Middle East

Middle East

Dubai Claims Title of Blockchain’s ‘Global Capital’ at Keynote Event

Dubai's government made bold statements at an event today in remarks that sought to cast the city as the global leader in the nascent market.

Business  ·  6 March 2017
Banking

Blockchain as a Geopolitical Tool

An announcement from the UAE last week marked an unusual development that highlights intriguing socio-economic and geopolitical trends.

Business  ·  6 February 2017
News

Dubai Wants All Government Documents on Blockchain By 2020

The United Arab Emirates city of Dubai has announced plans to move all of its government documents to a blockchain by 2020.

Markets  ·  5 October 2016
Supply Chain

Kimberley Process Inches Closer to ‘Blood Diamond’ Blockchain

A global tracking scheme for conflict diamonds is continuing its internal blockchain trials, according to a new report.

Markets  ·  1 September 2016
Investments

Dubai Government Seeks Blockchain Projects for Startup Fund

A technology initiative backed by the Dubai government has launched a $275m startup investment fund.

Business  ·  9 August 2016
Regulation

How a 3-D Printed Building Became the Center of Blockchain in Dubai

CoinDesk profiles a recent meeting of the Global Blockchain Council, a 40-member working group seeking to boost the technology in the MENA region.

Policy & regulation  ·  16 June 2016
News

UAE Telecom Giant Du Sees ‘Infinite’ Potential for Blockchain

Amid a broader push to investigate blockchain by the Dubai government, major local telecom provider Du is refining its strategy toward the technology.

Markets  ·  7 June 2016
Regulation

Abu Dhabi Regulators Seek Blockchain Startups for FinTech Sandbox

Abu Dhabi's newest financial free zone is seeking to promote the development of blockchain startups, according to a new proposal.

Policy & regulation  ·  1 June 2016
News

Smart Dubai Director Sees Blockchain as Key to Connected Cities

The head of Dubai's smart cities drive spoke on how she believes blockchain can help drive the city’s modernization efforts yesterday.

Business  ·  31 May 2016
Middle East

Dubai’s Global Blockchain Council Unveils First Pilot Projects

Members of Dubai’s Global Blockchain Council (GBC) unveiled seven new proofs-of-concept at industry conference Keynote 2016 today.

Business  ·  30 May 2016
Startups

UAE’s First Bitcoin Startup Shuts Down

Bitcoin payments firm YellowPay has shut down according to members of its founding team.

Business  ·  24 May 2016
Venture Capital

Payment Processor Invests in Dubai-Based Bitcoin Startup

Payment service provider PayFort is among the investors in a seed funding round announced by Dubai-based bitcoin startup BitOasis.

Business  ·  24 May 2016
News

Dubai Government Looks to Blockchain Amid ‘Smart Cities’ Drive

CoinDesk speaks to Noah Raford a key driver of Dubai's Museum of the Future initiative, which recently unveiled its support for blockchain tech.

Markets  ·  23 March 2016
Startups

Forbes Cover CEO Ola Doudin Talks Building Bitcoin Support in Dubai

CoinDesk profiles entrepreneur Ola Doudin who has emerged as a 'bitcoin pioneer' in the Middle East as the CEO of bitcoin startup BitOasis.

Business  ·  18 March 2016
News

Dubai’s Global Blockchain Council Seeks to Spur Startup Growth

Dubai’s Global Blockchain Council has revealed it plans to hold events this year that will seek to assist startups with job placement and investments.

Markets  ·  16 March 2016