Held on 29 April to coincide with the TOKEN2049 conference, the event gathered top investors, technologists, public officials and entrepreneurs in what organisers described as an “awards-as-networking experience”. Now in its second year, MEBA has become one of the most high-profile celebrations of digital innovation in the region.
The ceremony was hosted by impact speaker and entrepreneur Lilly Douse and Scott Melker, Host of The Wolf Of All Streets Podcast and #CryptoTownHall.
The event was also organised by the Hoko Group. Winners were selected by a judging panel comprising some of the most respected names in blockchain and fintech.
The 2025 winners included:
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Best GameFi Project: Astro Armadillos
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Best RWA Tokenization Project: Hash AI
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Most Promising Web3 Ecosystem: Propchain (powered by prop.com)
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Best Blockchain Development Solution: Chainsight
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Top Crypto Influencer: Ran Neuner
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Best Web3 Financial Community: Real Vision
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Most Influential Woman in Blockchain and Crypto: Nikita Sachdev
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Most Promising Crypto Media Agency: Credibility X
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Best Blockchain Analytics Solution: Crystal Intelligence
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Most Influential Person in Blockchain and Crypto: Acme Worawat
Max Palethorpe, founder and CEO of Hoko Group, said: “The Middle East Blockchain Awards provides a platform to recognise achievements in blockchain and digital transformation. With the UAE leading developments in Web 3.0, this year’s event highlights the work of industry leaders pushing boundaries across blockchain, AI, and fintech.”
Returning judge Dr Marwan Al Zarouni, CEO of the Dubai Blockchain Center, added: “I am pleased to be part of the judging panel again and to witness the continued development of blockchain technologies in the MENA region. The UAE’s regulatory approach and innovation ecosystem are driving adoption across Web 3.0 technologies.”
The full judging panel included:
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Dr Marwan Al Zarouni, CEO, Dubai Blockchain Center
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Scott Melker, Host of The Wolf Of All Streets Podcast and #CryptoTownHall
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Jumana Al Darwish, Impact Entrepreneur and Web3 Investor, Founder of The Happy Box
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Megan Plisky, Web3 Leader and Strategic Advisor
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Matthias Mende, Founder & CEO of Bonuz and Co-Founder of the Dubai Blockchain Center
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Saqr Ereiqat, Secretary General of the Dubai Digital Asset Association and Co-Founder of Crypto Oasis Ventures
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Gareth van Zyl, Group Editor, Gulf Business
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Jorge Sebastião, Co-Founder of the Global Blockchain Organisation and Co-Founder of EcoX
As blockchain and digital assets continue to accelerate across the region, MEBA has positioned itself as a platform not only for recognition, but also for collaboration. This year’s event put an emphasis on real-world impact — aiming to foster strategic partnerships and investment opportunities across its network of winners and attendees.
The UAE continues to assert itself as a global blockchain hub. Chainalysis data reveals that between July 2023 and June 2024, the MENA region saw $338.7bn in on-chain transaction volume. The UAE accounted for $34bn of that figure — a 42 per cent year-on-year increase — while Henley & Partners ranks the country third globally in digital currency usage.
With Web3 growth accelerating, MEBA 2025 underscores Dubai’s role as a leader in digital innovation and its ambition to shape the future of finance, tech, and governance.
For more information, visit: www.mebawards.io
