DMCC has signed a partnership agreement on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos with Switzerland-based investment company CV VC, and its subsidiary CV Labs, to create the world’s largest ecosystem for cryptographic, blockchain and distributed ledger technologies in Dubai.

Announcing the strategic tie-up, DMCC said that ‘DMCC Crypto Valley’, as the initiative is being called, is designed to foster growth, collaboration and integrity across the global blockchain economy.

The set up will offer a variety of services including incubation for early-stage startups, co-working facilities, innovation services for corporate clients, blockchain and entrepreneurship training, education, events, mentoring and funding.

“DMCC is delighted to sign this agreement with CV VC, and launch the Crypto Valley in Dubai, at the very heart of Dubai’s leading business district,” said Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC.

“The launch of the Crypto Valley in DMCC will enhance the city’s dynamic business environment, and support the wider strategy of the UAE Government to attract the innovators, entrepreneurs and pioneers that will shape the future economy,” he added.

Under the commits both parties will collaborate and develop a comprehensive DMCC Blockchain Strategy that is aligned with the Emirates Blockchain Strategy 2021, and supports the Dubai Blockchain Strategy launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.

"We are thrilled to move into the MENA region with DMCC as a strong local partner. In our opinion the competence from Crypto Valley based companies will support the ambitious goals and strategy to use blockchain in Dubai and beyond. On the other side, the capital from the MENA region could help to build even more successful projects and startups and foster the settlement of new blockchain focused companies in the UAE," said Ralf Glabischnig, Founder of CV VC and CV Labs.

“We are looking forward to bringing our strong partners from Crypto Valley to Dubai, like CoreLedger, inacta, Lykke, and Tezos which are already active in the MENA region,” he added.

Research from DMCC’s Future of Trade report found that blockchain could help reduce up to 20 per cent of the actual physical paper costs associated with global trade, currently estimated at AED 6.6 trillion (US$ 1.8 trillion). DMCC is a member of the Global Blockchain Council, established in October 2019 to explore, discuss current and future applications, and organise transactions through the blockchain platform.