13 February 2026
The HODL 2025 event, which concluded its most spectacular Dubai edition today at Madinat Jumeirah, has once again proven its value as a platform for collaboration and innovation in the decentralized economy. The event brought together blockchain pioneers, Web3 innovators and leaders from the DeFi sector, as well as regulators and institutional investors from around the world. The event coincided with the Dubai FinTech Summit, underlining the importance of continuing to shape the future of finance in the region.
This edition marks a major milestone for HODL. It was the 30th global edition and the first since the World Blockchain Summit to HODL, focused on deeper engagement, broader ecosystem support, and global relevance.
Over the course of two days, over fifty sessions were held, covering topics such as Blockchain Market Trends 2025, Innovative Governance for Virtual Assets, and DeFi Evolution. We delved into the ever-growing impact of AI in combination with blockchain, the tokenization of real assets, and the future of NFTs and the Metaverse.
Attendees include decision makers from various governments, blockchain networks, crypto exchanges, venture capital funds, and DAOs, alongside founders, CTOs, developers, and asset managers.
During the panel discussion on the Crypto Rulebook: Global Best Practices & Regulatory Measures Dyma Budorin expressed his ambition to create an ideal ecosystem for entrepreneurs. Samir Safar-Aly stressed the need for regulations to evolve. In addition, during the session on Insuring the Future of Crypto Clearly, insurance is a foundation for sustainability in the $6 trillion crypto space.
HODL 2025 also offered high-quality networking and investor meetings, creating a fertile ground for dealmaking and strategic partnerships. The event was supported by an impressive list of sponsors who contributed to the success of this edition, establishing HODL 2025 as a key gathering for the global Web3 community.
With the successful Dubai edition, HODL now looks to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the 2025st Global Edition will take place in December 31. Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging in the world of technology and finance, thanks in part to ambitious plans under Vision 2030. The country is making significant strides in the digital assets and blockchain space, and with growing institutional interest and clear regulations, Riyadh is an ideal next step for HODL.
The upcoming edition will focus on topics such as regulatory frameworks supporting virtual assets and tokenization, DeFi and digital asset adoption by institutions, and public-private partnerships on blockchain infrastructure. Saudi Arabia has the potential to become a leading player in the future of decentralized finance, and HODL Riyadh will accelerate this journey.
HODL, born from the legacy of the iconic World Blockchain Summit, is the longest-running blockchain event series in the world. Since 2017, HODL has provided a platform for blockchain dealmaking and innovation, connecting disruptive projects with investors, companies and governments.
What was the focus of HODL 2025 in Dubai?
The focus was on exploring innovative themes such as blockchain market trends, governance for virtual assets and the impact of AI on blockchain.
Why is Riyadh the next destination for HODL?
Riyadh is rapidly emerging as a technology and financial hub thanks to Vision 2030, with clear regulations and growing institutional interest in digital assets.
What makes HODL unique?
HODL is the longest running blockchain event series in the world and provides a platform for both dealmaking and innovation, playing a vital role in connecting the blockchain community.
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