Michael Saylor to headline Bitcoin MENA 2025

Michael Saylor, Executive Chairman of Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), will make his first-ever appearance in the Middle East this December as the headline speaker at Bitcoin MENA 2025.

He is expected to deliver a keynote speech at the event, which takes place December 8–9 at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, amid growing regional interest in Bitcoin as a hedge, a reserve asset, and a tool for financial sovereignty.

Saylor’s decision in 2020 to convert his company’s treasury into Bitcoin is widely credited with shifting how corporate finance leaders view long-term asset allocation. That move helped propel Bitcoin into boardrooms and investment committees across the globe, and Saylor’s keynote at Bitcoin MENA is expected to draw intense interest from investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs across the region.

“The money is getting weaker. The assets are getting more expensive. Bitcoin is the apex property of the human race,” Saylor said.

Humaid Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said the event’s return reflects the UAE’s growing role in digital finance. “Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to collaborate with BTC Inc. to further elevate the platform, uniting international leaders and the region’s dynamic ecosystem for an even more impactful event.”

Building on a high-profile 2024 edition

Changpeng Zhao, former Binance CEO and founder of Giggle Academy, spoke at Bitcoin MENA 2024 in Abu Dhabi on Bitcoin, tech, and education. Photo: The Crypto Radio

Last year’s Bitcoin MENA, held December 9–10, 2024, set the stage for the region’s emergence as a serious player in the global Bitcoin economy. Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization, took the main stage to discuss Bitcoin’s geopolitical implications. Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao – now founder of education platform Giggle Academy – explored the intersection of Bitcoin and digital education, while former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort addressed political responses to the rise of decentralized currencies.

In parallel, the Proof of Work Stage hosted discussions on Bitcoin mining’s technical evolution, with panels on energy innovation, hardware development, and emissions reductions. The Deep VIP Stage provided an exclusive space for high-level networking among investors, public officials, and thought leaders.

Brandon Green, Chief of Staff at BTC Inc., said Saylor’s addition this year takes the event to the next level. “We’re honored to host Michael at MENA this year for what will be his first Bitcoin conference appearance in the region. It’s a perfect match between one of Bitcoin’s strongest advocates and one of the world’s most forward-looking economies.”

Eric Trump spoke at Bitcoin MENA 2024 in Abu Dhabi, addressing Bitcoin’s impact on global finance and geopolitics. Photo: The Crypto Radio

Abu Dhabi stakes its claim

As governments and institutions across the Gulf invest in blockchain infrastructure, green mining, and regulatory clarity, Bitcoin MENA 2025 represents more than a conference – it’s a signal. The presence of Saylor, whose Bitcoin playbook has influenced companies and sovereign funds alike, highlights the region’s potential to shape the future of digital assets.

Organized by BTC Inc. in partnership with ADNEC Group, Bitcoin MENA 2025 will once again bring together developers, investors, educators, entrepreneurs, and regulators for two days of strategic conversation and cultural exchange – cementing Abu Dhabi’s place on the global Bitcoin map.

About the Bitcoin Conference series

The Bitcoin Conference is a global event series produced by BTC Media, publisher of Bitcoin Magazine. Its flagship edition in Las Vegas is joined by regional gatherings like Bitcoin Asia (August 2025, Hong Kong), Bitcoin Amsterdam (November 2025), and Bitcoin MENA (December 2025, Abu Dhabi). The 2026 flagship event is scheduled for April in Las Vegas.