Latest news with #BitcoinMENA
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Want to invest in crypto? Read this book now
'Just read The Bitcoin Standard.' That was the advice I got two years ago when I told someone I was having trouble grasping exactly why anyone would invest in Bitcoin. I knew I was being called to learn about it, but I had real trouble putting it all together. Thrilled to finally have some direction, I immediately ordered Palestinian-Jordanian journalist Saifedean Ammous's book. That moment marked the beginning of my journey into understanding Bitcoin – and that paperback remains one of the most fascinating I've ever read. Recently, I ran into a friend's husband at the coffee shop in my building. In the course of our conversation, he said he was crypto-curious. He'd been listening to podcasts and watching YouTube videos, but he was still pretty confused – understandably so. He admitted he was too embarrassed to ask basic questions – starting with 'why'. I was seriously impressed with him: this kind of humble expression of curiosity is all too rare these days. I told him about The Bitcoin Standard and when he said he'd definitely read it, I ran upstairs and grabbed my copy. I've recommended it many times before, but this was the first time someone actually seemed ready to dive in. I loved this book so much that in December, I made sure to get a pass to the Bitcoin MENA conference in Abu Dhabi just to see Ammous speak. He's sold more than a million books worldwide. After The Bitcoin Standard in 2018, he released The Fiat Standard in 2021. At the conference, he was talking about his latest: The Gold Standard: An Alternative Economic History of the Twentieth Century, which is out this month. It's a piece of economic fiction imagining a world where the gold standard was never dropped — and where money still meant something. Ammous's writing is essential for anyone setting out, I think, because of the way he so clearly outlines how little our money means – and how easily it can be manipulated. Whether it's clipping silver coins or the earliest forms of counterfeiting, once you see it, you can't unsee it. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The Bitcoin Standard is more than just a book; it's an essential, revered text that offers a wide-angle view of Bitcoin's place in the modern financial system. Ammous's insights into the flaws of fiat currency – money – and the benefits of a digital asset like Bitcoin are both enlightening and practical. For anyone considering investing in Bitcoin – or just, like my friend, trying to wrap their head around the 'why' behind it – I can't think of a better place to begin. Here are a few of the reasons Ammous is all-in on calling Bitcoin the soundest money around: It's scarce Ammous argues that Bitcoin's fixed supply of 21 million coins makes it the first truly scarce digital asset — immune to debasement by governments or central banks. He makes a compelling case for how tempting it's been throughout history for empires to chip away at their currencies when it serves them. His critique of fiat currencies points directly to inflation, enabled by endless money printing and political interference. It's decentralised and sovereign Bitcoin operates independently of any government or central authority. That gives individuals full sovereignty over their wealth, reducing the risk of confiscation or censorship. There's no bank to go to and no middleman deciding if – or when – you can access your money. It lowers time preference Drawing on Austrian economics, Ammous argues that sound money encourages long-term thinking that values future rewards over short-term consumption. He backs this up by going back to the gold standard era, where economic stability and growth were the norm. Bitcoin holders, he has observed, tend to be savers precisely because they expect appreciation. And that helps them think twice before spending unnecessarily. It has global potential Ammous predicts that Bitcoin could serve as a new international monetary standard, much like gold did in the past. And while it's not there yet, it's edging in that direction. Individuals, family offices, companies, universities and even some nation-states are beginning to consider Bitcoin as part of their reserve strategy. His thesis seems more credible with every passing month. It's portable and efficient Gold is heavy, needs secure storage, and is tricky to exchange. Ammous highlights how Bitcoin, by contrast, is portable, divisible, and easy to transfer. Cross-border transactions can be settled in minutes, without banks or intermediaries. On the blockchain, everything is transparent and traceable. If you're confused about what's going on with this so-called 'digital gold', I can't think of a better place to start than with The Bitcoin Standard. It gives you the 'why' of Bitcoin before you even think about the 'how'. Just one thing: you're going to need to order your own copy. I already gave mine away. KT Luxe
Mid East Info
08-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Second edition of Bitcoin MENA set to take place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi in December - Middle East Business News and Information
Building on the landmark success of the inaugural Bitcoin MENA conference in December 2024, ADNEC Group & BTC Inc Group today 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. Attracting 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 Organization; 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 center 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. About The Bitcoin Conference: The Bitcoin Conference, organized by BTC Media (parent company of Bitcoin Magazine), is a global event series featuring notable industry speakers, policymakers, workshops, exhibitions, and entertainment. These events serve as vital platforms for Bitcoin industry leaders, developers, investors, and enthusiasts to gather, network, and exchange ideas. The flagship event took place in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2024, and Bitcoin 2025 is scheduled to be held in Las Vegas in May 2025. Its international events include Bitcoin Asia (Hong Kong, August 2025), Bitcoin Amsterdam (2025 TBD), and Bitcoin MENA (Abu Dhabi, 2025 TBD). About ADNEC Group: ADNEC Group, part of Modon Holding, is renowned for its rich legacy and diverse business operations, stands as a formidable force in global business and leisure tourism. The Group is a leader in managing and developing international strategic assets and contributes to the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's economy. ADNEC Group's diverse business clusters span Venues, Events, Hotels, F&B, Services, Tourism and Media. The Group operates the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, the largest event venue in the MENA region, ADNEC Centre Al Ain, the Business Design Centre and ExCeL London in the United Kingdom. Capital Events, the events management arm of ADNEC Group, is the leading organiser of some of the world's most iconic events across strategic industry sectors including Defence and Security, Maritime Lifestyle, Media, Food & Beverage and Technology. Through its growing portfolio, Capital Events plays a crucial role in supporting Abu Dhabi to achieve its growth objectives as a global hub for business and leisure tourism.
Al Etihad
07-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
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, 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 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 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 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 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 Outdoor Activation Zone: A redesigned open-air space optimized for networking, live content, food, and cultural 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 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.
Zawya
07-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Second edition of Bitcoin MENA set to take place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi in December
Abu Dhabi, UAE — Building on the landmark success of the inaugural Bitcoin MENA conference in December 2024, ADNEC Group & BTC Inc Group today 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. Event Details: Location: Marina Hall, ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE Date: December 8-9, 2025 Tickets and sponsor information: 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. Attracting 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 Organization; 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 center 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. About The Bitcoin Conference: The Bitcoin Conference, organized by BTC Media (parent company of Bitcoin Magazine), is a global event series featuring notable industry speakers, policymakers, workshops, exhibitions, and entertainment. These events serve as vital platforms for Bitcoin industry leaders, developers, investors, and enthusiasts to gather, network, and exchange ideas. The flagship event took place in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2024, and Bitcoin 2025 is scheduled to be held in Las Vegas in May 2025. Its international events include Bitcoin Asia (Hong Kong, August 2025), Bitcoin Amsterdam (2025 TBD), and Bitcoin MENA (Abu Dhabi, 2025 TBD). About ADNEC Group ADNEC Group, part of Modon Holding, is renowned for its rich legacy and diverse business operations, stands as a formidable force in global business and leisure tourism. The Group is a leader in managing and developing international strategic assets and contributes to the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's economy. ADNEC Group's diverse business clusters span Venues, Events, Hotels, F&B, Services, Tourism and Media. The Group operates the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, the largest event venue in the MENA region, ADNEC Centre Al Ain, the Business Design Centre and ExCeL London in the United Kingdom. Capital Events, the events management arm of ADNEC Group, is the leading organiser of some of the world's most iconic events across strategic industry sectors including Defence and Security, Maritime Lifestyle, Media, Food & Beverage and Technology. Through its growing portfolio, Capital Events plays a crucial role in supporting Abu Dhabi to achieve its growth objectives as a global hub for business and leisure tourism.
Politico
17-03-2025
- Business
- Politico
The UAE courts the media to build its tech brand
With help from Anthony Adragna The United Arab Emirates has spent the better part of the last 20 years reinventing itself as a tech hub. Now it's aiming for a broader role on the world stage — and its next play is for the media. Last week, Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, chairman of the UAE National Media Office, gathered about 150 journalists and Washington personalities in the Ritz-Carlton in downtown D.C. to unveil 'BRIDGE,' a high-profile global media initiatives that will 'empower the next generation of storytellers, invest in ethical AI, champion press freedoms, and ensure that integrity remains at the core' of global news. It's the latest of a host of recent events the UAE has hitched to big global trends. In December, Eric Trump and now-Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff spoke at Bitcoin MENA, a crypto conference held in capital city Abu Dhabi. Last month Dubai hosted the 2025 World Governments Summit featuring Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Palantir co-founder and CEO Alex Karp, CNN CEO Mark Thompson and, via video call, Elon Musk. At the BRIDGE launch event at Washington's Ritz-Carlton, waiters passed out dates and strong coffee before the attendees sat down for a presentation on the summit, which Al Hamed billed as 'an ambitious new global platform' where government and media industry leaders could 'set the agenda for the future.' He said a summit would be paired with a nonprofit foundation and hoped to foster media startups. The plan was short on details, such as who would be at the summit or why, specifically, American journalists should attend. But it also seemed completely plausible, given the UAE's role as a node in the global economy, and its rising influence on the American tech industry — including the Emirati MGX fund that backed the Stargate AI infrastructure plan announced from the White House. BRIDGE also has a producer with a track record of bringing durable, landmark events to ambitious Gulf states: producer Richard Attias. Attias, born in Morocco, served as executive producer of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland for about 15 years. He also was CEO of Saudi Arabia's Future Investment Initiative, and produced more than 1000 events, including the Clinton Global Initiative and the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which he co-produced. DFD asked Attias what the goal of BRIDGE was, and he framed it as a helping hand to a struggling industry. 'The challenges coming from AI technologies and all this fake news and the social media which are not really under control, could really have some collateral damage,' he said. 'So we said, what can we do? How can we help the media industry?' Gulf watchers said a splashy international media summit would serve another aim: training the world's attention on the UAE's rapid transformation into a tech powerhouse. 'The country is investing massively in digital infrastructure to become a global hub for the AI and post-oil economy — so I'm not surprised they want to take that further into the media sector,' said political scientist Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, a Dubai-based nonresident senior fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center. Joshua Jahani, managing director of the New York-based Jahani and Associates investment bank that has worked with UAE sovereign wealth funds, told me he saw a giant media event like BRIDGE as a brand-building exercise. 'The UAE has taken materially successful steps to diversify its economy through international tech investments and domestic tech investments,' he said. Now, media was a key component. 'They have to be able to get the story out.' The UAE is not the only Gulf country to try to cultivate global media brands as it builds out its tech sector. It's part of a regional trend, Dania Thafer, executive director of the Gulf International Forum, told me. Web Summit Qatar held its conference last month, featuring CNBC and The Wall Street Journal | Barron's Group as media partners. And yet, there is a contradiction at the heart of the UAE's scheme to plant a flag in the global media conversation: it's an autocratic state with limited freedom of speech. The U.S. State Department has found that the UAE imposes 'serious restrictions on free expression and media, including censorship' and — ironically for a would-be tech power — 'serious restrictions on internet freedom.' Reporters Without Borders ranks the UAE 160th of 180 in world press freedom, behind India but ahead of Russia. Asked about censorship, Attias said, 'I cannot comment, because I'm not aware at all about that.' Jim Krane, an energy research fellow at the Baker Institute at Rice University, said he visits the UAE with university students and cautions them to avoid posting negative commentary online. 'I always tell them if you have anything outrageously negative to say, wait till you get home,' he said. 'It's a great launchpad for covering the region, but start looking inward at corruption or ruling family issues and you can wear out your welcome pretty easily.' He believes he experienced censorship himself after he chronicled his time living in the UAE as a reporter in the 2009 'City of Gold: Dubai and the Dream of Capitalism.' 'It sold well in Dubai the first two years when it was out, but then when I would go to bookstores they would tell me they would not sell it unless it was being asked for by name, and then they told me they were not allowed to sell it,' Krane said. (Abdulla, the political scientist, said he was a friend of Krane's and had been able to find the book in Dubai stores.) BRIDGE will be held in Abu Dhabi in December 2025, and the attendee list is far from clear. But in a world where many countries, the U.S. included, are seeing press freedom curtailed in the interest of business-minded leaders, the UAE might again be on trend. 'The lack of media freedom is outweighed by the access for investment, and it's just a great place to be, to cover an interesting part of the world that's getting wealthier and wealthier,' Krane said. Abdulla concurred. 'Media freedom, press freedom is definitely a shortcoming, we admit it. But if you come over here, there are lots of freedoms across the board, social freedom, economic freedom,' he said. 'We over here think that is just as important as having political freedom.' Crypto fought the law... and won Bolstered by President Donald Trump's victory, some of the biggest names in the cryptocurrency industry are launching a new volley against the Securities and Exchange Commission. POLITICO's Declan Harty reports that many of the biggest players in the industry who backed President Donald Trump's candidacy are now demanding accountability from the SEC — and in some cases payback — over its investigations. That includes Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and Ripple's top lawyer, Stuart Alderoty — who want the industry to shun law firms that hire former SEC employees involved in the crypto crackdown — and the billionaire Trump-backing twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, who want the agency to fire anyone who handled an investigation into Gemini. The pushback could boost legislative efforts to set up new boundaries around the SEC's authority over crypto, writes Declan. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wis.), who leads the House Financial Services Committee's digital assets panel, said demarcating who should police the market will prevent 'some of the enforcement abuses we saw during the previous administration.' Inside NASA pick's finances Billionaire space enthusiast Jared Isaacman released his financial disclosures ahead of his Senate confirmation process to lead NASA — revealing a sprawling web of financial interests. Chief among his assets is more than $316 million in Shift4 Payments, which provides payment processing technology. Isaacman, the founder and CEO Shift4, will resign from his corporate posts once confirmed, according to his ethics agreement. He also reports modest stakes in major tech companies such as Alphabet Inc.; Amazon; Netflix; Paypal; Rivian; Nvidia; Tesla; Apple and Microsoft, among others, which Isaacman said he will divest once confirmed. A group of seven Republican governors have urged swift confirmation of Isaacman to lead NASA, though his confirmation hearing has yet to be scheduled. Trump announced his pick for NASA in December. The Senate Commerce Committee did not immediately respond to a request for comment on when it might schedule a confirmation hearing for Isaacman. POST OF THE DAY THE FUTURE IN ANOTHER FIVE(ISH) LINKS Stay in touch with the whole team: Derek Robertson (drobertson@ Mohar Chatterjee (mchatterjee@ Steve Heuser (sheuser@ Nate Robson (nrobson@ Daniella Cheslow (dcheslow@ and Christine Mui (cmui@
