Abu Dhabi, 10 December 2024: The inaugural Bitcoin MENA 2024 concluded today after another exciting day filled with insights from global Bitcoin sector leaders and innovative features.
As the world’s largest and most recognized conference for promoting the understanding and adoption of Bitcoin and blockchain technology, Bitcoin MENA 2024 united the global bitcoin ecosystem through engaging thought leadership sessions and activations tailored to institutional and retail communities, as well as investors.
In front of a full Falcon Stage crowd, Eric Trump delivered a keynote address, praising Abu Dhabi for its ease of doing business and forward-thinking approach to innovation. While acknowledging the enduring value of tangible assets like real estate, Trump also emphasized Bitcoin’s unique role as a store of value free from mismanagement and governed by blockchain principles. He concluded by expressing his thanks and congratulations to Bitcoin, Abu Dhabi, and the visionaries supporting the cryptocurrency ecosystem, which heralds a bright future for digital assets and their global impact.
In a panel on “Balancing Security & Accessibility: Strategies for Bitcoin Self-Custody,” Stephan Livera, Hector Hoyos (Hoyos Group), Kevin Loaec (Wizardsardine), and Noaf Ereiqat (Block Inc) discussed the importance of securing digital assets, especially private keys crucial to cryptocurrency ownership and transactions. The panel highlighted actionable strategies for managing the delicate balance between security and accessibility, including the use of multi-signature wallets and hardware devices.
Moderated by Prince Filip of Serbia (JAN3), the panel “How to Make Bitcoin & Influence People” featured Daniel Sempere Pico (Viral Bits) and Zuby Udezue (Team Zuby Media). They shared their personal journeys into Bitcoin and its viral growth worldwide. They emphasized the need to resonate with diverse audiences, stressing Bitcoin’s value as a secure, decentralized currency that enables instant, borderless transactions.
In the session “El Salvador: The Leading Bitcoin Country,” moderated by Frank Corva of Bitcoin Magazine, Max and Stacy explored how El Salvador became the world’s first “Bitcoin country.” They discussed how Bitcoin drove forward education and security initiatives that reshaped the country’s global image, attracting cryptocurrency experts and innovators and revitalizing the nation.
The Genesis Stage hosted additional discussions on topics like the rise of hybrid wallets integrating both crypto and traditional financial services, Bitcoin’s value to family offices as a long-term store of value, the resurgence of crypto venture capital, and the growing legitimacy of crypto as an asset class. Institutional confidence in Bitcoin’s role as a portfolio diversifier was also explored.
Other sessions at the Proof of Work Stage focused on Bitcoin’s potential to become a global reserve currency, boosting international trade and investment by mitigating currency fluctuation risks, Bitcoin’s growth in Africa aided by regulatory clarity, the importance for startups of building strong personal brands, and the need for secure custody of client assets in developing financial markets.
