UAE based Chalhoub Group’s SOL3MATES future sneakers NFTs pre sale will be launched today on  May 4 th while MasterCard has   launched its Music Pass NFT Web3 training program for emerging musical artists and Music fans in the MENA region and Healthvarsity  has  launched the biggest GCC online learning platform for health professionals, using AI and NFT certificates built on blockchain technology. Rijal Hikmatullah Co -Founder of SOL3MATES part of Chalhoub Group announced on LinkediN, “In just 3 days, SOL3MATES by Chalhoub Group is releasing a one-of-a-kind NFT that will be a game changer for the Industry. The NFTs are not just a digital asset, but an access pass to enter the SOL3MATES ecosystem that empowers sneaker designers, a community-centric platform and exclusive perks. Yes... we are releasing a physical sneaker with perks.” The perks include access to SOL3MATES sneakers, free shipping, lifetime discounts, etc, in addition to partner perks which al...

  Fasset digital asset exchange has appointed the former CEO of Bahrain Fintech Bay as General Manager for MENA region. Fasset digital asset exchange seeks to empower the next billion with new ways to own connect and share digital assets. Khalid brings a track record of success as the former CEO and board member of Bahrain FinTech Bay, where he led the development and growth of Bahrain FinTech Bay into a leading fintech hub in the Middle East. Prior to his appointment, Khalid held various leadership positions in the financial services industry, focused on investment banking, market risk management and technology, where he was previously Vice President at J.P. Morgan and Barclays Capital in London. Fasset announced a partnership with Mastercard, which has chosen the company for its Start Path program to promote the adoption of crypto and blockchain technology, the firm announced on Nov. 3. "We are thrilled to welcome Khalid to the Fasset team and are confident that his expe...

  MasterCard Start Path Program chooses two of the newly announced seven start-ups from UAE. They include Abu Dhabi digital asset exchange Fasset, as well as Dubai based TBTM (Take Back the Mic) Studios which is building the world’s first blockchain-based media fintech, turning culture into currency by rewarding fans and compensating creators for building communities around great content. In July 2022, Middle East and UK crypto exchange Fasset announced its collaboration with Mastercard to expand its financial reach in Indonesia, after the exchange raised $22 million USD. Fasset currently has operations in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Fasset was granted authorization by the Central Bank of Bahrain to test asset tokenization in the country’s fintech regulatory sandbox. MasterCard in its endeavor to enhance user experience in NFTs, Blockchain gaming and metaverse has chosen to collaborate with innovative fintech entities working in the Web3 and crypto sphere.  Mas...

  UAE based crypto exchange BitOasis, and MasterCard are launching crypto card programs across the MENA region to facilitate day to day usage of cryptocurrencies at points of sale and ecommerce website. BitOasis customers will be able to convert their cryptocurrency holdings to fiat currency allowing the consumer to easily shop and pay at more than 90 million merchant locations globally. The first BitOasis cards are expected to launch in early 2023 in markets with regulatory approvals. BitOasis customers, who can also access a range of MasterCard benefits, will be issued with virtual and physical BitOasis cards through a simple and compliant digital on boarding experience via the BitOasis app, allowing them to transact seamlessly physically and online. BitOasis customer transactions will be enabled to take place in Fiat currency, thereby adding consumer protection - such as provisions for dispute resolution and refunds - which doesn’t exist today when paying with a digital as...

  On August 23 rd  2022,  Michael Miebach the CEO of MasterCard posted  on LinkedIn,   “We can unlock the full potential of blockchain technology when we make it easier to access and easier to use. One way we do that is by bringing crypto to everyday purchases. To make that a reality, we’re working with Binance to let people use their crypto to make purchases at 90 million stores that accept MasterCard. We are launching this work in Argentina with plans to expand from there.”  It seems that the expansion will be in the MENA region and come very soon. So as mentioned, MasterCard and Binance will start offering customers the opportunity to pay for items with their Bitcoin and BNB, using a Binance Card. A prepaid card, that bridges crypto and fiat currencies, in Argentina. The plan is to then roll out this offer to include 90 million stores worldwide. The Binance Card can be used by anyone with a valid national ID to pay bills and make purchases with the c...