Experiencing Dubai’s AI and Blockchain Momentum

Dubai continues to position itself as a global leader in emerging technologies, and my recent visit offered a firsthand look at this transformation. One of the highlights was exploring Dubai AI Campus, an ambitious hub dedicated to fostering innovation in artificial intelligence and related fields. Designed to attract startups, researchers, and global tech players, the campus serves as a collaborative space where AI meets real-world applications — from finance to healthcare, and beyond. Its modern infrastructure, combined with Dubai’s strategic push for technology adoption, makes it a fertile ground for both established companies and early-stage ventures seeking to scale in the region.

During this trip, I attended a small but dynamic event hosted by a blockchain startup. The gathering may not have had the scale of a global tech expo, but it more than made up for it with meaningful exchanges and genuine networking. Participants ranged from developers to early adopters, all passionate about leveraging blockchain for practical solutions. The discussions were refreshingly candid, with a focus on collaboration rather than competition. In such settings, you get a sense of the grassroots energy that fuels technological progress — a reminder that innovation often starts in small rooms with committed people.

One of the most pleasant surprises of my time in Dubai was reconnecting with Anna from Cointelegram, whom I had last met in Palau about a year ago. Our previous meeting had been brief, but it left an impression, and it was great to catch up in a completely different setting. We exchanged updates on our respective projects, from media initiatives to blockchain integration efforts, and reflected on how quickly the landscape has shifted in just twelve months. Encounters like this — unplanned yet deeply engaging — underscore the importance of maintaining long-term professional relationships in the fast-moving world of crypto and tech.