The Middle East Blockchain Awards (MEBA) returns for its second year after the success of its inaugural edition, with Dubai selected as the host city. The event aims to recognize excellence in blockchain and Web 3.0 projects across the region, fostering innovation and setting new standards in the industry. MEBA 2025 arrives at a pivotal moment amid the rapid acceleration of blockchain adoption across the MENA region.
With the Middle East Blockchain Awards capturing this momentum, the UAE further cements its position as a global hub for blockchain excellence. This is driven by the country's progressive approach to blockchain technology, with cities like Dubai establishing themselves as key innovation hubs. Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni, CEO of AI for Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and CEO of Dubai Blockchain Centre (DBCC), expressed excitement about being part of the judging panel and witnessing the rapid evolution of blockchain technologies in the MENA region.
Chainalysis data reveals that the UAE received approximately $34 billion in cryptocurrencies between June 2023 and July 2024, experiencing a robust 42% year-on-year growth. MENA received an estimated on-chain value of $338.7 billion between July 2023 and June 2024, amounting to 7.5% of the global transaction volume. The UAE leads blockchain growth in the region, ranking third worldwide for digital currency usage.
The award ceremony will be hosted at the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab on April 29, coinciding with the TOKEN2049 conference. The event brings together industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries to celebrate achievements in blockchain and cryptocurrency. MEBA 2025 gathers notable figures such as Jumana Al Darwish, Scott Melker, Mario Nawfal, Saqr Ereiqat, Jorge Sebastiao, and Matthies Mende as judges to evaluate the submissions and recognize groundbreaking projects in the field.
The UAE's significant role in the Web 3.0 revolution showcases its leadership in digital asset adoption. With the government's forward-thinking approach and the region's dynamic innovation ecosystem, the adoption of Web 3.0 technologies in the UAE is accelerating. Recent data positions the MENA region as the seventh-largest cryptocurrency market globally, highlighting the region's growing prominence in the industry.
