Middle East

Markets

Regions with weak states and educated diasporas are seeing a rising demand for cryptocurrencies, stablecoins and decentralized applications.

By Leigh CuenMay 4, 2020

Policy

Bitcoin fell 40 percent this week from coronavirus shocks, but it's still seen as a safe haven in the Middle East.

By Leigh CuenMar 13, 2020

Markets

CoinDesk reporter Leigh Cuen is joined by the Human Rights Foundation’s Alex Gladstein and Syrian entrepreneur Moe Ghashim to discuss how cultural context shapes the way people view bitcoin, including stories from the Middle East.

By Leigh CuenFeb 17, 2020

Markets

The report from an Israeli organisation claims the group used bitcoin to avoid sanctions, offer a degree of anonymity to donors and enable cross-border money transfers.

By Paddy BakerJan 20, 2020

Policy

BitMEX Ventures-backed crypto exchange Rain opens for business following a two-year sandbox program under Bahraini central bank

By William FoxleyJul 31, 2019

Markets

Egypt is considering legislation that would let the central bank issue licenses for cryptocurrency-related activities.

By John BiggsMay 29, 2019

Markets

National Bank of Kuwait has joined Ripple’s blockchain-based payments network seeking faster cross-border money transfers.

By Yogita KhatriDec 28, 2018

Markets

Abu Dhabi-based money transmitter UAE Exchange is working with Ripple to launch blockchain remittances to Asia early next year.

By Yogita KhatriDec 13, 2018

Markets

After a year in the Central Bank of Bahrain's regulatory sandbox, Rain Financial is gearing up to offer crypto on-ramps from all regional currencies.

By Leigh CuenOct 9, 2018

Markets

Abu Dhabi's markets regulator is considering drawing up a supervisory framework for cryptocurrency exchange operations.

By Wolfie ZhaoFeb 12, 2018