The Web3 ecosystem in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) will see its crypto adoption increased and ecosystem further developed following a new multi-year strategic partnership between Bybit, the cryptocurrency exchange and Ghaf Labs, a MENA-based Web3 boutique advisory and consultancy.
The two companies have aligned on their shared vision of enabling innovation, supporting regulatory clarity and fostering meaningful use cases that integrate blockchain into daily life in the region, and consequently, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). Bybit and Ghaf Labs will provide equity-free grants, startup support, and access to strategic resources for ventures exploring blockchain, AI, and sustainability—sectors central to the region’s digital transformation.
Ghaf Labs, backed by Ghaf Capital Partners — a blockchain-focused private capital firm in Dubai — offers tailored advisory and incubation services to Web3 ventures across MENA. With its strong regional network and regulatory insight, Ghaf Labs scales blockchain projects in the region’s digital economy.
The partnership highlights the real-world utility of crypto through lifestyle applications like the Bybit Card. This product connects digital assets with premium experiences, including exclusive access through partners such as Grand Millennium Hotels in Dubai — demonstrating the role of crypto in elevating travel, luxury, and everyday spending.
The alliance will also elevate the regional event scene, co-branding marquee events like The Crypto Polo Cup and Crypto Fight Night. These gatherings merge luxury, sport, and Web3 culture to amplify awareness and engagement.
With this MoU in place, Bybit and Ghaf Labs will jointly explore innovation funding, institutional integration, and blockchain-powered use cases across finance, hospitality, education, and beyond — contributing to a resilient Web3 infrastructure in MENA.
Educating local talent
The collaboration will also launch a series of education initiatives designed to nurture local Web3 talent. These include university partnerships, bootcamps, and developer hackathons, all aimed at empowering the next generation of blockchain builders.
Additionally, both parties will co-develop educational content to improve Web3 literacy across Arabic- and English-speaking communities in the region.
“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 of Bybit. “From developer tooling to lifestyle integration, we’re building the bridges that bring crypto into everyday life.”
Feras Al Sadek, co-founder and managing partner at Ghaf Labs, added: “This partnership with Bybit reflects our shared commitment to advancing Web3 infrastructure, education, and institutional engagement across the MENA region. Together, we aim to accelerate innovation and continue to position the UAE as a global hub for digital assets.”
