Press Release · CryptoMondays MENA · Dubai
CryptoMondays MENA Launches in Dubai, Bringing Founders, Investors, Traders, and Builders Together
The world’s largest in-real-life Web3 community opened its Middle East and North Africa chapter with 190 registrations, three panels, and a keynote from Minds by Animoca Brands on the 68th floor of the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai.
DUBAI, UAE, September 30, 2026. CryptoMondays, the world’s largest in-real-life Web3 community, officially launched CryptoMondays MENA on Monday, September 28, 2026. The evening of panels, networking, and community building drew 190 registrations to the Tacenda Lounge on the 68th floor of the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, and it delivered on the chapter’s core promise: no pitch-only floors, just a room full of builders who left with more than they brought.
The chapter is led by Vaibhavv Ali, co-founder of Cryptonite UAE, who brought together industry leaders, investors, and founders from across the regional crypto and Web3 ecosystem for the launch.
“MENA already has the builders. What it has not always had is a regular, no-theatre room that connects Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Riyadh, Doha, and Cairo. That is the job. Not another booth crawl. A chapter.”
Vaibhavv Ali, CryptoMondays MENA
Three Panels on Web3, UAE Payments, and Memecoins
The evening’s agenda at the Dubai launch featured three panels on the most pressing topics in Web3 and digital assets:
- Building Web3’s Next Chapter From DubaiModerated by Vaibhavv Ali, with Aishwary Gupta (Global Head of Business, Polygon Labs), CJ Anand (Director of Advisory, Ghaf Labs), and Khalifa Aljaziri Alshehhi (Managing Director, MalyPay).
- Crypto Meets Cash: The UAE’s Wild Payments FutureA conversation on where payments in the UAE are heading, with Saqr Ereiqat (Secretary General, Dubai Digital Asset Association, and Board Member, Marmin.ai) and Khalifa Aljaziri Alshehhi (Managing Director, MalyPay).
- How to Actually Catch a Memecoin in 2026 (Without Getting Burned)A deep dive with trader, investor, and content creator Sanjay Saini.
A Keynote From Minds by Animoca Brands
The program also featured an exclusive keynote from Minds by Animoca Brands, which carried the room into hours of open conversation and networking among founders, investors, traders, and builders from across the UAE and the wider region.
Strong Demand for Builder-First Community in the Region
The turnout underscored strong demand for genuine community spaces in the region’s fast-growing crypto landscape. With 58 active chapters and more than 150,000 members worldwide, CryptoMondays continues its mission to give people a place to learn, earn, and connect. CryptoMondays MENA will serve as a central hub for the region’s builders, uniting founders and investors across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Riyadh, Doha, Cairo, and the other major cities of the Middle East and North Africa.
Partners Behind the CryptoMondays MENA Launch
The launch was made possible with support from Minds by Animoca Brands, BitAngels, OffChain Global, EcoX Dubai, Cryptonite UAE, DATS AWARDS, Proof of Collabs, D2A2, DSRPTD, Aura8, Singapore Blockchain Week, Venture Week, Washington Elite, Liberland, Access Blockchain Association, and CoinEasy.
Vaibhavv Ali is also an official partner and media partner of Blockchain Week – UNGA Edition, the New York blockchain conference held each September during UN General Assembly week.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did CryptoMondays MENA launch?
CryptoMondays MENA launched on Monday, September 28, 2026, at the Tacenda Lounge on the 68th floor of the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Who leads CryptoMondays MENA?
The chapter is led by Vaibhavv Ali, co-founder of Cryptonite UAE.
What is CryptoMondays?
CryptoMondays is the world’s largest in-real-life Web3 community, with 58 active chapters and more than 150,000 members. Every chapter has followed the same rule since 2018: leave with more than you brought.
Which cities does CryptoMondays MENA serve?
The chapter spans Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Riyadh, Doha, Cairo, and the builders working between them across the Middle East and North Africa.
About CryptoMondays MENA
CryptoMondays MENA is the regional home of CryptoMondays, spanning Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Riyadh, Doha, Cairo, and everyone building between them. Like every CryptoMondays chapter since 2018, it runs on one rule: leave with more than you brought. The focus is genuine connection and builder-first networking, with no conference badge required.
Media Contact
Vaibhavv Ali, CryptoMondays MENA / Cryptonite UAE
vali@cryptomondays.io