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 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…
Read More »In a regional first, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) has partnered with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and HSBC to list a digital native blockchain bond. This marks the debut of a distributed ledger technology (DLT)-based bond on a public exchange in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). FAB issued the bond using HSBC Orion, HSBC’s digital assets platform operated by Hong Kong’s Central Moneymarkets Unit (CMU). The digital…
Read More »The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) officially issued a comprehensive regulatory framework for stablecoins, marking a major milestone in the region’s digital asset landscape. This development follows a public consultation launched in October 2024 and positions Bahrain as a regional leader in progressive crypto regulation. Under the new rules, the CBB now permits the issuance of fiat-backed stablecoins denominated in Bahraini Dinar (BHD), U.S. Dollar (USD), and other fiat currencies…
Read More »In a new step toward modernizing financial markets, the United Arab Emirates’ Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has introduced a new regulation titled “Security Tokens and Commodity Tokens Contracts”, which reflects the country’s commitment to regulatory excellence, financial innovation, and investor protection. The regulation establishes a comprehensive framework for issuing, trading, and settling digital tokens that represent either securities or commodities, underpinned by distributed ledger technology (DLT). It applies to…
Read More »Lebanon’s financial crisis has turned millions into economic hostages. Between frozen deposits, a collapsing currency, and fragmented dollar rates, trust in banks has all but evaporated. As the new Central Bank Governor focuses on stabilizing what remains, there is a temptation to avoid adding new complexities like stablecoins. But in reality, Lebanon stablecoin regulation could offer the country a path to modernize its financial system and restore dignity to its…
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