Latest news with #FerasAlSadek
Fintech News ME
12-05-2025
- Business
- Fintech News ME
Bybit and Ghaf Labs Partner to Advance Web3 in MENA
Bybit, the world's second largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has signed a MoU with Ghaf Labs, a Web3 advisory and consultancy firm based in the Middle East and North Africa. The agreement outlines a multi year strategic partnership aimed at promoting cryptocurrency adoption, supporting the growth of the digital asset ecosystem, and exploring practical applications for blockchain technology across the region. The partnership reflects a shared intention to support the development of the MENA region as a centre for Web3 innovation by encouraging regulatory clarity and facilitating the integration of blockchain in everyday life. Ghaf Labs, supported by Ghaf Capital Partners, a Dubai based private capital firm focused on blockchain, provides advisory and incubation services to Web3 startups in the region. With its network and understanding of the local regulatory landscape, the firm will work with Bybit to support the development of new projects. Bybit and Ghaf Labs plan to offer equity free grants, startup assistance, and access to resources for ventures involved in blockchain, artificial intelligence, and sustainability. These sectors are seen as central to the ongoing digital transformation in the region. 'Our partnership with Ghaf Labs is rooted in a shared vision for the MENA region, one where crypto is not just adopted, but lived,' said Helen Liu, Chief Operating Officer and Partner at Bybit. 'From developer tooling to lifestyle integration, we are building the bridges that bring crypto into everyday life.' The collaboration will also focus on education, with initiatives such as partnerships with universities, bootcamps, and hackathons designed to develop local talent in the Web3 space. Educational content will be created in both Arabic and English to increase blockchain literacy across different communities in the region. 'This partnership with Bybit reflects our shared commitment to advancing Web3 infrastructure, education, and institutional engagement across the MENA region. Together, we aim to accelerate innovation and continue to position the UAE as a global hub for digital assets,' said Feras Al Sadek, Co Founder and Managing Partner at Ghaf Labs. In addition to development and education, the partnership includes real world applications of cryptocurrency, such as the Bybit Card, which links digital assets with services including hospitality and retail. This includes collaborations with partners such as Grand Millennium Hotels in Dubai. The two organisations also intend to support regional events such as The Crypto Polo Cup and Crypto Fight Night, which combine sports, luxury, and Web3 culture. With the agreement in place, Bybit and Ghaf Labs will explore further opportunities in innovation funding, institutional use of blockchain, and applications across various sectors such as finance, hospitality, and education.
Cision Canada
12-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Bybit and Ghaf Labs Announce Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Web3 Adoption in the Middle East
DUBAI, UAE, May 12, 2025 /CNW/ -- Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, and Ghaf Labs, a MENA-based Web3 boutique advisory and consultancy firm, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enter a multi-year strategic partnership. The alliance aims to drive crypto adoption, ecosystem development, and real-world utility across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This partnership underscores a shared mission to position the region as a global Web3 hub by enabling innovation, supporting regulatory clarity, and fostering meaningful use cases that integrate blockchain into daily life. Ecosystem Growth and Startup Acceleration Ghaf Labs, backed by Ghaf Capital Partners—Dubai's pioneering blockchain-focused private capital firm—offers tailored advisory and incubation services to Web3 ventures across MENA. With its strong regional network and regulatory insight, Ghaf Labs plays a key role in scaling blockchain projects in one of the fastest-growing digital economies. Together, Bybit and Ghaf Labs will provide equity-free grants, startup support, and access to strategic resources for ventures exploring blockchain, AI, and sustainability—sectors central to the region's digital transformation. "Our partnership with Ghaf Labs is rooted in a shared vision for the MENA region — one where crypto isn't just adopted, but lived," said Helen Liu, COO and Partner of Bybit. "From developer tooling to lifestyle integration, we're building the bridges that bring crypto into everyday life." Investing in Talent and Community The collaboration will also launch a series of education initiatives designed to nurture local Web3 talent. These include university partnerships, bootcamps, and developer hackathons, all aimed at empowering the next generation of blockchain builders. Additionally, both parties will co-develop educational content to improve Web3 literacy across Arabic- and English-speaking communities in the region. "This partnership with Bybit reflects our shared commitment to advancing Web3 infrastructure, education, and institutional engagement across the MENA region. Together, we aim to accelerate innovation and continue to position the UAE as a global hub for digital assets." — Feras Al Sadek, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Ghaf Labs Lifestyle, Payments, and Cultural Impact Beyond development, the partnership highlights the real-world utility of crypto through lifestyle applications like the Bybit Card. This product connects digital assets with premium experiences, including exclusive access through partners such as Grand Millennium Hotels in Dubai—demonstrating the role of crypto in elevating travel, luxury, and everyday spending. The alliance will also elevate the regional event scene, co-branding marquee events like The Crypto Polo Cup and Crypto Fight Night. These gatherings merge luxury, sport, and Web3 culture to amplify awareness and engagement. With this MOU in place, Bybit and Ghaf Labs will jointly explore innovation funding, institutional integration, and blockchain-powered use cases across finance, hospitality, education, and beyond—contributing to a resilient Web3 infrastructure in MENA. This strategic collaboration reinforces the UAE's status as a forward-thinking jurisdiction and reflects Bybit's long-term investment in the region's digital future. #Bybit / #TheCryptoArk About Ghaf Labs Ghaf Labs is a boutique consultancy and advisory firm that specializes in web3 ventures, which are projects that use blockchain and decentralized technologies to create a more open, fair, and secure internet. Ghaf Labs helps web3 ventures expand their presence and adoption in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, by providing them with market insights, strategic partnerships, regulatory guidance, and community building. About Bybit Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open, and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at
Mid East Info
12-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Bybit and Ghaf Labs Announce Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Web3 Adoption in the Middle East - Middle East Business News and Information
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, and Ghaf Labs, a MENA-based Web3 boutique advisory and consultancy firm, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enter a multi-year strategic partnership. The alliance aims to drive crypto adoption, ecosystem development, and real-world utility across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This partnership underscores a shared mission to position the region as a global Web3 hub by enabling innovation, supporting regulatory clarity, and fostering meaningful use cases that integrate blockchain into daily life. Ecosystem Growth and Startup Acceleration Ghaf Labs, backed by Ghaf Capital Partners—Dubai's pioneering blockchain-focused private capital firm—offers tailored advisory and incubation services to Web3 ventures across MENA. With its strong regional network and regulatory insight, Ghaf Labs plays a key role in scaling blockchain projects in one of the fastest-growing digital economies. Together, Bybit and Ghaf Labs will provide equity-free grants, startup support, and access to strategic resources for ventures exploring blockchain, AI, and sustainability—sectors central to the region's digital transformation. 'Our partnership with Ghaf Labs is rooted in a shared vision for the MENA region — one where crypto isn't just adopted, but lived,' said Helen Liu, COO of Bybit. 'From developer tooling to lifestyle integration, we're building the bridges that bring crypto into everyday life.' Investing in Talent and Community The collaboration will also launch a series of education initiatives designed to nurture local Web3 talent. These include university partnerships, bootcamps, and developer hackathons, all aimed at empowering the next generation of blockchain builders. Additionally, both parties will co-develop educational content to improve Web3 literacy across Arabic- and English-speaking communities in the region. 'This partnership with Bybit reflects our shared commitment to advancing Web3 infrastructure, education, and institutional engagement across the MENA region. Together, we aim to accelerate innovation and continue to position the UAE as a global hub for digital assets.' said Feras Al Sadek, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Ghaf Labs Lifestyle, Payments, and Cultural Impact Beyond development, the partnership highlights the real-world utility of crypto through lifestyle applications like the Bybit Card. This product connects digital assets with premium experiences, including exclusive access through partners such as Grand Millennium Hotels in Dubai—demonstrating the role of crypto in elevating travel, luxury, and everyday spending. The alliance will also elevate the regional event scene, co-branding marquee events like The Crypto Polo Cup and Crypto Fight Night. These gatherings merge luxury, sport, and Web3 culture to amplify awareness and engagement. With this MOU in place, Bybit and Ghaf Labs will jointly explore innovation funding, institutional integration, and blockchain-powered use cases across finance, hospitality, education, and beyond—contributing to a resilient Web3 infrastructure in MENA. This strategic collaboration reinforces the UAE's status as a forward-thinking jurisdiction and reflects Bybit's long-term investment in the region's digital future.
Web Release
12-05-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Bybit and Ghaf Labs Announce Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Web3 Adoption in the Middle East
Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, and Ghaf Labs, a MENA-based Web3 boutique advisory and consultancy firm, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enter a multi-year strategic partnership. The alliance aims to drive crypto adoption, ecosystem development, and real-world utility across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This partnership underscores a shared mission to position the region as a global Web3 hub by enabling innovation, supporting regulatory clarity, and fostering meaningful use cases that integrate blockchain into daily life. Ecosystem Growth and Startup Acceleration Ghaf Labs, backed by Ghaf Capital Partners—Dubai's pioneering blockchain-focused private capital firm—offers tailored advisory and incubation services to Web3 ventures across MENA. With its strong regional network and regulatory insight, Ghaf Labs plays a key role in scaling blockchain projects in one of the fastest-growing digital economies. Together, Bybit and Ghaf Labs will provide equity-free grants, startup support, and access to strategic resources for ventures exploring blockchain, AI, and sustainability—sectors central to the region's digital transformation. 'Our partnership with Ghaf Labs is rooted in a shared vision for the MENA region — one where crypto isn't just adopted, but lived,' said Helen Liu, COO of Bybit. 'From developer tooling to lifestyle integration, we're building the bridges that bring crypto into everyday life.' Investing in Talent and Community The collaboration will also launch a series of education initiatives designed to nurture local Web3 talent. These include university partnerships, bootcamps, and developer hackathons, all aimed at empowering the next generation of blockchain builders. Additionally, both parties will co-develop educational content to improve Web3 literacy across Arabic- and English-speaking communities in the region. 'This partnership with Bybit reflects our shared commitment to advancing Web3 infrastructure, education, and institutional engagement across the MENA region. Together, we aim to accelerate innovation and continue to position the UAE as a global hub for digital assets.' said Feras Al Sadek, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Ghaf Labs Lifestyle, Payments, and Cultural Impact Beyond development, the partnership highlights the real-world utility of crypto through lifestyle applications like the Bybit Card. This product connects digital assets with premium experiences, including exclusive access through partners such as Grand Millennium Hotels in Dubai—demonstrating the role of crypto in elevating travel, luxury, and everyday spending. The alliance will also elevate the regional event scene, co-branding marquee events like The Crypto Polo Cup and Crypto Fight Night. These gatherings merge luxury, sport, and Web3 culture to amplify awareness and engagement. With this MOU in place, Bybit and Ghaf Labs will jointly explore innovation funding, institutional integration, and blockchain-powered use cases across finance, hospitality, education, and beyond—contributing to a resilient Web3 infrastructure in MENA. This strategic collaboration reinforces the UAE's status as a forward-thinking jurisdiction and reflects Bybit's long-term investment in the region's digital future. #Bybit / #TheCryptoArk
Arabian Post
28-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Promises Renewed as Arabian Hills Estate Rises Over Abandoned Emirati Project
A new chapter is unfolding in the heart of the UAE's real estate landscape as Arabian Hills Estate emerges to replace a once highly anticipated but ultimately undelivered development initially sold by Wahat Al Zaweya Holding PJSC. Positioned near Al Ain, on land just across the Abu Dhabi border, this expansive community of villa and mansion plots is being marketed as a symbol of luxury and renewal, aiming to repair the reputational damage left behind by its predecessor. Arabian Hills Estate was formally launched last year and is being promoted with ambitious promises: lush gardens, a crystal-clear swimmable lagoon, an equestrian centre, high-end shopping malls, world-class resorts, and what the developers describe as 'extraordinary experiences right on your doorstep'. Plot sizes vary dramatically, ranging from 12,000 to 132,000 square feet, and sales material sets a proposed completion window between February and March 2027, extending to the fourth quarter of that year for some sections. The collapse of the earlier project under Wahat Al Zaweya Holding PJSC continues to cast a long shadow over the launch of Arabian Hills Estate. Originally marketed exclusively to Emirati nationals, the earlier development saw significant investor interest, with many customers paying large sums upfront, only to be left without properties delivered. Disillusioned investors pursued litigation in a bid to recover their money, with mixed outcomes. Some succeeded through court orders or negotiated settlements, while others still cling to the hope that the new project will honour their original investments. The company behind Arabian Hills Estate, largely separate from Wahat Al Zaweya's original corporate structure, has framed its offering as a fresh opportunity rather than a continuation of past mistakes. While both projects are geographically linked, representatives of the new estate emphasise that they have different leadership and management structures, although direct ties in terms of land ownership and prior customer relations remain murky. Real estate agents have seized on the marketing narrative, with some branding Arabian Hills Estate as the 'Beverly Hills of Dubai' — despite its actual location within the Al Ain region of Abu Dhabi emirate. Industry analysts point to the branding as an intentional strategy to leverage Dubai's internationally recognised image of glamour and high-end living, even if the project's site technically lies outside its municipal boundaries. Legal experts monitoring the fallout from the Wahat Al Zaweya episode warn that prospective buyers should exercise caution. According to real estate attorney Feras Al Sadek, 'The new project may seem attractive, but buyers need to thoroughly understand the legal distinctions between the old development and Arabian Hills Estate. Due diligence is more important than ever when previous claims on the land still exist.' Al Sadek noted that although Arabian Hills Estate is a new entity on paper, historical entanglements could complicate ownership rights if not fully resolved. For its part, Arabian Hills Estate's promotional materials assert that all land titles are clear and that the project is backed by escrow accounts regulated under UAE real estate laws to ensure better protection for investors. The developer's spokesperson confirmed that the plots are being sold under updated frameworks in compliance with recent Abu Dhabi real estate regulations aimed at safeguarding off-plan buyers. Market response has been cautiously optimistic, particularly among end-users and investors looking for early-mover advantage into what is still a developing suburban luxury market. Prices for plots have been reported to start at AED 900,000 and can rise significantly depending on size and location within the estate. Brokers highlight that demand for large residential plots is rising as wealthy buyers seek private, custom-built homes away from city congestion, especially in the post-pandemic environment where space and bespoke amenities have gained premium value. However, the ghosts of the failed Wahat Al Zaweya project are not easily exorcised. A number of individuals who invested years ago are wary of the promises made by Arabian Hills Estate. One investor, Saif Al Mheiri, who is still embroiled in a legal battle to reclaim funds tied to the old project, expressed scepticism: 'We were given so many promises the first time. Until I see villas built and families moving in, I will not believe anything.' Adding to the complexity, industry observers note that the UAE real estate market has evolved substantially since the first project was launched. Regulatory oversight has tightened, and buyers are generally more informed about their rights. Nevertheless, with thousands of units and plots under development across the UAE, the risk of delays or under-delivery remains a persistent concern for off-plan property investors. Arabian Hills Estate's projected handover timeline of early to late 2027 places it in a competitive field of upcoming developments in the UAE, all aiming to capture demand from both domestic and international buyers. Yet, achieving the luxurious vision promised will require overcoming significant logistical and reputational hurdles. The developers are banking on a combination of improved infrastructure, the allure of countryside living paired with city-style amenities, and enhanced legal protections to convince a market that has learned from past disappointments.
