Mumbai: AIBC Eurasia’s fifth-anniversary event concluded on a high note, drawing an impressive 14,500 delegates from across the globe. Held at the prestigious Festival Arena in Dubai, the event has firmly established itself as a key platform for discussions on emerging tech, digital transformation, and investment opportunities in the region. Due to overwhelming demand, the venue is set to double in size for the 2026 edition to accommodate the growing interest in the conference.
The event was attended by ambassadors, dignitaries, and influential business leaders, including a special diplomatic luncheon hosted by H.E. Maria Camilleri Calleja, Ambassador of Malta to the UAE. The event provided an opportunity for policy shapers and industry leaders to engage in meaningful discussions about economic growth, investment opportunities, and high-value partnerships.
The AIBC Awards, powered by Fastex, recognized excellence in forward-thinking technology, with 26 awards presented at a glamorous ceremony held at the InterContinental Hotel Dubai Festival City. The evening’s surprise highlight was the appearance of legendary footballer Gregory Van der Wiel, who collected the Best Crypto Operator 2025 award on behalf of 1X.
The event also featured a charitable auction, raising €48,000 to support Foundation projects, including hospital extensions in Iquitos, Peru, and an MMA training centre in São Paulo, Brazil.
AIBC Eurasia also served as a hub for knowledge-sharing, with an expert-led lineup of speakers providing insights into the future of decentralized AI, sustainable investment, and ESG pursuits. High-profile contributors included Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni, CEO of Dubai Blockchain Centre; Dr. Sameer Al Ansari, CEO of RAKDAO; and H.E. Laila Rahhal El Atfani, Founder & CEO at Woman Business Circle.
“AIBC is one of those conferences very close to our heart here in Dubai. It was the first conference right after Covid. We were surprised by how many people came and how eager people were to do business,” enthused Dr Marwan Al Zarouni in his keynote.
This year’s AIBC Pitch showcased some of the most promising startups in AI, blockchain, fintech, and IoT. Finery Markets and LiveDuel emerged victorious, winning valuable investment opportunities and industry recognition. The competition, part of the accelerator initiatives, emphasized supporting innovators with the potential to transform the tech landscape.
The event also featured various networking opportunities, including energizing yoga sessions led by celebrity yoga master Allaoua Gaham, along with multiple networking dinners where C-level executives, operators, suppliers, and affiliates came together to form meaningful business connections.
The summit closed with a celebration at PAPA Dubai, in collaboration with Affiliate World, a premier affiliate marketing event. The partnership between SiGMA and AW has proven fruitful, providing operators with top-tier affiliates to explore new business opportunities.
Looking ahead, SiGMA’s next event will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from March 10–12, 2025. Expected to attract over 2,500 delegates, the event promises a dynamic mix of expert speakers, exhibitions, and high-level networking opportunities, all designed to propel business in Africa’s growing tech and innovation markets.
