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
As the digital asset industry moves further into 2026, the conversation is shifting from projections to reflection. The question now is not who made the most noise, but who delivered measurable results in 2025. The Unlock Top 20 CEO 2025 initiative was launched to answer exactly that. It evaluates performance achieved throughout the 2025 calendar year, recognizing leadership defined by execution rather than visibility. Across the region, crypto leaders in…
Read More »The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has granted in-principle approval for a stablecoin issuance license to AX Coin, the digital asset initiative of NASDAQ-listed AlloyX Group (AXG), marking the first such approval under Bahrain’s 2025 Stablecoin Issuance and Offering (SIO) framework. The approval remains subject to final authorization and fulfillment of remaining regulatory conditions before issuance can commence. Implementing Bahrain’s 2025 Stablecoin Framework In July 2025, the Central Bank of…
Read More »Swiss private bank Maerki Baumann & Co. Ltd. has received regulatory approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to open its Abu Dhabi branch. The move marks the bank’s first direct presence outside Europe and aims to support blockchain and crypto companies with essential financial infrastructure and banking services. The Maerki Baumann ADGM approval enables the bank, operating under the ARCHIP brand, to…
Read More »Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is in discussions with authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to strengthen cooperation against money laundering and illegal offshore asset holdings, according to officials speaking at a press conference on Tuesday. NAB officials said the engagement focuses on expanding mutual legal assistance mechanisms to trace, freeze, and repatriate assets allegedly acquired through illicit means and held outside Pakistan. The initiative reflects growing scrutiny of…
Read More »iBLOXX Studios has raised $5.4 million to finalize development of StrayShot, a mobile third-person shooter incorporating blockchain technology that allows players to own, trade, and control in-game assets. The funding will support marketing, global distribution, live-service operations, content updates, and platform expansion, including future console releases. StrayShot is optimized for low-end devices and features multiple gameplay modes, including Battle Royale, Team Deathmatch, and Extraction, set in the fictional Sierra Verde…
Read More »The UAE’s push to become a global hub for regulated digital finance has taken a significant step forward with the official launch of EmCoin, the country’s first onshore, Capital Market Authority–regulated multi-asset investment platform. The new service brings crypto assets, foreign exchange, equities, exchange-traded funds, and commodities together under one unified, fully supervised ecosystem. Licensed by the Capital Market Authority, EmCoin is positioned as a solution to one of the…
Read More »The Qatar Investment Authority is making one of its most significant moves yet to elevate Qatar’s position in the global investment landscape, unveiling an additional $2 billion for its Fund of Funds program. The expansion brings the total commitment to $3 billion, signaling Qatar’s intent to become a central destination for venture capital, advanced technology investment, and blockchain-driven innovation. The announcement was made by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim…
Read More »Singapore Gulf Bank (SGB) has introduced what it calls the region’s first bank-operated network to offer US dollar and stablecoin settlement within one regulated platform, signaling a new phase in the convergence of traditional finance and blockchain-based payment rails. Announced Monday in Manama, Bahrain, the upgrade extends the bank’s proprietary SGB Net clearing system into the digital asset arena, enabling near real-time settlement in both fiat and select stablecoins such…
Read More »AIBC Eurasia is kicking off 2026 with its sixth edition, returning to Dubai from 9–11 February at the Dubai Festival City – Festival Arena. The two-day summit features a dynamic conference and expo, showcasing cutting-edge technology, blockchain, digital assets, and fintech innovation. Designed for first-time visitors and seasoned delegates alike, AIBC Eurasia connects senior decision-makers, investors, innovators, and regulators across Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. The event combines…
Read More »Deus X Pay, a licensed provider of stablecoin transaction solutions, has partnered with IBC Aviation, a leading provider of private jet charter services, aircraft management, and acquisition consulting, to integrate cryptocurrency payments into its aviation services. Through this collaboration, IBC Aviation clients can now use digital assets, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Tether (USDT), and USD Coin (USDC), to pay for flights and related services. With this integration, high-net-worth and…
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