Dubai’s REAL series, organised by the Dubai Blockchain Center (DBCC), has concluded a four-event programme that brought together more than 1,000 participants representing 683 companies between April and July 2026.
The series attracted senior business leaders, with more than 63% of attendees holding C-suite, founder or director-level positions. The programme provided a high-level platform for discussions around blockchain regulation, investment, digital assets and the financial infrastructure needed to support the region’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
Supported by Dubai Business Events (DBE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), REAL brought together representatives from government institutions, regulators, investors, technology companies, academics and other industry stakeholders.
Participants included officials and representatives from the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), DET, Dubai Police, Dubai Police Academy, DMCC and the MENA Fintech Association, alongside partners from across the wider technology and financial ecosystem.
Focus on Regulation and Financial Infrastructure
A major theme throughout the series was the development of regulatory and financial frameworks capable of supporting the UAE’s growing digital economy.
HE Abdulaziz Al-Nuaimi, Assistant Undersecretary for Entrepreneurship and the Economic Affairs Regulatory Sector at the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, highlighted the importance of strong regulatory institutions in building confidence in emerging financial technologies.
He said the UAE is developing settlement infrastructure, programmable compliance systems, tokenised claims linked to real cash flows and regulated stablecoins backed by high-quality reserves. These initiatives, he noted, are strengthening the country’s position as a trusted financial hub in the region and globally.
The REAL series also aligned with Dubai’s broader economic ambitions, particularly the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to strengthen the emirate’s position as a global centre for innovation, business and the digital economy.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, part of DET, said platforms such as REAL contribute to Dubai’s reputation as a leading destination for international business events while supporting the city’s wider economic goals.
From Discussion to Practical Action
For the Dubai Blockchain Center, the four-event programme represented more than a conventional industry gathering.
Dr Marwan Alzarouni, CEO of the Dubai Blockchain Center, described REAL as a declaration of the growing maturity of the blockchain sector.
He said the institutional side of the blockchain economy has developed significantly through market cycles and regulatory changes. According to Alzarouni, the series demonstrated this shift by bringing together fund managers, regulators, exchanges and sovereign investors who were focused on developing practical solutions rather than short-term speculation.
The strong participation of senior decision-makers also reflected the growing integration of blockchain and Web3 technologies into mainstream financial and commercial discussions.
Dubai’s Growing Web3 Ecosystem
DMCC also highlighted the importance of collaboration between investors, institutions and technology companies as Dubai continues to expand its Web3 ecosystem.
Belal Jassoma, Senior Director of Tech Ecosystems at DMCC, said bringing innovators, investors and institutions together creates opportunities to turn emerging technologies into commercially viable ventures.
The conclusion of the REAL series comes as Dubai continues to position itself as a global hub for blockchain, digital assets and Web3 innovation. The participation of more than 1,000 professionals across 683 companies underscores the increasing interest from businesses and institutions in the infrastructure, regulation and investment opportunities surrounding the digital economy.
