middle – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com Latest Crypto News Sat, 13 Sep 2025 02:21:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.8 https://i0.wp.com/earlybirdsinvest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cropped-New-Project-2024-12-17T235703.455.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 middle – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com 32 32 240146708 Polygon Labs partners with Cypher Capital to boost institutional access in the Middle East https://earlybirdsinvest.com/polygon-labs-partners-with-cypher-capital-to-boost-institutional-access-in-the-middle-east/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/polygon-labs-partners-with-cypher-capital-to-boost-institutional-access-in-the-middle-east/#respond Sat, 13 Sep 2025 02:21:04 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/polygon-labs-partners-with-cypher-capital-to-boost-institutional-access-in-the-middle-east/

Polygon Labs announced Sept. 12 that it is partnering with Dubai-based Cypher Capital to expand institutional access to POL, the native asset powering the Polygon blockchain, across the Middle East.

The initiative marks the first in a series of efforts to bring professional investors into direct engagement with Polygon’s infrastructure.

POL will be positioned as an institutional-grade asset offering real yield, with roundtables, liquidity improvements, and structured opportunities aimed at funds, corporates, and other large allocators.

Polygon co-founder Sandeep Nailwal said in a statement:

“Institutional demand for real yield on crypto is already in high demand, and keeps growing.”

He added that the program is designed to “translate that value into institutional-grade opportunities, offering a path for investors to earn real yield by engaging directly with the economic engine of the Polygon ecosystem.”

Cypher Capital, a venture and investment firm active in the region, will help Polygon navigate regulatory and capital market settings.

The program is expected to highlight POL as a core portfolio asset for professional investors seeking exposure to blockchain infrastructure, global payments, and real-world asset transactions.

The announcement comes as Polygon continues to advance its “GigaGas” roadmap, which Nailwal said has already delivered sub-five-second finality and throughput of up to 1,000 transactions per second.

Future milestones aim to establish Polygon as a high-performance settlement layer for the “trustless internet of value.”

The rollout illustrates a broader push by leading blockchain projects to build institutional pipelines in growth markets, where interest in digital assets and tokenized products continues to climb.

Mentioned in this article
Latest Middle East Stories
]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/polygon-labs-partners-with-cypher-capital-to-boost-institutional-access-in-the-middle-east/feed/ 0 58153 Why ExxonMobil Fell Today, Even Amid War in the Middle East https://earlybirdsinvest.com/why-exxonmobil-fell-today-even-amid-war-in-the-middle-east/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/why-exxonmobil-fell-today-even-amid-war-in-the-middle-east/#respond Mon, 23 Jun 2025 22:05:45 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/why-exxonmobil-fell-today-even-amid-war-in-the-middle-east/

Shares of ExxonMobil (XOM -2.58%) were up as much as 2% earlier on Monday, before plunging to a 3.1% decline and then recovering slightly to a 2.5% decline to end the trading day.

There wasn’t any company-specific news today. However, the roller-coaster performance from the largest U.S.-based oil and gas giant came as investors initially feared a potential severe response from Iran to last weekend’s bombing of its nuclear facilities by the U.S.

But as news came in through the day, it appears the actual response was not as severe as feared. Thus, oil prices plunged, giving back not only the gains from earlier in the day, but also a portion of last week’s run-up in prices.

Buy the fears, sell the attack?

Since Israel struck Iranian military and nuclear targets beginning on June 13, oil and gas prices have been on the rise. The week’s conflict culminated on Saturday, with the U.S. bombing Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.

Investors likely braced for possible worst-case scenarios coming into this week, which might include Iran blockading the Strait of Hormuz. About 21% of the world’s oil flows through that narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, so if that narrow waterway were blocked, it could lead to a fairly large oil price spike.

However, Iran wound up initially responding by sending missiles toward a U.S. base in Qatar. While that is a real military response to the U.S. strike, it appears the attack was fairly telegraphed and symbolic. The missiles were intercepted by Qatar seemingly without issue.

Investors took the sending of a few missiles as a symbolic gesture that meant Iran wasn’t going to counter the U.S. strikes in a severe way, or attempt to escalate the conflict. Thus, investors “sold the news” on the Iranian response, sending Brent Crude Oil prices down 6.8% on the day and natural gas prices down 4%.

Oil tanker on the seas.

Image source: Getty Images.

Oil and gas stocks should remain volatile

An oil and gas shock in the Middle East won’t have the same consequences that it did back in the 1970s, as the invention of hydraulic fracturing has made the U.S. a global energy superpower and net energy exporter, rather than the importer it used to be. Still, a severe shock in the Middle East could still cause a big jump in oil prices, as we saw when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

However, it appears the initial response from Iran to this past weekend’s attack was rather tame, sending a sigh of relief through markets on Monday.

Still, investors shouldn’t expect a quick end to this conflict. It’s possible more geopolitical events or shocks could come through the summer. Therefore, oil and gas stocks should remain part of one’s diversified portfolio, mainly as a hedge against worst-case geopolitical scenarios.

Billy Duberstein and/or his clients have no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/why-exxonmobil-fell-today-even-amid-war-in-the-middle-east/feed/ 0 43732 ADA Takes a Hard Fall as Traders Feel the Heat of War in the Middle East https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ada-takes-a-hard-fall-as-traders-feel-the-heat-of-war-in-the-middle-east/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ada-takes-a-hard-fall-as-traders-feel-the-heat-of-war-in-the-middle-east/#respond Sun, 22 Jun 2025 11:46:21 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ada-takes-a-hard-fall-as-traders-feel-the-heat-of-war-in-the-middle-east/

Cardano (ADA)

is trading at $0.5478, down 6.45% over the past 24 hours, after a sharp correction fueled by market anxiety surrounding escalating geopolitical conflict in the Middle East. The token fell from a high of $0.586 to a low of $0.5464, with the steepest drop occurring during the 21:00 hour when ADA fell 3.2% on 126 million volume, according to CoinDesk Research’s technical analysis model. 24-hour trading volume climbed to 37.37% above its 30-day average.

Despite this volatility, Cardano continues to attract long-term interest. Nearly $1 billion worth of ADA has been withdrawn from centralized exchanges in 2024, and over 310 million tokens have been accumulated by large holders in June alone.

Institutional interest in the Cardano ecosystem was also underscored this week by the launch of a new proof-of-concept initiative involving decentralized storage platform Iagon, legal tech firm Cloud Court, and Ford Motor Company. The pilot project aims to test the viability of combining Cardano’s blockchain infrastructure with Iagon’s decentralized cloud storage to support secure legal data management systems.

Ford is contributing to the project in an advisory role, drawing on its internal experience managing large-scale legal data operations. The initiative is designed to explore how a hybrid architecture—where sensitive legal documents are encrypted and stored off-chain, and access logs and verification are handled on-chain—might address long-standing issues like fragmented records, inefficient collaboration, and lack of auditability. The project also reflects Cardano’s expanding presence in enterprise environments, with potential applications extending to sectors such as healthcare, finance, and public administration.

Technical Analysis Highlights

  • ADA declined 7.0% from $0.586 to $0.545 during the analysis window, forming a $0.041 range.
  • The steepest intraday move occurred during the analysis window, marked by a 3.2% hourly decline and elevated volume.
  • A high-volume resistance level formed at $0.569, while support was tested at $0.545.
  • Recovery attempts during the 23:00 and 00:00 hours failed to break resistance, despite volume exceeding 60 million ADA.
  • A descending channel with lower highs and lower lows confirmed the bearish structure.
  • Between 06:05 and 06:38, price entered a bullish channel with a sequence of higher lows and higher highs.
  • Resistance emerged at $0.558, and a support zone developed around $0.554.
  • Volume peaked at 2.3 million ADA during the 06:16 candle, supporting a temporary upward move.
  • A modest pullback from $0.558 to $0.556 followed, representing typical post-rally consolidation.
  • Volume declined during the pullback, suggesting weakening selling momentum.

Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards. For more information, see CoinDesk’s full AI Policy.

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ada-takes-a-hard-fall-as-traders-feel-the-heat-of-war-in-the-middle-east/feed/ 0 43468 As buyers control amid the tensions in the Middle East, buyers are nearly 5% surges https://earlybirdsinvest.com/as-buyers-control-amid-the-tensions-in-the-middle-east-buyers-are-nearly-5-surges/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/as-buyers-control-amid-the-tensions-in-the-middle-east-buyers-are-nearly-5-surges/#respond Thu, 19 Jun 2025 20:22:51 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/as-buyers-control-amid-the-tensions-in-the-middle-east-buyers-are-nearly-5-surges/

Coindesk Analytics is Coindesk’s AI-powered tool that, with the help of human reporters, generates market data analysis, price transfer reports, financial content focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain markets.

All content created by Coindesk Analytics is human edited by Coindesk’s editorial team prior to publication. This tool integrates market data and information from Coindesk data and other sources to produce timely market reports. All external sources are explicitly attributed within each article.

Coindesk Analytics operates under Coindesk’s AI content guidelines and prioritizes accuracy, transparency and editorial monitoring. Learn more about Coindesk’s approach to AI-generated content in AI policies.

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/as-buyers-control-amid-the-tensions-in-the-middle-east-buyers-are-nearly-5-surges/feed/ 0 42974 Analysts predict a crash in Bitcoin prices as war tensions rise in the Middle East https://earlybirdsinvest.com/analysts-predict-a-crash-in-bitcoin-prices-as-war-tensions-rise-in-the-middle-east/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/analysts-predict-a-crash-in-bitcoin-prices-as-war-tensions-rise-in-the-middle-east/#respond Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:18:32 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/analysts-predict-a-crash-in-bitcoin-prices-as-war-tensions-rise-in-the-middle-east/

Reasons to trust

Strict editing policy focusing on accuracy, relevance and fairness

Created by industry experts and meticulously reviewed

The highest standard for reporting and publishing

Strict editing policy focusing on accuracy, relevance and fairness

The soccer price for the Lion and Player is soft. I hate each of my arcu lorem, ultricy kids, or ullamcorper football.

That’s what Bitcoin’s recent price activity was As global uncertainty persists, it is characterized by a sharp swingespecially following the escalation of tension. Between Israel and Iran. After plunging in nearly 5% amid geopolitical tensions, Bitcoin managed to recover, bounced over $105,000, and is currently trading around $106,800.

The last 24 hours have been highlighted by Bitcoin recovery Again towards $108,000, However, escalating tensions in the Middle East make it more likely that they will crash quickly. This is in line with the outlook of crypto analysts who pointed out that Bitcoin could crash to $100,000.

Resistance band faces tests for bitcoin

According to Crypto analysts, TradingView platform Pejman_zwin, Bitcoin Hovering within the merging of resistance A short liquidation zone between $105,330 and $107,120. He notes that this range is not only a structural resistance zone, but also corresponds to accumulation short liquidation leverage areas.

Related readings

Essentially, this means that if this zone is challenged or broken, it is likely that price volatility will be enhanced. The chart also reveals that there is a possibility of a triangle pattern of contracts. This is a bearish continuation setup In the context of a larger revision.

Bitcoin
Source: Pejman Zwin from TradingView

According to analysts, if Bitcoin fails to make a compelling recovery of $106,600, the structure could shift from the triangle of correction to a urge five waves down. This causes a deeper retracement, especially since prices already form lower highs within the triangle. So the longer this resistance Bitcoin stays in range without breakout, the more likely it is to move rapidly downward.

Bearish and Bull Targets

If Bitcoin confirmed this breakdown, analysts looked at the first major targets around the lower boundary of the support zone, between $105,330 and $103,162. This zone is strengthened by monthly pivot points and overlaps with cumulative long clearing leverage regions. The 1-hour Candlestick Timeframe chart further highlighted a potential short setup from a reversal zone of nearly $107,100 and a forecast target of nearly $104,300.

Related readings

Additionally, the downside could reduce to $101,000 to the next support band, around $102,600 if liquidation pressure persists. Meanwhile, Payman pointed out that a sustained breakout above the $107,120 resistance line could launch a bullish reversal and push Bitcoin back towards a heavy resistance cluster above $108,000. Strong daily closures exceeding $108,000 You can cancel the bearish outlook. However, if it doesn’t break here, it could lead to rejection and another negative side movement.

Bitcoin is like that It began to show signs of bullishness, That price action remains vulnerable to rapid pullbacks, especially when tensions in the Middle East continue to unfold. At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading at $106,638, a 0.02% decrease over the past 24 hours. This calm price action illustrates the current nature of integration.

Bitcoin
BTC trading for $106,251 on 1D chart | Source: BTCUSDT on tradingView.com

Pixabay featured images, charts on tradingView.com

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/analysts-predict-a-crash-in-bitcoin-prices-as-war-tensions-rise-in-the-middle-east/feed/ 0 42544 Bitcoin ETFs heat up with $1.7 billion inflows as Middle East tensions return https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-etfs-heat-up-with-1-7-billion-inflows-as-middle-east-tensions-return/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-etfs-heat-up-with-1-7-billion-inflows-as-middle-east-tensions-return/#respond Tue, 17 Jun 2025 13:47:36 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-etfs-heat-up-with-1-7-billion-inflows-as-middle-east-tensions-return/

Over the past seven trading days, spot Bitcoin ETFs saw $1.7 billion in total inflows, marking their strongest weekly streak in over a month.

The reversal from late May’s outflows culminated with escalating military tensions between Israel and Iran, indicating a shift in investor behavior toward Bitcoin in periods of geopolitical uncertainty.

Between June 10 and June 17, daily inflows averaged $244 million, with the largest daily inflow occurring on June 10 at $431.2 million.

Notably, BlackRock’s IBIT contributed nearly 80% of the week’s intake, while previously lagging funds such as ARKB and BITB, which also turned positive. This contrasts sharply with the outflows seen on May 29–30, when ETFs lost a combined $508 million.

spot Bitcoin etf flows june
Table showing the inflows and outflows from spot Bitcoin ETFs from May 29 to June 16, 2025 (Source: Farside)

Bitcoin’s price remained remarkably resilient during this inflow wave. From June 10 to June 17, BTC rose from a low of $104,398 to over $108,000, briefly testing $109,000 before retreating slightly.

This stability came even as ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Iran were publicly dismissed and as regional media outlets reported growing military mobilization and civilian evacuations.

ETF inflows further spiked on June 13 and June 16 as news broke that Tehran was preparing for potential retaliation, with Trump calling on Iran to evacuate key sites.

The flows imply that institutional capital is stepping back into BTC exposure at elevated levels, possibly viewing Bitcoin as a speculative asset and part of a broader hedge strategy in a fragmented geopolitical landscape.

If the pattern holds, Bitcoin ETFs may continue to absorb capital in environments where traditional markets face regional shocks.

Latest Alpha Market Report
]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-etfs-heat-up-with-1-7-billion-inflows-as-middle-east-tensions-return/feed/ 0 42541 Bitcoin Remains Defiant Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict and Trade War Fears https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-remains-defiant-amid-escalating-middle-east-conflict-and-trade-war-fears/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-remains-defiant-amid-escalating-middle-east-conflict-and-trade-war-fears/#respond Sat, 14 Jun 2025 15:28:51 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-remains-defiant-amid-escalating-middle-east-conflict-and-trade-war-fears/

Bitcoin hovered around $105,100 on June 14, down 0.22% over the past 24 hours as traders digested geopolitical tension. Price action remained relatively tight, with BTC moving within a $2,090 range from $104,220 to $106,135. The largest moves occurred overnight in Asia trading, where Bitcoin briefly dipped below $104,200 before rebounding on high volume.

Much of the recent volatility has been driven by developments in the Middle East. The Israel-Iran war, which some analysts fear could spread to other parts of the Middle East, combined with trade tensions between the U.S. and some of its key trading partners, has unsettled risk markets. More than $1.1 billion in crypto liquidations were recorded during the initial wave of conflict headlines, though bitcoin has shown resilience in the aftermath.

Traders appear to be leaning bullish in the medium term, as BTC continues to hold a pattern of higher lows despite intraday wobbles. Profit-taking near $106,000 capped upside momentum, but support near $105,000 continues to draw buyers on dips. Market participants are watching this range closely, particularly as safe-haven demand and risk sentiment remain intertwined.

While short-term headlines continue to drive volatility, the broader structure suggests BTC is consolidating rather than reversing. If support around $104,950 holds, Bitcoin may attempt another push above $106,200.

Technical Analysis Highlights

  • BTC traded in a $2,090 range from $104,182 to $106,272 over the past 24 hours.
  • A key bounce occurred at $104,182 with 15,342 BTC traded during the recovery.
  • Resistance formed near $106,200 amid consistent profit-taking.
  • A rising trendline of higher lows remains intact.
  • Psychological support at $105,000 is holding for now.
  • Recent price range: $104,875 to $105,202 in the last hour.
  • A sharp dip below $105K at 07:19 reversed quickly, with $105,200 acting as near-term resistance.
  • Final 15-minute candles showed minor exhaustion, but volume patterns suggest accumulation on dips.

Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards. For more information, see CoinDesk’s full AI Policy.

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-remains-defiant-amid-escalating-middle-east-conflict-and-trade-war-fears/feed/ 0 41999 Gold price nears all-time high amid fears of broader regional Middle Eastern conflict  https://earlybirdsinvest.com/gold-price-nears-all-time-high-amid-fears-of-broader-regional-middle-eastern-conflict/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/gold-price-nears-all-time-high-amid-fears-of-broader-regional-middle-eastern-conflict/#respond Sat, 14 Jun 2025 15:02:48 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/gold-price-nears-all-time-high-amid-fears-of-broader-regional-middle-eastern-conflict/

Gold price is nearing its all-time high at $3,433, further fueling its up-and-to-the-right rally in 2025, as escalating tensions in the Middle East drive investors toward traditional safe-haven assets.

The surge in gold price reflects not only geopolitical uncertainty but also a broader shift in global reserve strategies. The ECB reported last week that gold had overtaken the euro in 2024 as the world’s second-most important reserve asset, driven by record purchases by central banks.

Over the past month, the spot gold price has climbed nearly 5%, rebounding from a mid-May low of around $3,123 and gaining 1.6% overnight, pushing it above $3,400 and close to its April all-time high of $3,500. For the year so far, gold is up more than 30%, making it one of the best-performing asset classes in 2025.

Geopolitical uncertainty is driving gold price higher

The primary catalyst for gold’s recent gains is the escalation of tensions in the Middle East following Israel’s military strike on Iran’s nuclear sites. Markets have grown increasingly nervous about the potential for broader regional conflict and prompting a flight to safety, as investors pile into gold.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 679.83 points and the S&P 500 dropped 1.13%, as the price of oil soared by 7%  in a single day, the largest intraday move since the early days of the Ukraine war. Despite an initial tumble, Bitcoin recovered to $105,000 at the time of writing, showing relative stability.

Higher oil prices are expected to drive up costs for gasoline and diesel, adding to inflationary pressures that are already a concern for central banks and consumers alike and enhancing gold’s appeal as a hedge against inflation and economic instability.

Gold overtook the euro among reserve assets in 2024

Gold’s rise to become the world’s second-largest reserve asset in 2024, surpassing the euro, is a sizable development in global finance. According to the latest data from the ECB report, the U.S. dollar remains dominant with a 46% share of global reserves, followed by gold at 20% and the euro at 16%.

The shift reflects a long-term trend of central banks diversifying their reserves away from traditional currencies in response to geopolitical risks and concerns over the weaponization of the dollar.

Central banks have been net buyers of gold for three consecutive years, with annual purchases exceeding 1,000 tonnes, double the pace of the previous decade. Demand is expected to continue, stoking the bullish case for gold and prompting everyone’s favorite gold bug, Peter Schiff, to comment:

“Gold is close to a new record high, but the $GDX is already trading at its highest level since Sept. 2012. The fact that gold mining stocks are now leading the metal is a sign that this gold bull market has kicked into a higher gear, as is the recent breakout in silver. Got gold?”

Gold’s performance in 2025 reinforces its appeal as a safe-haven asset, with prices close to all-time highs and its new status as the world’s second-largest reserve asset. Meanwhile, while Bitcoin continues to hold steady, the world’s number-one crypto has yet to displace gold as the ultimate hedge in turbulent times.

Latest Middle East Stories
]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/gold-price-nears-all-time-high-amid-fears-of-broader-regional-middle-eastern-conflict/feed/ 0 41987 Sergey Nazarov Says Chainlink in Conversations With All Top Financial Institutions in US, Asia and Middle East https://earlybirdsinvest.com/sergey-nazarov-says-chainlink-in-conversations-with-all-top-financial-institutions-in-us-asia-and-middle-east/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/sergey-nazarov-says-chainlink-in-conversations-with-all-top-financial-institutions-in-us-asia-and-middle-east/#respond Tue, 10 Jun 2025 20:14:05 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/sergey-nazarov-says-chainlink-in-conversations-with-all-top-financial-institutions-in-us-asia-and-middle-east/

Chainlink (LINK) co-founder Sergey Nazarov says major financial institutions around the world are primed to start utilizing his project soon.

Nazarov notes in a new YouTube video that the decentralized oracle network is arriving at a point where financial institutions have been reaching out for help with various projects.

“At this point, I’ve been – between last year and this year so far – almost everywhere. Last year, we covered a lot of Asia, the Middle East, Australia, many of the top environments where cryptocurrencies and blockchains are getting adopted. This year, with the new stance on regulation in the US, we are very heavily covering all of the US institutions in addition to continuing to cover those in Asia and the Middle East.

So I can’t mention exact names, because they want to wait to announce, they have all these processes with NDAs (non-disclosure agreements). It’s a very tightly controlled process, but I would say between last year and this year, we’re in various stages of conversations with probably all the top institutions in those geographies.

I think that those top institutions basically want to use the solution that solves all their problems, is used by the other top-tier banks and players, has all the functionality they want, whether that’s identity, data connectivity, orchestration.

And there’s really no system other than Chainlink that meets that high standard.”

LINK is trading at $14.50 at time of writing. The 16th-ranked crypto asset by market cap is up more than 5.5% in the past 24 hours.

 

Follow us on X, Facebook and Telegram

Don’t Miss a Beat – Subscribe to get email alerts delivered directly to your inbox

Check Price Action

Surf The Daily Hodl Mix

&nbsp

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed at The Daily Hodl are not investment advice. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency or digital assets. Please be advised that your transfers and trades are at your own risk, and any losses you may incur are your responsibility. The Daily Hodl does not recommend the buying or selling of any cryptocurrencies or digital assets, nor is The Daily Hodl an investment advisor. Please note that The Daily Hodl participates in affiliate marketing.

Generated Image: Midjourney

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/sergey-nazarov-says-chainlink-in-conversations-with-all-top-financial-institutions-in-us-asia-and-middle-east/feed/ 0 41293 ‘Come to Dubai, habibi,’ what’s luring crypto companies to the Middle East? https://earlybirdsinvest.com/come-to-dubai-habibi-whats-luring-crypto-companies-to-the-middle-east/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/come-to-dubai-habibi-whats-luring-crypto-companies-to-the-middle-east/#respond Mon, 09 Jun 2025 08:39:43 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/come-to-dubai-habibi-whats-luring-crypto-companies-to-the-middle-east/

Welcome to Slate Sundays, CryptoSlate’s new weekly feature showcasing in-depth interviews, expert analysis, and thought-provoking op-eds that go beyond the headlines to explore the ideas and voices shaping the future of crypto.

One of the main takeaways from TOKEN2049 earlier this year was that the UAE, and Dubai in particular, is the hottest spot (quite literally) on the crypto map. Judging by the impressive footfall at the conference, which surpassed 15,000 international attendees, it was one of the year’s most highly attended events.

Held in Madinat Jumeirah, one of Dubai’s most iconic settings, the conference venue served up a refreshing blend of an old-world-style winding souk against the backdrop of a palm-fringed beach, with the Burj al Arab, the world’s only 7-star hotel, rising like a sail in the distance.

That’s one of the most notable quirks of Dubai: the contrast of the old and new; the striking dichotomy between progress and tradition. Automated e-gates welcome you at the airport, spotless hotels provide the ultimate in comfort and style, and Bedouins tend camels in the timeless desert sands.

Despite the punishing 45-degree heat that had conference dwellers mopping perspiration from their brows, Dubai revealed its unabashed intentions to be a leader in the crypto space, with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Solana and Ripple, throwing their hats into the Middle Eastern ring.

Why are crypto companies flocking to the Middle East?

More and more crypto companies are opening offices in this vibrant land, and almost every second person I interviewed had either established or was thinking about establishing a presence here. What draws them to this shiny city of shisha, shawarma, and superlatives?

Dr. Marwan Alzarouni, CEO of the Dubai Blockchain Center, which helps shape Dubai’s blockchain ecosystem through private and public sector collaborations, told me:

“Over the past year, we’ve seen the global crypto ecosystem evolve from a speculative wave to a more utility-driven era. In Dubai specifically, the ecosystem has matured dramatically. There’s been a marked increase in developer activity, ecosystem events, and an influx of top-tier talent and founders, many of whom now call Dubai home, rather than just passing through.”

Dubai’s population grew by over 169,000 to 3.825 million in 2024, which was its fastest annual population increase since 2018. People from far and wide have flocked to the UAE for its ease of doing business, safe streets, luxury hotels, and white sandy beaches. What was once a fishing village at the edge of a desert has become a modern world of sweeping skyscrapers, world-class resorts, and, more latterly, crypto founders.

Tax breaks, talent, strategic location; Dubai has it all

As the UAE’s most vibrant city, Dubai offers a range of tax incentives to support business growth, innovation, and foreign investment. Many companies are exempt from corporation tax, such as businesses with an annual revenue below 3 million AED (approximately USD 815,000) or those incorporated in a qualifying free zone, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). For those who do have to pay the piper, they’re looking at taxation rates dwarfed by the likes of Europe or the United States, at just 9%.

Dubai’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa lends significant advantages to businesses and investors, as a natural gateway for tourism and trade. Dr. Alzarouni explains:

“Companies are drawn to the city not just for its policy environment, but for its access to capital, exceptional quality of life, and a government that truly collaborates with the private sector.”

Digital asset financial services provider HashKey Group has operations in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and Bermuda, and recently opened an office in Dubai, HashKey Global MENA. Managing Director Ben El-Baz commented:

“Strategically located in the heart of the region that has been characterized by its recent transition from oil to tech and culture-driven economies, Dubai has established itself as one of the most important crypto industry hubs in the past few years.”

Leading web3 services pioneer Animoca Brands announced the opening of its Dubai branch at the conference. I asked co-founder, executive chairman, and overall industry legend, Yat Siu, what was behind this decision.

“You need to have a vibrant market, and Dubai is as vibrant as it gets! It’s not just investors, it’s people building, it’s talent, and it attracts capital and growth. We have dozens and dozens of companies in our portfolio that are now in the UAE, and they weren’t in the UAE before.”

Top DEX aggregator and DeFi solutions provider 1inch is another of crypto’s finest to place a virtual flag on these exotic shores. When asked why, co-founder Sergej Kunz explained that 1inch’s interests are “purely technical.” He said:

“Dubai’s strategic position as a global hub with strong international connectivity, a deep technical talent pool, and a safe environment has helped it emerge as one of the most dynamic centers for blockchain innovation. Through our local software development entity, we are able to contribute to this momentum.”

Regulatory clarity: VARA in Dubai’s digital asset landscape

Dubai’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) establishes legal guidelines for the sector, while the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), recognized as the world’s first independent digital assets regulator, oversees and tests new virtual asset activities in a controlled environment.

Free zones like the DIFC and the DMCC provide additional operational flexibility. Notably, the DIFC has introduced a Digital Assets Law that clearly defines the rules for managing and transferring digital assets. Dr. Alzarouni commented:

“Dubai is one of the few jurisdictions globally that offers a coherent, progressive regulatory environment while actively encouraging innovation. We’ve also seen a growing number of exchanges, VASPs, and infrastructure providers either relocate their headquarters to Dubai or establish strategic satellite offices here. This, combined with clear regulatory frameworks like VARA’s full rulebooks, has boosted institutional participation and accelerated the adoption of real-world blockchain use cases such as tokenized assets, on-chain finance, and decentralized identity.”

Samar Sen, SVP Head of APAC at Talos, a global digital asset technology provider for institutions, told me:

“When there was a time of regulatory uncertainty, a lot of firms flocked to the Middle East. I’m very pleased to say that the Middle East didn’t just hand out licenses easily. They put together a rigorous due diligence and weeded out a lot of firms that were scammy or fraudulent, and you have a lot of good firms here, crypto founders and OGs, leading the way with that pioneering energy.”

El-Baz stated:

“Securing the VASP license in the MENA region represents a significant milestone in HashKey’s market expansion strategy. As the UAE continues to establish itself as the premier hub for digital assets in the Middle East, HashKey Global MENA will cater to consumers and enterprises seeking trusted, compliant access to virtual asset services.”

Kunz added:

“While 1inch itself does not operate a regulated business in or out of the UAE today, we see strong potential in Dubai’s regulatory and innovation ecosystem. We also continue to evaluate the possibility of participating in a regulatory pilot with VARA in the near future. As 1inch develops decentralized finance infrastructure and tooling, having a technical base in a jurisdiction that is actively shaping regulatory frameworks allows us to stay aligned with emerging requirements.”

Government initiatives and high crypto literacy

In recent years, Dubai and the UAE have hosted a growing roster of high-profile blockchain and crypto events, including Abu Dhabi Finance Week, Bitcoin MENA, and TOKEN2049, each drawing thousands of industry leaders, investors, and innovators from around the globe.

These events not only showcase the region’s ambition but also foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange. In a further sign of institutional adoption, the Dubai government has begun accepting select crypto payments for certain services, highlighting the emirate’s ongoing commitment to integrating blockchain into public life.

Initiatives such as the Dubai Blockchain Strategy aim to make Dubai the world’s first blockchain-powered government, driving efficiency, transparency, and digital innovation across sectors. Dr. Alzarouni explained:

“Government entities are highly engaged with innovators, helping fast-track pilots and public-private partnerships. At the Dubai Blockchain Center, our mission is to educate, advise, and empower. We provide strategic advice to both public and private sector entities, organize technical and educational workshops, help interpret regulatory frameworks, and offer key introductions within the ecosystem.”

Siu recounted his typical experiences speaking with government officials in other jurisdictions, remarking:

“In this region, so many people within the royal circuit and the entire government circuits are already in crypto. They get it, they understand it, you don’t have to explain it to them, and it’s much easier to have a conversation around that versus other places where you still have to go through the ABCs.”

El-Baz added:

“The MENA region has a diverse profile in terms of retail demographics (local populations and expats) and institutional players (financial institutions, private companies, and family offices). The proactive approach taken by VARA, Dubai’s crypto regulator, has fostered a lively crypto ecosystem environment.”

Mentioned in this article
Latest Middle East Stories
Latest Alpha Market Report
]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/come-to-dubai-habibi-whats-luring-crypto-companies-to-the-middle-east/feed/ 0 40989