EDITOR’S NOTE

Being able to bring BLOCK magazine back to Dubai has been an unexpected treat. After all, what better place for a publication dedicated to the emerging tech and digital health sectors than an emirate that has made it its mission to pursue a vision for an economic future driven by innovation and technological advancement.

This issue we explore Woonkly, a company that is making waves for its Metasocial Network - a decentralised social network based on NFTs and IPFs. Read their cover story on page 22.

We’re also tapping into the trends setting this industry up for the future - get to know NFT artist Amrita Sethi, delve into the future of GameFi and Web 3.0 with Hubertus Thornhauser, and find out at how the construction of the largest bitcoin mining facility in the UAE is putting the Middle East on the map.

That being said, here come the thank yous. Firstly to SiGMA Group Founder Eman Pulis, whose fearless leadership has led this company to explore shores beyond its birthplace. Thanks also go to the team behind these pages, Maria, Kyle, and Darlene, to our photographer Robert and of course to Claire for taking the design of this magazine to new heights.

Enjoy the issue, at Woonkly.

We speak to Bijan Alizadeh Fard, co-founder of the largest crypto mining site in the UAE.

The President of Catalunya’s Blockchain Association discusses the future of blockchain.

Investing in and mentoring projects that add value to the Blockchain ecosystem.

Hubertus Thornhouser discusses the future of GameFi and Web 3.0.

AIBC Pitch winners Mysa Finance share the latest on their upcoming projects.

Med-Tech Pitch’s first winner Tanya Colonna on the benefits of preventative care.

SwissBorg discusses how the gaming sector is leveraging blockchain technology.

A quick dive into a new generation of Financial Information Exchange Networks with Louis Bellet.

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Get to know the key figures in the affiliate marketing and gaming scene.

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Looking to the future, the way forward feels full of possibilities and opportunity. We could think of no better way to kickstart the year than to return to Dubai for our first event of the year.

The supershow, which follows a successful first launch in 2021, opens under the prestigious patronage of the Private Office of His Highness Sheik Saqer Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and His Excellency Adnan Al Noorani, and offers exceptional opportunities for expanding your network in one of the most-forward thinking regions when it comes to technology.

With a vision of the future firmly focused on innovation and technological advancement, the emirate continues to establish itself as a leader worth following, a nexus for the kind of investment and entrepreneurship that promises to define this era.

Drawing the leading figures of the emerging tech world, the expo aims to strengthen connections between policy makers, influencers, and investors, to spark good ideas to life, and to share knowledge. This coming together inspires the growth of this flourishing hub - attracting a new generation of entrepreneurs as the UAE continues to make its mark on the world blockchain map.

Later on in the year we’ll also be launching an ambitious plan for several new shows, establishing a foothold in other regions envisaging a similarly bright future, such as Canada. We hope to see you then.

Enjoy the show,