Regulation & Policy
Share
The Event covered different aspects of the Blockchain ranging from educating audiences, possible use cases, and future implication for business and governments.
Held at the Ritz Carlton on 15th-16th Jan 2019 in Dubai, Unlock Blockchain now in their 2nd year, covered thought provoking panel discussions talks, sessions, key notes, and addresses focused on the potential of the Blockchain technology. The event was able to attract policy and decision makers, influencers, technology providers, and government officials from across the globe.
The event explained how Blockchain is a paradigm shift in the way the world will think of and use technology. It offers a shift from the current transaction and record-keeping mechanisms and can be thought of as a foundation for disruptive digital businesses, for both Public and Private Entities.
Another point in focus was how global Blockchain is set to have a market size of 2.5 trillion by 2021 from its current 548.2 billion in 2018. Over the last five years venture capitalists have invested more than $3 billion in Blockchain projects. Over 90% of the banking industry is studying Blockchain initiatives, and governments around the world are setting up regulatory and legislative policies to tackle the issues arising from this new force-field.
According to market research Blockchain use cases are developing across 20 industry verticals most notably in supply chain, identity, security, financial services-commerce, and infrastructure.
Blockchain technology is at the heart of many smart implementations, including paperless government. With the objective to become the first Blockchain powered city in the world, Dubai’s Blockchain strategy revolves around government efficiency, industry creation, and international thought leadership.
Avanza Innovations, one of the sponsors of the event, also participated in panel discussions to discuss the Evolution of Payments and Personal Finance in the Blockchain Era.
Coming off of a recent win in the category of “Digital Government” at the APICTA Awards held in Guangzhou (China), Avanza has secured back to back wins and recognition for its pioneering Blockchain implementations in the region.
Mr. Waqas Mirza, CEO – Avanza Innovations said at the event, “Blockchain has the potential to disrupt and innovate technology as we know it. Avanza has been the driving force behind key advancements in Blockchain technology adoption in the region. Cipher has seen them create the very first city-wide smart applications and solutions that are empowering region as a whole. Unlock Blockchain Forum 2019 has been a great medium to actually show stakeholders, policy makers, and the people at large what exactly is possible with Blockchain.”
Avanza Innovations recently delivered Blockchain based Reconciliation and Settlement platform to Smart Dubai for DubaiPay and is also involved in numerous Blockchain implementations across a number of verticals in different territories and aims to create many more success stories with customers and partners. With such key success and multiple regional awards under its belt, Avanza is now looking to replicate its success across key global destinations to help them demystify their Blockchain journeys.
Disclaimer of Warranty
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. We make no warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. Read full disclaimer
Editor's Picks

Why Zondacrypto’s Collapse Would Unfold Differently in the UAE
Walid Abou Zaki
Aug 28, 2026
8 min

The Missing Orchestration Layer Holding Back Institutional Digital Assets
Julian Sawyer
Aug 18, 2026
5 min

Beyond Crypto Access: How ARP Digital Is Building the UAE’s Digital Capital Infrastructure
Anna K.
Aug 17, 2026
8 min
Read More Articles
In the Same Space

UAE's Fuze Finance Expands Into Switzerland With Regulated Crypto Infrastructure and Institutional Push
Anna K.
Sep 8, 2026
4 min

MENA Crypto Transaction Volume Reaches $350 Billion as Saudi Arabia Leads Growth
News Desk
Sep 7, 2026
6 min

UAE Formalizes Digital Currency Valuation Framework for VAT Reporting
Anna K.
Sep 7, 2026
7 min

VARA, Securitize MoU Signals Dubai’s Next Tokenization Phase
Salma Naueihed
Sep 3, 2026
5 min



