Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan’s central bank plans a pilot for a digital currency and is finalizing virtual asset regulations. The move complements efforts by the Pakistan Crypto Council to adopt blockchain innovations. Inflation has stabilized and IMF reforms are ongoing, supporting financial modernization and regulatory development.
Afghan women use Bitcoin and crypto to bypass Taliban restrictions and gain financial freedom amid strict bans and limited education. The Digital Citizen Fund provides underground literacy programs, with crypto serving as a vital tool for survival and human rights advocacy.
The UAE has emerged as the Middle East’s leading crypto hub, attracting record inflows driven by strong youth adoption and institutional interest. Regional countries like Saudi Arabia and Oman are following suit with growth and sustainable mining initiatives. The digital asset ecosystem is maturing rapidly, fueled by innovative technologies, regulatory clarity, and growing demand for decentralized, transparent, and energy-conscious crypto solutions.
Spekter Games raised $5 million in pre-seed funding to develop Web3-enhanced mobile and social games blending deep gameplay with blockchain incentives. Its first game, Spekter Agency, is testing on Telegram, with plans to expand onto traditional app stores.
Tawasul Transport and Mbank launched AE Coin, a UAE-dirham pegged stablecoin, enabling digital payments for Abu Dhabi taxi fares via the AEC Wallet app. The initiative supports the UAE’s smart mobility and digital government goals, with plans to broaden adoption across the country.
Fuze partners with Mamun to deliver Sharia-compliant trade finance solutions using USDT stablecoins, bridging digital asset infrastructure with private credit markets and addressing MENA’s $250bn trade credit gap.
Binance Academy partners with Pakistan’s Ministry of IT to launch a blockchain education program, aiming to train 300 educators and reach 80,000 students across 20 universities by 2026. The initiative supports Pakistan’s digital transformation and prepares a skilled workforce for the global blockchain ecosystem.
Binance Academy and Pakistan MoITT partner to train 300 educators and 80,000 students in blockchain by 2026, strengthening Pakistan’s Web3 talent pipeline and digital economy.
Al Abraaj Restaurants Group B.S.C. has become the first publicly traded company in the GCC to acquire Bitcoin as a treasury asset, partnering with 10X Capital to expand its holdings. This move pioneers shari’a-compliant Bitcoin exposure, supports Bahrain’s regulatory framework, and offers GCC investors access to digital assets via the Bahrain Bourse.
BitOasis, the Middle Eastern arm of CoinDCX, has launched in Bahrain, marking a significant step in its expansion across the MENA region. With Bahrain’s favorable regulatory environment, the move positions BitOasis for future growth in the region, empowering individuals to engage in the digital economy and expanding crypto adoption.