MIDDLE EAST
UAE lifts Lebanon travel ban as Polymarket sees 18% odds of Israel recognition
The United Arab Emirates has lifted a war-related ban on travel to Lebanon, reversing restrictions introduced during the conflict period.
Gulf officials weigh US-backed Lebanon–Israel framework as Polymarket Yes slips
On June 25, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed met Syria’s foreign minister a day before the US, Lebanon, and Israel announced a trilateral framework that Gulf officials see as a sovereignty and
South Lebanon strike report drops Iran regime-fall odds to 0.05% on Polymarket
A report said an Israeli strike was carried out in south Lebanon in recent days, though officials haven’t confirmed details.
Katz warns force vs Iran as Polymarket puts Dec 2026 US-Iran deal at 43.5%
Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel would use “force” against Iran if Tehran blocks implementation of a Lebanon deal, highlighting risks of escalation.
Iran warns of swift response as Polymarket puts 59% odds on June 27 strike
A senior Iranian official said Iran would respond swiftly and decisively to alleged U.S. agreement violations, amplifying uncertainty over near-term escalation.
Crypto Markets Drop $80B as US Strikes Heighten Iran Tensions
Bitcoin and Ether hit multi-week lows as US-Iran conflict triggers risk-off sentiment, wiping $80B from crypto markets.
Shariah-Compliant PUSD Stablecoin Deploys on ADI Chain
PUSD stablecoin, backed by Gulf currencies, integrates with ADI Chain, targeting the $3T Islamic finance market.
Middle East Petro-Stablecoins: India's Oil Importers Face a Web3 Twist
The UAE is establishing regulations for dirham-pegged stablecoins, signaling Indian traders to prepare for coin-based settlements alongside dollar transactions.
Tether (USDT) Commits $3M to Kem for Financial Inclusion in the Middle East
Tether invests $3 million in Kem to boost financial inclusion and USD₮ adoption in the Middle East, targeting improved economic conditions and access to financial services.
IOTA Token Achieves Shari’a Compliance, Certified by Cambridge Institute
IOTA Token has been certified as Shari’a-compliant by the Cambridge Institute of Islamic Finance, enhancing trust and growth in the Middle East.
Red Sea Global Implements Oracle OPERA Cloud for Enhanced Hospitality Services
Red Sea Global adopts Oracle OPERA Cloud Central to streamline its hotel operations, enhancing guest services across its Middle Eastern properties.
ADGM Partners with Solana (SOL) Foundation to Boost Blockchain Innovation
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has partnered with the Solana Foundation to advance distributed ledger technology (DLT) within its regulatory framework, marking a significant step in fostering blockchain innovation in the region.
Bitget Eyes Middle East for Crypto Expansion, Plans to Hire 60 New Staff
Bitget, a leading crypto derivatives and copy trading platform, has announced plans to expand its operations into the Middle East, as reported on July 20, 2023.
Kraken Closes Abu Dhabi Office
Less than a year after receiving regulatory licence to operate in Abu Dhabi's international financial hub and worldwide market, Kraken is departing.
Dubai Sees Crypto as Stepping Stone Towards Global Tech Hub
Dubai is reaping the dividends of new tech investments because it has laid the ground for a post-pandemic boom through a business-friendly and low taxes environment.