What to expect from Bitcoin Oasis Dubai

Swiss-born Lara Eggimann quit her job in IT to go “all in” on Bitcoin. Daniel Juen, a former lawyer, followed her lead after a chance conversation at a street parade. Now based in Dubai, the pair are behind Bitcoin Arabia – a group working to grow Bitcoin adoption across the Gulf.

Later this month, they’ll host Bitcoin Oasis, an invite-only gathering at the Museum of the Future on April 28-29. Held during TOKEN2049 week, the event is designed to stand out by focusing solely on Bitcoin – and on the Middle East’s emerging role in its global future.

From Switzerland to the Gulf

Eggimann first discovered Bitcoin in 2017 while working as an IT project manager in Switzerland. Her company began offering salaries in the cryptocurrency, and she soon found herself organizing local events for the Bitcoin scene.

"I was organizing events for the Bitcoin scene in Switzerland," Eggimann explained. "I quit my fiat job, went all in Bitcoin, and eventually moved to Dubai."

Juen was introduced to Bitcoin by Eggimann and quickly became just as committed. "It was at a street parade,” he told The Crypto Radio. “She told me about Bitcoin, and I went all in.”

Their shared conviction led to the creation of Bitcoin Arabia, a platform that supports both new and established Bitcoin companies in the region. "We're a platform for Bitcoin companies, for startups, but also for seasoned Bitcoin companies," Eggimann said. "We help them with business development and want to advocate for a Bitcoin standard in the region."

Focused event, broad ambition

Unlike other TOKEN2049 week events that cover a wide range of crypto topics, Bitcoin Oasis is tightly focused. Hosted by Bitcoin Arabia, it’s curated for Bitcoin builders, miners, investors, and institutions with an eye on the Gulf region.

Speakers include Stephan Libera and representatives from major financial institutions. For Eggimann and Juen, it’s less about buzz and more about meaningful conversations among those building for the long term.

Eggimann compares Bitcoin to the internet’s core infrastructure. "Bitcoin is the base layer protocol for how we transfer value over time and space," she explained. While many cryptocurrencies come and go, she said, Bitcoin remains a stable foundation.

A Middle East base with global plans

Dubai’s regulatory environment and energy capacity make it a strategic home for Bitcoin Arabia. “Dubai is really the crypto capital,” Eggimann said. “Europe is over-regulated. It's not a place to build anymore.”

The UAE already hosts close to one gigawatt of Bitcoin mining power, and interest in mining is growing in neighbouring countries. "Saudi Arabia is definitely looking into Bitcoin mining," Eggimann said. "The potential is massive."

But infrastructure is only part of the picture. “It’s a nice mix,” Eggimann said of the local Bitcoin scene. “People from Europe, from Russia, all coming together.” That international blend, she added, creates a unique collaborative atmosphere.

Eggimann and Juen are also looking further afield. They’ve explored potential projects in Africa, including a Bitcoin bank, and are planning side events at major global conferences like Bitcoin Vegas. “We want to have the right people at the table,” Eggimann said.

For now, all eyes are on Bitcoin Oasis. It may not be the biggest event during TOKEN2049 – but for those focused on Bitcoin’s future in the Gulf, it could be one of the most meaningful.

Listen to the whole interview on The Crypto Radio's live player or in Guardians of Bitcoin podcast.