Abu Dhabi Global Market and the International Association for Trusted Blockchain Applications have signed a preliminary agreement to establish a chapter of Inatba, a global blockchain body, in the Middle East and North Africa to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Under the agreement, signed at FinTech Abu Dhabi, ADGM will help the trade association to establish relationships with companies, regulators and government stakeholders in the UAE and the wider region. Brussels-based Inatba, in turn, will lead policy engagement on behalf of ADGM members.
Inatba’s flagship event, Convergence 2.0, is planned to take place in the UAE next year.
“We have seen Inatba’s work with the European Commission and European Parliament, and are excited to establish similar relationships with regional regulatory bodies,” Juma Al Hameli, chief strategy and business development officer of ADGM, said in a statement on Wednesday.
The UAE's adoption of blockchain, FinTech and crypto technologies is continuously growing, with Abu Dhabi implementing frameworks to help it become an attractive jurisdiction for companies in these sectors.
Innovation is a key part of the nation’s economic strategy in the midst of digital transformation. A study from PricewaterhouseCoopers shows that blockchain has the potential to boost global gross domestic product by about $1.76 trillion over the next decade.
“Abu Dhabi is a hub for innovation and financial development. This partnership will be instrumental in strengthening our role as global convener of the blockchain system and establishing new relationships with government bodies,” Marc Taverner, executive director of Inatba, said.
ADGM promotes economic and financial sector growth through a world-class innovation centre. Its four independent authorities – the ADGM Authority, the Registration Authority, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority and ADGM Courts – ensure that the centre’s business-friendly environment operates in line with international best practices, recognised by major financial centres worldwide.
We have seen Inatba’s work with the European Commission and European Parliament and are excited to establish similar relationships with regional regulatory bodies
Juma Al Hameli,
chief strategy and business development officer of Abu Dhabi Global Market
At FinTech Abu Dhabi, ADGM’s chairman, Ahmed Al Zaabi, said it is introducing a number of new initiatives to boost its growth and attract more companies to the capital’s financial centre.
Inatba convenes industry stakeholders, start-ups, SMEs, policymakers, international organisations, regulators, civil society and standard-setting bodies to support blockchain and distributed ledger technology to be mainstreamed and scaled up in sectors worldwide.
It promotes the use of blockchain technology by developing transparent and trust-based global frameworks across relevant topics in DLT, including finance, social impact and standards.
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
UAE v Ireland
1st ODI, UAE win by 6 wickets
2nd ODI, January 12
3rd ODI, January 14
4th ODI, January 16
Essentials
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Los Angeles, from Dh4,975 return, including taxes. The flight time is 16 hours. Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Aeromexico and Southwest all fly direct from Los Angeles to San Jose del Cabo from Dh1,243 return, including taxes. The flight time is two-and-a-half hours.
The trip
Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic’s eight-day Whales Wilderness itinerary costs from US$6,190 (Dh22,736) per person, twin share, including meals, accommodation and excursions, with departures in March and April 2018.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
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UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Brief scores:
Toss: Australia, chose to bat
Australia: 272-9 (50 ov)
Khawaja 100, Handscomb 52; Bhuvneshwar 3-48
India: 237 (50 ov)
Rohit 56, Bhuvneshwar 46; Zampa 3-46
Player of the Match: Usman Khawaja (Australia)
Player of the Series: Usman Khawaja (Australia)
'The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window'
Director:Michael Lehmann
Stars:Kristen Bell
Rating: 1/5
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Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
