Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saudi Arabia executed the first sovereign-native tokenised property deed transfer by linking its Real Estate Registry directly to blockchain settlement, reducing transfer time to seconds while embedding legal enforceability into digital assets to boost liquidity, PropTech innovation, and foreign investment.
Pakistan and China launched a joint digital e-mining platform and signed new MoUs to boost transparency, coordination, and investment in Pakistan’s mineral sector, with a focus on value-added development, critical minerals, and flagship projects like Reko Diq.
BBK has become the first GCC bank to integrate Binance’s Crypto-as-a-Service, enabling in-app crypto trading within its mobile platform, pending regulatory approval. The move positions Bahrain as a regional crypto hub and marks a milestone for embedded, regulated digital asset banking in the Gulf.
Algeria has launched the Alsat-3A Earth observation satellite from China, expanding its high-resolution geospatial capabilities. Supervised by senior defence leadership, the mission enhances national capacity in satellite imagery, mapping, and digital terrain modelling, building on two decades of investment in space technology and remote sensing infrastructure.
RAKBank has received in-principle approval from the UAE central bank to issue a dirham-backed stablecoin. Fully reserved and blockchain-based, the token strengthens the UAE’s regulated digital payments ecosystem, though adoption and interoperability remain key challenges.
Fasset has partnered with ADI Foundation to deliver regulated onboarding and fiat connectivity for blockchain services built on ADI Chain, including future Dirham-backed stablecoin use cases. The collaboration supports institutional adoption of compliant digital asset infrastructure in line with the UAE’s evolving regulatory and digital finance framework.
e& UAE will integrate AE Coin, the UAE’s first dirham-backed licensed stablecoin, into its payment systems, enabling customers to pay telecom bills and access digital services via regulated blockchain transactions. The partnership with Al Maryah Community Bank supports faster settlements, transparency, and secure mass-market digital payments.
Mastercard has formed new blockchain alliances in the Middle East, including a collaboration with the ADI Foundation, to advance stablecoin payments and asset tokenization. New partners NEO PAY and INFINIOS are adopting stablecoin settlement, expanding faster, compliant digital payment options across the regional financial ecosystem.
UAE telecom operator e& is piloting AE Coin, a dirham-backed stablecoin, for everyday payments such as bills, recharges, and digital services following a partnership with Al Maryah Community Bank. The initiative signals growing regulatory-backed adoption of stablecoins in the UAE’s consumer and financial ecosystems.
Paribu has acquired CoinMENA for $240 million in Türkiye’s largest fintech transaction and its first international digital asset platform deal. The acquisition gives Paribu regulated access to MENA through licenses in Dubai and Bahrain, strengthening its regional expansion strategy. The deal highlights growing consolidation in the global crypto industry and positions Paribu as a major regulated player across Türkiye and the Middle East.