Bitcoin News Today: Bybit Launches MENA Campaign with Careem, Hits 2M Crypto Card Users

Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has launched a marketing campaign in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to integrate Web3 capabilities into the Careem app, a widely used ride-hailing and lifestyle platform. This initiative aims to bridge traditional finance (TradFi) with decentralized ecosystems by offering localized incentives and crypto-based services. The collaboration, announced in July 2025, leverages Careem’s existing user base to introduce features such as fiat-to-crypto spending, cashback rewards, and access to digital collectibles. Bybit’s strategy emphasizes regional relevance, combining financial incentives with tailored benefits to accelerate Web3 adoption in markets where traditional banking infrastructure remains uneven. The campaign builds on Bybit’s recent milestone of surpassing 2 million registered users for its crypto-linked card, which provides seamless transaction capabilities and cashback rewards for everyday spending [1].

The partnership underscores Bybit’s focus on closing the gap between Web2 and Web3 in emerging markets. By embedding crypto functionalities into Careem’s platform—used by millions for transportation, food delivery, and merchant services—Bybit seeks to normalize digital assets as part of daily transactions. Localized marketing efforts include promotions targeting users in the United Arab Emirates and other MENA countries, where crypto adoption has been slower compared to global averages. This approach aligns with Bybit’s broader goal of creating a “Web3 crypto lifestyle” by integrating blockchain into real-world applications. The exchange’s Dubai-based headquarters positions it to act as a regional hub for such initiatives, capitalizing on the UAE’s growing regulatory framework for digital assets [2].

Analysis of the campaign highlights Bybit’s strategic alignment with Careem’s ecosystem. The partnership addresses regional challenges in Web3 integration, such as low trust in crypto and limited access to user-friendly tools. Bybit’s card program, which offers 1 BTC giveaways and cashback incentives, has already demonstrated traction, with two million users adopting the service. This user base provides a foundation for expanding into merchant partnerships and broader financial services through Careem’s network. Additionally, Bybit’s recent DeFi report, released in July 2025, highlights the growing institutional interest in decentralized finance, particularly in real-world asset (RWA) tokenization and hybrid platforms. These trends reinforce the potential for Bybit’s MENA campaign to serve as a model for combining traditional and decentralized finance [3].

The move also reflects Bybit’s competitive positioning in the crypto market. As the world’s second-largest exchange by trading volume, Bybit’s focus on localized partnerships and user-centric incentives distinguishes it from rivals. The Careem collaboration aligns with broader industry trends of “on-ramping” traditional users to Web3 through familiar platforms. Bybit’s emphasis on utility—such as cashback and collectibles—addresses practical concerns that have historically hindered mass adoption. Furthermore, the exchange’s efforts to tokenize real-world assets, as outlined in its DeFi report, suggest a long-term vision of integrating Web3 into everyday financial infrastructure.

Sources:

[1] [title: Bybit Card Celebrates Two Million Users with Limited-Edition Collectible and 1 BTC Giveaway][url: https://coindoo.com/bybit-card-celebrates-two-million-users-with-limited-edition-collectible-and-1-btc-giveaway/]

[2] [title: Bybit Amplifies Web3 Crypto Lifestyle in Careem App, Launching MENA Marketing Campaign][url: https://www.dlnews.com/research/external/bybit-amplifies-web3-crypto-lifestyle-in-careem-app-launching-mena-marketing-campaign/]

[3] [title: Bybit DeFi Report: RWA and DEXs Thrive Despite Cooling Market Activity][url: https://coindoo.com/bybit-defi-report-rwa-and-dexs-thrive-despite-cooling-market-activity/]