Global Blockchain Show Abu Dhabi: Why The Middle East’s Crypto Capital Is Where Deals Get Made In 2026
Abu Dhabi becomes Web3’s deal making epicenter this week as the Global Blockchain Show launches December 10 through 11 at Space42 Arena. Over 5,000 attendees, 200 speakers, and 150 media outlets converge on the UAE capital for what organizers call the gathering place for Web3’s top 1%. But calling this just another conference misses the bigger picture. Abu Dhabi has quietly become the place where serious crypto business actually happens.
The timing tells you everything. Bitcoin MENA 2025, Solana (CRYPTO: SOL) Breakpoint, and the Global Blockchain Show all land in the same week. When that much capital and decision making power concentrates in one city, partnerships form and money moves. Yat Siu from Animoca Brands, Reeve Collins who built Tether Holdings Ltd. (CRYPTO: USDT), and Sergej Kunz from 1inch Network sharing stages mean real conversations happen between sessions.
How The UAE Won The Crypto Migration
Western countries spent years arguing about whether to regulate crypto. The UAE just built the infrastructure and said come on over. The results? Multiple licensed crypto firms now operate in the Emirates, up dramatically from just a few years ago. Regional blockchain initiatives attract serious capital deployment.
Abu Dhabi hosts multiple major crypto events because regulators there actually want these companies. Binance Holdings Ltd., …
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