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Web 3.0 Expert Kevin O’Leary To Speak At Blockchain Awards
The chairman of O’Leary Ventures and star of ABC’s Shark Tank will deliver a keynote speech at the Middle East Blockchain Awards.

Crypto and future technology enthusiasts worldwide are gearing up for Abu Dhabi’s Middle East Blockchain Awards, which will take place on November 18th. To mark the occasion, web 3.0, blockchain, and cryptocurrency expert Kevin O’Leary will deliver an important keynote speech.
O’Leary will travel to Abu Dhabi as an ambassador of the business expansion initiative known as Access Abu Dhabi. The program is supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and acts as a conduit for businesses entering the city’s thriving startup and innovation ecosystem. O’Leary has traveled to Abu Dhabi three times over the last two years and has considerable experience as a Web 3.0 investor.
“It’s a massive honor to have Kevin O’Leary deliver a keynote speech at the first edition of the Middle East Blockchain Awards. He’s a well-respected and renowned personality on an international level, especially for his work with blockchain and crypto. This is a phenomenal start to what we’re sure will become a long-lived series of Awards ceremonies recognizing some of the region’s finest Web 3.0 achievements,” says Bally Singh, Chairman, and Co-Founder of Hoko Group.
Also Read: Abu Dhabi Airports Exploring Options For Air Taxis
The Middle East Blockchain Awards will be supported by GEM Digital Limited, the headline sponsor, with support from the Abu Dhabi Residents Office, Inery Blockchain, and Everdome, the first hyper-realistic metaverse.
As to the ceremony itself, this year’s MEBA will be held in the beautiful Palm Garden of the five-star W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, on the same weekend as the Formula One races. The black-tie event promises to be a spectacular evening and will be attended by high-profile individuals and a large panel of expert judges.
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PayPal & TerraPay Join Forces For Cross-Border MENA Payments
The collaboration will be especially helpful in regions where traditional banking infrastructure is limited or inconsistent.

PayPal has teamed up with TerraPay to improve cross-border payments across the Middle East and Africa. The move is designed to make it easier and faster for users to send and receive money internationally, especially in regions where traditional banking infrastructure can be limited or inconsistent.
The partnership connects PayPal’s digital payments ecosystem with TerraPay’s global money transfer network. The goal is to streamline real-time transfers between banks, mobile wallets, and financial institutions, significantly improving access for millions of users looking to move money securely and efficiently.
Through the partnership, users will be able to link their PayPal accounts to local banks and mobile wallets using TerraPay’s platform. This means faster transactions and fewer barriers for individuals and businesses across the region.
“The Middle East and Africa are at the forefront of the digital transformation, yet financial barriers still limit growth for many,” said Otto Williams, Senior Vice President, Regional Head and General Manager, Middle East and Africa at PayPal. “At PayPal, we’re committed to changing that […] Together, we’re helping unlock economic opportunity and build a more connected, inclusive financial future”.
For TerraPay, the deal is a chance to scale its reach while reinforcing its mission of frictionless digital transactions.
“Our mission at TerraPay is to create a world where digital transactions are effortless, secure, and accessible to all,” said Ani Sane, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer at TerraPay. He added that the partnership is a major milestone for enhancing financial access in the Middle East and Africa, helping businesses grow and users move funds with fewer limitations.
Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East
The integration also aims to support financial inclusion in a region where access to global banking tools is still uneven. With interoperability at the core, TerraPay can bridge the gap between different financial systems — whether that’s a mobile wallet or a traditional bank — making it easier to send money, pay for services, or grow a business across borders.
As the demand for cross-border payment options continues to rise, both PayPal and TerraPay are doubling down on their commitment to provide reliable, secure, and forward-looking financial tools for the region.