Abu Dhabi’s week of crypto innovation

Abu Dhabi will become the epicenter of the digital economy next week, as two major events—Bitcoin MENA 2024 and Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW)—converge from December 9-12.

These events will bring together global leaders and experts to explore how emerging technologies are reshaping industries and financial systems around the world, offering a glimpse into the future of digital economies.

Bitcoin MENA 2024

Set to be a key gathering for the Middle East's crypto community, Bitcoin MENA 2024 (Dec 9-10 at ADNEC) will feature major industry figures, including Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization, who will discuss the financial implications of Bitcoin on the global economy.

Also speaking is Changpeng Zhao (CZ), former CEO of Binance and founder of Giggle Academy, who will explore how technology and education intersect with Bitcoin's future.

Paul Manafort, former Campaign Manager for Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, will provide insights into how political structures are responding to the rise of digital assets like Bitcoin.

At the Proof of Work Stage at Bitcoin MENA 2024, speakers will explore the technical side of Bitcoin mining, including new advancements and challenges facing miners. This session will also address the environmental impact of mining and efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

The week will also feature numerous networking opportunities, such as the exclusive Deep VIP Stage at Bitcoin MENA, where VIP attendees can engage with top investors, policymakers, and influencers in an intimate setting.

Abu Dhabi Finance Week

Meanwhile, ADFW (Dec 9-12 on Al Maryah Island) will complement Bitcoin MENA by focusing on the broader impact of blockchain and emerging technologies on global finance.

While each day will touch on the crypto industry, Wednesday is specifically dedicated to emerging technologies. Be sure to catch the panel discussion The Rise of the Financial Influencer on the fintech stage, Bitcoin. But What Else? on the blockchain stage, and Every Aspect of Our Lives Will Be Transformed on the AI stage.

AI's role in transforming finance will be a key theme at ADFW. Several sessions will explore how AI can enhance financial security, simplify processes, and help integrate digital currencies into everyday economies. The event promises to highlight the practical ways AI is improving industries like finance, healthcare, and cybersecurity.

At ADFW, discussions will dive into the regulatory challenges and opportunities that blockchain adoption presents, especially in the Middle East, where governments are exploring blockchain’s potential for improving public services.

Global Blockchain Show and Global AI Show

As Abu Dhabi leads the charge this week, Dubai weights in with two sister events at Grand Hyatt Exhibition Centre.

VAP Group’s Global Blockchain Show (Dec 12-13) will bring together pioneers in web3 and blockchain technologies. Speakers like Justin Sun, Rachel Conlan, and Yat Siu will explore how blockchain is being used in gaming, decentralized finance, and real-world applications of digital currencies.

Analyst Murad Mahmudov, the CIO of Adaptive Capital Management, will give his outlook for 2025, speaking about his memecoin supercycle theory. 

Running simultaneously, the Global AI Show (Dec 12-13) will gather experts like Dr. Marwan Alzarouni and Georges De Moura to discuss AI’s role in sectors such as healthcare, cybersecurity, and governance.

Under the theme AI 2057: Accelerating Intelligent Futures, this event will look at how AI can drive economic growth while addressing key concerns around governance and ethical challenges.

With these four events taking place across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the UAE is positioning itself as the epicenter of blockchain and AI innovation, bringing together global leaders to explore the future of technology and finance.