Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Global Blockchain Show Abu Dhabi 2025, organized by VAP Group and powered by Times of Blockchain, took place on December 10-11, 2025, at the Space42 Arena in Abu Dhabi. The two-day event brought together government officials, corporate leaders, investors, developers, and entrepreneurs from around the world to deliberate on the practical applications of blockchain technology, regulatory frameworks, and the future of Web3.
Record-Breaking Attendance
The event attracted over 5,000 participants and featured more than 100 international keynote speakers across 50+ sessions. Over 100 companies and startups showcased their innovations in the exhibition area. Carl Moon, Founder of The Moon Group, commented: "It's refreshing to attend a conference like this and engage face-to-face with the audience. The atmosphere and engagement are exactly what I look for in a great conference."
Key Themes: From Speculation to Real-World Impact
Discussions centered on the transition of blockchain from speculative assets to practical applications, the role of governments as both innovation supporters and regulators, enterprise use cases in public services, healthcare, supply chain, and finance, as well as the convergence of blockchain and artificial intelligence. Other topics included interoperability, security, scalability, digital assets, DeFi, and Web3 gaming.
Yat Siu, Co-Founder and Chairman of Animoca Brands, noted: "It's fun, it's exciting, this event. I would certainly recommend people come and visit the show."
Prominent Speakers and Leaders
The speaker lineup included Nenter Chow (Global CEO, BitMart), Akshat Vaidya (Co-Founder, Maelstrom), Sergej Kunz (Co-Founder, 1inch), Stephan Lutz (CEO, BitMEX), Robin Wingardh (Co-Founder & CEO, Wingbits), Sami Waittinen (CMO, Trust Wallet), Jason Jiang (Chief Business Officer, CERTIK), Cathy Hackl (Tech & Gaming Executive, CEO Future Dynamics), and Janet Adams (COO, SingularityNET). Their talks provided actionable insights derived from real-world implementations.
Government and Institutional Engagement
Supported by the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau as Destination Partner, the show highlighted effective public-private partnerships and compliance-driven innovation. Discussions underscored how regulatory clarity, as demonstrated in the UAE, is critical for large-scale blockchain adoption, attracting international businesses and fostering long-term investor trust.
Startup Innovation and VIP Networking
The exhibition area featured startups such as Epow.io, CereBree, and SIXR Cricket, which participated in pitch sessions to connect with investors, clients, and media. In addition, the event facilitated high-quality networking through VIP closed-door meetings and a gala dinner, enabling strategic partnerships among industry leaders. Nenter Chow remarked: "This was my first year attending, and the space and audience were fantastic. I'd be happy to be involved again next year."
Looking Ahead: Global Blockchain Show 2026 in Riyadh
Following the success of the Abu Dhabi edition, the organizer announced that the Global Blockchain Show 2026 will move to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, taking place from June 29 to July 10, 2026. This marks the next stop in the global blockchain show circuit, continuing to unite the Web3 ecosystem and drive transformative change. The Abu Dhabi event reinforced the region's rising status as a global hub for blockchain innovation and progressive regulation.