Unchained Summit Cements Dubai's Role as Web3's Institutional Hub

DUBAI, UAE – December 29, 2025 – As the global Web 3.0 sector pivots from speculative fervor to institutional integration, Dubai is solidifying its status as the de facto capital for this new phase of digital innovation. The upcoming Unchained Summit, scheduled for May 1st and 2nd, 2026, at the W Dubai – The Palm, is set to underscore this shift, promising a platform laser-focused on deal-flow, enterprise adoption, and high-level strategic partnerships.

Organized by B2B events firm Aeternum, the summit is designed to serve a maturing market that demands more than just surface-level networking. With an expected attendance of over 1,500 builders, investors, and policymakers, the event aims to bridge the gap between high-growth Web 3.0 founders and the institutional capital required to scale. This focus on tangible outcomes reflects a broader trend in the United Arab Emirates, which has successfully transitioned from a hopeful contender to a globally recognized leader in the digital asset economy.

Dubai's Ascendancy: From Digital Oasis to Global Web3 Capital

The UAE's claim as one of the world's most credible markets for Web 3.0 is no longer a marketing slogan but a reality backed by decisive action and measurable growth. The nation has moved beyond merely positioning itself as a digital hub; it is now a jurisdiction where large-scale adoption and meaningful innovation are actively taking place. This transformation is built on a foundation of robust regulatory frameworks and a clear vision from its leadership.

Regulatory bodies like Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) have provided the clarity and security that institutional players crave. By establishing comprehensive rules that align with international standards, such as those from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the UAE has created a safe harbor for legitimate digital asset businesses. This has attracted a wave of global talent and capital, with the region recording over $30 billion in crypto inflows between July 2023 and June 2024.

Government initiatives like the Dubai Metaverse Strategy, which aims to add $4 billion to the city's economy by 2030, further signal a long-term commitment. This proactive stance has made Dubai a magnet for Web 3.0 companies, venture capitalists, and the infrastructure providers building the next generation of the internet.

A Curated Roster for an Evolving Industry

The initial list of speakers announced for Unchained Summit 2026 is a testament to the event's focus on substance over spectacle. The lineup intentionally brings together leaders from across the digital asset ecosystem and traditional enterprise, reflecting the convergence that defines the industry's current stage.

The roster includes figures like Yat Siu, Co-Founder of metaverse powerhouse Animoca Brands, and Eowyn Chen, CEO of the widely-used Trust Wallet, representing the core of the Web 3.0 space. They are joined by leaders from crucial infrastructure and protocol layers, such as David Norris, CFO & CSO of the NEAR Foundation, and Andrew Vranjes, Chief Revenue Officer at institutional infrastructure provider Blockdaemon.

Crucially, the summit is also bridging the gap with traditional finance and Big Tech. The inclusion of Anthony Bassili, President of Coinbase Asset Management, and Richard Wang, Partner at venture firm Draper Dragon, highlights the deep involvement of institutional capital. Perhaps most indicative of the industry's maturation is the participation of Akshay Dalal, Head of Regional Risk & Compliance at Google. His presence signals the growing importance of building Web 3.0 with integrity and aligning innovation with established principles of risk management.

“Web 3.0 represents a pivotal shift in how we interact with data, identity, and trust,” Dalal stated. “As regulatory frameworks begin to catch up, I believe the convergence of Web 3.0 and AI can unlock transformative potential, if we build it with responsibility, resilience, and real-world value in mind. I’m excited to bring a risk and compliance lens to the Unchained Summit in Dubai, helping bridge innovation with integrity.”

Reflecting on the summit's importance, Yat Siu of Animoca Brands noted, “Events like Unchained Summit matter because they help people understand why the industry exists in the first place.” He emphasized that collaboration is essential for an industry that, despite its trillion-dollar valuation, remains a small part of the global economy. “Unchained Summit plays a key role in bringing the community closer and creating the connections that push the industry forward.”

Beyond Networking: A New Blueprint for Industry Summits

While Dubai's event calendar is crowded with tech and crypto conferences, Aeternum is carving out a distinct niche. Unchained Summit explicitly targets the market gap for a highly curated, outcome-driven platform. The previous edition of the summit reportedly hosted investors managing over $27 billion in assets, with a remarkable 80% of attendees being key decision-makers.

The event's architecture is designed to move beyond passive panel discussions and toward active engagement. Organizers have planned structured investor-founder meetings, curated one-to-one introductions, and dedicated spaces for enterprise teams to collaborate with infrastructure builders. The goal is to foster an environment where tangible partnerships are formed and deployment strategies are finalized.

Sharath Kumar, Founder and CEO of Aeternum, articulated this vision clearly: “Following the success of our first edition, Unchained Summit returns at a time when the UAE has become a place where globally significant developments can be executed, not just discussed. The Summit is built to help companies, investors, and enterprises engage with intent, close meaningful partnerships, and drive real outcomes.”

This sentiment is echoed by other industry leaders. Nic Puckrin, CEO of Coin Bureau, who will also be speaking, added, “Happy to be speaking at Unchained Summit in Dubai and to share a clear view on where the crypto markets may be heading next. The industry is moving through a defining period, and informed analysis matters more than ever.”

By prioritizing senior participation and structured engagement, the summit aims to become the premier B2B platform for serious players in the Web 3.0 space. It serves as a barometer for an industry that is increasingly measured not by hype, but by its ability to integrate with the global economy, solve real-world problems, and attract the world's largest financial institutions. As May 2026 approaches, the global Web 3.0 community will be watching Dubai to see what new collaborations and innovations emerge from this focused gathering of industry titans.