The world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, Bybit, has inked a multi-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ghaf Labs, a boutique Web3 advisory and consultancy firm based in the United Arab Emirates, in a major step to support Web3 adoption throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
The strategic alliance aims to transform the MENA region into a global hub for Web3 development through a shared focus on innovation, regulatory clarity, and real-world blockchain applications.
Supporting Emerging Ecosystems and Startups
Backed by Ghaf Capital Partners, Ghaf Labs brings localized expertise and regulatory insight to accelerate the growth of promising blockchain projects. Together, the two companies plan to offer free equity grants and support startups focused on blockchain, AI, and sustainability-based digital transformation.
“Our partnership with Ghaf Labs is rooted in a shared vision for the MENA region—one where crypto isn’t just adopted, but lived,” said Helen Liu, COO and Partner at Bybit. “From developer tooling to lifestyle integration, we’re building the bridges that bring crypto into everyday life.”
Investing in Education and Web3 Talent
A central pillar of the collaboration is the development of regional Web3 talent. Bybit and Ghaf Labs plan to launch educational initiatives including university partnerships, developer bootcamps, and hackathons. The duo also intends to release bilingual learning content in Arabic and English to promote blockchain literacy across diverse MENA communities.
“This partnership with Bybit reflects our shared commitment to advancing Web3 infrastructure, education, and institutional engagement,” said Feras Al Sadek, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Ghaf Labs. “Together, we aim to accelerate innovation and continue to position the UAE as a global hub for digital assets.”
Integrating Crypto into Culture and Lifestyle
The cooperation places a strong emphasis on integrating digital assets into everyday life, going beyond infrastructure and education. As an example of how cryptocurrency might blend in with high-end lifestyle services, users will be able to access luxury experiences like those provided by Grand Millennium Hotels in Dubai using the Bybit Card.
Additionally, the collaboration will power events like The Crypto Polo Cup and Crypto Fight Night, blending Web3 with high-end sports and entertainment to foster a vibrant crypto community.
Advancing Institutional Engagement and Infrastructure
Bybit and Ghaf Labs will collaborate on projects related to banking, education, hospitality, and institutional adoption of decentralized technologies under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding. Their joint efforts demonstrate Bybit’s continued dedication to growing the Web3 ecosystem in the MENA region and the UAE’s leadership in digital transformation.
Bybit and Ghaf Labs are poised to reshape the regional digital landscape—bridging innovation with culture, and education with opportunity—as they work to realize a fully integrated Web3 future.
