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, 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. It attracts 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 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 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 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 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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
4 hours ago
- Al Etihad
UAE's wise leadership fuels success in bolstering sustainable national food security: Amna Al Dahak
31 May 2025 23:54 AL AIN (WAM)Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, has affirmed that, with the backing of the UAE's wise leadership, the nation is making significant strides in supporting farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs to enhance sustainable food security. She noted that the inaugural Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition marks an important step towards developing a technologically advanced and innovative agricultural sector in the minister's comments came at the close of the first Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the event, organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, took place over four days, from May 28-31, at the ADNEC Al Ain event saw widespread participation from government and private sector entities, academic and research institutions, start-ups, local farmers, and the community, achieving considerable success in showcasing the latest agricultural innovations, strengthening strategic partnerships, and supporting the UAE's vision for a secure and sustainable food Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak highlighted that the UAE's agricultural sector and farmers receive ongoing support from His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. His Highness prioritises empowering farmers through various programmes and initiatives aimed at helping them improve their farms, boost production, and enhance quality and emphasised that, with the support of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, the city of Al Ain has become a vital agricultural hub in the UAE. Its strong agricultural potential positions it to play a larger role in boosting the sector and supporting sustainable national food security. Al Ain now serves as a national model for modern agriculture, making it the ideal host for the first UAE Agricultural Conference and the closing ceremony, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak expressed her pride and gratitude for the success of the conference and exhibition, thanking all those who had contributed to the success of this national about the conference's outcomes, Dr. Al Dahak explained: 'We have witnessed how science and hard work can transform challenges into opportunities, and how the desert can be turned into a green oasis thanks to the will and determination of the people of this nation. The unique products and innovative initiatives we have seen are testament to our ability to grow and develop our agricultural sector, and to continue making progress towards achieving sustainable food security.'Dr. Amna Al Dahak emphasised the vital role of Emirati farmers, saying: 'At the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, we believe that Emirati farmers are at the heart of our efforts, and we are committed to empowering them with knowledge and modern technologies.'Looking to the future, the minister added: 'I am confident and optimistic that we will continue to strengthen our partnerships, launch new initiatives, and achieve further successes that benefit our nation. Our strategic goal is to make agriculture a key driver of sustainable and inclusive development across the Emirates.'Al Dahak affirmed the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment's commitment to building on the success of this inaugural event, ensuring that the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition becomes a pivotal annual event that contributes to the development of the agricultural sector, strengthens partnerships between the public and private sectors, young people, entrepreneurs, and all members of the community, leading to a secure and sustainable food future for generations to the close of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025, Dr. Al Dahak recognised the strategic partners and official sponsors of the event, in acknowledgement of their efforts and significant support, and their vital contribution to the success of its first a statement, Dr. Al Dahak said: 'I extend my sincere thanks to all the sponsors, partners, farmers, and creative young people, the lifeblood of this vital sector. The successes achieved demonstrate the ability of our agriculture to transform and innovate to achieve sustainable food security, and we are committed to empowering Emirati farmers and supporting the sustainability of the sector. We are now seeing the start of a continuous journey towards more sustainable agriculture, in line with the vision of our wise leadership. We look forward to further successes that serve our nation and fulfil the aspirations of the UAE community.'The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition provided a leading strategic platform for sharing knowledge and showcasing the latest technologies and innovations in the agricultural sector. The comprehensive programme included over 75 speakers in more than 20 talks, panel discussions, and workshops covering all aspects of modern and sustainable agriculture. The event also saw active participation from 22 government federal and local government entities involved in the agriculture and food sector, alongside over 40 private sector companies, and more than 20 start-ups working in agritech. From the academic side, four national universities contributed their research capabilities, in addition to participation of several schools, with more than 1,000 students taking part in events and community workshops.
Al Etihad
9 hours ago
- Al Etihad
ADNOC expands its STEM Education Programme to empower UAE students in AI
31 May 2025 18:47 ABU DHABI (WAM)ADNOC has expanded its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education programme to empower UAE students in artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technology through an initiative called 'STEM for Life: Future of AI Schools Challenge' which held the finals today at the Abu Dhabi Energy attendance were Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO; Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of Education; Dr. Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy; Hajer Ahmed Mohamed Al Thehli, Secretary-General of the Education, Human Development and Community Council; Khalaf Abdulla Rahma Al Hammadi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund, alongside senior ADNOC in January 2025, the Future of AI Schools Challenge received 14,500 applicants from 351 schools across the country, with 896 teachers helping students to design, build and pitch AI solutions that addressed one of three themes: creating real-world impact, demonstrating blue sky thinking or winning the hearts and minds of local communities. A total of 1,500 submissions were received, with 80 students in 27 teams selected to attend the the final, ADNOC and AIQ showcased how ENERGYai, the world's first agentic AI solution for the energy industry, can be deployed to improve decision making, unlock value and drive operational Al Falahi, Director, Group Business Support & Special Tasks at ADNOC, said: 'We warmly congratulate the winning teams of the Future of AI Schools Challenge for their innovative ideas, creativity and can-do mindset. Through our STEM education program, ADNOC is equipping the UAE's young talent with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an AI-driven future."As we work to become the world's most AI-enabled energy company, we will continue to nurture the next generation of innovators who will harness the power of AI to drive progress for the UAE and unlock solutions to global challenges.' Winning teams pitched their projects to a jury which included members from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Ministry of Education, Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, ADNOC, Khalifa University, ADNOC Technology Academy, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, Microsoft and Neubio. Following an assessment by the jury, nine teams each were awarded the gold, silver and bronze positions respectively. Submissions featured impressive AI-powered solutions, including an automated greywater purification system, a mobile app, a personalized learning platform, and a smart farming Future of AI Schools Challenge aims to equip students with the skills needed for an evolving technology-driven future and harness the potential of AI to create value and solve real-life challenges. It is aligned with the UAE's vision to establish the country as a global AI leader by 2031 and supports the integration of AI into the UAE academic curriculum for the 2025–26 academic year. It also builds on ADNOC's corporate social responsibility program that aims to promote STEM education. Since it was launched 2018, ADNOC has empowered more than 351,000 young scientists, engineers and innovators.
Al Etihad
10 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Fatima bint Mubarak congratulates Sheikha Al Nowais on her election as UNWTO Secretary-General
31 May 2025 17:19 ABU DHABI (WAM) H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the 'Mother of the Nation', Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (SCMC), and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), congratulated Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais on her election as Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak affirmed that this achievement is the fruit of the UAE leadership's insightful vision in supporting and empowering Emirati women — a vision laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and carried forward by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may God protect him. This vision established a comprehensive and integrated approach that enhances women's capabilities and enables them to advance in various fields, proving their merit on international platforms.H.H. praised the pivotal role played by Emirati women across all domains, emphasising that this victory is not only a reflection of the UAE's successful strategy in optimally investing in women's potential, but also a true embodiment of the ambition and unwavering determination of Emirati women to serve their nation and humanity as a whole. Her Highness stressed that this milestone further strengthens the UAE's model of women's Fatima affirmed that the election of Sheikha Al Nowais as the first woman to hold this prestigious position marks a new milestone in the UAE's journey of achievements and reflects the growing international confidence in the excellence and capabilities of Emirati expressed her confidence in Sheikha Al Nowais's ability to drive transformative change in the global tourism sector in service of humanity and sustainable concluded by emphasising that Emirati women will continue to be essential partners in the comprehensive development journey and ambassadors of UAE values in international forums, carrying the message of a nation that places human empowerment at the heart of its developmental and civilisational aspirations. This historic win is an extension of the series of successes achieved by Emirati women at both regional and international levels. It reflects the increasing global recognition of the UAE's pioneering role in shaping the future and presenting inspiring female role models who contribute effectively to building a more sustainable, just, and progressive world.
