logo
RAK DAO launches $2mln ‘Builder's Oasis' accelerator program to advance Web3 innovation

RAK DAO launches $2mln ‘Builder's Oasis' accelerator program to advance Web3 innovation

Zawya06-02-2025
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE - RAK Digital Assets Oasis (RAK DAO), the UAE's leading Free Zone for digital assets companies, has announced the launch of its inaugural accelerator program, 'Builder's Oasis.' With a funding pool of $2 million, this program is designed to support Web3 startups in the gaming, AI, and blockchain infrastructure sectors.
The program aims to attract over 150 global applicants, with high-potential startups to be shortlisted. Select participants are eligible for $100,000 in funding from XDC, alongside guidance from RAK DAO's network of ecosystem partners. By offering resources tailored to blockchain startups, the accelerator aims to drive meaningful advancements in decentralized technologies while fostering innovation in the MENA region.
Applications for 'Builder's Oasis' will be open until the end of February 2025, after which shortlisted teams will be invited to participate in exclusive demo days in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. These demo days will culminate in a final showcase during the weeks leading up to the upcoming TOKEN2049 in April. In addition to funding, mentorship, and hands-on support, participating startups will gain unmatched visibility among global industry leaders, investors, and stakeholders.
Luc Froehlich, Chief Commercial Officer of RAK DAO, stated: 'Having worked closely with startups across the globe, I've witnessed how resources and mentorship can transform raw ideas into industry-shaping solutions. By providing funding, fast-track licensing, and a supportive community, we're paving the way for blockchain, AI, and gaming ventures to flourish in Ras Al Khaimah and beyond. Our vision is to create a global nexus of forward-thinking founders who aren't just building projects, but defining the future of decentralized technology'.
The program is co-coordinated by XDC Network, a leading blockchain platform known for its focus on real-world applications in trade finance and tokenization. This collaboration emphasizes the commitment of both entities to foster a global ecosystem for blockchain innovation, leveraging their strengths to support founders in bridging the gap between ideation and market readiness.
Ritesh Kakkad, Co-founder of XDC Network, commented: 'At XDC Network, we've always believed in the power of pragmatic, real-world adoption for blockchain. 'Builder's Oasis' aligns perfectly with our focus on delivering tangible solutions that bridge traditional finance and decentralized systems. Through this accelerator, we aim to empower startups to push boundaries—whether it's in trade finance, tokenization, or next-generation gaming.'
'Builder's Oasis' stands out for its unique benefits, including fast-track licensing, reduced setup costs, and seamless incorporation within RAK DAO. Startups will also benefit from tailored guidance on business setup, compliance, and market strategies, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of setting up an enterprise. Additionally, the program connects participants with a vibrant network of investors and collaborators, enabling access to capital and strategic partnerships.
This accelerator marks a pivotal step in RAK DAO's mission to nurture forward-thinking startups while elevating the region as a center for digital innovation. Through its partnership with XDC Network, 'Builder's Oasis' seeks to equip emerging Web3 ventures with the resources, mentorship, and regulatory clarity they need to deliver meaningful impact on a global scale.
Applications for 'Builder's Oasis' are now open for registration. For more information, please visit www.rakdao.com/accelerator.
About RAK DAO:
RAK Digital Assets Oasis (RAK DAO) is the world's first and only Free Zone with Common Law features established to support and nurture digital assets companies. In the UAE Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, RAK DAO offers a transparent legislative framework that simplifies the process of opening and operating digital assets companies. By fostering a vibrant ecosystem and providing comprehensive services, RAK DAO drives the future of emerging sectors, propelling innovation, and unlocking the potential of digital assets.
About XDC Network:
XDC Network is an open-source, carbon-neutral, enterprise-grade, EVM-compatible, Layer 1 blockchain that has been operationally successful since 2019. The network obtains consensus via a specially delegated proof-of-stake (XDPoS) technique that allows for 2-second transaction times, near-zero gas expenses ($0.0001), over 2000 TPS, and interoperability with ISO 20022 financial messaging standards. The XDC Network powers a wide range of novel blockchain use cases, including Global Trade Finance, payment, Decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) and Real World Asset (RWA) tokenization, that are secure, scalable, and highly efficient.
Media Contact:
Athraa Bheekoo
athraa@lunapr.io
Luna PR
OR
Araminta Bloom
araminta@lunapr.io
Luna PR
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Crypto exchanges eye Dubai, HK as Singapore clampdown prompts exodus
Crypto exchanges eye Dubai, HK as Singapore clampdown prompts exodus

Gulf Today

time12 hours ago

  • Gulf Today

Crypto exchanges eye Dubai, HK as Singapore clampdown prompts exodus

Major digital-asset exchanges are considering moves to Dubai and Hong Kong after Singapore introduced stringent new rules on overseas crypto activity, according to an executive based in the UAE's International Free Zone Authority (IFZA). Last month the Monetary Authority of Singapore ordered any crypto-services provider incorporated in the city-state and serving foreign clients to obtain a Digital-Token Service Provider licence by June 30, 2025 or cease those activities. Non-compliance could incur fines of up to SGD 250,000 (Dhs 734,500) and three years' imprisonment, with no grace period or 'small-player' exemption. 'This is effectively a moratorium on fresh licences, hence the migration -- or crypto exodus,' said Vikram R Singh, founder and chief executive of blockchain consultancy Antier, which recently expanded its operations in IFZA Dubai. While Singapore 'tightens the screws', Singh noted that the UAE has spent three years building a dedicated rule-book for digital assets. Consultancy Sumsub estimates the country attracted US$30 billion in crypto investment during 2024, a regional record. Individual investors in the UAE pay no income or capital-gains tax on crypto profits, and companies in free zones can often reduce the new 9% federal corporate tax to near zero if most business is conducted outside the Emirates. Regulation is flexible too. Federal bodies supervise mainland activity, but free-zone regulators in Dubai, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) run their own crypto frameworks, allowing founders to 'pick the regulator that fits the business model', Singh added. Dubai's credentials were underscored in April when TOKEN2049 drew about 15,000 delegates from 4,000 companies -- the world's largest crypto gathering. Local capital is also flowing: Emirates NBD's Liv digital bank and Abu Dhabi's MGX fund are backing plans for a 30-storey 'Crypto Tower' in the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre. The Dubai Financial Services Authority has recently issued guidance on tokenised securities and real-world assets, paving the way for wider institutional adoption. Antier says it is already working with UAE partners to build tokenised-asset marketplaces aligned with the emirate's digital-asset strategy. 'Dubai's proactive stance perfectly matches our real-world-asset tokenisation and digital-asset trading infrastructure,' Singh said. 'As tokenisation reshapes global finance, we intend to provide the bridge between traditional markets and Web3.' With Singapore's stricter rules now in force, observers expect licence-seeking crypto firms to relocate to Dubai, reinforcing the emirate's ambition to become a leading global hub for digital assets.

Robin launches from Cairo to lead the region's advanced data science and AI landscape
Robin launches from Cairo to lead the region's advanced data science and AI landscape

Zawya

time18 hours ago

  • Zawya

Robin launches from Cairo to lead the region's advanced data science and AI landscape

Cairo – Beltone Holding has officially launched Robin, it's a wholly owned subsidiary specializing in data science and artificial intelligence (AI). This launch reflects Beltone's belief in the transformative power of data science and AI to drive impactful business growth and enable informed decision-making. The launch of Robin comes as part of Beltone's strategic vision to empower organizations with intelligent, scalable solutions that unlock value and accelerate growth across a fast-evolving business landscape. Robin, based in Cairo, is guided by a clear vision of simplifying complexity and converting data into practical value through tailored AI solutions. The company serves large enterprises, startups, and vital sectors across Egypt and the MENA region. In this context, Basma Rady, Chief Data Scientist at Beltone Holding and Managing Director of Robin, stated: "Robin was founded on the belief that data is not just a support tool, but the foundation for driving impactful business growth. We've built a team of top-tier talent with diverse technical backgrounds, allowing us to design advanced, cross-sector solutions. We prioritize people over technology, because real transformation begins with the minds behind the innovation. Our goal is to turn data into decisions and decisions into real impact." Robin offers a comprehensive portfolio of services that support companies across every stage of their data journey. Its Data & AI Advisory services guide businesses from data preparation to implementation, transforming raw data into strategy, structure, and scalable value. Through Data and AI Implementation, Robin builds tailored solutions that embed intelligence into daily operations, enhancing performance, precision, and growth. Robin also invests in Upskilling talent for the Age of AI, providing the knowledge and tools to empower teams and executives. Through tailored workshops and hands-on training programs, Robin equips organizations with practical Data & AI skills that can be immediately applied to drive smarter decisions and long-term success. In addition, Robin develops cutting-edge Data Products, including real-time market monitoring tools, sector-specific predictive insights, intelligent dashboards, and automated strategic reporting - each designed to boost efficiency and deliver measurable impact. About Robin: Robin, a subsidiary of Beltone Holding, specializes in data science and artificial intelligence (AI), transforming complex data into actionable insights. Headquartered in Cairo and serving the MENA region, Robin empowers organizations from large corporates to startups by turning data into a strategic asset. The company simplifies complexity by delivering intelligent solutions that drive smarter decision-making, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth. With a team of experts that combines deep domain knowledge and cutting-edge technologies, Robin delivers scalable and transparent solutions. Its purpose is to bridge the gap between advanced data analytics and real-world applications, helping businesses optimize performance, reduce risk, and innovate for long-term success. By integrating predictive modeling, AI-powered solutions, and data-driven strategies, Robin provides tailored services that address the unique needs of each client from financial services to logistics and beyond. For more information, please visit the company website: About Beltone Holding: Beltone Holding (Egyptian Stock Exchange Code: is a leading provider of financial services with a distinguished track record spanning decades in the Middle East and North Africa. The Company offers a comprehensive and expanding range of financial solutions and services, including securities brokerage, underwriting and advisory services, asset management, research, and direct investment, as well as non-banking financial services such as leasing, factoring, consumer finance, venture capital, microfinance, real estate finance, and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) financing. The company has an ambitious vision to revolutionize the financial sector in the region, leveraging the global expertise and knowledge of its team to provide innovative, value-added solutions, create additional opportunities for its clients, enhance market value, and achieve impactful results. For more information, please visit the company's website:

NBK prices $800mln in landmark Additional Tier 1 bond issuance
NBK prices $800mln in landmark Additional Tier 1 bond issuance

Zawya

time21 hours ago

  • Zawya

NBK prices $800mln in landmark Additional Tier 1 bond issuance

Robust participation from international investors underscores strong confidence in NBK's credit profile Intense investor demand enabled a 50bpd tightening from initial price guidance, with final pricing set at 6.375% Final pricing reflects a spread of just 240.3 basis points over US Treasury yields The orderbook peaked at US$2.2 billion, representing an oversubscription of around 2.75x the deal size International investors accounted for 53% of total allocations, while 47% originated from within the MENA region Asset managers and investment funds represented 48% of allocations, followed by banks and private banking at 44%, while other investors comprised the remaining 8% National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) successfully priced a US$800 million PNC6 Additional Tier 1 bond issuance (AT1)—its largest issuance to date in this capital tier—following strong investor demand. The issuance was met with broad interest from global investors, marking a notable return to the GCC AT1 market after a brief pause that followed a concentrated wave of issuances in May. The issuance attracted strong demand, with subscription orders peaking at US$2.2 billion—2.75x the issued amount—underscoring robust interest from a diversified pool of global investors and financial institutions. Private banks, in particular, played a pivotal role as key anchors during the orderbook building process. This overwhelming response reflects international investor confidence in NBK's solid credit profile and Kuwait's position as an attractive investment destination. MENA-based investors accounted for 47% of total allocations, followed by investors from the UK (19%), the United States (18%), Europe (13%), and Asia (3%). By investor type, asset managers and investment funds represented the largest share at 48%, followed by banks and private banking clients at 44%, while sovereign entities, insurance firms, and pension funds comprised the remaining 8% of total demand. Robust investor demand enabled NBK to achieve highly favorable pricing for the issuance, with the final yield set at 6.375%—representing a 50 basis point tightening from the initial price thoughts (IPTs) of 6.875% (equivalent to UST+240.3bps). The investment-grade credit rating of the issuance, at Baa3 from Moody's, further enhanced its appeal—driving strong interest from international private banking platforms and global asset managers. Citigroup, J.P. Morgan, HSBC, and Standard Chartered acted as Global Coordinators for the issuance, while the Joint Lead Managers included Citigroup, J.P. Morgan, HSBC, Standard Chartered, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, KAMCO Investment Company, and National Bank of Kuwait. The bonds, which will be listed on the London Stock Exchange, are expected to strengthen NBK's capital adequacy ratios. The new issuance was conducted in parallel with NBK's liability management exercise which offered holders of the Bank's outstanding US$750 million Additional Tier 1 securities, issued on November 27, 2019, the option to roll their existing positions into the new offering.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store