Latest news with #BitcoinMENA
Khaleej Times
04-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Are you ready for the new financial ecosystem taking over the world?
Sometimes, I feel like I'm living in a parallel universe. I've been learning about crypto since 2017 and investing in it for the past two years. And until last December, I'd met almost no one who really understood what was going on in this space — let alone anyone who was actually in it. That changed at the Bitcoin MENA conference last year, my first such event, where I found my people. Speaker after speaker echoed what I'd been sensing, but still wasn't sure about: that a new undeniable and unstoppable financial ecosystem is emerging. All while the majority of people remain oblivious. I get it. I've been here before. In the late 1990s, I took a basic weekend HTML coding course back in Canada. No one in my circle was doing anything like that, and I wondered if I was a bit crazy — but if I was, then my fun fellow classmates were, too. I didn't pursue HTML, and regrettably didn't invest in any web projects, but I left with enough of a clue to understand what was happening a few years later as newsrooms started going digital. It's a situation that feels very familiar now. And everywhere I look, daily, there are signs of a paradigm shift. The meme that made me laugh out loud this week featured a sketch of a guy on an old-school phone, saying: 'I'd like a wake-up call.' Underneath, a woman replies: 'There's only ever going to be 21 million Bitcoin.' That's it. That's whole joke. It's brilliant. Too bad there's no one around for me to show it to. The use cases for Bitcoin and the range of tokens go far beyond buying low and selling high. The US Federal Housing Finance Agency just announced that crypto can now count as a borrower asset in mortgage applications — as long as it's held on a regulated US exchange. That means you might soon be able to use Bitcoin as collateral to buy a house. This signals trust in crypto — and in the exchanges that hold it. The best of them may become banks in their own right, just not the kind we're used to. Institutional investment is flooding in. In April, major US firm Cantor Fitzgerald announced a $3.6 billion (Dh13.2 billion) crypto venture with Tether and SoftBank, based on the way Michael Saylor's company Strategy acquires Bitcoin for investors using traditional financial tools. Strategic asset More and more traditional financial analysts and CEOs are starting to describe Bitcoin as a long-term strategic asset. Even with the recent geopolitical tension, which would have sent it crashing in the past, Bitcoin dipped briefly below $100,000 (Dh367,300) — before becoming poised for a new all-time high. What's happening right now is that the global financial system is moving on-chain. Crypto isn't fringe anymore — it's foundational. In the UAE you can now pay for your taxi fare in AE Coin (AEC), a regulated stablecoin backed by the dirham. The Dubai Department of Finance has partnered with to allow people to pay for government services with digital currencies. Here in the UAE, blockchain events regularly draw huge crowds. The country is known for being a global crypto hub — one that is years ahead in both infrastructure and regulation. This is how adoption works — bit by bit, until one day it's everywhere. In the US, the Senate recently passed the Genius Act, a bipartisan bill creating a regulatory framework for stablecoins. Trump called it 'pure genius', saying it would make America the leader in digital assets. There is a huge runway for stablecoins, which serve as a bridge between the traditional and digital financial worlds. As Citi reported recently, the stablecoin market could hit $3.7 trillion (Dh13 trillion) by 2030. To put that in perspective, the total crypto market cap as of now is about $3.45 trillion (Dh12 trillion). The biggest players? Circle (which issues USDC) and Tether (issues USDT), which are quietly evolving into some of the largest financial firms on the planet. Across the globe, momentum is building in other areas too. In just a smattering of signs: Bhutan is now the world's third-largest Bitcoin holder. Coinbase is buying BTC weekly. Ethereum ETFs are setting records and one month after Coinbase joined the S&P 500; on the index that tracks the 500 largest publicly traded US companies, it was the top performer. In seven years, I've watched crypto go from being dismissed as a scam to all of the above. And still, most people don't know about it — and don't seem to want to. If you're still reading, congratulations. You've answered your wake-up call. You're in the smart money minority. And lucky for you, this is really just getting started. KT Luxe
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Want to invest in crypto? Read this book now
'Just read The Bitcoin Standard.' That was the advice I got two years ago when I told someone I was having trouble grasping exactly why anyone would invest in Bitcoin. I knew I was being called to learn about it, but I had real trouble putting it all together. Thrilled to finally have some direction, I immediately ordered Palestinian-Jordanian journalist Saifedean Ammous's book. That moment marked the beginning of my journey into understanding Bitcoin – and that paperback remains one of the most fascinating I've ever read. Recently, I ran into a friend's husband at the coffee shop in my building. In the course of our conversation, he said he was crypto-curious. He'd been listening to podcasts and watching YouTube videos, but he was still pretty confused – understandably so. He admitted he was too embarrassed to ask basic questions – starting with 'why'. I was seriously impressed with him: this kind of humble expression of curiosity is all too rare these days. I told him about The Bitcoin Standard and when he said he'd definitely read it, I ran upstairs and grabbed my copy. I've recommended it many times before, but this was the first time someone actually seemed ready to dive in. I loved this book so much that in December, I made sure to get a pass to the Bitcoin MENA conference in Abu Dhabi just to see Ammous speak. He's sold more than a million books worldwide. After The Bitcoin Standard in 2018, he released The Fiat Standard in 2021. At the conference, he was talking about his latest: The Gold Standard: An Alternative Economic History of the Twentieth Century, which is out this month. It's a piece of economic fiction imagining a world where the gold standard was never dropped — and where money still meant something. Ammous's writing is essential for anyone setting out, I think, because of the way he so clearly outlines how little our money means – and how easily it can be manipulated. Whether it's clipping silver coins or the earliest forms of counterfeiting, once you see it, you can't unsee it. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The Bitcoin Standard is more than just a book; it's an essential, revered text that offers a wide-angle view of Bitcoin's place in the modern financial system. Ammous's insights into the flaws of fiat currency – money – and the benefits of a digital asset like Bitcoin are both enlightening and practical. For anyone considering investing in Bitcoin – or just, like my friend, trying to wrap their head around the 'why' behind it – I can't think of a better place to begin. Here are a few of the reasons Ammous is all-in on calling Bitcoin the soundest money around: It's scarce Ammous argues that Bitcoin's fixed supply of 21 million coins makes it the first truly scarce digital asset — immune to debasement by governments or central banks. He makes a compelling case for how tempting it's been throughout history for empires to chip away at their currencies when it serves them. His critique of fiat currencies points directly to inflation, enabled by endless money printing and political interference. It's decentralised and sovereign Bitcoin operates independently of any government or central authority. That gives individuals full sovereignty over their wealth, reducing the risk of confiscation or censorship. There's no bank to go to and no middleman deciding if – or when – you can access your money. It lowers time preference Drawing on Austrian economics, Ammous argues that sound money encourages long-term thinking that values future rewards over short-term consumption. He backs this up by going back to the gold standard era, where economic stability and growth were the norm. Bitcoin holders, he has observed, tend to be savers precisely because they expect appreciation. And that helps them think twice before spending unnecessarily. It has global potential Ammous predicts that Bitcoin could serve as a new international monetary standard, much like gold did in the past. And while it's not there yet, it's edging in that direction. Individuals, family offices, companies, universities and even some nation-states are beginning to consider Bitcoin as part of their reserve strategy. His thesis seems more credible with every passing month. It's portable and efficient Gold is heavy, needs secure storage, and is tricky to exchange. Ammous highlights how Bitcoin, by contrast, is portable, divisible, and easy to transfer. Cross-border transactions can be settled in minutes, without banks or intermediaries. On the blockchain, everything is transparent and traceable. If you're confused about what's going on with this so-called 'digital gold', I can't think of a better place to start than with The Bitcoin Standard. It gives you the 'why' of Bitcoin before you even think about the 'how'. Just one thing: you're going to need to order your own copy. I already gave mine away. KT Luxe
Mid East Info
08-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Second edition of Bitcoin MENA set to take place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi in December - Middle East Business News and Information
Building on the landmark success of the inaugural Bitcoin MENA conference in December 2024, ADNEC Group & BTC Inc Group today announced the return of Bitcoin MENA to Abu Dhabi for a second edition, set to take place on December 8-9, 2025. Scheduled to open the day after the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix, the event will once again take over the Marina Hall at ADNEC Centre — this time with expanded exhibition space, an enhanced outdoor area, world class speakers and premium networking experiences, including yachts berthed at the venue. The 2024 debut established Bitcoin MENA as the premier Bitcoin gathering in the Middle East and North Africa, bringing together influential voices from government, business, and finance. Attracting over 10,000 visitors, 190 speakers, 100 exhibitors, and 500 brands. The last year's headline speakers included Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization; Prince Filip of Serbia; Saifedean Ammous, author of The Bitcoin Standard ; Abdulla Al Dhaheri of the Blockchain Centre Abu Dhabi; Paul Manafort, Former Campaign Manager for Trump 2016; and Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East under the Trump Administration. Humaid Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said: 'The return of Bitcoin MENA to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi reflects the city's growing influence as a global destination for digital asset dialogue and innovation. This event is a strategic addition to our dynamic calendar, reinforcing ADNEC Group's role in convening cutting-edge conversations and fostering meaningful partnerships across emerging industries. As we expand the platform in 2025, we look forward to supporting BTC Inc. in delivering an even more impactful edition that connects global visionaries with the region's forward-thinking ecosystem.' 'The Middle East is rapidly becoming a center of gravity for Bitcoin adoption and policy innovation,' said David Bailey, CEO of BTC Inc. 'The response to last year's event was overwhelming. In 2025, we're scaling everything — from speaker programming and exhibition space to VIP experiences and side events — to match the global importance of this region.' New features for Bitcoin MENA 2025 include: Expanded Exhibit Hall: A larger footprint will accommodate more companies, startups, and activations, showcasing the latest in Bitcoin infrastructure, mining, financial services, and software. Enhanced Outdoor Activation Zone: A redesigned open-air space optimized for networking, live content, food, and cultural programming. Strategic Timing: The conference opens the day after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, offering international visitors an unparalleled experience at the intersection of sport, technology, and finance. Elevated Side Events: A curated calendar of receptions, workshops, and satellite events will surround the main program, creating opportunities for deeper engagement across the Bitcoin ecosystem. With the UAE's zero VAT on Bitcoin transactions and ongoing government support for digital asset innovation, Abu Dhabi has quickly emerged as a pivotal node in Bitcoin's global expansion. Bitcoin MENA 2025 is set to reflect and accelerate that momentum. About The Bitcoin Conference: The Bitcoin Conference, organized by BTC Media (parent company of Bitcoin Magazine), is a global event series featuring notable industry speakers, policymakers, workshops, exhibitions, and entertainment. These events serve as vital platforms for Bitcoin industry leaders, developers, investors, and enthusiasts to gather, network, and exchange ideas. The flagship event took place in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2024, and Bitcoin 2025 is scheduled to be held in Las Vegas in May 2025. Its international events include Bitcoin Asia (Hong Kong, August 2025), Bitcoin Amsterdam (2025 TBD), and Bitcoin MENA (Abu Dhabi, 2025 TBD). About ADNEC Group: ADNEC Group, part of Modon Holding, is renowned for its rich legacy and diverse business operations, stands as a formidable force in global business and leisure tourism. The Group is a leader in managing and developing international strategic assets and contributes to the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's economy. ADNEC Group's diverse business clusters span Venues, Events, Hotels, F&B, Services, Tourism and Media. The Group operates the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, the largest event venue in the MENA region, ADNEC Centre Al Ain, the Business Design Centre and ExCeL London in the United Kingdom. Capital Events, the events management arm of ADNEC Group, is the leading organiser of some of the world's most iconic events across strategic industry sectors including Defence and Security, Maritime Lifestyle, Media, Food & Beverage and Technology. Through its growing portfolio, Capital Events plays a crucial role in supporting Abu Dhabi to achieve its growth objectives as a global hub for business and leisure tourism.
Al Etihad
07-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi to host 2nd edition of Bitcoin MENA in December
7 Apr 2025 16:11 ABU DHABI (WAM)Building on the landmark success of the inaugural Bitcoin MENA conference in December 2024, ADNEC Group & BTC Inc Group on Monday announced the return of Bitcoin MENA to Abu Dhabi for a second edition, set to take place on December 8-9, to open the day after the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix, the event will once again take over the Marina Hall at ADNEC Centre — this time with expanded exhibition space, an enhanced outdoor area, world-class speakers and premium networking experiences, including yachts berthed at the 2024 debut established Bitcoin MENA as the premier Bitcoin gathering in the Middle East and North Africa, bringing together influential voices from government, business, and finance. It attracts over 10,000 visitors, 190 speakers, 100 exhibitors, and 500 last year's headline speakers included Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organisation; Prince Filip of Serbia; Saifedean Ammous, author of The Bitcoin Standard; Abdulla Al Dhaheri of the Blockchain Centre Abu Dhabi; Paul Manafort, Former Campaign Manager for Trump 2016; and Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East under the Trump Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said, 'The return of Bitcoin MENA to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi reflects the city's growing influence as a global destination for digital asset dialogue and event is a strategic addition to our dynamic calendar, reinforcing ADNEC Group's role in convening cutting-edge conversations and fostering meaningful partnerships across emerging industries. As we expand the platform in 2025, we look forward to supporting BTC Inc. in delivering an even more impactful edition that connects global visionaries with the region's forward-thinking ecosystem.''The Middle East is rapidly becoming a centre of gravity for Bitcoin adoption and policy innovation,' said David Bailey, CEO of BTC Inc. 'The response to last year's event was overwhelming. In 2025, we're scaling everything — from speaker programming and exhibition space to VIP experiences and side events — to match the global importance of this region.' New features for Bitcoin MENA 2025 include: Expanded Exhibit Hall: A larger footprint will accommodate more companies, startups, and activations, showcasing the latest in Bitcoin infrastructure, mining, financial services, and Outdoor Activation Zone: A redesigned open-air space optimized for networking, live content, food, and cultural Timing: The conference opens the day after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, offering international visitors an unparalleled experience at the intersection of sport, technology, and Side Events: A curated calendar of receptions, workshops, and satellite events will surround the main program, creating opportunities for deeper engagement across the Bitcoin ecosystem. With the UAE's zero VAT on Bitcoin transactions and ongoing government support for digital asset innovation, Abu Dhabi has quickly emerged as a pivotal node in Bitcoin's global expansion. Bitcoin MENA 2025 is set to reflect and accelerate that momentum.
Zawya
07-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Second edition of Bitcoin MENA set to take place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi in December
Abu Dhabi, UAE — Building on the landmark success of the inaugural Bitcoin MENA conference in December 2024, ADNEC Group & BTC Inc Group today announced the return of Bitcoin MENA to Abu Dhabi for a second edition, set to take place on December 8-9, 2025. Scheduled to open the day after the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix, the event will once again take over the Marina Hall at ADNEC Centre — this time with expanded exhibition space, an enhanced outdoor area, world class speakers and premium networking experiences, including yachts berthed at the venue. Event Details: Location: Marina Hall, ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE Date: December 8-9, 2025 Tickets and sponsor information: The 2024 debut established Bitcoin MENA as the premier Bitcoin gathering in the Middle East and North Africa, bringing together influential voices from government, business, and finance. Attracting over 10,000 visitors, 190 speakers, 100 exhibitors, and 500 brands. The last year's headline speakers included Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization; Prince Filip of Serbia; Saifedean Ammous, author of The Bitcoin Standard; Abdulla Al Dhaheri of the Blockchain Centre Abu Dhabi; Paul Manafort, Former Campaign Manager for Trump 2016; and Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East under the Trump Administration. Humaid Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said: 'The return of Bitcoin MENA to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi reflects the city's growing influence as a global destination for digital asset dialogue and innovation. This event is a strategic addition to our dynamic calendar, reinforcing ADNEC Group's role in convening cutting-edge conversations and fostering meaningful partnerships across emerging industries. As we expand the platform in 2025, we look forward to supporting BTC Inc. in delivering an even more impactful edition that connects global visionaries with the region's forward-thinking ecosystem.' 'The Middle East is rapidly becoming a center of gravity for Bitcoin adoption and policy innovation,' said David Bailey, CEO of BTC Inc. 'The response to last year's event was overwhelming. In 2025, we're scaling everything — from speaker programming and exhibition space to VIP experiences and side events — to match the global importance of this region.' New features for Bitcoin MENA 2025 include: Expanded Exhibit Hall: A larger footprint will accommodate more companies, startups, and activations, showcasing the latest in Bitcoin infrastructure, mining, financial services, and software. Enhanced Outdoor Activation Zone: A redesigned open-air space optimized for networking, live content, food, and cultural programming. Strategic Timing: The conference opens the day after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, offering international visitors an unparalleled experience at the intersection of sport, technology, and finance. Elevated Side Events: A curated calendar of receptions, workshops, and satellite events will surround the main program, creating opportunities for deeper engagement across the Bitcoin ecosystem. With the UAE's zero VAT on Bitcoin transactions and ongoing government support for digital asset innovation, Abu Dhabi has quickly emerged as a pivotal node in Bitcoin's global expansion. Bitcoin MENA 2025 is set to reflect and accelerate that momentum. About The Bitcoin Conference: The Bitcoin Conference, organized by BTC Media (parent company of Bitcoin Magazine), is a global event series featuring notable industry speakers, policymakers, workshops, exhibitions, and entertainment. These events serve as vital platforms for Bitcoin industry leaders, developers, investors, and enthusiasts to gather, network, and exchange ideas. The flagship event took place in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2024, and Bitcoin 2025 is scheduled to be held in Las Vegas in May 2025. Its international events include Bitcoin Asia (Hong Kong, August 2025), Bitcoin Amsterdam (2025 TBD), and Bitcoin MENA (Abu Dhabi, 2025 TBD). About ADNEC Group ADNEC Group, part of Modon Holding, is renowned for its rich legacy and diverse business operations, stands as a formidable force in global business and leisure tourism. The Group is a leader in managing and developing international strategic assets and contributes to the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's economy. ADNEC Group's diverse business clusters span Venues, Events, Hotels, F&B, Services, Tourism and Media. The Group operates the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, the largest event venue in the MENA region, ADNEC Centre Al Ain, the Business Design Centre and ExCeL London in the United Kingdom. Capital Events, the events management arm of ADNEC Group, is the leading organiser of some of the world's most iconic events across strategic industry sectors including Defence and Security, Maritime Lifestyle, Media, Food & Beverage and Technology. Through its growing portfolio, Capital Events plays a crucial role in supporting Abu Dhabi to achieve its growth objectives as a global hub for business and leisure tourism.
