Latest news with #HaiderRafique
Cision Canada
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Cision Canada
OKX and McLaren F1 Team Reveal Riviera Livery Honoring F1 Heritage
MONACO, May 21, 2025 /CNW/ -- OKX, a leading global blockchain technology company and Official Primary Partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team, along with McLaren Racing, today revealed a striking Riviera-inspired livery that will feature on McLaren's MCL39 race cars at the upcoming 2025 Monaco and Spanish grands prix. More than a visual statement, this livery represents a shared vision of transformation. It blends the spirit of the McLaren F1 Team's 1960's racing triumphs with the next generation of speed, simplicity, and digital creativity, fusing old-school grit with new-school style. It is also a mark of respect for the anniversary of the tragic passing of Bruce McLaren on June 2, 1970. Just as the M7A broke new ground in 1968, delivering McLaren its first F1 win and introducing the now-legendary papaya, this new design marks a new milestone: OKX becoming the first cryptocurrency exchange to receive a MiCA license, opening the door to a New Alternative in European finance. Watch the video here This campaign is the fourth custom livery born from the OKX-McLaren partnership, highlighting a shared commitment to creativity, performance, and pushing boundaries. Celebrating the legacy of old money through the lens of new money. "Over the years, Formula 1 has seen huge amounts of change, from technological developments to the recent growth in fandom, the sport's culture has evolved and there's a fantastic attitude of freedom to push the boundaries of what's possible," said Haider Rafique, Chief Marketing Officer, OKX."This aligns perfectly with our mission to challenge conventional ways of thinking about money and finance and Riviera livery symbolizes this transformation and the elegance and innovation both OKX and McLaren are known for." Fans can look forward to seeing the Riviera-inspired livery on both McLaren MCL39s, driven by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who will also wear exclusive OKX-branded A New Alternative race suits during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend. From the sun-drenched streets of Monaco to the global stage of financial innovation, the Riviera livery connects McLaren's legacy with OKX's vision: a world where tradition meets transformation, old money gives way to new freedom, and boldness knows no boundaries. About OKX Trusted by more than 60 million customers around the globe, OKX is a technology company building a decentralized future that makes the world more tradable, transparent and connected. We're known for being one of the fastest and most reliable crypto apps in the world, and have processed trillions of dollars in transactions. We have key regional offices, including headquarters in San José, California, for the Americas and in Dubai for the Middle East. We also have offices in New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Republic of Türkiye, Australia and Europe. Over the past several years, we've built one of the world's most comprehensive regulatory compliant, licensed crypto companies. We hold licenses in the United States, the UAE, EEA, Singapore and Australia, as well as in other markets. We're steadfastly committed to transparency and security and publish Proof of Reserves reports on a monthly basis. To learn more about OKX, download our app or visit: About McLaren Racing McLaren Racing was founded by racing driver Bruce McLaren in 1963. The team entered its first Formula 1 race in 1966. McLaren has since won 21 Formula 1 world championships, 193 Formula 1 Grands Prix, the Indianapolis 500 three times, and the Le Mans 24 Hours at its first attempt. McLaren Racing competes across five racing series. The team competes in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with McLaren F1 drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with Arrow McLaren drivers Pato O'Ward, Nolan Siegel and Christian Lundgaard, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship as the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team with drivers Sam Bird and Taylor Barnard, and F1 Academy with Driver Development programme member Ella Lloyd. The team also competes in the F1 Sim Racing Championship as McLaren Shadow with Lucas Blakeley, Wilson Hughes and Alfie Butcher. committed to achieving net zero by 2040 and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture in the motorsport industry.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
How Haider Rafique is putting crypto exchange OKX on the map
Call him a dealmaker, a rainmaker, or even a power broker – but Haider Rafique gets things done. As the managing partner and chief marketing officer at OKX, he is helping put one of the world's biggest crypto exchanges on the global map. One of the ways he's doing this is by wrangling high-profile partnerships and sponsorship deals that range from the football pitch to the racetrack, to the world of the arts. Rafique is a busy man, and KT LUXE caught up with him in the back of his chauffeur-driven ride to a major crypto conference in Dubai recently. OKX scored a massive win there as one of the main sponsors. Not only was it the biggest crypto event to ever take place in the emirate, but Eric Trump, son of US President Donald Trump, took to the OKX stage at one point, giving the brand another major boost. Rafique went to school in Abu Dhabi and has seen the UAE progress at a rapid pace over the past two decades. Coming full circle, he drove the sponsorship deal that put OKX on the shirt sleeves of Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City FC. The football club was bought by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice-President and Deputy Prime Minister via his Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG). Its head coach is Pep Guardiola. The team has experienced unprecedented success, winning multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups, and the UEFA Champions League, while expanding into a global football enterprise through the City Football Group. 'I think we can do a lot more with Man City, because I think people living here feel Man City is a [beacon of] national pride for them. We need to do more to help them celebrate their wins,' he said. Rafique talked about advertising the club's successes with huge billboards along Sheikh Zayed Road and bringing the team here. 'I want to bring Pep here and do a session. I want (star striker Erling) Haaland to kick a ball from one tower to another. Yeah, crazy stunts. I want people to be excited and energised.' The club has not achieved its recent high standards this season, and missed out on the chance to win five Premier League titles in a row this year. 'They're not having the best season. But that's the time when you want to bet on your partners, to show them your support.' That's how Rafique describes OKX's involvement with McLaren; the firm started sponsoring them during a poor period for the racing team. It has massively improved and McLaren continues to lead both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris currently occupy the top two positions in the Drivers' standings. Passionate about Formula 1, Rafique counts a number of current and former professional racing car drivers as his friends, including McLaren's current line-up. He is also friends with actors through OKX's sponsorship of the Tribeca Film Festival, which was established by actor Robert De Niro, producer Jane Rosenthal, and real estate investor Craig Hatkoff. If that wasn't enough, Rafique headed the deal for OKX to become the first official global sponsor of Majesticks GC, one of the 12 teams in the LIV Golf League. As part of the sponsorship, team members, including Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, sport the OKX logo on their team kits during tournaments across the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. LIV Golf is owned and funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds. It has invested nearly $5 billion (Dh18 billion) into LIV Golf since its inception in 2021. During our plush ride, the shimmering skyscrapers of Dubai's rapidly expanding financial district passed by along with the glistening Museum of the Future, often described as the most beautiful building in the world. Rafique spoke about Eric's presence in Dubai, and plans for a Trump Tower in the city. The skyscraper is expected to be built by 2031. Rafiq mused about building OKX's own tower as he stared out from the taxi at the expanding Dubai skyline. 'Yes, I would love that,' he said.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TOKEN2049 Dubai nears sell-out as crypto's biggest names boot up
TOKEN2049, one of the biggest crypto events in the world, is set to return to Dubai on April 30. With only 30 days at this point, organizers say that the demand is setting records, and the event is on the way to selling out well in advance in the most immediate memory. On April 3, ticket prices will rise again as the last wave of registrations floods in. This year, the conference moved to Madinat Jumeirah Resort. TOKEN2049 Dubai is set to host over 15,0000 attendees, representing over 4000 companies and 160+ countries. The event is growing into a large, festival-like setup with its indoor-outdoor environment, new Amphitheater Stage, and inclusion of immersive experiences such as a zipline traversing over Fort Island, wellness lounges where attendees can focus on wellness lounges and candid networking. The speaker list features over 200 leaders from the worldwide digital asset community. Confirmed speakers include well-known names like Balaji Srinivasan, Richard Teng from Binance, Paolo Ardoino of Tether, Arthur Hayes of Maelstrom, Jeremy Allaire of Circle, and many more to be announced soon. Alex Fiskum, Co-Founder, remarked, "TOKEN2049 Dubai is already surpassing last year's extraordinary demand. This will truly be a landmark global gathering… We strongly encourage everyone planning to attend to secure tickets now." Haider Rafique, OKX CMO, remarked, "TOKEN2049 has injected fresh momentum into the crypto industry… spotlighting companies that do things right, setting a new narrative for the future of crypto." "TOKEN2049 has injected fresh momentum into the crypto industry… spotlighting companies that do things right, setting a new narrative for the future of crypto," said OKX CMO Haider Rafique. More than 200 exhibitors are expected, with title sponsors like OKX, Binance, BloFin, Spacecoin, MEXC, and KuCoin. With over 500 side events throughout Dubai during TOKEN2049 Week, from investor meetups to hackathons and networking parties, it's a place to be for global crypto collaboration. Tickets are available here. TheStreet Roundtable will be attending TOKEN2049 Dubai to cover the biggest names, ideas, and moments shaping the future of Web3. To book an appointment or schedule interviews during the event, please contact mehab@ Sign in to access your portfolio
