BECO Capital joins Dubai AI Web3 Campus to foster Web3 startups’ innovations

BECO Capital joins Dubai AI Web3 Campus to foster Web3 startups’ innovations

BECO Capital is now part of the Dubai AI and Web3 Campus based out of DIFC ( Dubai International Financial Center). BECO capital VC firm manages more than $450 million in assets. According to Dubai AI and Web3 campus, BECO capital will supercharge their ecosystem.

In a LinkedIn post Dubai AI and Web3 Campus stated, “ With BECO Capital onboard, we’re introducing dynamic initiatives like demo days, offering startups a platform to showcase their innovations, and office hours, providing direct access to industry experts.”

BECO Capital’s impressive track record places them consistently in the top 10% globally for fund performance. They’ve played a pivotal role in nurturing regional unicorns like Careem and Property Finder, and we’re eager to see what future successes this partnership will bring.

Prior to this, the Dubai AI and Web 3.0 Campus, announced that it will be issuing artificial intelligence (AI) and Web3 licenses supporting activities ranging from Distributed Ledger Technology Services (DLT), specialised Artificial Intelligence Research & consultancies, IT infrastructure builders, Technology Research and Development and Public Networking Services.

Abu Dhabi Finance Week to hold Blockchain Summit Abu Dhabi and discuss digital assets

Abu Dhabi Finance Week to hold Blockchain Summit Abu Dhabi and discuss digital assets

Abu Dhabi Finance week, running from November 27th to November 30th will be holding discussions on the future of finance that will cover topics such as payments,  digital assets, cyber security, market integrity and credit. It will include The Regulators Summit, Blockchain Abu Dhabi, Risk4.0, A.I. Abu Dhabi and the 2023 Fintech Abu Dhabi Awards.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Chairman of the Executive Council and powered by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), ADFW will seek to examine the factors affecting monetary systems, technological disruptions, financing the race to net zero, the resultant services and facilities, and the industrial and social sectors that impact the global financial system. It will collectively aim to collaborate on maximising the opportunities and minimising the challenges presented within the ‘Transition Era’.

Commenting on the ADFW’s pioneering theme, His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Member of Abu Dhabi’s Executive Council and Chairman of ADDED and ADGM said, “We are part of an extraordinary era that is transitioning in every aspect whether it is economic, technological advancement or climate. As we navigate the complexities and challenges of this transformative phase, ADFW acts as a superb platform to gather impactful decision-makers that look at these aspects as opportunities. By investing in the transition era, ADFW stands as a platform that is not just about adapting to change but also seizing the opportunity that propels us towards a brighter, more prosperous future.”

The event was a global success last year, exceeding all expectations in its first edition. It witnessed local, regional and global participation of approximately 9000 attendees from 102 countries including 346 speakers who participated across 31 events and 105 sessions along with 52 strategic partnerships and over 75 MoUs announced and signed during the event.

ADFW unveiled additional top-line speakers who will be present in Abu Dhabi for the various events including H.E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak – Managing Director & Group CEO of Mubadala, Mohamed Alabbar – Founder of Emaar, Peter Orszag – Lazard CEO, Mohammed Alardhi – Executive Chairman of Investcorp, Dr. Samir Haj-Yehia – Chairman of Bank Leumi, H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman Al Hamidy – Director General & Chairman of Arab Monetary Fund, Yoni Assia – Co-founder & CEO of eToro, Atif Abdulmalik – CEO & Chairman of the Executive Committee at Arcapita and Bob Steers – Executive Chairman of Cohen & Steers. In June, ADFW announced its first cohort of elite speakers from the international financial spectrum, which listed iconic names such as Ray Dalio, KBW Founder and CEO – HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, Franklin Templeton President and CEO – Jenny Johnson, Midas List Venture Capitalist and Managing Partner at GGV Capital – Jenny Lee, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd. Chairman – Laura Cha, Rockefeller International Chairman – Ruchir Sharma, Fortune CEO – Alan Murray, Co-founder of Brevan Howard Asset Management LLP – Alan Howard, The Children’s Investment Fund Founder – Sir Christopher Hohn, Chairman of Wamda and Co-founder of Aramex – Fadi Ghandour and Former SEC Chairman – Jay Clayton.

Holiday Swap joins UAE Ministry of Economy NextGen FDI program to enhance its AI and Blockchain capabilities

Holiday Swap joins UAE Ministry of Economy NextGen FDI program to enhance its AI and Blockchain capabilities

Holiday Swap,a vacation exchange and booking platform which seeks to enhance its platform utilizing AI ( Artificial Intelligence) and Blockchain, has joined the UAE Ministry of Economy NextGen FDI program, and will be basing its headquarters in the UAE.

The NextGen FDI program  is a  multistakeholder initiative that provides pioneering businesses from around the world with the market-entry fundamentals required to establish and scale their operations in the UAE.

Launched in 2018, Holiday Swap is a community-based platform that connects holidaymakers online, enabling them to swap homes or rent directly from one another at minimal or zero cost. Today, the platform has more than 120,000 listed properties across 185 countries, including the UAE, where it has approximately 1,200 listings. It aims to expand its listings to 400,000 properties by the close of 2023.

The company, which has developed its own proprietary software, has joined the NextGen FDI programme to consolidate its global operations in the UAE. The company will establish its headquarters in Dubai Internet City, supporting 500 jobs in the country within two years, 250 of which will be highly skilled, as it seeks to enhance its platform through advanced technology capabilities such as AI and blockchain.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said, “The onboarding of Holiday Swap reflects the continuing success of the NextGen FDI programme in attracting pioneering companies to the UAE and fostering the development of cutting-edge solutions across a diverse range of economic sectors. The partnership is not only testament to the UAE’s position as a world-class hub for innovation but also the scale and sophistication of its travel and tourism industry, which contributed AED167 billion to the country’s GDP in 2022, a growth of more than 60 percent. We look forward to working with Holiday Swap to unlock new capabilities and adding a new dimension to our travel-related service exports.”

In response to joining the programme, James Asquith, Founder and CEO of Holiday Swap, commented, “We are thrilled to join the Ministry of Economy’s NextGen FDI program, a decision aligned with our commitment to innovation and expansion. Establishing our global operations HQ in Dubai Internet City positions us perfectly to leverage the UAE’s reputation as an international leader and a powerhouse in the travel and tourism industry.

UAE Crypto Oasis partners with Swiss Crypto Valley for WEB3FEST 2023 6 day festival

UAE Crypto Oasis partners with Swiss Crypto Valley for WEB3FEST 2023 6 day festival

UAE Crypto Oasis partners with Swiss Crypto Valley for WEB3FEST 2023 6 day festival between September 12th-17th in Zug and Zurich.

The Swiss WEB3FEST serves as a testament to their shared vision of ushering in the future of the internet. Crypto Valley, known for its pioneering role in blockchain and decentralized technologies in Switzerland and Lichtenstein, and the Crypto Oasis in MENA, a thriving hub for innovation, growth, and advancement, come together to present an event that encapsulates the essence of Web3.

Web3 encapsulates the upcoming phase of the internet, encompassing a spectrum of cutting-edge technologies including AI, Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies, Gaming, Sustainability, IoT, Metaverse, NFTs, and beyond.

Ralf Glabischnig, initiator of WEB3FEST, commented: “Our vision for this festival is to combine the exceptional potential of both Crypto Valley and Crypto Oasis. Switzerland is an outstanding location for founders looking to provide a regulatory home for their blockchain and Web3 startups. The Middle East offers a brilliant platform for these startups to scale internationally. With the launch of WEB3FEST, we aim to establish an annual Web3 event series worldwide.”

The festival sets off from September 12th to immerse participants and attendees in a dynamic journey through the diverse themes that define the Web3 realm.

NFT ART DAY: The festival’s curtain raiser on September 12th in Zug, will be a comprehensive survey exhibition of the Swiss NFT art scene and the inauguration of the Swiss NFT Timeline.

Web3 Gaming and Metaverse: The event’s second day invites attendees to dive into the realm of Web3 gaming and Metaverse projects. Engage with innovators and founders while gaining a deeper understanding of Internet Computer’s role in shaping the future of gaming. This will be followed by a tribute concert to Amy Winehouse combined with an AI-generated experience at the renowned Volkshaus Zurich.

Sustainability and Innovation: On the third day, the spotlight shifts to sustainability, and the role of AI and Web3 in building it. The European launch of The Green Block initiative, which underscores the festival’s commitment to sustainability and lines up to the launch of the first The Green Block report leading up to COP28 in the UAE.

 

Deep Dive Crypto Valley: Day four unravels the history of Crypto Valley in Zug with a deep dive into the ecosystem, with a focus on protocols and regulated digital assets businesses, where attendees can connect with the minds behind this vibrant blockchain hub. Engage in discussions with opinion leaders and investors over an exclusive brunch, lunch, or dinner that follows.

Ecosystem Unconference: Saturday, September 16th is all about connection and collaboration and open to the public to showcase tangible products and experiences. The Ecosystem Unconference, together with the Swiss NFT Association, welcomes forward thinkers from various domains. The Entire FIVE Hotel Zurich will be divided into experience areas focusing on AI, DeFi, Education, Longevity, Sustainability, NFTs, Real-world Assets, Gaming, and the Metaverse. This day will also witness the unveiling of the FIVE Zurich Metaverse by Pulse World.

Curtain Closer: The grand finale of the WEB3FEST will be a Networking Event on Sunday at the FIVE in Zurich. Attendees will have the opportunity to network over brunch and later by the pool, providing a relaxed setting to reflect on the festival, forge new connections, and plan for the year ahead. It’s the perfect ending to a week of innovation and collaboration.

The Swiss WEB3FEST is initiated by Inacta Ventures, Crypto Oasis Ventures, The Crypto Valley Association, and Trust Square, co-hosted by The Internet Computer, and is supported by the City and Canton of Zug in Switzerland.

Prior to this Crypto Oasis had announced that the orbs for WorldCoin ID verification were present at the crypto Oasis DIFC Innovation Hub office in Dubai.

As per Crypto Oasis post on LinkedIn,” We are currently supporting Worldcoin’s launch and spread across the UAE. Worldcoin is dramatically increasing access to World ID—the digital identity protocol powered by the Worldcoin ecosystem.”

Ornella Hernandez from Web3TV got scanned by a Worldcoin “orb” and signed up for a digital ID via the World App.

WorldCoin had announced in July 2023 that its orbs were available in the UAE.

Saudi’s leading fintech entity, Geidea partners with two blockchain payment platforms in KSA

Saudi’s leading fintech entity, Geidea partners with two blockchain payment platforms in KSA

Saudi’s fintech entity Geidea just announced that it has partnered with UAE based Blockchainenabled payments platform Magnati, and FAB ( First Abu Dhabi Bank) to offer digital payments in KSA, this comes after Geidea had partnered with Blockchain payments platform WadzPay in 2022.

As per the recent announcement, The collaboration has the potential to be transformative in the Saudi payments space and is set to create exceptional value for clients, bridging the gap between advanced financial solutions and accessibility, while ensuring enhanced affordability, said the statement.

With a focus on innovation and technology, Magnati offers Payment as a Platform services that cater to a wide range of industries and businesses, encompassing integrated payment solutions, secure transaction processing, and comprehensive e-commerce solutions.

Launched in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2008, Geidea provides over 700,000 payment terminals (POS) across the region and serves over 139,000 trusted merchants including regional and international brands, SMEs as well as e-commerce players.

Magnati CEO Ramana Kumar said the Geidea collaboration is a testament to its commitment to serving the clients’ expansion goals in Saudi Arabia. Kumar added, “Together, we aim to revolutionise the payment landscape by introducing innovative solutions, seamless integrations, and unparalleled customer experiences. Leveraging Geidea’s innovation and Magnati’s fintech expertise, we are poised to unlock the full potential of digital payments.”

Geidea Chief Business Officer Abdullah Alshowier expressed delight at the strategic alliance sealed with FAB and Magnati to support clients in Saudi Arabia. “This collaboration will empower merchants with Geidea’s state-of-the-art payment solutions, seamlessly accepting a wide spectrum of digital payments through a unified platform. We are enthusiastic about collaborating with FAB and Magnati to drive innovation, amplify services, and extend our collective presence in the GCC region,” he added.

In June 2022 Magnati had launched its MetaV, a virtual marketplace that that provides users with richer visual and sensory information, as well as improved quality of information to shop, learn, play games, attend concerts and more online.

The platform built on Magnati’s blockchain aims to accelerate the move from two-dimensional to multi-dimensional online commerce by enabling consumers to experience e-commerce in a new, immersive way.

Prior to that Geidea had expanded its operations into the United Arab Emirates and through a partnership with  Magnati.

But this is not the first partnership between Geidea and a blockchain enabled payments platform. Prior to this in November 2022, Geidea partnered with UAE based WadzPay,a blockchain enabled payments platform as well.  Geidea utilized WadzPay technology for the issuance of an e-money wallet, specifically for Hajj and Umrah, to be used in over one million point-of-sale (POS) terminals deployed across multiple merchants throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

WadzPay blockchain-based payment solutions allow Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to set up their own e-Money wallets on their mobile devices to be used for their expenses. Once the wallet is loaded, the pilgrim is ready to spend in Saudi Arabia with lower transaction fees and a user-friendly refund process.

The product is in final live testing and will be licensed soon. According to a tweet last week by WadzPay community member, “ We are getting closer to launch in KSA as licenses ad testing are in the final stretch. Q3 will see live terminals on WadzPay platform.”

So Geidea is moving forward with enabling blockchain digital asset payments from two major players in the region.

India’s CoinDCX investment into UAE BitOasis crypto broker breaths new life into the company

India’s CoinDCX investment into UAE BitOasis crypto broker breaths new life into the company

UAE based BitOasis crypto broker exchange has announced that it has secured an investment from CoinDCX, India’s biggest crypt exchange. This comes after BitOasis’s license was suspended by VARA for not meeting requirements. The latest investment will give BitOasis a new life line.

As per the news, the new capital injection will help to support BitOasis’s vision to amplify its regional presence and secure further licenses in the region.

Commenting on the news, Ola Doudin, Co-Founder and CEO of BitOasis said: “We are delighted to be working with CoinDCX, India’s leading crypto platform. From our first conversations, it was clear we share a common vision and synergies across our markets that we look forward to building towards. The investment will allow us to sharpen our focus on perfecting our existing products and expanding across our markets. We are very excited about the opportunities the funding will unlock for us.”

Sumit Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO of CoinDCX stated: “We are immensely excited about investing in BitOasis, the largest crypto trading platform in the Mena region. We have been impressed by BitOasis’s excellent product offering, strong leadership and their persistence to serve customers in the most secure and compliant manner.”

The investment comes after news that CoinDCX was in talks to acquire BitOasis. BitOasis in the past month had let go of more than 30 employees.

Prior to that VARA had freezed BitOasis’s MVP operational license for non compliance to requirements set by the Dubai virtual asset regulator.

With this an Indian crypto exchange now has a foothold in the MENA region with the investment in BitOasis.

Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island launches its virtual metaverse island with visiting avatars

Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island launches its virtual metaverse island with visiting avatars

In collaboration with both the UAE Abu Dhabi department of Culture and Tourism, Al Dar, Miral, twofour54, and Ethara, Yas Island has launches its virtual platform with digital avatars as visitors. The virtual platform is set to showcase Abu Dhabi as a leading tourism destination.

The virtual Yas Island experience was developed by Super League and breaks through on Roblox, accessible at Yas Island Tycoon – Roblox. Users’ digital avatars take a journey through key Abu Dhabi landmarks on Yas Island and beyond, including SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Park, Aldar Square, twofour54’s Yas Creative Hub, and an Experience Abu Dhabi dedicated area featuring Louvre Abu Dhabi, Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Sir Bani Yas Island, Al Ain Oasis and Al Jahili Fort. Participants will be able to traverse the 25-square-kilometre virtual site and experience a playable, socially engaging world designed to entertain and inform audiences globally.

Throughout a blend of interactive experiences, immersive environments, games, and soon to come one-of-a-kind events, players can explore and build cultural and entertainment attractions within Abu Dhabi. As users progress through the virtual destination and its attractions, they will experience more adventures such as theme park rides, driving across Yas Island in race cars and constructing virtual homes. Customisable avatars and surprise awards are part of every player’s personalised adventure. The gamified experience will continually evolve with new partnerships and experiences.

His Excellency Saeed Al Fazari, Strategic Affairs Executive Director at DCT Abu Dhabi, stated, “This immersive adventure in the virtual realm is the latest example of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to utilising innovation and creativity to reach ever wider audiences. While we have shared Abu Dhabi with millions of visitors in the real world, today marks the start of a new phase in our journey. Everyone, wherever they are, can experience the emirate from the comfort of their own home. At DCT Abu Dhabi, we have been on a mission to progress, protect and promote the emirate as a leading tourism destination, and by offering virtual experiences, we aim to share Abu Dhabi with the world in a new way, inspiring curiosity and excitement about everything the UAE capital has to offer.”  

Rashed Al Omaira, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldar Development, said: “The virtual Yas Island experience unlocks new opportunities for a global audience to explore the island as a world-class destination to live, visit, and work. The effective use of innovative content creation not only enables us to tell the story of Abu Dhabi but also allows people around the world to become immersed in it. We are excited to see people interact with Aldar’s assets on Yas Island in the virtual world and hope it inspires them to take a trip to Abu Dhabi soon.”

Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, said: “At Ethara, our ambition is to be the gatekeepers of first-to-market events and to unlock unique opportunities in events, activations, and entertainment. We are delighted to be part of this unique and innovative experience and are proud to be leading the way for the event industry in the region. The virtual Yas Island experience is in line with both our vision at Ethara and Yas Island’s to highlight itself as a global creative hub and leading entertainment destination. We are constantly seeking ways to deliver thrilling experiences for our fans, and delivering moments that matter.”

Everything Blockchain appoints UAE leading Cryptographic researcher as Board advisor for MENA

Everything Blockchain appoints UAE leading Cryptographic researcher as Board advisor for MENA

USA Everything Blockchain Inc., (EBI), a technology company that is blending blockchain, DBMS, and Zero Trust to deliver new ways to store, manage and protect data, has appointed Dr. Najwa Araj as new board member for MENA region. This makes the total number of board members five.

Dr. Aaraj has 15 years of experience at global cybersecurity and consulting firms bringing critical industry knowledge and expertise to the company’s leadership team. A premier technical expert, Dr. Aaraj earned a Ph.D. with highest distinction in applied cryptography and embedded systems security from Princeton University.

“The addition of Dr. Aaraj to the board is another critical step forward for the direction of the company,” said Michael Hawkins, Chairman of the Board at EBI. “Her invaluable knowledge and industry experience will undoubtedly contribute to our continued growth, product development, and education of the industry on the importance of next-generation database and security solutions.”

In addition to her role at EBI, Dr. Aaraj is the Chief Researcher of the Cryptography Research Center and the Autonomous Robotics Center at the Technology Innovation Institute, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Currently, she leads the research and development of cryptographic and quantum communication technologies, as well as the advancement of autonomous robotics and self-navigating vehicles.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the EBI leadership team,” said Dr. Aaraj. “The company’s innovative approach to data storage and security is addressing major industry challenges, changing the way businesses operate. I look forward to contributing my insights to further propel EBI’s success and drive its strategic growth.”

EBI’s suite of solutions includes BuildDB, a next-generation database solution that delivers superior performance, reduced latency, zero trust, and unmatched resilience – backed by a private blockchain architecture. It provides enterprises with a new and disruptive way to store, manage and protect data even as customers deploy applications that produce and consume ever larger datasets. BuildDB is offered as a SaaS application managed in a continuous delivery model and is available for deployment from AWS Marketplace.

In April 2023 USA based Everything Blockchain Inc partnered with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Rushaid Technologies (ART) IT subsidiary of Al Rushaid Group. ART became a non-exclusive reseller of BuildDB, EBI’s next-generation database powered by a advanced private blockchain architecture that delivers superior performance, reduced latency, zero trust and unmatched resilience.

South Korea’s Blockchain gaming entity Wemade onboards UAE Game company

South Korea’s Blockchain gaming entity Wemade onboards UAE Game company

South Korea’s Blockchain, NFT, metaverse game developer and publisher WeMade  has signed onboarding agreements with several domestic and international game companies for the blockchain game platform “WEMIX Play.” One of those is a UAE game company, Project Seed, which will be working on a fantasy action role playing game RPG titled Outland Odyssey.

The game should be released in third quarter of this year.

WeMade added that WEMIX Play has currently over 100 blockchain games linked in its network.

Earlier this year WEMADE, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with KSA based Nine66, a Savvy Games Group (“Savvy”) company, to drive the development of the gaming industry in Saudi Arabia.

Furthermore, in January 2023, WEMADE announced the establishment of a subsidiary in Abu Dhabi in the UAE, another gaming hub and plans to open another branch in MENA region and work with local projects and companies.

Japanese Astar Blockchain EVM platform to set up base in UAE

Japanese Astar Blockchain EVM platform to set up base in UAE

In a recent tweet, Japan based Astar, EVM based smart contract Blockchain platform that seeks to be the future of multichain smart contracts revealed its plans to set up a base in the UAE. Astar is designed to become a hub for smart contracts on Polkadot and is backed by prominent investors that include Binance, Huobi, OKEx, Fenbushi, and others.

Sota Watanabe, Founder of Astar, stated in  recent tweet, “ My Abu Dhabi and Dubai business trip  was amazing. Met some government officials, investors and entrepreneurs here in UAE We plan to set up a local office here too. Our future is bright!”

In November 2022, Astar Blockchain Network onboarded Japan’s top mobile carrier NTT Docomo to collaborate on mass adoption of Web3 as well as its social implementation.

Then in late July 2023, Fireblocks, an enterprise-grade platform for institutional adoption of digital assets, integrated with Astar Network, an EVM and WebAssembly (Wasm) compatible smart contracts platform.  The collaboration could see more than 650 banks and institutional investors use Fireblocks’ technology to access and manage their digital assets, boosting institutional adoption of DeFi on Astar, the two platforms noted in their press release.