UAE now has two crypto hubs and two blockchain crypto asset associations

 

 

The Abu Dhabi Finance Week witnessed a lot of announcements including Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) crypto hub the second crypto hub in UAE after Dubai’s Digital Assets Business Group and the crypto center in Dubai Multi Commodities Centre DMCC in Dubai. 

As per the announcement, given the rapid emergence of new virtual assets such as cryptocurrencies and other related assets, ADGM is leading the way to introduce progressive frameworks and regulations around these technologies and developments.

The launch of “Abu Dhabi Crypto Hub” is therefore an important representation of the strategic initiatives taken by ADGM in support of economic diversification and the growing role of Abu Dhabi as a financial hub, addressing the current and future needs of the market through innovative technologies.

Crypto Abu Dhabi served as a vital platform to facilitate the assembly of the global crypto, blockchain and decentralized finance entities and elaborated on some of the most disruptive financial technology of our age, while also discussing and planning the long-term growth and development goals of an exciting, dynamic and forward-looking sector of the financial industry.

This also comes after Abu Dhabi launched its own Middle East, Africa & Asia Crypto & Blockchain Association (MEAACBA) backed as well by ADGM. As per the announcement it was seen as a pivotal step forward in the development of accessible, transparent, and compliant crypto-blockchain ecosystems.

The non-profit member-driven organization has cross-industry representation with a focus on education, coordination, and innovation for participants across the crypto and blockchain ecosystem.

• Jehanzeb Awan (Chairman)
• Richard Teng – Regional Head of MENA, Binance
• Stuart Isted – GM, MEA, Crypto.com
• Ola Doudin – CEO & Cofounder, BitOasis
• Basil Al Askari – Co Founder and CEO, MidChains
• Joseph Dallago – CEO and Co-Founder, Rain Financial
• Dapo Ako – MD, J. Awan & Partners

Board Chairman, Jehanzeb Awan, stated “We are dedicated to educating the global community and helping all businesses succeed and thrive. This will be delivered by industry experts sharing knowledge through webinars, courses and events. The Association will also promote responsible innovation through its ‘Moon-shot’ lab to which all participants can contribute.”

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, commented: “The decision by MEAACBA to incorporate in ADGM is a clear acknowledgment of the progressive regulations ADGM has built, to enable the development of technological innovation in crypto. We look forward to working closely with MEAACBA to support the development of crypto and blockchain ecosystems. We strongly believe that the Association will positively contribute towards bolstering Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s digital economy and adoption.”

MEAACBA membership is open to all companies and individuals across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa involved with the blockchain and crypto ecosystem, including exchanges, custodians, consulting firms, technology developers, digital asset traders, and NFT/ Metaverse firms.

Just two months prior, Dubai’s Digital Assets Business Group (D2A2) was launched by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. As per the announcement at the time, the group aimed to strengthen the digital asset industry’s role in the economic development of the UAE and the wider Middle East region, enhance digital business infrastructure and support the growth of digital companies in Dubai.

His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, emphasized the formation of D2A2 as a strategic move aligned with Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy’s strategy, which aims to fast track the growth of Dubai’s digital economy.

D2A2 was touted to be an important reference providing strategic and up-to-date market research data related to the digital asset sector to industry stakeholders, the private sector, policymakers and government entities.

Gaurang Desai, Chairman of D2A2, said: “We see an opportunity to turn Dubai and the UAE into a regional hub for digital assets. That is why it is very important to work towards creating a bridge for the digital asset industry to further integrate into the world economy by cooperating with counterpart organizations across the world. We wish to welcome all experts in the industry to come and join D2A2, to help us spread the principles of accountability, integrity and transparency, and promote the highest professional and ethical standards. D2A2 will reinforce the digital asset industry’s commitment to society by educating the public and developing tools to bolster the access to and advancement of technology for all. It will also support the digital asset industry’s efforts to improve quality, the environment, and energy management and investor protection.”

So where does the Crypto Oasis ecosystem come in to all of this? It was the first ecosystem to be launched in the UAE to help promote blockchain and crypto companies and regulations. Ralf Gabischnig told LaraontheBlock, “We have just started to accept memberships into the Crypto Oasis ecosystem and I believe every association or ecosystem has its own target. I believe in cooperation and doing all we can to grow a small markets together into a very big market.” He hopes to expand their scope to include the entire UAE and MENA region.

So while the world grapples with the events of FTX exchange and its aftermath, the UAE continues to build its crypto blockchain economy and we might see more associations pop up in other parts of the UAE.