In Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, the second edition of the 'Bitcoin Middle East and North Africa 2025' conference is taking place. This event strengthens the region's role as a key hub for Bitcoin development. According to BTC Inc CEO Brandon Green, the UAE, particularly Abu Dhabi, has become a vital center for Bitcoin's growth in the Middle East and North Africa. Clear regulatory frameworks, advanced infrastructure, and a forward-looking vision for innovation make Abu Dhabi a global model paving the way for sovereign Bitcoin adoption.
Abdullah Al-Zahiri, CEO of Blockchain Abu Dhabi, emphasized that the UAE was the first in the region to enact legislation for global companies, platforms, and investors in the cryptocurrency sector, which has positioned the country as a regional leader. He also noted that approximately 30% of the UAE's population trades and deals in cryptocurrencies, indicating a strong public desire to learn and keep pace with technological advancements.
Abdullah Al-Zahiri added: "We aspire, through our advanced technological infrastructure and supportive legislation, to transform the UAE into a hub for all global companies operating in the blockchain and digital platforms space."
He also clarified that no payments are currently being made using Bitcoin, and in his opinion, digital payments will only use the UAE digital dirham, not Bitcoin. Al-Zahiri confirmed that the regulatory framework in the UAE is clear, and cooperation between the Central Bank, the Securities and Commodities Authority, and other regulatory bodies ensures protection against any negative practices in capital movement. The laws also protect investors' rights, and all trading platforms and companies dealing in cryptocurrencies are supervised and licensed to operate in the local market.
"The local market includes almost all digital platforms," he said. "Bitcoin is the gold of the future, and in the next five years, it will equal gold, and central banks around the world will start accumulating Bitcoin."
When asked to choose between gold and Bitcoin for investment, Abdullah Al-Zahiri replied: "Bitcoin."
Organized jointly by ADNEC Group and BTC Inc, the conference has attracted over 234 speakers, a 95% increase from the previous year. Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE's Cybersecurity Council, noted that the region, led by the UAE, is solidifying its position as one of the world's leading markets in adopting digital assets and Bitcoin. The rapid expansion of cryptocurrency mining capabilities has been made possible by the development of energy infrastructure, sustainable investments, and the significant steps taken by the UAE in this field.
Hamid Matar Al-Zahiri, CEO of ADNEC Group, added that the return of the 'Bitcoin Middle East and North Africa 2025' conference reflects the growing influence of ADNEC Group in fostering dialogue and innovation in the digital assets sector.
