• Winners announced at the Grand Finale of Second Edition of the Smart Dubai Blockchain Challenge, which was kicked off with keynote from Her Excellency Dr Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, Director General, Smart Dubai

  • World’s largest gathering of global blockchain visionaries headline Future Blockchain Summit

  • 2019 edition of Future Blockchain Summit to run from April 3-4

Michael Owen, former English footballer for Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United, took to the Block Stage on the second day of the inaugural Future Blockchain Summit. Having teamed up with Global Crypto Offering Exchange (GCOX) to release his “OWN” Token, the sports legend spoke to a full-house on ‘Enhancing the Understanding of Token Economy.’

Speaking to blockchain enthusiasts and sports fans, Owen said, “I am privileged to be here in Dubai at the inaugural Future Blockchain Summit. Football and business are two of my greatest passions and with blockchain technology, I am excited to bring them both closer together. As I developed the idea for the Michael Owen Football Centres, I discovered the potential of this new technology, and evaluated how a new platform could give fans unparalleled access to world-class opportunities.

With blockchain adoption, we are creating an ecosystem beneficial to all parties – the franchisee, the coin owners and the football community. Our research shows that there is a demand for these facilities and the launch of the Owen Token will accelerate this process and create easier access to training programs, with token adopters also getting benefits as opposed to cash transactions.

Through blockchain, we believe that we will create a world where fans and celebrities can engage with each other directly within a trusted environment. The world evolves, and I think sometimes you’ve got to be brave,” added Owen. 

Internationally recognised blockchain visionaries take stage to inspire future-shaping dialogue at the Summit 

Future Blockchain Summit’s feature-rich conference included top blockchain experts from around the world, with over half making their regional debut, in parallel to the exclusive invite-only Global Leaders Exchange. Alex Tapscott, author of the best-selling Blockchain Revolution, delivered a keynote address on the second day, highlighting the business application of blockchain technology.

Showcasing how the technology behind bitcoin is changing businesses, Alex highlighted how Bitcoin was designed to be cash for the internet, and it today is an innovation working so well that it has set off a spark and captured the imagination of people in every industry. He reiterated that Blockchain technology will have bigger impact than any other technologies as it represents the second era of the internet – the internet of value.  

UAE innovators join global counterparts at sold-out experiential exhibition and conference

In line with Dubai’s ambition of becoming the blockchain capital of the world, several government entities chose Future Blockchain Summit to showcase the progress they’ve made in adopting this disruptive technology, giving visitors a sneak peek into how life will change in the coming decade with the advent of blockchain technology. At Future Blockchain Summit, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Economy, Dubai Land Department, and Dubai Health Authority demonstrated how blockchain will change healthcare records, business, real estate transactions and more.

The Summit also features a never-seen-before experiential exhibition showcasing demos, pilots and gamification of blockchain from over 100 participants aimed to demystify blockchain and unlock multi-billion dollar opportunities for the adopters of this breakthrough technology, which is expected to grow to global blockchain industry, which is expected to grow US$20 billion by 2024. The sold-out exhibition featured UAE based blockchain businesses including Arabian Chain, Evoteq and Block Gemini, showcased the country’s private sector advancements in blockchain innovation.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Summit, His Excellency Khaled Al Huraimel, CEO of Evoteq, said, "At Evoteq, we remain committed to enhancing people’s lives and their online experiences through a complete digital transformation. We are pleased to participate in the Future Blockchain Summit, and use this unique platform to showcase our potential in this technology, while engaging in discussion with industry leaders, and exploring possible collaborations."

Evoteq is a premier technology management company that develops solutions that are one-of-a-kind, aiding the UAE’s transition into the region’s leading digital economy.

Commenting on the state of the blockchain industry in Dubai, Christopher Fernandez, Founder & CEO, Block Gemini said: “The Dubai market is currently thriving, and their Blockchain Strategy 2020 makes it the perfect location for blockchain companies. Without a doubt, blockchain has the potential to reshape the way the global economy functions, powering decentralized and intelligent business ecosystems. The Dubai government and leading enterprises here are constantly searching for innovative solutions and Block Gemini is looking to fill that gap.”

Based in Dubai, Block Gemini is one of the leading blockchain solutions and consultancy provider in the Middle East and North Africa region, specializing in Custom Blockchain Development, ICO Deployment Services and Smart Contract Audits.

Grand Finale for Second Edition of the Smart Dubai Blockchain Challenge kicks off as innovative global blockchain startups grab cash prizes

Kicking of the Grand Finale of the Second Edition of the Smart Dubai Blockchain Challenge, Her Excellency  Dr Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, Director General, Smart Dubai said in her keynote speech today: “As the entity entrusted with the Dubai Blockchain Strategy 2020, launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, Smart Dubai is extremely proud to present the second edition of the global Smart Dubai Blockchain Challenge. This edition has been a phenomenal success as we’ve received 200 applications covering 53 different industries from health to energy and more."

After seeing participation from blockchain startups from 85 cities across the world, the winners of the Smart Dubai Blockchain Challenge, one of the leading global blockchain startup challenges, were announced today. AID:Tech, an innovative blockchain startup from Ireland took the top spot, winning US$20,000 in prize money. Smart Crowd from UAE came in second, winning US$15,000; while Codex from USA placed third, taking home US$10,000. In addition, the top three winners will get a chance to meet government leaders, world investors, network with VIPs and connect with potential customers.

 The 2019 edition of the Future Blockchain Summit will run from April 3-4 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

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© Press Release 2018