Abu Dhabi's AI-First Vision Attracts 7,000 to Blockchain Show 2025

Abu Dhabi's Global Blockchain Show 2025, drawing 7,000 participants, has cemented the emirate's status as a hub for AI and digital innovation, with major announcements from financial and tech firms. Mondevo Group, an AI-native wealth and innovation ecosystem, established its global headquarters in Abu Dhabi Global Market, citing the region's AI infrastructure, progressive digital asset regulations, and strategic connectivity as key drivers. The firm's founder, Hussam Otaibi, emphasized Abu Dhabi's "operational" AI-first vision, noting the emirate's $13 billion Digital Strategy 2025-2027 and institutions like the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence as critical enablers.

Mondevo's decision aligns with Abu Dhabi's broader economic goals. The emirate aims to become the world's first fully AI-powered government, deploying over 200 AI solutions across public services. ADGM's regulatory clarity on tokenization and blockchain further positions it as a magnet for fintech innovation. Mondevo's operations span three pillars-wealth management, venture investments, and luxury lifestyle-supported by an AI-driven technology hub in Singapore.

Meanwhile, BestChange unveiled major updates at Blockchain Life 2025, including a redesigned website and a Telegram Mini App to streamline user experience. The platform now offers real-time comparisons across 450+ exchangers and 45,000 currency pairs, with the Telegram integration allowing users to check rates and execute transactions without leaving the messaging app. CTO comments highlighted trust as a core asset, with rigorous partner verification ensuring low fraud rates.

Treasure Global announced a strategic investment in OXI Wallet, an institutional-grade digital asset platform with AI-powered portfolio tools. The move reflects growing demand for secure, scalable solutions as digital assets transition from speculative tools to mainstream financial instruments. Treasure Global's ZCITY Super App, with 2.7 million users, already integrates AI and data analytics to enhance e-commerce and fintech services.

Asia Broadband reported a $38 million increase in gold and silver holdings, bolstering its gold-backed cryptocurrency, AABBG. The company's AABB Wallet and NFT collections aim to establish a stable, trust-based standard for digital exchanges, leveraging physical asset backing to differentiate from other cryptocurrencies.

Beyond corporate moves, Dubai Chambers expanded its global footprint by opening a U.S. office in New York, strengthening ties with American businesses. The office, part of Dubai International Chamber's 35+ global locations, aims to facilitate cross-border trade and investment, particularly in AI and digital innovation.

Collaborations also took center stage. DBS Bank and Ant International inked a partnership to enhance cross-border payments, enabling DBS PayLah! users to pay at 150 million merchants via Alipay+ QR codes. The agreement, announced at the Singapore Fintech Festival, leverages AI and blockchain to streamline remittances and financial inclusion.

These developments underscore the Gulf's aggressive pivot toward AI, blockchain, and digital finance. With Abu Dhabi's AI-first government and Dubai's strategic global outreach, the region is not only attracting investment but redefining the future of financial infrastructure. As Mondevo's Otaibi noted, "Abu Dhabi is building the future from first principles"-a sentiment echoed by firms betting on the emirate's transformative ecosystem.