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The Middle East Blockchain Awards (MEBA) are back for a second year, with Dubai selected as the host city. The ceremony is scheduled to occur at the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab on April 29, in conjunction with the TOKEN2049 conference. This event will unite industry professionals from across the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors to recognize outstanding achievements and pioneering work. MEBA 2025 arrives at a moment when blockchain adoption is expanding across the MENA region, underscoring the momentum of digital asset innovation and the region’s growing influence in global crypto ecosystems.
MEBA 2025: A Landmark Return in Dubai
MEBA’s return marks a deliberate effort to elevate the profile of blockchain and Web 3.0 initiatives within the Middle East and North Africa. The choice of Dubai as host city reflects the area’s accelerating role in digital asset adoption, regulatory experiments, and the creation of supportive ecosystems for technology-driven business models. The venue, the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, is renowned for its landmark status and state-of-the-art facilities, providing an appropriate stage for a ceremony that seeks to celebrate both established leaders and rising stars in the space. By aligning with TOKEN2049, MEBA positions itself at the heart of a major conference circuit that draws participants from around the world, enabling cross-pollination of ideas, investors, and project teams. Organizers emphasize that the event will spotlight achievements across the blockchain and digital transformation landscape, spanning technology development, ecosystem building, governance, and practical applications in various sectors. The official organizer, Hoko Group, reinforces the purpose of MEBA as a platform dedicated to recognizing excellence and accelerating collaboration among key stakeholders shaping the sector’s future. This year’s edition continues to emphasize the significant role of the United Arab Emirates in leading Web 3.0 innovations and regulatory progress, signaling a broader commitment to digital economy transformation within the region. The judges’ panel—reaffirmed by industry leaders—will assess nominees against rigorous criteria designed to highlight impact, scalability, and sustainability in blockchain projects and related ventures. The event, with its formal ceremonies and structured categories, aims to attract projects that demonstrate not only technical prowess but also meaningful societal and economic contributions. In sum, MEBA 2025 is positioned as a high-visibility platform for recognizing and catalyzing blockchain excellence across the MENA region, while contributing to the region’s ongoing narrative as an influential hub for digital assets and decentralized technologies.
The Organizing Vision and Leadership
Max Palethorpe, Founder and CEO of Hoko Group, the official organizer of MEBA, emphasizes the event’s role in acknowledging achievements in blockchain and digital transformation. He notes that with the UAE leading developments in Web 3.0, this year’s MEBA will spotlight the work of industry leaders who are shaping the sector’s trajectory and future directions. The emphasis is on celebrating practical innovations and transformative impacts that advance adoption and understanding of blockchain technologies within real-world contexts. Palethorpe’s perspective frames MEBA not only as a ceremony but as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and strategic visibility for projects and teams driving change across the region. The event is therefore positioned to serve as a bellwether for momentum in the broader digital economy, highlighting examples of excellence that can inspire further investment and collaboration across markets.
Judging and Leadership Voices
Returning to the MEBA judging panel for a second year, Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni, CEO of AI for Dubai at the Department of Economy and Tourism and CEO of Dubai Blockchain Centre, stresses the importance of continued participation and observation. He expresses pleasure at rejoining the judging panel and witnessing ongoing blockchain technology development across the MENA region. Dr. Al Zarouni notes that the UAE’s regulatory approach, combined with its innovation ecosystem, is actively driving adoption of Web 3.0 technologies. His remarks underscore the alignment between regulatory progress, ecosystem support, and the accelerating deployment of blockchain-based solutions in the region. The judging team this year includes a diverse set of prominent voices from entrepreneurship, investment, and industry leadership, reinforcing MEBA’s aim to recognize a broad spectrum of achievements.
- Jumana Al Darwish, Impact Entrepreneur, Web3 Investor, and Founder of The Happy Box
- Scott Melker, Host of The Wolf of All Streets Podcast and Crypto Town Hall
- Mario Nawfal, Host of Largest Show on X and Founder of International Blockchain Consulting Group
- Saqr Ereiqat, Secretary General of Dubai Digital Assets Association and Co-Founder of Crypto Oasis
- Matthies Mende, Founder and CEO of Bonuz and Co-Founder of Dubai Blockchain Center
The judges’ roster reflects a cross-section of the blockchain community, including founders, investors, advocates, and policy-oriented leaders. Their combined expertise is intended to ensure that MEBA’s awards recognize not only technical excellence but also governance, market impact, community engagement, and practical deployments that push the industry forward. The panel’s diverse perspectives are designed to encourage a comprehensive evaluation of nominees, taking into account both the technical sophistication of projects and their broader societal and economic implications within the MENA region and beyond.
Past Partnerships and MEBA’s Mission
MEBA’s mission centers on highlighting innovation and excellence across blockchain and Web 3.0 projects throughout the region. The inaugural 2023 edition partnered with Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Abu Dhabi Finance Week and the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Crypto and Blockchain Association (MEAACBA). This historical collaboration positioned MEBA within a wider ecosystem of regional and international crypto and fintech initiatives, reinforcing its role as a central stage for recognizing pioneering work while fostering cross-border cooperation. The 2025 edition seeks to build on this foundation by continuing to showcase notable achievements and by expanding recognition into new sub-sectors and application domains within blockchain technology and digital assets. By drawing attention to innovative business models, scalable technologies, and projects with tangible impact, MEBA aims to accelerate adoption and collaboration across markets in the Gulf, Levant, and North Africa, as well as connecting with partners and audiences globally.
Participation and Nomination Details
Submissions for MEBA are now open, inviting participants to engage with the awards through a structured nomination process. Prospective entrants can access information about the available categories and the nomination procedures through the official MEBA platform. The awards program is designed to accommodate a wide range of blockchain and Web 3.0 initiatives, from enterprise-grade deployments and developer-led projects to consumer-facing platforms that demonstrate clear value, efficiency, or disruption. Applicants can present projects that address real-world challenges, deliver measurable impact, and demonstrate sustainable growth potential. The nomination process is structured to enable comprehensive evaluation by the judging panel, aligning with MEBA’s commitment to recognizing leadership, innovation, and excellence across the region. The platform provides guidance on category criteria, submission requirements, timelines, and how to present projects in a way that highlights their strategic significance, technical excellence, and market viability. MEBA’s approach to categorization and judging emphasizes a balance between technical achievement and practical outcomes, ensuring that recognitions reflect meaningful contributions to the blockchain ecosystem and broader digital economy.
Strategic Context and Regional Implications
The MEBA event operates at a critical intersection of technology, policy, and market development in the MENA region. The ongoing expansion of blockchain adoption in this area is supported by favorable regulatory experimentation, increasing institutional involvement, and a growing appetite among enterprises and consumers for decentralized solutions. The UAE’s prominent status as a hub for digital assets has been evidenced by rising inflows of cryptocurrencies and heightened activity in the regional market. As MEBA highlights leading projects and figures, it also serves as a catalyst for deeper collaboration, investment, and education within the blockchain community. The alignment with TOKEN2049 further enhances MEBA’s reach, providing attendees with access to a broader ecosystem of thought leadership, networking opportunities, and potential partnerships across geographies. The event’s emphasis on innovation and Web 3.0 aligns with global trends toward decentralization, digital asset adoption, and the integration of blockchain technologies into diverse sectors such as finance, supply chain, governance, and consumer technology.
Regional Momentum: MENA’s Growing Crypto Landscape
The MEBA 2025 focus arrives amid a dynamic trend of growing blockchain adoption across the MENA region. Market data and regional analyses indicate rising activity, investment, and interest in digital assets, with on-chain metrics illustrating substantial transaction volumes and value. The Middle East and North Africa region is increasingly recognized as a strategic ecosystem for blockchain development, with multiple jurisdictions experimenting with regulatory models that balance innovation with consumer protection. As MEBA brings together leaders and innovators, the event serves as a snapshot of the region’s progress, capturing patterns of growth, collaboration, and competition that are shaping the trajectory of blockchain adoption across the broader global landscape. The convergence of events like MEBA with large-scale conferences such as TOKEN2049 provides a platform for exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and aligning on standards and interoperability, which are critical for the maturation of the technology and its application across industries.
Data-Driven Context: On-Chain Activity and Global Share
Recent analytical data underscores the rising significance of the MENA market within the global cryptocurrency space. The region has been ranked as the world’s seventh-largest cryptocurrency market, reflecting a broad and expanding base of users, developers, and institutions engaging with digital assets. Between July 2023 and June 2024, the MENA region recorded an estimated on-chain transaction value of 338.7 billion USD. This figure represented approximately 7.5 percent of global on-chain volume during that period, signaling substantial participation in blockchain networks and a growing level of activity across on-chain ecosystems. This level of engagement points to a mature and increasingly diversified market, with a variety of use cases ranging from payments and remittances to decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and enterprise blockchain deployments. The MEBA 2025 audience and participants are positioned to reflect this momentum, recognizing projects that contribute to the expansion and sophistication of on-chain activity in the region. The data highlight the market’s potential for innovation, liquidity, and cross-border collaborations that can accelerate the adoption of blockchain technology in both public and private sector environments.
Public Confidence and Regulatory Signals in the UAE
Within the broader regional context, the United Arab Emirates has emerged as a prominent hub for digital asset activity and innovation. Industry observers have noted the UAE’s position as a key contributor to the region’s digital economy, supported by a framework of regulatory clarity and proactive governance that fosters experimentation while maintaining consumer protections. The UAE’s evolving regulatory approach has been cited as a driving force behind the observed growth in digital asset usage and on-chain activity. By hosting MEBA’s awards ceremony, Dubai reinforces its status as a leading center for blockchain-related initiatives, further enhancing collaboration among entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. The event’s emphasis on recognizing excellence in blockchain and Web 3.0 projects aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy to integrate digital assets as a foundational pillar of the nation’s economic development, technology strategy, and international competitiveness. The combination of robust regulatory ecosystems, a thriving innovation infrastructure, and a dynamic business climate creates an environment in which MEBA can showcase transformative projects and cultivate ongoing momentum in the market.
Dubai’s Role in Cultural and Economic Transformation
Dubai’s involvement in MEBA’s 2025 edition aligns with its broader objectives of leveraging technology and digital assets to transform the region’s economy. The city’s initiatives to promote innovation ecosystems, testbeds for new technologies, and partnerships across sectors create fertile ground for blockchain projects to flourish. By bringing together industry professionals in a high-profile setting, MEBA contributes to a narrative of progress and opportunity in Dubai, highlighting the city’s commitment to fostering Web 3.0 development, digital finance, and smart-city initiatives. The event’s presence in Dubai reinforces the city’s status as a hub for global technology and finance industries, supporting the growth of a resilient and forward-looking blockchain sector that can attract talent, investment, and collaboration from around the world. The synergy between MEBA, TOKEN2049, and Dubai’s ecosystem underscores a shared vision of leveraging digital innovation for sustainable economic growth and regional leadership in the digital economy.
Participation Guidelines and Future Prospects
While MEBA continues to evolve, the core objective remains to celebrate excellence in blockchain and Web 3.0 projects, while also fostering opportunities for cross-border partnerships, knowledge sharing, and investment. The nomination process is designed to be inclusive, inviting projects that demonstrate meaningful impact, scalability, and innovation. The event’s future prospects include expanding category coverage to reflect emerging subfields, encouraging greater participation from startups, corporates, and academic institutions, and increasing collaboration with regional accelerators and innovation hubs. By maintaining a rigorous judging framework and a commitment to transparency, MEBA seeks to maintain credibility and relevance in a fast-moving industry. The 2025 edition thus presents an opportunity for the region to showcase its most compelling blockchain initiatives, position itself as a global center for digital asset development, and inspire broader adoption of decentralized technologies that can contribute to economic diversification and inclusive growth across the MENA region.
How to Participate: Nomination Details and Process
Submissions for MEBA are open, inviting participants to engage with the awards program through the dedicated nomination process. Eligible entrants can explore the available categories and review the nomination guidelines on the MEBA platform. The platform provides detailed information about submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and timelines to ensure a smooth process for applicants. Participants are encouraged to present blockchain and Web 3.0 projects that demonstrate significant impact, practical implementation, and potential for scalable adoption across the region. The nomination process is designed to capture not only technical excellence but also governance, market traction, user experience, and societal benefits. By submitting their work, applicants contribute to a broader narrative about the region’s innovation ecosystem and its capacity to deliver cutting-edge solutions across industries such as finance, supply chain, digital identity, and governance. The MEBA framework emphasizes a holistic assessment that recognizes leadership, sustainability, and the potential to influence regional and global markets. Prospective entrants should prepare comprehensive submissions that clearly articulate problem statements, solutions, outcomes, and the pathways to future growth, enabling judges to evaluate projects on multiple dimensions of impact and feasibility.
Why Enter MEBA?
Entering MEBA offers a platform to gain visibility among regional and international stakeholders, including investors, potential partners, customers, and policymakers. Recognition can enhance credibility, attract funding, and accelerate go-to-market strategies for blockchain and Web 3.0 initiatives. Moreover, MEBA’s emphasis on regional excellence helps highlight the unique opportunities and challenges within the MENA market, encouraging projects to tailor their approaches to local needs while maintaining global relevance. By participating, teams can benchmark their progress against peers, receive constructive feedback from a diverse judging panel, and connect with a community of like-minded professionals committed to advancing the blockchain industry. The MEBA process is designed to be transparent and merit-based, ensuring that winners and finalists gain meaningful endorsement that supports their growth and impact across the ecosystem.
Logistics and Timelines
While the key date for the MEBA ceremony is April 29, organizers emphasize that the nomination and selection processes involve multiple stages, including initial submissions, screening, longlisting, shortlisting, and final judging. Each stage is designed to ensure thorough evaluation and to provide participants with opportunities to refine their proposals based on feedback and evolving industry standards. Details about category criteria, submission formats, and timelines are shared on the MEBA platform, enabling participants to align their submissions with the expectations of the judging panel. The event is planned to be a comprehensive gathering that includes keynote presentations, panel discussions, and networking sessions in addition to the awards ceremony. By combining recognition with learning and collaboration opportunities, MEBA aims to deliver a valuable experience for attendees and participants that extends beyond the formal awards.
Past and Emerging Themes
MEBA’s programmatic focus is likely to continue emphasizing innovation in blockchain technology, Web 3.0 governance, and the practical deployment of digital assets across markets. Emerging themes may include enterprise blockchain implementations, decentralized finance solutions, digital identities, cross-border payments, compliance and regulation in Web 3.0, and the role of digital assets in regional economic diversification. The event is positioned to reflect ongoing shifts in the global crypto economy while highlighting region-specific developments, local talent, and collaborative initiatives that advance the broader adoption of decentralized technologies. As MEBA progresses, it may also explore partnerships with academic institutions, industry consortia, and technology accelerators to broaden participation and knowledge sharing, further strengthening the region’s role as a leader in blockchain innovation.
Conclusion
MEBA’s return to Dubai for 2025 reaffirms the Middle East and North Africa region’s rising prominence in blockchain and Web 3.0 innovation. By hosting the ceremony at the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab on April 29 and aligning with TOKEN2049, MEBA situates itself at the nexus of regional momentum and international exchange, creating a powerful platform for recognizing leadership, excellence, and transformative projects. The region’s ongoing expansion in on-chain activity, as reflected in the latest market data, underscores the significance of MEBA as a venue that not only celebrates achievement but also catalyzes collaboration, investment, and scalable growth across markets. With a distinguished panel of judges, a track record of strategic partnerships, and a clear commitment to showcasing the most impactful blockchain initiatives, MEBA 2025 is poised to contribute meaningfully to the region’s digital economy and to the global discourse on blockchain innovation. Submissions are welcome through the MEBA platform, where interested teams can learn about categories, nomination processes, and the opportunities that come with participating in this prestigious regional awards program.