Egyptian Central bank has announced that it is currently studying the implementation of CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) which should offer a safer and more secure replacement to current cryptocurrencies and the risks associated with them while making use of digital economy. The Egyptian Central Bank in its 2021 financial stability report stated that it had created an internal and external committee which includes representatives from different Ministerial entities headed by the governor of the Central Bank to study the implementation of CBDCs in Egypt. It also noted that it is working with external counterparts to study the potential risks and benefits of CBDC implementations.  Cryptocurrency trading in Egypt is still not regulated and the Central Bank of Egypt has on several occasions mentioned the risk involved in dealing with cryptocurrencies and the fact that it is illegal in the country to do so. In September, the central bank of Egypt reiterated its warnin...

  Oman’s National Real Estate Development and Investment SAOC (OSOS) and Blockchain development company Chainsense have signed an MoU to set up   a Blockchain Valley within the Sultanate of Oman. OSOS offers a variety of services that meet the requirements of the real estate market efficiently, through a specialized management team and its strong backing from the major shareholders such as Royal Oman Police (ROP) Pension Fund (PF), Ministry of Defence PF, Diwan PF, Public Authority of Social Insurance, Bank Muscat, MB Holdings, Al Madina Investments and Al Rayan Bank Qatar. Activities of OSOS include the real estate development, management, operations, and valuations of real estate, along with special focus on investments in lucrative and value-added opportunities in the region which synchronized with the Oman Vision 2040. Chainsense Ltd is a Tech MNC headquartered in London with its presence in four countries including the UAE. It offers its services to over 429 clients...

  SmartLedger a   U.S. blockchain services company providing advanced solutions to clients through a combination of consultancy, partnership, and internal development has announced that it has entered the MENA region through its subsidiary Blockchain Smart Technologies in Dubai UAE. As per the press release, Dubai has emerged as a global leader in the adoption and implementation of innovative technologies such as blockchain. The city has made significant investments in the development and implementation of blockchain-based solutions across various sectors, including finance, transportation, and government services. Blockchain Smart Technologies will work to improve manufacturing and supply-chain efficiencies, airport safety, identity management, nano-technologies, I-gaming, ESG initiatives, and Sharia compliant blockchain services. Launched in 2016, the Dubai Industrial Strategy outlines the government’s vision for the city’s future development and is based on four key ...

    On December 20 th , the Central Bank of Morocco represented by its governor Abdellatif Jouahri announced in Rabat Morocco that the draft crypto bill to regulate the use of cryptocurrencies is ready. The announcement was carried out at the press briefing following BAM's 4th and final quarterly meeting of 2022. Jouahri stressed that the full draft is ready to put in place a proper regulatory framework. Jouahri stated, "Discussions are to be held with all stakeholders, including the Moroccan Capital Markets Authority (AMMC) and the Insurance and Social Security Supervisory Authority (ACAPS),"  "We proceeded to a specific definition of the cryptocurrency and prepared a general public survey that details the specifics and use of this virtual currency in Morocco," he added. In June 2022, The Central Bank of Morocco, Bank Al Maghrib, announced during its second quarterly meeting that it would be introducing a cryptocurrency bill soon. Abdul Latif Al Ja...

  Sharjah University has launched its blockchain pilot in the presence of Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah. ‏ The President of the University was briefed about the advantages of using Blockchain technology, which includes several aspects, including information security and confidentiality, and ensuring the credibility of information and documents, in addition to accelerating procedures. As per the news, the work teams at the university worked effortlessly to unify and simplify procedures and to coordinate with all parties and partners to gain access to academic, scientific, and administrative services that serve the University of Sharjah community, which includes students, graduates, and the teaching and administrative staff. In September 2022 UAE The University of Sharjah launched a research project aimed to develop a blockchain metaverse system to preserve the UAE culture and heritage. Working...

  UAE Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank secured 130 deals valuing over $128 million from 11 banks in Bangladesh using Blockchain trade finance platform TradeAssets. TradeAssets is powered by blockchain technology for digital origination and the distribution of trade assets. As a result UAE based Blockchain trade finance e marketplace TradeAssets has awarded Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), e-Marketplace Champion Award for its excellence in digital adoption from blockchain-powered e-Marketplace  ADIB has been constantly embracing new and emerging technologies, with the strategic partnership signed last year with TradeAssets further strengthening the efficiency and productivity of businesses.  Commenting on the recognition, Abdulla Shehhi , Global Head International Business Group (IBG), at ADIB, stated, “ADIB is at the cutting-edge of global transaction banking offering end-to-end Sharia’a-compliant trade financing through digital channels. Through the successful implementation of Trad...

  UAE Farmsent, a blockchain platform for farmers and producers where they can directly supply goods to the consumers, has merged with Bahrain Beanboat, pioneers of coffee direct-trade in MENA. BeanBoat created Bahrain’s first coffee subscriptions service. Their offerings brought coffee shops and roasters some of the best and rarest coffee in the world owing to their extensive network of farmers in Colombia. Beanboat has merged with Farmsent allowing them to tap on Farmsent’s extensive reach with clients in the MENA regions and network farmers in Colombia, and combining it with the power of Web3 of Farmsent’s network to push for the next generation of trade. Yog Shrusti, CEO and Co-Founder of Farmsent stated, “Our mission at Farmsent is to connect farmers directly with people who are looking for quality, sustainable, traceable products. With Beanboat’s knowledge of the MENA region, we will continue to lead the way in bringing people across the region together around sustainab...

  In a recent article on Pinsentmasons legal firm website, the article discusses Dubai VARA’s Full market product regulatory regime for virtual assets and its upcoming rollout. The legal expert Tom Bicknell states, that after VARA’s roll out of its minimum viable product license regime which allowed participants to undertake their activities within an agreed limited scope and specifically to their authorized market segment, VARA will soon be launching its FMP framework which will seek to monitor global trends of the virtual industry and where appropriate issue further rules and guidance Tom Bicknell of Pinsent Masons states, “Encompassing the learning’s from its MVP licensing stage and widespread industry engagement, VARA’s introduction of the FMP ( Full Market Product) license will serve as a firm footing for the next stage of growth for the UAE’s leading virtual asset industry.” Once the rollout begins, MVP license holders and other VASPs will have to apply for an FMP lice...

  There are 112 countries that are — in one way or another — exploring central bank digital currency (CBDC). Of this number, 11 countries have launched their own CBDCs, 15 are piloting, 26 are developing and 46 are researching. This trend appears to have reached the UAE, with the country’s central bank collaborating with various international agencies. In 2019, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) piloted a wholesale CBDC project with Saudi Central Bank named of “ABER.” A final report was published in 2020, which showed that “the distributed ledger technology would enable central banks to develop payments systems at both local and cross-border levels.” More recently, the CBUAE — along with the BIS Innovation Hub Hong Kong Centre and the central banks of Hong Kong, Thailand and China — implemented Project mBridge, a joint initiative experimenting with cross-border payments using a custom-built common platform based on distributed ledger technology (DLT) upon which multiple centr...

  Dubai developer MAG is accepting stablecoins in property transactions utilizing the services offered by Bahrain-based crypto company CoinMENA. Stablecoins USDT and USDC will now be accepted by MAG in response to investor demand, the developer said. Talal Moafaq Al Gaddah, senior executive vice chairman of MAG, which recently announced an $817 million “bio living” residential development in Meydan, Dubai,stated, “As a catalyst for Dubai's real estate industry, we will spare no effort to progress upon the emirate's digital economy and consolidate its prominent global position.” This is the second real estate developer to team up CoinMENA. Last month it partnered with Carlton Real Estate, a Bahrain-based real estate agency, allowing investors to purchase real estate property using crypto assets. Under the partnership, the real estate broker would accept stablecoins like USDT and USDC.   Talal Tabbaa and Dina Sam’an, founders of CoinMENA, a crypto asset service provider, sa...

  stc Bahrain has become the first telecom operator in Bahrain to accept cryptocurrencies through its partnership with Eazy Financial Services, a leading Bahraini Payment Services provider specializing in POS and online payment gateway. EazyPay uses BinancePay and wallet to offer this service to more than 5000 POS terminals in Bahrain.  The collaboration with Eazy Financial Services is a strategic step from stc Bahrain towards expanding the payment options with the future of currency to address the increasing demand for flexible and easy-to-use crypto payments.  stc Bahrain CEO Nezar Banabeela, stated, “Rapid digitization across the globe is transforming all aspects of our lives, and payments are the most crucial element. From online shopping and streaming videos to money transfers, almost every digital activity relies on a payment system. We are incredibly proud to be the first telecom operator in Bahrain to accept cryptocurrency payments, a demonstration of our strong ...

  UAE investment firm specializing in digital assets and blockchain technology, MorningStar has invested 5 million to open its first interactive and immersive digital art gallery, called ‘37xDubai. The NFT digital art gallery is located in the Burj Daman Tower (DIFC area), 37xDubai will be at the heart of Dubai’s business and lifestyle center as it opens its doors in Q1 of 2023. As per the press release, the global NFT market is projected to reach 23.9% between 2022 and 2028. In the UAE, 23% of people own at least one NFT, ranking the region first compared to Europe (8%) and the U.S. (2.8%). MoMa, Sotheby’s, and other institutional players in the art scene have also opened NFT or Metaverse-related initiatives or shown interest in the space over the past years. 37xDubai aims to be a bridge across Art and Technology, thereby bringing a new concept to the market focused on web3 education, traditional art, digital art, entertainment, and community. Featured artists will be able...

  The Dubai based Q9 Capital, which had announced a month ago unilaterally announced that they had received a provisional virtual asset approval from Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) are now listed on Dubai VARA ( Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority) website under Native crypto content/ DLT platform. Q9 is listed along with Calvin Cheng Web 3.0 Holding and Woonkly Labs. This had taken some time, as Q9 Capital had announced that they had received a provisional approval in October 2022. But looking at VARA website, it seems Q9 has received a DLT or crypto content preliminary approval.  As per Q9 press release the company is a crypto investment management platform offering capabilities to crypto and TradFi firms. Q9 had stated that this approval came as it expanded into the UAE and applied for a full operating license in accordance with VARA requirements.   As per the release, Q9 products and strategies can be created and executed on Q9’s platform, such a...

  Oman Ministry of Transport, Communications, and IT in partnership with Green Data City (GDC) the next generation data blockchain ecosystem, have launched the first licensed sustainable crypto mining datacenter in Oman, and the GCC.   The delegation witnessed the first Bitcoin officially mined in Oman using immersive cooling technology which will reduce electricity consumption. The crypto mining datacenter is based in Mirbat   Salalah Oman because of its cooler climate. Under this license, industrial mining companies can now register directly with GDC Mining and operate within the development. H.E. Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, inaugurated the Sultanate of Oman’s first crypto mining data center, set up by Green Data City. Al Maawali was joined by Dr. Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communication and Information Technolo...

  UAE based Blockchain enterprise, Shaariq.com, an end-to-end real estate platform of Vision Tech has partnered with Pakistan-headquartered JK&S Developers, a real estate arm of the renowned Saif Group. to facilitate sales in JK&S Developers’ highly anticipated project D.I. Khan New City. Shaariq.com will leverage its enterprise blockchain capabilities to ensure secure, transparent, and seamless transactions. Shaariq.com will also ensure D.I. Khan New City becomes an early mover in adopting blockchain at an enterprise level. Shaariq.com will create a digital twin of the project in the metaverse to enable efficient urban planning and optimize the delivery of public services such as healthcare and groceries. NFT linked transactions on the blockchain will bring greater security, transferability, and future readiness. D.I. Khan New City will also characterize AR-VR and AI applications on multiple fronts. Dubbed the “Crown of Pakistan”, the D.I. Khan New City is a hybrid dev...

  UAE startup Educatly, a platform connecting students to global higher education opportunities based out of in5 Tech, a business incubator by TECOM Group PJSC, is implementing a blockchain solution for student data verification, which is essential for them to provide legitimate students records to relevant universities. As per the announcement, the Blockchain data verification solution is also crucial for foreign students who want to further their education overseas because it might be challenging to obtain original copies of their degrees elsewhere. In the third quarter of 2022 Educatly’s community of students increased by five times, from 100,000 to 500,000 in the past nine months and represents more than 150 countries and territories. 2022 has been marked by several milestones for the tech start-up, which was founded by former LinkedIn employees in 2020. Educatly has cast a wider net across the higher education industry to feature more than 3,000 universities on its platf...

    UAE DMCC, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, has launched the DMCC Gaming Centre in support of the increasingly growing global and regional video games industry. Members of the center who are developing blockchain games will be able to access $150 million funding from VC firm Brinc. Currently standing at USD 1.8 billion, revenues generated by the gaming industry in the MENA region are expected to reach USD 5 billion by 2025.   Launched during the Dubai Esports Festival, the DMCC Gaming Centre formalizes DMCC’s efforts in the gaming and esports space, creating a supportive environment in which all gaming and esports companies can thrive. DMCC is currently home to over 50 gaming companies, from game developers and producers to esports teams and tournament organizers.   The DMCC Gaming Centre will be based in DMCC’s free zone, providingaccess to a vibrant community of gaming industry peers to unlock new opportunities for collaboration. Gaming companies lookin...

    Coca-Cola and Crypto.com, sponsor of Qatar World Cup 2022, have teamed up to launch an NFT collection inspired by the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. The collection, created in collaboration with digital artist GMUNK, is based on “heat maps” that visually represent the movements and highlights of the tournament’s players. GMUNK has created 10,000 NFTs based on these heat maps, which will be available to fans on the Crypto.com NFT platform from May 1 to July 31, 2022.   To access the NFT collection, fans will need to create an account on the Crypto.com NFT platform and visit Coca-Cola’s fan zone page to mint a token. The Coca-Cola fan zone is a digital hub for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup that offers fans the opportunity to experience thrills, excitement, games, and moments to remember during the tournament.   In addition to the NFT collection, the fan zone includes leaderboards, pledges, and predictions, allowing fans to compete with each other and interact w...

  Oman based, cryptocurrency broker, Easy Coins announced on twitter that it had launched its trial of Tether USDT on the Tron Blockchain. Accordingly Easy Coin users in Oman can now purchase TRC20 USDT. At the end of 2021 there were 43 thousand registered crypto wallet addresses in Oman.  LaraontheBlock spoke with Dr. Khalid M.W. Tahhan, Co-Founder, Easy Coins ME on the recent Tether trial. According to Tahhan the reason for choosing to trial tether is that it is the largest stablecoin and there is a huge demand for it in the Omani market. He adds, “Easy Coins is also in the process of launching its own Omani Riyal backed stablecoin which will be backed 1:1 with Omani Riyals, ensuring a better peg than USDT.” While most consider the crypto market to be falling and bearish, Tahhan feels otherwise. He states, “We at Easy Coins believe that Bitcoin will remain competing as a reserve asset. We also believe a lot of the tokens produced from thin air will lose their value. Fi...