MENA News
Discover the latest blockchain and crypto news from the MENA region, including updates from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman, covering trends, regulations, and developments shaping the industry
The Trump Organization’s latest venture into Dubai real estate is going crypto. The $1 billion Trump International Hotel and Tower will begin accepting cryptocurrency for property sales upon completion, marking a significant move in the group’s evolving Web3 strategy. A Crypto-Powered Vision for Dubai Announced earlier this year, the Trump-branded project is being developed in partnership with Dar Global and will include a luxury hotel, private clubhouse, high-end residences, and…
Read More »On April 29, 2025, Unlock Blockchain proudly hosted its first-ever Top 20 Performing CEOs 2024 Award gala at the prestigious St. Regis Hotel in Downtown Dubai — an evening dedicated to celebrating the individuals shaping the future of Web3 and digital assets. Originally set to honor 20 executives, a tie in public voting raised the total number of honorees to 21 winners, highlighting the strength and influence of this year’s…
Read More »Gate Group has announced that its subsidiary, Gate Technology FZE (“Gate Dubai”), has been granted a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). This license allows Gate Dubai to offer exchange services to institutional, qualified, and retail investors, marking a key advancement in Gate Group’s global regulatory compliance journey. Dr. Han, Founder and CEO of Gate Group, stated: “We have always adhered to a…
Read More »Animoca Brands today announced its official expansion into the Middle East, with a presence in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to meet the growing demands of Web3 organizations moving into the region. The company has also appointed Omar Elassar as managing director for the Middle East and head of global strategic partnerships. Omar will oversee the company’s Middle East growth and operations, and will play a key role in advancing Animoca…
Read More »Leading global fintech firm and issuer of the USDC stablecoin, Circle Internet Group, Inc., has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from Abu Dhabi Global Market’s (ADGM) Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), a key step toward securing full authorization to operate as a licensed money services provider in the region. This regulatory milestone marks Circle’s continued expansion across the Middle East and Africa and follows its incorporation within ADGM in December 2024.…
Read More »Zodia Custody, the institution-grade digital asset custodian backed by global financial giants including Standard Chartered, Northern Trust, SBI Holdings, National Australia Bank, and Emirates NBD, has announced it is exploring the acquisition of Tungsten Custody Solutions, a regulated UAE-based digital asset custodian. If finalized, the deal would significantly enhance Zodia Custody’s presence in the United Arab Emirates by leveraging Tungsten’s licensing in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and its…
Read More »In a groundbreaking development for the UAE’s digital economy, three major institutions—International Holding Company (IHC), Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)—have announced plans to launch a Dirham-backed stablecoin. The initiative, which is set to transform the digital payments landscape, has garnered significant attention as it is expected to receive approval from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) in the near future. FAB, the…
Read More »Tokeny, a leader in compliant asset tokenization solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with the HBAR Foundation to bring real-world asset (RWA) tokenization to the Hedera network. The collaboration represents a significant step forward in advancing institutional adoption of blockchain technology for regulated financial products. Both organizations are already working together through the ERC-3643 Association, a nonprofit group aimed at setting standards for RWA tokenization. As financial institutions increasingly explore…
Read More »BitGo, a leading provider of digital asset infrastructure, announced that its Dubai-based subsidiary, BitGo Custody MENA FZE, has been granted a Virtual Assets Service Provider (VASP) operating license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). This license authorizes the company to offer Virtual Asset Custody Services and Staking solutions. This approval follows BitGo’s receipt of the in-principle approval (IPA) in January 2025, and marks a significant milestone in BitGo’s global…
Read More »Once considered one of the UAE’s most promising crypto ventures, MidChains Ltd, a digital asset trading platform licensed by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), has officially rebranded to Ousoul Assets Custodian and Trading Facilities Limited, effective March 19, 2025. According to a company email sent to clients, the name change aims to “enhance services and align the brand with core values.” The move was also reflected in the ADGM public…
Read More »
