In this exclusive interview with Bader Al Kalooti, Regional Growth & Operations Lead for Binance MENASAT, we get an insider’s look at the highly anticipated Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai. Bader gives us an insight into this year’s theme, “Momentum,” while discussing breakthrough trends in blockchain and how Binance is leading the charge in shaping the future of digital assets in the MEASAT region. Find out how this global event is set to spark innovation, connect industry leaders, and accelerate the region’s role as a powerhouse in the world of decentralized finance.
Binance Blockchain Week is just around the corner, what will the event focus on this year?
As Binance Blockchain Week returns to Dubai with gusto, the theme for this year has been aptly named ‘Momentum’. This not only highlights the Middle East’s imperative role in the global digital economy but is also an ode to the ways in which blockchain technology and the decentralized financial industries have evolved—and the further growth we aim to achieve in the years ahead.
With new technology emerging and countries worldwide gradually easing regulatory restrictions, the industry’s community has grown by leaps and bounds, paving the way for easier entry for newcomers and innovative solutions for developers and enthusiasts alike. Binance Blockchain Week is a celebration of these accomplishments and an event to inspire future progress.
Beyond its impact, Binance Blockchain Week will feature some of the most influential and educational leaders within the industry and is an opportunity to network with some of the most fast-paced networks and ecosystems in the world. There is no doubt that the digital asset community evolves quickly, and there’s no better way to keep up than meeting the industry in person, getting excited about its latest developments, and perhaps sparking the next wave of leaders and innovators who aim to push beyond the limits of decentralized finance.
Who can attend Blockchain Week and what’s in it for them?
Binance Blockchain Week is open to everyone—whether you’re a degen, a developer, or someone new to the space with a general interest in the industry. The talks and panels will cover a wide range of topics, including technology, regulation, community impact, and more. Our goal is for everyone — whether they’re an expert or a novice — to walk away having learned something new.
What are some trends and developments that you’re excited to see in the cryptocurrency arena and how is Binance preparing for them?
One of the developments I’m most excited about is the growing interoperability and integration of the Internet of Things within the blockchain space. In recent years, interoperability has been at the forefront of technological advancements. Now, we’re entering a phase where we’re gaining a deeper understanding of how the industry will facilitate mass connectivity and communication between different platforms and networks—where each ecosystem functions like a connected city rather than an isolated island.
This new era of interoperability is designed not just for developers but for end users as well. As the industry builds more connected tools and services, these advancements help simplify the user experience, flatten the learning curve, and lower barriers to entry — ultimately expanding the global community.
How do you foresee the integration of blockchain, digital assets, and traditional finance evolving in the MEASAT region over the next few years?
The MEASAT region has flourished within the blockchain and digital asset space in recent years, becoming a hub for innovation. While some regions are cautious about the rise of decentralized finance, this region has embraced these changes with curiosity and exploration. Additionally, it helps that as an industry, digital asset users and developers are fueled by curiosity and love to push the boundaries of traditional finance, asking the questions that we have been told not to ask.
In the coming years, I expect this growth to continue. Many companies and platforms have already migrated to the region, and I believe this is just the beginning of the blockchain narrative here. Although the presence of these industries in the Middle East is still in its early stages, I envision the region becoming a global hub where forward-thinking ideologies, communities, and advancements flourish.
That said, digital finance may not completely replace traditional finance, nor will digital assets necessarily become the future of transactions. However, perhaps there will be a time when the Middle East emerges as the centre for blockchain advancements, using the technology to enhance existing systems, such as supply chains, healthcare records, real estate, and beyond.
How does Binance navigate the regulatory landscape in MEASAT, and what challenges and opportunities does this present?
As crypto asset networks continue to carve out their space within the global financial landscape, navigating a maze of regulations and varying levels of acceptance, regulatory compliance has become an indispensable pillar for ensuring long-term growth and trust within the industry.
For Binance, compliance with regulatory frameworks isn’t just a requirement—it’s a key component of our operational strategy. Regulatory compliance has become the cornerstone of our approach as we work to unify and grow communities of users worldwide. This is especially true in regions like the Middle East, where the rise of digital assets and digital transformation is not only welcomed but encouraged.
As a company, our goal is to nurture governmental relationships and strengthen our regulatory compliance. For example, Binance has recently acquired the VASP license in the UAE and became the first crypto exchange to be granted the CAT4 license in Bahrain—an unprecedented regulatory achievement. These milestones allow Binance to offer its full range of services to more customers and investors in the region and connect users in the Middle East to the rest of the world.
On a personal note, what initially drew you to the field of Web3, digital assets, and by extension, to Binance?
Web3 and digital assets hold a transformative potential that interests me. The idea of decentralization, financial inclusion, and the ability to empower individuals globally through blockchain technology fascinated me.
Joining Binance was a natural extension of this passion. Binance is at the forefront of innovation in the digital asset space, constantly pushing boundaries and setting new standards. The opportunity to be part of a dynamic team that is shaping the future of finance and technology was something that I wanted to be part of.
Being at Binance allows me to contribute to that mission and aligns with my professional aspirations, making it an incredibly fulfilling journey.