satisfaction.