Top influencers from the Middle East and North Africa will share cutting-edge insights alongside over 12,000 attendees this December at Bitcoin MENA.

2025-12-07 07:22:49

Abu Dhabi, UAE: Expected to attract over 12,000 attendees, Bitcoin MENA is set to become one of the most significant global events for Bitcoin, institutional capital, energy innovation, and regulatory leadership. This December, the region’s most influential voices will take the stage to share perspectives on the UAE’s rapid rise as a global hub for Bitcoin development, mining, sovereign adoption, and financial innovation.

(Previously: Michael Saylor will deliver a keynote at Bitcoin MENA 2025) (Background: Bitcoin MENA 2025 will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in December) *This article is a press release written and provided by Bitcoin Conference and does not represent the views of BlockTempo.

From regulatory pioneers and mining giants to institutional Bitcoin strategists, this year’s agenda showcases the deep expertise emerging in the Middle East—a region characterized by asset concentration, sovereign capital scale, advanced energy infrastructure, rapidly expanding Bitcoin mining operations, and a maturing digital asset policy environment.

BTC Inc. CEO Brandon Green stated: “The UAE—especially Abu Dhabi—has become the core of Bitcoin development throughout the Middle East and North Africa. With unparalleled regulatory transparency, world-class infrastructure, and forward-thinking innovation, Abu Dhabi is leading sovereign-level Bitcoin adoption. Bringing these regional leaders together on one stage not only reflects current industry momentum but also highlights the region’s global influence in this space.”

ADNEC Group CEO Ahmad Shaker added: “As Bitcoin MENA takes shape, we’re seeing high interest and support from regional leaders. Through our partnership with BTC Inc., it’s clear that more institutions and innovators are exploring the future role of Bitcoin and next-generation infrastructure. This sustained momentum is exactly why this event matters—to foster regional dialogue and discussion in a forward-looking, substantive way.”

This Year’s Featured Speakers

H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti — UAE Government Cybersecurity Head; Chairman, UAE Cybersecurity Council Responsible for driving the national cybersecurity strategy, transforming the UAE into a trusted and secure digital hub by integrating infrastructure, policy, and institutional frameworks to address emerging threats and accelerate cloud, AI, data, and connectivity innovation.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem — Executive Chairman & CEO, DMCC Topic: How Bitcoin Challenges Centralized Banking Systems A central figure in Dubai’s commodities and financial innovation ecosystem, he will analyze Bitcoin’s role in the UAE’s financial autonomy and capital flow strategies.

Abdulla Al Dhaheri — CEO, The Blockchain Center Abu Dhabi Will hold a fireside chat with Michael Saylor on the application of Bitcoin in national asset allocation.

Marwan Al Zarouni — CEO, Dubai Blockchain Center Topic: The Past and Future of Bitcoin Adoption in the UAE A key voice in Dubai’s digital asset development, representing Abu Dhabi’s sovereign-level focus on infrastructure, national strategy, and long-term institutional positioning.

Faisal Al Hammadi — Founder, Further Topic: Why MENA Will Become a Bitcoin Mining Hub Discussing the intersection of regional capital, energy strategy, and infrastructure investment.

Ali Alnuaimi — Founder, Shafra Topic: The Role of Bitcoin Mining in Global Energy Transition Exploring how Bitcoin mining strengthens energy grids, unlocks underutilized power, and accelerates regional transition to more efficient and sustainable energy systems.

Irina Heaver — Founding Partner, NeosLegal Topic: UAE’s New Regulatory Landscape; Reshaping Sovereign Asset Structures A renowned regional legal expert, she will analyze how the UAE’s regulatory framework is shaping a new era of financial sovereignty.

Henson Orser — CEO, Soter Insure (former CEO, VARA) Topic: Protect Your Assets—Bitcoin Insurance Coverage A central figure in Dubai’s regulatory development, providing authoritative guidance on institutional custody and insurance.

Irene Gao — Global Business Director, Bitmain Delivering a keynote and, as a global mining leader, sharing cutting-edge insights on hardware, scaling, and energy grid transformation.

Why Bitcoin MENA Matters Now

The Middle East and North Africa—especially the UAE—are becoming a strategic region for global Bitcoin adoption:

The UAE is widely seen as one of the world’s top markets for digital asset adoption, with over 25% of residents estimated to actively hold or use virtual assets.
GCC regional family offices and sovereign funds collectively manage over $4 trillion in assets, increasingly influencing long-term institutional Bitcoin allocation.
The Middle East is rapidly becoming an energy hub for Bitcoin mining. Multiple studies predict that, with grid optimization, natural gas utilization, and accelerated investment in renewables, the region will command a significant share of global hash rate.
The UAE’s clear and actionable digital asset regulatory framework—from licensing to compliance standards—continues to attract founders, miners, and institutional participants from around the world seeking stability and scale.

This concentration of wealth, energy, and progressive policy gives the UAE a unique advantage in shaping the next chapter of Bitcoin.

About Bitcoin Conference

(Bitcoin Conference) is organized by BTC Media (parent company of Bitcoin Magazine) as a global series of events featuring key industry speakers, workshops, exhibitions, and entertainment. The platform provides opportunities for networking, exchange, and discussion among Bitcoin industry leaders, developers, investors, and enthusiasts. The 2025 flagship event will be held in Las Vegas; Bitcoin Conference 2026 (Bitcoin 2026) will take place in Las Vegas in April 2026. International events include Bitcoin Hong Kong (Hong Kong, August 2026), Bitcoin Amsterdam (Fall 2026), and Bitcoin MENA (Abu Dhabi, December 2025), co-hosted with ADNEC Group.