The Most Important Blockchain Events in the Middle East Until the End of 2024

The Middle East region, with its unique combination of economic potential and cutting-edge technologies, is rapidly becoming one of the global hubs for blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Below, we introduce the most important blockchain events in the Middle East until the end of 2024. By studying these, you can make better and more effective decisions for participating in these events and closely engaging with industry players.

The remarkable enthusiasm of the people and governments in the region for decentralized technologies has created unprecedented opportunities for development and innovation. Every year, major and prominent events are held in the field of blockchain, and in 2024, the Middle East, as one of the main centers of technological innovations, will host several key events in the blockchain sector.

Bahrain Fintech Bay Summit

The Bahrain Fintech Bay Summit will be held on September 26, 2024, in Manama, Bahrain. This event focuses on innovations in financial technology (fintech) and is considered one of the most important fintech events in the region. Participants from around the world will gather to discuss the latest developments in financial and digital technologies.

This summit, organized by Bahrain Fintech Bay, provides a platform for banks, startups, investment firms, and government bodies to collaborate on developing the fintech ecosystem in the region and encourage financial innovations.

Prominent participants in this event:

• Richard Teng, CEO of Binance
• Amy Oldenburg, Head of Emerging Markets and Investment Management at Morgan Stanley
• Joshua Roberts, Capital Markets Editor at The Economist
• Jan Piotrowski, Business Editor at The Economist
• Miriam Kiwan, VP at Circle, Middle East & Africa
• Jeffrey Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and Professor at Columbia University
• Godfrey Sullivan, Senior Vice President, Head of Strategy, and Acting Head of Products, Solutions & Digital Partnerships at Visa
• Christina Yan Zhang, CEO of the Metaverse Institute
• Cem Soydemir, Head of Market Strategy for Payments, Middle East & Africa, South and Central Asia at Swift
• Iaa Abdulkhaleq Saeed, Board Member at National Bank of Bahrain and CEO of ARRAY Innovation
• Ian Johnston, CEO of Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)
• Shamina Singh, Founder and CEO of Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and Executive Vice President at Mastercard
• Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, CEO of Bahrain Economic Development Board

Ticket prices:
General: $100
VIP: $300

International Conference on Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies – ICBC

The International Conference on Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies (ICBC) will take place from September 26-27, 2024, in Istanbul, Turkey. This event offers a unique opportunity for blockchain and cryptocurrency enthusiasts to explore the latest achievements and research in the field. The conference will feature scientific talks, workshops, and presentations related to blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies.

Key topics include the impact of blockchain on the global economy, cybersecurity in the world of cryptocurrencies, and new innovations in Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). Participants can take advantage of this opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences with leading industry experts.

Ticket prices:

Non-student registration:

€450 (early registration)

€500 (standard registration)

Student registration:

€350 (early registration)

€400 (standard registration)

Listener registration:

€250 (early registration)

€300 (standard registration)

Crypto & Blockchain Yacht Summit

The Crypto & Blockchain Yacht Summit is an exceptional opportunity to explore the latest trends and innovations in crypto and blockchain in Dubai, featuring networking opportunities, expert discussions, and stunning views of Dubai’s waters. Whether you are new to the industry or an experienced professional, this summit is the perfect place to learn, network, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends.

Event Highlights:

Unique Venue: Dubai Harbour, as one of the world’s most luxurious and modern destinations, offers an ideal space for such events. The use of a yacht as the venue adds a unique and attractive touch to the event.

Topics and Speakers: The summit will include keynote speeches from leading blockchain and cryptocurrency experts. Panel sessions and workshops on cutting-edge technologies and future market trends will also be presented.

Networking Opportunities: Participants will have the chance to interact with prominent managers, investors, and developers in the crypto and blockchain space.

Side Events: In addition to educational sessions and panels, there will be social and entertainment programs, including special receptions, cultural activities, and exhibitions related to blockchain and crypto.

Ticket prices:
Business: $200
VIP: $400

Blockchain Economy Istanbul Summit

The Blockchain Economy Istanbul Summit 2024 will be held on October 8-9 in Istanbul. This event is recognized as the largest blockchain event in Eurasia, bringing together leaders in the crypto industry, blockchain entrepreneurs, and experts from around the world. It provides an excellent opportunity for networking with over 3,000 participants from 80 countries.

Participants can attend specialized panels, speeches, and live interviews with industry leaders. Simultaneous translation and access to different conference areas and entertainment spaces will also be provided. Standard tickets cost around $199, and VIP tickets are about $899, granting access to exclusive networking receptions.

Prominent Speakers:

• John Piletich, Foreign Service Officer at the U.S. Department of State, responsible for blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) in South and Central Asia, and Eastern Europe
• Dr. Cagla Gul Senkardes, Assistant Professor and Head of the “Entrepreneurship in Technology and Innovation” Department at Istanbul Bilgi University, Founder of Durugoru Consultancy, and Board Member of Istanbul Blockchain Women Association

Ticket price:
$199

Event: Tokenization of Real World Assets (RWA)

The “Tokenization of Real World Assets” event, scheduled for October 9–10, 2024, at Dubai Harbour, is among the most significant blockchain and digital world gatherings. It focuses on fundamental changes in how ownership, investment, and trading of real-world assets are conducted through tokenization technology.

Participants include investors, financial industry professionals, blockchain developers, and thought leaders from around the world to discuss the future of tokenizing real assets like real estate, art, and other valuable goods. This technology enhances transparency, reduces transaction costs, and potentially democratizes investment access for the general public, not just large investors.

The conference features specialized panels, networking opportunities, and showcases of the latest projects and innovations in tokenization. Attendees can meet industry leaders and explore new investment opportunities and market developments.

Ticket Price:
Participation in this event is free.

Event: World Blockchain Summit Dubai 2024

The World Blockchain Summit Dubai is a premier international event in the blockchain and cryptocurrency sector. Designed to explore the latest advancements in blockchain technologies, cryptocurrencies, Web 3.0, and the metaverse, this summit offers numerous learning and networking opportunities.
Keynote speakers from around the globe will share their experiences and perspectives on the development of blockchain and digital technologies. Additionally, the summit fosters international collaborations and investments, particularly in areas shaping the digital future and blockchain-based economy.
Participants can attend specialized sessions, workshops, and open discussions while directly connecting with industry experts and investors.
Prominent Speakers:

• Yosuke Yoshida: Co-founder and CEO, EMURGO Middle East and Africa
• Mohammad Alblooshi: CEO, DIFC Innovation Hub
• Matthias Sheikh Mende: Co-founder and Strategic Advisor, Dubai Blockchain Center

Ticket Price: $999

Event: ABC Conclave 2024

ABC Conclave 2024 focuses on artificial intelligence (AI), Web 3.0, and e-gaming, offering enthusiasts, blockchain experts, and executives a chance to stay informed about the latest digital innovations and technologies.
Highlights include:

• Web 3.0 Conferences
• ABC Exhibition: Showcasing products and services
• FOMO Lounge: Space for meetings and discussions
• Gaming Lounge: Competitive gaming area
• Hackathon: For developers
• After Party: Informal networking opportunity

Participants will interact with industry leaders and discover top innovations. Special discounts are available for VIP and business tickets.
Ticket Prices:
Regular: $20
Business: $199
VIP: $399

Event: Future Blockchain Summit Dubai 2024

The Future Blockchain Summit 2024, organized by Smart Dubai, is a leading global blockchain technology conference. This event brings together innovators, startups, investors, and industry leaders to explore the latest blockchain achievements, projects, and innovations.
Key Features:

• Extensive Networking: Connect with industry leaders, technology specialists, and entrepreneurs.
• Specialized Exhibitions: Companies and startups showcase their blockchain-based products and services.
• Expert Panels and Training Sessions: Topics include cryptocurrencies, tokenization, decentralized finance (DeFi), Web 3.0, and the metaverse.

Notable Participants:

• Changpeng Zhao: Former CEO, Binance
• Caroline Malcolm: VP of Global Policy, Chainalysis
• Sergej Kunz: Co-founder, 1inch Network
• Alex Chehade: Executive Director, Binance UAE
• Representatives from BitGo, a cryptocurrency wallet service provider

Ticket Prices:

Premium Ticket

AED 10,000 (+5% VAT) – Includes networking events, lounges, and three scheduled sessions

Full Access Conference Ticket

AED 4,000 (+5% VAT) – Includes all conferences, exhibitions, and workshops

Expand North Star + Conference Ticket

AED 2,000 (+5% VAT) – Includes all five conferences and exhibitions

Global DevSlam Ticket

AED 700 (+5% VAT) – Includes Global DevSlam conferences, exhibitions, and workshops

Workshop Ticket

AED 600 (+5% VAT) – Includes exhibitions and workshops

Student Delegate Ticket

AED 250 (+5% VAT) – Includes all conferences, exhibitions, and workshops

Event: Fintech Surge

Fintech Surge, part of Expand North Star and supported by GITEX Global, is a fintech event that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, regulators, buyers, and innovators.
Key Features:

• Showcases: 20 of the world’s most innovative fintech companies will present live prototypes.
• Networking: Opportunities to connect with regulators, investors, banks, and associations.
• Speeches: Over 100 speakers from global regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and unicorn companies will redefine fintech strategies.
• Startup Sessions: Over 1,000 meetings with tech buyers and investors are planned.
• Supernova Challenge: Startups will compete for a $200,000 cash prize.

Prominent Participants:

• Karima El Hakim: CEO, Plug and Play Egypt
• Kombe Kaponda: Senior CBDC Researcher, Bank of Zambia
• Mariam Cassim: CEO, Financial and Digital Services, Vodacom
• Celestin Rwabukumba: CEO, Rwanda Stock Exchange
• Conrad Kraft: Strategic Advisor, Digital Euro Association
• Elias Yazbeck: CEO, Fintech & Financial Services, Helios Investment Partners
• Jason Mikula: CEO, Fintech Business Weekly

Ticket Prices:
Starting at AED 4,500 (+5% VAT)
Free for students above 16 years old.

Global Blockchain Summit 2024

The Global Blockchain Summit, happening from October 13 to 18, 2024, at Dubai Harbour, is one of the largest global gatherings in blockchain and Web3 technology. This event features a series of conferences, workshops, and networking sessions discussing the latest advancements in blockchain, crypto, and Web3 technologies.
Key highlights of the event:

• Investment Program: A platform for startups and companies to pitch their ideas to prominent investors, including venture capitalists (VCs) and other institutional investors.
• Supernova Challenge: Startups present their innovative ideas to judges and investors.
• Specialized Conferences: Renowned blockchain industry speakers deliver insights on the latest trends.
  With over 150 exhibiting companies, 225 international speakers, and an expected attendance of more than 58,000 participants from around the world, the summit promises unparalleled networking opportunities.

Ticket Price: $300

AIM Summit Dubai

AIM Summit – AIM Summit Dubai Edition 2024 is a premier event in asset management and investment, taking place on October 21 and 22, 2024, in Dubai. Designed for fund managers, institutional investors, family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and financial associations, it brings together insights and experiences from industry pioneers and global policymakers.

Key features:

Notable Attendees:

Over 800 fund managers, institutional investors, family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and financial associations.
More than 100 global thinkers, economists, and policymakers, including Boris Johnson, former UK Prime Minister, and Kevin McCarthy, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Sessions and Panels:

Keynote Speeches: Addressing current challenges and opportunities in asset management and investment.
Specialized Panels: Experts and industry leaders analyze key financial and investment trends.

Networking and Collaboration Opportunities:

Unique chances to connect with industry leaders and explore new opportunities and challenges.
Identifying and discussing potential collaborations and investments in new ventures and initiatives.

Workshops and Exhibitions:

Practical workshops to enhance skills in asset management and investment.
Exhibits showcasing the latest products and services in asset management and investment opportunities.

Guest Speakers:

Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy
Boris Johnson, Former UK Prime Minister
Kevin McCarthy, 55th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives

Ticket Prices:

• Regular: $1,300
• Last Minute: $1,995

Cosmoverse 2024

Cosmoverse 2024 is one of the largest global conferences exclusively dedicated to the Cosmos ecosystem. After Lisbon in 2021, Medellín in 2022, and Istanbul in 2023, Dubai will host this year’s event.
The conference will feature thought leaders from the Cosmos ecosystem and influential figures in the crypto world, delivering keynote speeches and specialized panels to present the latest blockchain innovations.
Taking place at the Grand Hyatt Dubai, the event includes exhibitions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Participants will learn about advancements in modularity, tokenization, artificial intelligence (AI), restaking, zero-knowledge proofs, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and blockchain gaming.
Keynote Speakers:

• Sunny Aggarwal, Co-Founder, Osmosis Labs
• Fisher Yu, Co-Founder, Babylon
• David Tse, Co-Founder, Babylon
• Sankha Banerjee, Senior Protocol Economist, Babylon
• Greg Osuri, CEO of Overclock Labs and Co-Founder of Akash
• Guy Turner, Chief Commercial Officer and Co-Founder, Coinbureau
• Nic Puckrin, CEO and Co-Founder, Coinbureau
• Sandeep Nailwal, Co-Founder, Polygon
• John Patrick Mullin, Co-Founder, MANTRA
• Nicholas Krapels, Strategy Director, MANTRA Chain
• Mustafa Al-Bassam, Co-Founder, Celestia Labs

Ticket Prices:
Regular: $179 USD until September 20, 2024, at 8:00 PM UTC; afterward, $299 USD.
VIP: Starting from AED 5,500.

Blockchain Life 2024

Blockchain Life, one of the world’s leading events in blockchain and cryptocurrencies, will be held on October 22–23, 2024, at Festival Arena, Dubai. Hosting its 13th edition, the event expects over 10,000 attendees from 120 countries.
Prominent industry figures, innovators, and thought leaders will discuss the latest market strategies and trends. The event provides unparalleled networking opportunities, fostering connections for new projects and future investments. The exhibition will showcase cutting-edge products and technologies from leading companies.
Notable Participants:

• Mustafa Al-Bassam, Co-Founder, Celestia Labs
• Sunny Aggarwal, Co-Founder, Osmosis Labs
• Bertrand Loy, Senior Vice President, The Sandbox
• Naeem Aslam, Chief Investment Officer, Forbes
• Ray Chan, CEO, Memeland

Ticket Prices:
Standard: $219
Business: $449
VIP: $1,399