Abu Dhabi to back the growth of Web3 startups with $2B

    Abu Dhabi’s technology ecosystem, Hub71, has announced a new initiative called “Hub71+ Digital Assets,” with a capital backing of over US$2 billion. This project aims to advance Web3-based innovations, such as blockchain technology and metaverse applications. The initiative aspires to provide Web3 startups with access to a range of programs, and initiatives, as well as, corporate, government,…

    UAE central bank to issue CBDC as part of its financial transformation program

    The issuance of a CBDC aims to address inefficiencies in cross-border payments and drive innovation for domestic payments. The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) is planning to launch a central bank digital currency (CBDC) for cross-border and domestic use as part of the first of its newly-launched financial infrastructure transformation (FIT) program….

    Dubai releases crypto regulations for virtual asset service providers

    The laws apply to market participants within the Emirate of Dubai, with the exception of those under the Dubai International Financial Centre. The Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), the regulator in charge of overseeing cryptocurrency laws within Dubai, has issued new guidelines for virtual asset service providers (VASPs) operating within the emirate. According to Irina Heaver, a…

    Crypto to play ‘major role’ in UAE trade: foreign trade Minister

    UAE’s minister of state for foreign trade Thani Al-Zeyoudi noted that as the country has attracted a lot of talent from the crypto sector, the UAE now needs to roll out the correct regulation to support further growth. Crypto will play a “major role” in the United Arab Emirates’ global trade moving forward, says the…

    Gulf Crypto Insight: Hot crypto news from the MENA region – December 31

    Top crypto news from the Middle East region over the last week (Dec. 24–30, 2022): Abu Dhabi backs tech in aim to become global business hub Abu Dhabi Finance Week showcased the ambitions of the capital city of the United Arab Emirates to become a global business hub. Having previously run as a conference dedicated…

    Gulf Crypto Insight: Hot crypto news from the MENA region – December 9

    Top crypto news from the Middle East region over the last week (Dec. 10–23, 2022): MAG partners with CoinMENA to facilitate property transactions using cryptocurrency MAG, the leading real estate developer in the UAE, has signed an agreement with CoinMENA, a leading crypto asset service provider in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), to…