News

Kuwait Bans Cryptocurrencies, Putting An End To Virtual Assets

The Gulf state has also prohibited cryptocurrency mining.

Published

1 year ago

July 28, 2023

kuwait bans cryptocurrencies putting and end to virtual assets

Kuwait has enacted a complete ban on virtual asset transactions, making it illegal to digitally trade, transfer, or invest cryptocurrencies in the country. The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) also noted that the ban would extend to mining cryptocurrencies.

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are included in the ban, but the legislation does not extend to digital representations of physical currencies, securities, or other financial assets.

The new law aligns with Kuwait’s 2013 legislation concerning money laundering and terrorist financing. People breaching the regulations could face severe penalties, including fines and even imprisonment.

MENA countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq, have all imposed restrictions or bans on virtual assets over the last few years. However, in stark contrast, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have encouraged the use of digital assets, and cryptocurrencies in particular.

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Binance received a Dubai operating license in March 2022, around the same time the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority was established there. Meanwhile, Bahrain’s Central Bank released a paper on virtual assets in November 2020, outlining how they could best be regulated and used in the Gulf state.

News

“AI Seal” Certification Now Required For Dubai Gov Partnerships

The new mandatory certification is designed to build trust in AI companies and create a reliable network of providers for government and public collaboration.

Published

18 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Nour Nasir

ai seal certification now required for dubai gov partnerships

Dubai Media Office

Dubai has introduced the Dubai AI Seal, a certification designed to establish trust in artificial intelligence (AI) companies and solutions. This initiative, directed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, aims to create a reliable network of AI providers which government entities and businesses can collaborate confidently.

Companies must now obtain the AI Seal to qualify for UAE or Dubai government contracts. The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), which developed the certification, sees it as a competitive edge for companies looking to participate in key national projects. Once certified, businesses will be permitted to showcase the seal across their websites and marketing materials, signaling their credibility and dependability.

The evaluation process will consider six main criteria: the company’s services and operations, the number of employees specializing in AI, ongoing and future projects, as well as existing partnerships with public and private sector entities.

dubai ai seal certification

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, which oversees the DCAI, commented on the initiative’s potential: “This initiative will help create powerful partnerships between the public and private sectors, locally, regionally, and globally. It will help drive new economic opportunities by leveraging AI to serve better the economy, society, and the future we aspire to”.

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The Dubai AI Seal’s goals include providing a clear framework for verifying AI providers, fostering business opportunities for AI companies, and acknowledging the industry’s strategic importance to Dubai’s economy. The initiative emphasizes AI’s role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening collaboration between government bodies and technology firms.

All technology companies operating in Dubai and offering AI-related services or products are eligible to apply for the certification at no cost through the official website.