Abu Dhabi to Host Inaugural Middle East Blockchain Awards

The first edition of the Middle East Blockchain Awards (MEBA) is set to take place in Abu Dhabi this November. The event will celebrate leaders and innovators who have played a key role in the Web3 and blockchain space, and address a wide range of economic issues such as fintech, crypto, investments, and economic policies and regulations as part of Abu Dhabi Finance Week.

“The Middle East Blockchain Awards will help drive innovation, reward excellence and provide a benchmark for companies to aspire to and in doing so contribute significantly to the regional ecosystem,” Jehanzeb Awan, board member of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Crypto Blockchain Association (MEAACBA), tells StartupScene.

The global blockchain market was valued at $5.29 billion in 2021, and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 85.9% from 2022 to 2030, according to data by Grand View Research.  Abu Dhabi has made significant efforts in regulating crypto, which has led to the growth of blockchain, encouraging businesses and investors to invest more money in this technology. It already has two regulated digital asset exchanges - namely, Matrix Exchange and Midchains - and aims to attract more crypt-focused businesses by establishing a regulatory environment.

“The Middle East Blockchain Awards come at a time when people and businesses are pushing the boundaries of what was previously thought impossible, making significant headway into a digital-first world,” Max Palethorpe, founder and CEO of Hoko Group, tells StartupScene. “This is a very exciting period for anyone involved in the Web3 ecosystem. It’s our privilege to honour those who are forging new paths with the recognition they deserve.”

Award categories include Most Innovative DeFi Platform 2022, Most Promising DEX to Watch 2022, Most Powerful CEX 2022, Best Mobile Crypto Wallet 2022, Best NFT Marketplace 2022, Best Crypto Investment Fund 2022 and Most Promising Web 3.0 Ecosystem 2022. The awards will also celebrate figures whose influence has been integral to the rise of Web3, with categories such as Top Global Crypto Youtuber / Influencer 2022, Most Influential Woman in Blockchain & Crypto 2022, and Most Influential CMO in Blockchain & Crypto 2022.

The inaugural edition of MEBA will be hosted by Hoko Agency Middle East, in association with Abu Dhabi Global Market’s platform, Abu Dhabi Finance Week, and the MEAACBA.

The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the W Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, from November 14th to November 18th.