HODL Roadshow Sparks 30%+ Crypto Adoption in Dubai and 51% Growth in Riyadh Blockchain Licenses

HODL Unites Dubai & Riyadh for a Landmark Blockchain Roadshow Across the Middle East

HODL, a long-standing Web3 and crypto summit series, is hosting a dual-city blockchain roadshow in the Middle East, spanning Dubai (30–31 October 2025) and Riyadh (3–4 November 2025). The event aims to foster collaboration between builders, investors, regulators, and institutions, emphasizing real-world applications of blockchain technology. This follows the success of HODL Dubai 2025, which attracted over 3,000 participants, facilitated 1,000+ business connections, and featured 50+ sessions by industry experts [1].

Dubai and Riyadh are highlighted as strategic hubs for blockchain innovation. Dubai’s ecosystem includes over 1,400 crypto and Web3 companies, a 30%+ crypto adoption rate among residents, and a $1.5B+ investment influx since 2024. The city’s Digital Dirham initiative and plans for full blockchain integration by 2030 underscore its forward-looking approach. Riyadh, meanwhile, is experiencing 51% year-over-year growth in blockchain business licenses, driven by Vision 2030, enterprise DeFi pilots, and tokenized real estate projects [1]. The dual-city format reflects a broader regional strategy to align regulatory frameworks, capital flows, and technical expertise.

The roadshow’s agenda includes closed-door policy discussions with regional regulators, founder-investor matchmaking zones, and live showcases across DeFi, real-world asset tokenization, ESG, and CBDCs. Organizers emphasize actionable outcomes, such as cross-border partnerships and regulatory alignment, rather than theoretical discussions. For example, Dubai’s VARA (the first digital asset regulator) and Saudi Arabia’s SDAIA are expected to play key roles in shaping the region’s blockchain governance [1].

Industry leaders have praised previous HODL editions for their impact. Tim Popplewell, CEO of Scintilla, described the event as a “turning point” for connecting founders with investors, while Luther Maday of Algorand Foundation likened the atmosphere to a “bull market in real life.” R. Vivekanand of TCS highlighted the “caliber” of attendees, noting the event’s ability to bridge traditional and decentralized finance [1].

The dual-city edition is positioned as more than a conference—it is a “protocol for real-world impact,” according to organizers. With 30+ editions across 20+ countries, HODL has facilitated 30,000+ C-level attendees and 5,000+ investors since 2017. This iteration builds on the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s growing investments in blockchain, including Dubai’s logistics district and Saudi Arabia’s $10B real estate tokenization project with Fireblocks [1].

By uniting Dubai’s established digital economy with Riyadh’s Vision 2030-driven reforms, the roadshow aims to accelerate the Middle East’s transition from crypto adoption to active innovation. The event’s focus on cross-border collaboration and practical applications aligns with regional efforts to diversify economic portfolios and integrate blockchain into mainstream sectors such as finance, logistics, and governance.

Media Contact:

Shadi Dawi

Global Director – PR, Corporate Communications & Media Relations

+971 55 498 4989

shadi@tresconglobal.com

Sources:

[1] [HODL Unites Dubai & Riyadh for a Landmark Blockchain Roadshow Across the Middle East] (https://coinpedia.org/press-release/hodl-unites-dubai-riyadh-for-landmark-blockchain-roadshow-across-middle-east/)

[2] [HODL Road Show – Dual Country Edition (Riyadh)] (https://www.bitcoininsider.org/events/2025/hodl-road-show-dual-country-edition-riyadh)

[3] [GCC BUSINESS WATCH] (https://gccbusinesswatch.com/)

[4] [MultiBank.io taps Fireblocks for tokenization] (https://crypto.news/)