Ripple Boosts Blockchain Payments in UAE Amid AI and Crypto Innovation

Ripple Launches Cross-Border Blockchain Payments in UAE

Ripple, the creator of the cryptocurrency XRP, has launched cross-border blockchain payments in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to Cointelegraph. The two principal partners, Zand Bank—the UAE’s first all-digital bank—and Mamo, a fintech company, will utilize the Ripple Payments platform. This platform combines stablecoins, cryptocurrency, and fiat currency to enable payments and quick settlement times, addressing inefficiencies such as high fees, long settlement times, and lack of transparency in traditional cross-border payment systems.

Ripple received a license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) in March, allowing it to offer crypto payments in the region. Reece Merrick, Ripple’s managing director for the Middle East and Africa, emphasized that this license enables Ripple to better serve the demand for efficient cross-border payment solutions in one of the world’s largest payment hubs. The UAE was ranked 56th out of 151 countries for crypto adoption by Chainalysis in 2024, with high scores in decentralized finance, stablecoin use, and altcoins. The country has also recognized Tether’s USDt (USDT) and Circle’s USDC and EURC as virtual assets and continues to develop a digital dirham. On May 19, Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) announced increased oversight for crypto asset activities, with a 30-day transition period for compliance by June 19.

Key Developments	Details
Partners	Zand Bank, Mamo
Platform	Ripple Payments (stablecoins, crypto, fiat)
DFSA License	Granted in March
UAE Crypto Adoption Rank	56/151 (Chainalysis, 2024)
VARA Oversight Deadline	June 19

Summary: Ripple’s entry into the UAE market, supported by regulatory approval and partnerships with local digital banks and fintechs, marks a significant step in the region’s adoption of blockchain-based payment solutions. (Source: Cointelegraph)

AI-Blockchain Convergence: Driving Innovation in Energy Systems

According to SiliconANGLE, the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain is transforming the energy sector by making systems smarter, more efficient, and transparent. Bill Tai, co-founder and chairman of ACTAI Global, highlighted that blockchain enables peer-to-peer energy trading, while AI optimizes energy consumption. Tai referenced Powerledger, a decentralized energy trading system, as an example of how blockchain serves as the backbone for contractual energy transactions, with crypto as the payment mechanism and AI providing automated load balancing.

ACTAI Global promotes innovation and sustainability in clean energy, and the AI-blockchain convergence supports this mission by enhancing efficiency and transparency. Tai also discussed the transformation of Hut 8 Corp. from a bitcoin mining company into a vertically integrated energy infrastructure and digital compute platform. He cited Eric Schmidt’s testimony before Congress, noting that data centers currently consume 3% of America’s energy, with projections rising to 97% by 2027, requiring 27 gigawatts—equivalent to 27 nuclear power plants—within two years, and 63 more in the following three years.

Blockchain enables direct, peer-to-peer energy trading.
AI helps optimize and balance energy loads automatically.
Hut 8 Corp. is pivoting to address energy infrastructure needs.
Projected U.S. data center energy demand: 27 gigawatts by 2027.

Summary: The integration of AI and blockchain is set to revolutionize energy systems, supporting sustainability and efficiency while addressing the massive energy demands of the digital age. (Source: SiliconANGLE)

Morningstar reports that Toobit, an award-winning cryptocurrency exchange, is participating as a Platinum Sponsor at Dutch Blockchain Week 2025 (DBW25), held from May 19 to 25. The event, organized by the BCNL Foundation, is one of Europe’s leading blockchain gatherings, bringing together industry leaders, developers, investors, and regulators to discuss innovations in digital assets and decentralized technologies. Toobit will host a booth at the Dutch Blockchain Summit at Amsterdam’s Meervaart Theater on May 21 and 22.

Toobit’s involvement follows its previous Platinum Sponsorship at Web3 Amsterdam earlier in the year, reflecting its growing presence in the Netherlands and commitment to engaging with the European crypto ecosystem. The event will focus on trends in security, accessibility, and innovations in crypto trading. Toobit aims to showcase its latest trading solutions, explore partnerships, and connect with the broader blockchain community.

Event: Dutch Blockchain Week 2025 (May 19–25)
Location: Amsterdam’s Meervaart Theater (Summit: May 21–22)
Organizer: BCNL Foundation
Focus: Security, accessibility, crypto trading innovations

Summary: Toobit’s Platinum Sponsorship at Dutch Blockchain Week 2025 underscores its commitment to the European blockchain ecosystem and highlights the event’s role as a hub for industry collaboration and innovation. (Source: Morningstar)

VanEck Launches NODE ETF to Tap Blockchain’s Next Chapter

Benzinga reports that VanEck has launched the Onchain Economy ETF (NODE), an actively managed fund designed for pragmatic blockchain optimists. Rather than chasing volatility, NODE adjusts its holdings based on how closely a company’s valuation is tied to bitcoin’s price swings. The fund includes companies across several verticals: crypto-native firms (exchanges, miners), data center and compute providers, fintech and blockchain-integrated commerce platforms, and established players entering digital assets.

NODE’s unique “Bitcoin sensitivity framework” allows the portfolio to reduce risk during speculative peaks and increase exposure when market dislocations create opportunities. Matthew Sigel, VanEck’s Head of Digital Assets Research and Portfolio Manager for NODE, stated that the portfolio will not be static, with beta and volatility adjusted to maintain responsible exposure. The fund can also invest in bitcoin and crypto-related ETPs to further manage exposure while maintaining its thematic focus.

Key Features	Details
Fund Type	Actively managed ETF
Launch Date	May 14
Strategy	Adjusts holdings based on Bitcoin sensitivity
Verticals	Crypto-native, data centers, fintech, incumbents

Summary: VanEck’s NODE ETF offers a flexible, risk-adjusted approach to blockchain investment, targeting the infrastructure of the onchain economy without exposing investors to excessive volatility. (Source: Benzinga)

Alfa Romeo: Blockchain-Based NFT Certificates for Vehicle History

ItalPassion details how Alfa Romeo continues to integrate blockchain technology into its vehicles, following the 2022 launch of the Tonale SUV, which was the first mass-produced vehicle to feature an NFT digital certificate. This certificate, based on blockchain, records data such as mileage and maintenance, creating a tamper-proof digital identity card for the vehicle. The technology is now present in the new Junior compact SUV and the restyled Giulia and Stelvio models.

While the initial hype around NFTs has faded, Alfa Romeo maintains the technology as a tool for transparency, particularly to enhance the residual value of its models for corporate fleets and used car buyers. The NFT certificate is not a connected gadget but an external, encrypted digital register linked to the vehicle’s identification number, available at the customer’s request. Alfa Romeo is the only brand in the Stellantis Group known to offer such a system, which aims to provide credibility and reassurance in the used car market.

"In the used car market, NFT certification represents an additional source of credibility that owners or distribution networks will be able to rely on." — Alfa Romeo (as cited by ItalPassion)

First introduced: Tonale SUV (2022)
Current models: Junior, Giulia, Stelvio
Purpose: Certify vehicle history, enhance residual value
System: External blockchain-based certificate, not a connected device

Summary: Alfa Romeo’s continued use of blockchain-based NFT certificates sets it apart in the automotive industry, providing a unique tool for transparency and trust in the used car market. (Source: ItalPassion)

Sources: