The Middle EastBlockchain Awards (MEBA) returns for its second year after the success of itsinaugural edition, with Dubai selected as the host city. The ceremony will takeplace at the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab on April 29, coinciding with theTOKEN2049 conference. The event will unite industry leaders, innovators, andvisionaries to celebrate achievements in blockchain and cryptocurrency.

MEBA 2025 arrives at a pivotal moment amid the rapidacceleration of blockchain adoption across the MENA region. Recent data fromChainalysis positioned the region as the seventh-largest cryptocurrency marketin the world. Between July 2023 and June 2024, MENA received an estimatedon-chain value of $338.7 billion—accounting for 7.5% of the global transactionvolume.

Notably, the UAE has emerged as a global leader in digitalasset adoption. According to Henley & Partners’ latest report, the UAEranks third worldwide in digital currency usage. Chainalysis data also revealedthat the UAE received approximately $34billion in cryptocurrencies between June2023 and July 2024, experiencing a robust 42% year-on-year growth. This isdriven by the country’s progressive approach to blockchain technology, withcities like Dubai establishing themselves as key innovation hubs.

Max Palethorpe, Founder and CEO of Hoko Group, the officialorganizers of MEBA, commented: "The Middle EastBlockchain Awards provides a unique platform to recognize the incredibleachievements that are driving the next wave of innovation in blockchain anddigital transformation. With the UAE leading the charge in the Web 3.0revolution, it’s inspiring to see industry leaders coming together to shape thefuture of this dynamic industry. This year’s event promises to be a truecelebration of the pioneers who are pushing boundaries and setting newstandards.”

Returning as a judge for the second consecutive year, Dr.Marwan Al Zarouni, CEO, AI for Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and CEOof Dubai Blockchain Centre (DBCC) added: “I am thrilled to be part of thejudging panel once again and witness the rapid evolution of blockchaintechnologies in the MENA region. With the UAE at the forefront of thistransformation, the government's forward-thinking approach, combined with theregion’s dynamic innovation ecosystem, is accelerating the adoption of Web 3.0technologies. The Middle East Blockchain Awards captures this momentum andfurther cements the UAE’s position as a global hub for blockchainexcellence."

Other judges of the Middle East Blockchain Awards this yearinclude:

● Jumana Al Darwish, Award WinningSocial Entrepreneur and Founder of Happy Box

● Scott Melker, Host, The Wolf ofAll Streets Podcast, and Crypto TownHall

● Mario Nawfal, Host of LargestShow on X and Founder of International Blockchain Consulting Group

● Saqr Ereiqat, Secretary Generalof Dubai Digital Assets Association and Co-Founder of Crypto Oasis

● Jorge Sebastiao, Co-FounderGlobal Blockchain Organization and Co-Founder EcoX

● Matthies Mende, Founder and CEOof Bonuz and Co-Founder of Dubai Blockchain Center

MEBA aims to foster innovation, recognize excellence, andset new standards for blockchain and Web 3.0 projects across the region. In itsinaugural edition in 2022, MEBA partnered with Abu Dhabi Global Market’sflagship platform, Abu Dhabi Finance Week, and the Middle East, Africa, andAsia Crypto and Blockchain Association (MEAACBA).

Submissions are now open at www.mebawards.io, whereparticipants can find additional details about the categories and thenomination process.

About Hoko Abu Dhabi

Hoko Agency is a diversified and innovative company thatowns and operates a diverse portfolio of businesses within the sectors ofFinance, Blockchain, Entertainment, Sport and F&B. Hoko strives to be thebest-in-class in each of their service lines; offering quality products, worldclass service and fitting solutions that go beyond the industry's expectations.