Coinbase Executives Visit UAE to Explore Potential for Crypto Operations
Coinbase executives, including CEO Brian Armstrong, visited the UAE to explore the potential of the region as a strategic hub for its international operations. The visit coincides with a partnership between Marathon Digital Holdings and Zero Two to create a large-scale immersion Bitcoin-mining facility in Abu Dhabi.
UAE's Central Bank Nears Launch of Digital Dirham
The UAE's central bank is close to launching its central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital dirham, for domestic and cross-border payments. The CBUAE has partnered with G42 Cloud and R3 to be the infrastructure and technology providers for the CBDC implementation, which will boost financial inclusion and help the country become a cashless society. The first phase of the CBDC strategy includes the soft launch of "mBridge," proof-of-concept work for bilateral CBDC bridges with India, and domestic CBDC issuance for wholesale and retail use.
UAE's Ras Al Khaimah to Launch Free Zone for Virtual Asset Companies
Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE is launching RAK Digital Assets Oasis, a free zone for digital and virtual asset companies. The purpose-built zone will support emerging technologies in the virtual assets sector, including blockchain, NFTs, and DApps. The free zone is set to open for applications in Q2 2023.
Hub71+ Digital Assets Initiative Aims to Advance Web3-Based innovations
Hub71 will invest $2 billion in Web3 startups in Abu Dhabi.
CBUAE Plans to Launch Central Bank Digital Currency
The government plans a uniform, rapid card payment platform.
VARA Issues New Guidelines for Virtual Asset Service Providers in Dubai
VARA's "Full Market Product Regulations" comprise four mandatory and activity-specific rulebooks for running VASPs.
The UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani Al-Zeyoudi
Thani Al-Zeyoudi said crypto will "major" in UAE global commerce. The UAE's international trade minister updated 2023 commercial ties and policies. New restrictions allow a $2.7 million penalties for noncompliance. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, the artificial intelligence and digital economy minister spoke.
UAE's Central Bank Completes Wholesale CBDC Pilot Program
UAE's Central Bank has completed running its wholesale CBDC trials, readying for the next development phase.
UAE Gets First Blockchain-Powered Solution to Acceletrate Motor Insurance Claims
XA Group has rolled out the first end-to-end and blockchain-based digital solution dubbed Addenda to tackle the decades-old industry challenge of reconciling motor recovery claims.
Blockchain.com Gets Regulatory Approval to Operate Crypto Exchange in Dubai
London-based crypto firm Blockchain.com announced Friday that it has received regulatory approval to operate its exchange in Dubai, a city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).