HODL 2025 Closes Groundbreaking Dubai Edition, Sets Sights on Riyadh for Its 31st Global Summit

The Dubai edition of HODL 2025 wrapped up this May at the iconic Madinat Jumeirah, marking a major milestone for the global Web3 summit series. As its 30th international edition—and the first under its refreshed identity post-World Blockchain Summit—this event delivered high-impact conversations, key industry insights, and a strong push toward regional Web3 growth.

A Powerhouse Gathering in the Heart of Dubai

In coordination with the Dubai FinTech Summit, HODL 2025 brought together more than just tech enthusiasts. From regulators to venture capitalists, DAO leaders to institutional investors, the summit became a melting pot of voices pushing the decentralized agenda forward. More than 50 sessions tackled topics ranging from DeFi’s evolution and asset tokenization to the future of NFTs, AI convergence with blockchain, and disruptive governance models.

The sessions weren’t just theoretical. Panels like “Crypto Rulebook: Global Best Practices” featured influential names like Dyma Budorin and Samir Safar-Aly, who didn’t shy away from discussing the current regulatory lag and the need for cooperative innovation. Another notable session explored how insurance models are evolving for digital assets, with insights from Joseph Ziolkowski pointing out the $6 trillion insurance market as a key pillar of sustainability in crypto finance.

Networking Meets Deal-Making

Beyond the stage, the event provided fertile ground for high-level networking and investor matchmaking. Strategic partnerships were seeded in private roundtables and exclusive meetups, all framed by the kind of access only events like HODL can deliver. From founders to policymakers, everyone had a seat at the table.

The conference also garnered major media attention, thanks in part to its strong media partnerships. Outlets like CNN Business Arabic, Khaleej Times, and Arabian Business were among those amplifying its voice globally. The event was further backed by top-tier sponsors like Liquid Loans, Coinvoyage, TCS, and others, underlining the confidence major players have in HODL’s role as a global Web3 convener.

The Road to Riyadh: HODL’s Next Global Stop

Closing the Dubai chapter, organizers announced the next big destination: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 31st edition of HODL will take place this December, as the Kingdom continues to position itself as a serious contender in the global tech and finance scene.

Saudi Arabia’s rapid embrace of blockchain aligns with its Vision 2030 agenda. The country is already laying down the regulatory groundwork to support digital asset innovation, with institutional adoption gaining pace. Riyadh’s edition of HODL will spotlight key focus areas like virtual asset regulations, institutional DeFi, public-private blockchain collaboration, and sector-specific Web3 solutions across finance, logistics, and real estate.

A Platform Built for the Future

Since 2017, HODL has evolved from the legacy of the World Blockchain Summit into a global movement. With 30 editions across major cities like Singapore, Bangkok, and Dubai, it has remained a consistent force in connecting disruptive projects with decision-makers, funding, and regulatory alignment.

Now, as it heads to Riyadh, HODL continues to serve as a launchpad for shaping the decentralized economy—not just through tech, but through real-world action, regional collaboration, and global participation.

Riyadh is more than just the next stop—it’s a statement that the future of Web3 won’t be built in silos. It will be built through collective vision, regional leadership, and strategic alignment, all of which HODL 2025 aims to deliver.