Positioning Dubai as a Strategic Gateway to the Middle East
Ant Digital Technologies, a pioneer in emerging technologies, recently hosted the inaugural RWA REAL UP Dubai Summit 2025 in Dubai, gathering more than 500 industry leaders, financial institutions, blockchain pioneers, and regulators to explore revolutionary innovations that will shape the future of fintech. The event reinforces Ant Digital Technologies’ global expansion strategy, following the establishment of its international headquarters in Hong Kong, and underscores its commitment to advancing digital finance in the UAE and broader Middle East.
The event highlighted the transformative potential of cutting-edge technologies and how AI and Web3 are empowering the future of finance. In particular, discussions spotlighted the transformative role of Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenisation, enabling digital fractional ownership of high-value assets and unlocking liquidity through blockchain.
During the event, Ant Digital Technologies announced the release of Jovay, a high-speed Layer 2 blockchain tailored for RWA transactions, capable of processing 100,000 transactions per second with a 100ms on-chain response. The platform can seamlessly integrate with Layer 1 blockchains, enhancing their performance and scalability. Part of the company’s “Dual Chains and One Bridge” solutions, Jovay is set to play a pivotal role in transforming trillions of RWAs into tradable digital assets globally, thereby enhancing global liquidity and streamlining the trading of physical assets on the blockchain.
Further showcasing innovation, the company introduced the AI-powered DeTerministic Virtual Machine (DTVM) Stack, which automates smart contract performance optimisation through the integration of multi-language SDKs a core execution engine, and the AI toolkit SmartCogent. Driven by Large Language Models (LLMs) and specialised AI agents, the DTVM Stack automates the smart contract lifecycle, delivering up to 30 times more efficient execution than traditional methods. Fully compatible with the Ethereum ecosystem and now open-sourced, the DTVM Stack marks a significant step toward more scalable and interoperable Web3 development.
Zhuoqun Bian, President of Blockchain Business at Ant Digital Technologies, said, “We have been enthusiastic about the transformative power of blockchain technology across the finance industry and beyond. Leveraging years of expertise in blockchain, IoT, and AI research and development, we look forward to collaborating with global partners to unleash the full potential of real-world assets and propel innovation on a global scale.”
Earlier this month, Ant Digital Technologies chose Hong Kong for its international headquarters to accelerate the overseas expansion of its blockchain and AI technologies amid a global technology surge. The Dubai Summit strategically follows this move, as both cities are recognised for their transparent, forward-thinking regulatory frameworks that support digital assets. Dubai’s pioneering stance, particularly on tokenised securities, has made it a leader in blockchain innovation and a gateway for industry growth. Institutional investors in both cities are increasingly receptive to alternative assets. As pivotal hubs linking the Middle East and Asia, Dubai and Hong Kong enable seamless, round-the-clock market operations.
The Middle East, located in the “solar belt,” offers untapped potential in renewable energy, where assets like solar panels and battery-swapping stations are being tokenised into tradable digital tokens. This model opens new financing channels for energy enterprises and gives global investors access to borderless green investments. By democratising green finance, diverse investor participation is encouraged, creating a more inclusive and liquid market. Ant Digital Technologies has already facilitated transactions for 14 million new energy devices on-chain, setting a global benchmark for tokenised green asset investment.
Dr. Zhao Wenbiao, CEO, added: “Dubai offers a powerful platform to showcase our solutions and connect with visionary investors. Our dual-hub synergy is designed to accelerate digital transformation and sustainable finance across the Middle East and Asia.”
With a solid foundation in Hong Kong and a strategic foothold in Dubai, Ant Digital Technologies is poised to revolutionise the management and trading of real-world assets. At the intersection of Asia and the Middle East, the company’s dedication to technological advancements is paving the way for a more interconnected and efficient economy. Looking ahead, Ant Digital Technologies is set to expand its global footprint, driving innovation and advancing technology development on a global scale.
