14,500 Turn Out For AIBC Eurasia: Bigger Venue Coming 2026
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AIBC Eurasia celebrated its 5th anniversary with 14,500 attendees. The venue will double in size for 2026, making way for an even bigger event.
The fifth edition of AIBC Eurasia has wrapped up with huge success, welcoming 14,500 global delegates to the Festival Arena in Dubai. As the event continues to grow in influence and scale, organizers have confirmed that the venue will double in size for 2026, accommodating increasing demand and expanding AIBC’s footprint in the region.
Ambassadors, Dignitaries and Business Leaders
Hosted by the SiGMA Group, alongside H.E. Maria Camilleri Calleja, Ambassador of Malta to the UAE, the summit brought together an exclusive delegation of ambassadors, business leaders, and policymakers. A diplomatic business luncheon provided a unique forum for discussing strategic economic growth areas and high-value investment opportunities, followed by a guided tour of the expo.
Prestigious Awards and Auction
The AIBC Awards Gala, powered by Fastex, celebrated 26 trailblazing individuals and companies leading innovation in the tech space. The ceremony at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City’s Al Baraha Ballroom featured a surprise appearance by football legend Gregory Van der Wiel, who accepted the Best Crypto Operator 2025 award on behalf of 1X.
Closing the evening, a charitable auction raised €48,000, supporting projects such as a hospital extension in Iquitos, Peru, and an MMA training and learning center in São Paulo, Brazil.
Leading the Conversation: An Expert-Led Lineup
With Dubai cementing its status as a global tech hub, AIBC Eurasia attracted top-tier speakers discussing sustainable investment, ESG, and the future of decentralized AI. Key speakers included well-known names, such as Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni, CEO of Dubai Blockchain Centre, Dr. Sameer Al Ansari, CEO of RAKDAO, Belal Jassoma, Director of Ecosystems at DMCC, Marcello Mari, Founder of SingularityDAO, Dr. Jane Thomason, Emeritus Chair of the World Metaverse Council, H.E. Laila Rahhal El Atfani, CEO of Woman Business Circle.
Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni said in his keynote speech:
“AIBC is one of those conferences very close to our heart here in Dubai. It was the first conference right after Covid, and we were amazed by how eager people were to do business.”
Football icons Didier Drogba and Gregory Van der Wiel made star appearances, thrilling attendees at 1X Affiliate and MLB’s stands. Meanwhile, innovation took center stage at AIBC Pitch Dubai, where Finery Markets and LiveDuel triumphed in fierce competition, gaining exposure to leading VCs and investors.
Pitch Perfect: Finery Markets and LiveDuel Emerge Victorious
AIBC is committed to fostering innovation and supporting the next wave of tech pioneers. This year, they doubled down on empowering startups in AI, blockchain, fintech, IoT, and beyond—providing them with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities needed to thrive.
At AIBC Pitch Dubai, a high-stakes startup showdown, Finery Markets, and LiveDuel emerged victorious, standing out among six cutting-edge companies competing for investment, visibility, and industry recognition. The event, held as part of AIBC Eurasia, connected promising startups with top investors, VCs, and accelerators, fueling the future of emerging technology.
Networking Meets Business
Networking remained at the heart of AIBC Eurasia, with curated experiences ranging from celebrity-led yoga sessions with Allaoua Gaham to exclusive dinners connecting C-level executives, operators, and affiliates. The event wrapped up with a grand closing party at PAPA Dubai, held in collaboration with Affiliate World (AW)—a premier affiliate marketing event.
Next Up: SiGMA Africa
Next on the SiGMA agenda is SiGMA Africa, set to take place from March 10-12 at GrandWest, Cape Town. Powered by Alea, the event is expected to attract 2,500 delegates, featuring 150+ expert speakers, top-tier exhibitors, and unparalleled networking opportunities.