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
Abu Dhabi has become the first government authority in the Middle East to officially accept payments in digital currency for judicial services, a major step forward in the UAE’s digital transformation agenda. The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has begun accepting AE Coin, a UAE Central Bank-regulated stablecoin, as a payment method for court-related fees. This initiative follows a strategic partnership between ADJD and Al Maryah Bank, a local financial…
Read More »In a new development for digital finance in the UAE, Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank) has partnered with the Select Market retail chain to launch a new payment service using AE Coin, the country’s first dirham-backed stablecoin approved by the Central Bank of the UAE. The rollout enables customers at Select Market branches to pay for their purchases using the AEC Wallet, a secure mobile app that allows for instant,…
Read More »After two back-to-back launch events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it’s clear that BurjX didn’t just enter the scene — it arrived with intent. Over the past week, I’ve had the chance to moderate and observe conversations with the two founders, Omar Abbas and Adam Ferris, and one thing stood out: BurjX wasn’t built to ride the wave of UAE’s crypto boom — it was built to anchor it. Now…
Read More »Abu Dhabi, UAE – The ADI Foundation has officially launched the public testnet of ADI Chain, a revolutionary blockchain infrastructure engineered in Abu Dhabi and designed for global scale. Positioned as the world’s fastest decentralized blockchain, ADI Chain is uniquely powered by GPU computing and integrates AI-driven protocols—making it the first of its kind. This launch comes as ADI Chain prepares to serve as the underlying infrastructure for the UAE’s…
Read More »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…
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