Aptos Foundation, a leading global blockchain organization, has announced the opening of a new office in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), cementing the UAE’s position as a hub for blockchain and Web3 innovation.
This strategic move aims to foster regional partnerships, accelerate blockchain technology adoption, and expand the Aptos ecosystem.
ADGM: A Hot Spot for Blockchain Leaders
The UAE has emerged as a global leader in blockchain and Web3 adoption, creating an environment conducive to innovation. Aptos Foundation’s Abu Dhabi office will act as a regional hub to collaborate with developers, institutions, and investors. This expansion underscores the organization’s commitment to promoting blockchain integration globally.
Bashar Lazaar, Head of Grants and Ecosystems at Aptos Foundation, emphasized the region’s progressive stance on Web3.
“The UAE is investing heavily in Web3, making Abu Dhabi the clear leader in blockchain globally. This inaugural event provides a unique opportunity for our team to learn and connect hands-on with the pioneers, institutions, and investors who are pushing boundaries every day,” Lazaar declare.
Arvind Ramamurthy, Director of Market Development at ADGM, welcomes Aptos Foundation on board.
“The decision to establish its first overseas office here highlights the UAE’s leadership in promoting innovation and development of blockchain technology. We look forward to the contributions they will bring to our vibrant community and the broader region,” said Ramamurthy.
ADGM has received recognition for its favorable regulatory framework for blockchain, attracting major industry partners. Along with Aptos, many blockchain leaders have gravitated toward ADGM.
For instance, the TON Foundation recently registered under ADGM’s distributed ledger technology (DLT) framework, targeting the MENA and APAC regions. Furthermore, Steve Yun, Chairman of TON Foundation, described this milestone as an important point of collaboration with regional stakeholders and increased trust in blockchain.
Similarly, Chainlink Labs also established operations at ADGM, positioning itself to meet the growing demand for DeFi solutions in the Middle East. Polygon Labs also joined the ADGM ecosystem, focusing on transparency and international disclosure standards.
The UAE’s leadership in promoting blockchain technology stems from its progressive government policy and strong financial infrastructure. ADGM’s legal clarity and focus on innovation have also attracted entities such as Tether, whose USDT stablecoin is now being accepted as a virtual asset in the financial ecosystem.
Thanks to its crypto-friendly approach, the UAE has a significant adoption rate. According to Statista, as of July 2024, there was 39.13% cryptocurrency penetration in the UAE.
With blockchain becoming the center of modern finance, Aptos Foundation’s expansion into Abu Dhabi affirms the city’s position as a leader in the global blockchain system. The move is in line with the UAE’s vision of driving innovation and transforming the digital asset ecosystem.
