MENA News
Discover the latest blockchain and crypto news from the MENA region, including updates from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman, covering trends, regulations, and developments shaping the industry
In 2024, the UAE reaffirmed its position as a global leader in digital assets. Through groundbreaking regulatory advancements, innovative banking strategies, and licensing expansions for major crypto exchanges, the country showcased its commitment to building a robust digital economy. From stablecoin regulations by the Central Bank to bold initiatives by Zand Bank and VARA’s expanding portfolio, the UAE digital assets ecosystem continues to thrive as a model of innovation and…
Read More »Greek authorities have conducted their first-ever cryptocurrency seizure, confiscating 273,000 USDT (Tether) during a criminal investigation in December, as reported by Digital Watch Observatory. The operation, overseen by the Greek European Public Prosecutor’s Office, involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Digital Evidence Examination Department. This seizure is part of the ongoing ‘Admiral’ operation, underscoring the challenges law enforcement faces in tackling crimes involving blockchain and cryptocurrencies. While digital assets…
Read More »In late December 2024, Turkey introduced new cryptocurrency regulations, drawing inspiration from global frameworks such as Europe’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA). A document published in the Official Gazette on December 25 outlines key measures that will take effect on February 25, 2025. Key Regulation Highlights: Transactions exceeding 15,000 Turkish liras (around $425) will require users to provide identifying information to crypto service providers. For transfers under $425, this requirement…
Read More »A recent survey by trading and investing platform eToro reveals that 54% of retail investors in the UAE have financial goals as their primary New Year’s resolution for 2025. Among these investors, increasing investments in traditional assets such as stocks, bonds, and commodities is the most common objective, with 40% aiming to expand their exposure. This is closely followed by investing in real estate (38%) and increasing investments in cryptoassets…
Read More »Phoenix Group, a pioneering cryptocurrency, blockchain, and Web3 company, and the first home-grown cryptocurrency firm listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), has announced a significant leadership change. Seyed Mohammad Alizadehfard (Bijan), the company’s CEO, co-founder, and one of its most influential figures, is stepping down from his role. This marks a pivotal moment for the organization, as Bijan has been instrumental in shaping the company’s vision and trajectory…
Read More »Crypto.com has appointed Mohammed Al Hakim as the new President of its UAE operations, marking a significant milestone for the company’s expansion and diversity efforts in the region. Al Hakim is the first FCC and Emirati national to hold this prestigious role, both within Crypto.com and across the broader cryptocurrency industry. https://t.co/vCNztATkNg is proud to announce Mohammed Al-Hakim as President of its UAE operations, underscoring the company’s commitment to regional growth and…
Read More »The Governor of Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM), Abdellatif Jouahri, has revealed that Morocco is close to adopting a legal framework to regulate crypto-assets, as reported by Morocco World News. This initiative aims to manage crypto-asset usage while fostering financial innovation. During a press conference following BAM’s fourth and final Council meeting of 2024, Jouahri emphasized that the regulation aligns with recent G20 recommendations and addresses the financial risks associated with crypto-assets.…
Read More »DMCC has unveiled the DMCC Crypto Centre Metaverse, marking a significant milestone in the application of immersive technology within one of the world’s leading Web3 ecosystems. Created in collaboration with Infinite Reality, a global leader in immersive technologies, the Metaverse will feature interactive gamified zones, including a trading game and a treasure hunt with exciting prizes for participants. This dynamic space enables users to directly engage with the DMCC Crypto…
Read More »The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned two individuals and one entity linked to a network that launders millions of dollars in illicit funds generated by Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) information technology (IT) workers and cybercrime, all in support of the DPRK government. Lu Huaying and Zhang Jian, both based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), worked through a UAE-based front…
Read More »Global data analytics and AI company, Click, has released the results of a survey involving 4,200 AI decision-makers, shedding light on the current barriers to the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence. The study revealed that the key challenges hindering AI growth include a lack of skilled talent, issues with governance, and insufficient resources. The report emphasized the need for AI skills development to overcome these obstacles and accelerate the technology’s…
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