Bitcoin Surges as MENA Crypto Volume Triples
MENA crypto volume projected to rise from $100B in 2022 to $350B by 2025-2026, led by Turkey and UAE; Bitcoin and stablecoins gain as hedges. #Update #Crypto $BTC
United Arab Emirates
Dubai Crypto Firms Sharpen FATF Controls
The Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) mandates crypto firms update risk profiles quarterly, emphasizing data-driven models and AI accountability. #Update #Crypto
Bitcoin Tokenizes Oil Gold Copper with Keeta
ASK Group and Keeta partner to tokenize Gulf assets by 2027, leveraging Keeta’s blockchain for rapid transactions. The initiative aims to revolutionize asset ownership and remittances. #Update #Blockchain
Ripple Targets Turkey’s $200B Crypto Surge
Turkey’s crypto market leads MENA with $200B annual volume, quadrupling UAE’s activity, says @Ripple’s Reece Merrick. Istanbul Blockchain Week could boost institutional interest. #Update #Crypto
Kraken Launches Crypto Trading in UAE
Kraken secures preliminary approval from Dubai’s VARA to expand crypto services, including staking and derivatives, in UAE, enhancing its Middle East presence. #Update #Crypto
Bitcoin ETF Stake Surges 16% to $566M
Mubadala increased its IBIT stake by 16% to $566M in Q1 2026, continuing its quarterly accumulation since Q4 2024. #Update #Crypto $BTC
Ethereum Powers $30.9B ADGM Tokenization
ADI Foundation and Settlemint launched a digital securities hub at ADGM, integrating blockchain with DALP for 24/7 tokenized trading. BCG projects $18.9T digital assets by 2033. #Update #Crypto
Blockchain Revolutionizes UAE IDs Launch
Innovation City UAE launches blockchain-based digital IDs, replacing static licenses with OPN chain’s 10,000+ TPS support for AI-driven government automation. #Update #Blockchain
Bitcoin Crashes Below $76K UAE Exits OPEC
UAE exits OPEC, impacting oil markets; $BTC drops below $76K amid Hormuz tensions and profit-taking. ADNOC’s production capacity could stabilize inflation pressures on risk assets. #Update #Crypto $BTC
AI Revolution: UAE Launches Government Model
UAE PM Al Maktoum announces shift to run 50% of government operations on Agentic AI within two years, overseen by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed. #Update #AI
Ethereum Startup Launches in Abu Dhabi
@Startale_Group joins Hub71’s 18th cohort, anchoring operations in Abu Dhabi with a $63M Series A boost for blockchain and stablecoin infrastructure. #Update #Blockchain
Ripple USD Approved Dubai Crypto Expansion
@Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin gains regulatory approval in Dubai’s financial free zone, boosting enterprise adoption and Ripple’s influence in the UAE’s digital asset sector. #Update #Crypto $RLUSD (+6) ↗
Blockchain: Ripple Secures UAE License
@Ripple’s expansion in the UAE sees @ZandBank and Mamo integrate its blockchain payments, following recent regulatory approval on May 19. #Update #Crypto (+6) ↗
Crypto Exchange Gate Obtains Dubai License
@Gate_io’s UAE division secures a license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority to offer crypto exchange services to institutional and retail investors. #Update #Legal (+3) ↗