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
Asia is rapidly emerging as a global leader in asset tokenization, attracting institutional capital and shifting financial momentum away from Western markets. With countries like Japan, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates laying the groundwork for regulated digital asset ecosystems, global investors are increasingly turning to the East for innovation and opportunity. According to Maarten Henskens, head of protocol growth at Startale Group, this shift is not just about…
Read More »Stablecoins are one of the most dynamic sectors in digital assets and a leading application of blockchain technology. Primarily pegged to the US dollar and acting as a bridge between volatile crypto assets and the stability of fiat currencies, these digital tokens are a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional payment systems. The rise of stablecoins is shaping conversations across both policy and investment circles and their varied global…
Read More »Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and user base, is strengthening its mission to make crypto accessible for everyone with the launch of Sharia Earn—its first dedicated product for Islamic finance. This innovative staking service has been officially certified by Amanie Advisors, a globally recognized Sharia advisory firm, making it the first multi-token staking platform that complies with Islamic finance principles. Sharia Earn: A New Era for…
Read More »Dubai is taking a major step toward the future of payments, with Emirates Airline and Dubai Duty Free announcing plans to integrate cryptocurrency options for their customers. The move follows the signing of strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with global digital asset platform Crypto.com, underscoring Dubai’s ambition to lead in digital finance innovation. Crypto to Power Airport Retail Transformation Dubai Duty Free, which reported sales exceeding AED 4.1 billion in…
Read More »The National Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organizations Committee has issued Decision No. (6) of 2025, marking a significant step in the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) ongoing efforts to combat financial crime. The directive, dated June 16, 2025, primarily focuses on updating the list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring and high-risk jurisdictions subject to a call for action. The decision mandates enhanced measures for…
Read More »The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has granted approval to the QCD Money Market Fund (QCDT), making it the first tokenized money market fund officially licensed within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). A collaborative effort between Qatar National Bank (QNB) and DMZ Finance, the fund signals the Gulf region’s growing influence in shaping compliant digital asset frameworks. QNB will lead on investment origination and management, while DMZ Finance provides…
Read More »Saudi Arabia is experiencing a wave of tech-driven transformation, with the latest government data showing a 51% year-on-year increase in blockchain business registrations during the second quarter of 2025. The rise brings the total number of registered blockchain-related companies in the Kingdom to more than 4,000, highlighting a powerful shift in the region’s innovation landscape. According to the Ministry of Commerce’s latest Quarterly Business Sector Bulletin, the surge reflects broader…
Read More »Since the UAE’s exit from the FATF grey list in February 2024, the Central Bank of the UAE has demonstrated a strong commitment to enforcing compliance across the financial sector. In recent months, it has imposed significant fines on traditional banks and exchange houses that failed to meet AML and CFT standards. At the same time, the country’s digital asset regulations, established by VARA and ADGM, have proven effective from…
Read More »To accelerate digital transformation in real estate, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with global cryptocurrency platform Crypto.com. The agreement aims to create a digital investment environment for virtual real estate assets and explore blockchain and digital currency applications within Dubai’s property market. The partnership aligns with the Dubai Government’s broader vision to cement the emirate’s position as a global hub for technological innovation…
Read More »The Open Network (TON), a blockchain project originally developed by Telegram, is under scrutiny after announcing a crypto-based pathway to long-term residency in the United Arab Emirates, a claim that was quickly challenged by UAE authorities. On Saturday, the TON Foundation unveiled what it called a “revolutionary” route to the UAE’s coveted 10-year Golden Visa, offering eligibility to individuals who stake $100,000 worth of Toncoin (TON) for three years and…
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