UAE Takes the Lead in the Middle East’s Digital Currency Race

The post UAE Takes the Lead in the Middle East’s Digital Currency Race appeared com. Fintech What began as a concept on paper has now moved into reality. The United Arab Emirates has executed its first live transaction using a central bank digital currency, setting in motion one of the most ambitious financial technology overhauls in the Middle East. Key Takeaways The UAE has completed its first live Digital Dirham transfer through the mBridge blockchain system. The trial confirms operational readiness ahead of a phased rollout beginning in 2025. The initiative places the UAE at the forefront of the global CBDC race, linking Gulf and Asian payment systems. The project’s early focus is on government and interbank payments, not consumer use. This inaugural transfer, carried out between federal and local institutions, was less about the amount exchanged and more about what it represents: the UAE’s intent to anchor its financial future in programmable, instant, blockchain-based money. A Symbolic Two-Minute Test The transaction, completed in under two minutes, was processed through the government’s blockchain settlement network known as mBridge a platform co-developed with China, Hong Kong, and Thailand. To outsiders, it may seem like a technical demonstration, but within the region’s financial circles, it marks a clear signal: the UAE is building the plumbing for a digital economy that operates around the clock, without the friction of traditional settlement systems. Ahmed Ali Meftah, head of Dubai’s central accounts division, said the trial was meant to test the system’s readiness rather than its reach. The speed and security of the transfer, he noted, “prove that our infrastructure is ready to scale.” Reimagining Money for the Gulf The UAE’s Digital Dirham has been years in the making a national initiative designed to modernize payments and support a cashless economy. But unlike private stablecoins or fintech payment systems, this new digital currency is being issued directly by.

Aave to Benefit From Fed Rate Cuts as DeFi Yield Expand

The post Aave to Benefit From Fed Rate Cuts as DeFi Yield Expand appeared com. Federal Reserve rate cuts mean risk-on capital inflows, rotation to yield products, and higher revenue for Aave. Aave captures expanding DeFi opportunities as Horizon TVL grows to more than half a billion dollars. Decentralized Finance (DeFi) lending protocol Aave stands to benefit from the Federal Reserve’s monetary policies, like interest rate cuts. Each rate cut allows Aave to offer a less correlated source of yield for embedded DeFi. How Aave Benefits from Fed Rate Cuts As disclosed in a blog post, rate cuts attract risk-seeking capital to crypto and into DeFi to search for yield opportunities. Conversely, hikes pull capital to safer assets like Treasuries, softening DeFi activity. In October 2025, the Federal Reserve reduced rates by 25 basis points, lowering the target range to 3. 75%-4. 00%, with further easing anticipated. Aave is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this easing cycle due to its historical resilience and structural advantages that amplify yield opportunities. Notably, Aave V1 launched in January 2020 amid COVID-era emergency cuts to near-zero rates, catalyzing “DeFi Summer. Capital inflows exploded as DeFi TVL surged from less than $1 billion to $15 billion by year-end. They borrowed against their ETH using crypto-backed loans, an alternative to direct selling. Consequently, investors attracted risk-seeking capital chasing high DeFi yields, far outpacing Treasuries. However, the Fed raised rates in March 2022, which triggered “crypto winter,” with DeFi TVL dropping about 80%. While the high rates curbed speculation, they spurred advancements that positioned Aave for the cycle. Aave’s Performance in the Current Market Cycle It.

Chainlink Price Prediction 2025: Is LINK Positioned to Gain Most from Tokenization Growth?

The post Chainlink Price Prediction 2025: Is LINK Positioned to Gain Most from Tokenization Growth? appeared com. The post Chainlink Price Prediction 2025: Is LINK Positioned to Gain Most from Tokenization Growth? appeared first This optimism continues as the network expands from its early DeFi roots into a broader infrastructure. With the Chainlink price today at $16. 09, both fundamental and technical indicators suggest that LINK may be approaching a pivotal phase with its accelerated adoption. Data Feeds to Data Streams to Data Link: The Evolution Behind Chainlink’s Next Wave In a recent update shared on Chainlink’s official X account, the company’s CBO highlighted how Chainlink’s innovation cycle has fueled growth across multiple market cycles. He described the early days of 2019 as a “desert” with very little happening onchain. That changed when data feeds launched, rapidly expanding DeFi activity during 2021. Later, in late 2023, Chainlink introduced data streams, which again boosted usage across trading and liquidity protocols. Now, in 2025, the rollout of Data Link represents the next major step, creating transparent and consistent information flow for tokenized stocks, ETFs, and real-world assets moving onchain. These developments reinforce the long-term Chainlink price prediction narrative, as transparency-driven infrastructure becomes central to the next wave of tokenization. With global financial systems migrating toward digital settlement, Chainlink crypto remains positioned as a key interoperability and data layer that benefits directly from this structural shift. Technical Structure Suggests Growing Strength Above Key Support Levels The Chainlink price chart continues to show constructive behavior, as well. LINK/USD has repeatedly found stability above the $14. 5 zone, forming a base that aligns with the 0. 618 Fibonacci retracement, a historically reliable reversal area. This zone has acted as an anchor through recent volatility, per analyst Ali Martinez’s post. Analyst post suggests.

Coronado Island Film Festival Honoree Delroy Lindo on ‘Sinners’ and His Directing Debut: ‘One Cannot Lose Sight of One’s Own Belief’

The Coronado Island Film Festival celebrated 10 years of bringing the best of cinema to the San Diego region Nov. 5-9. Besides the films, festivalgoers attended panels with industry professionals and a special presentation of doc “Tug of War,” featuring Beatles expert Tom Frangione’s intimate talk with Paul McCartney. The Nov. 5 opening night gala [.].

Hang Revolutionizes Loyalty Programs with Avalanche Blockchain

The post Hang Revolutionizes Loyalty Programs with Avalanche Blockchain appeared com. Timothy Morano Nov 08, 2025 10: 24 Hang leverages Avalanche’s blockchain to redefine customer loyalty, integrating AI and on-chain transparency for enhanced engagement and trust among brands and consumers. Hang, a dedicated Layer 1 blockchain on Avalanche, is reshaping the landscape of customer loyalty programs by integrating AI-driven personalization with on-chain transparency. This innovative approach aims to address the declining engagement in traditional loyalty programs, as highlighted by the growing number of consumers, particularly those aged 18-34, who are planning to cancel their memberships due to a lack of personalized experiences, according to [Avax. network]( Loyalty Programs in Decline Despite the average U. S. consumer being a member of over 15 loyalty programs, participation is dwindling. Brands are investing heavily in loyalty initiatives, yet these often translate into ineffective points systems or generic discounts that fail to foster genuine customer retention. The gap between consumer expectations and brand offerings is widening, leading to increased customer acquisition costs and inefficient cross-brand promotions. The Hang Solution Hang introduces a novel solution with its Brand Protocol, leveraging Avalanche’s blockchain to power enterprise marketing infrastructure. By moving customer engagement on-chain, Hang enables brands to execute verifiable, automated promotions with full control over customer data and privacy. This approach not only enhances trust but also allows for seamless cross-promotion between brands without compromising customer information. Advanced Marketing Suite Initially launched as an NFT-powered rewards platform, Hang has evolved into a comprehensive marketing and customer data suite. It caters to mid-market and enterprise brands, including notable names like Ulta Beauty, ASICS, and Cinemark. Hang’s platform integrates identity resolution, AI-driven segmentation, and gamified engagement, offering brands real-time insights into customer behavior and preferences. Inside the Hang Platform Hang’s platform offers unified data and identity resolution, consolidating customer information for a comprehensive view.

Hrithik Roshan becomes the brand ambassador for Gera’s WellnessCentric Homes

Gera Developments Private Limited (GDPL), pioneers in real estate innovation and creators of award-winning projects across Pune, Goa, Bengaluru, and California (USA), have once again set a new benchmark in modern living with the launch of Gera’s WellnessCentric Homes a first-of-its-kind residential concept in India that transforms holistic wellness into a measurable, everyday experience. After transforming the way young, modern families live with its pioneering ChildCentric® Homes, Gera Developments now takes the next step bringing wellness home, quite literally. Gera’s WellnessCentric Homes are envisioned as living ecosystems that foster balance between mind, body, and spirit through evidence-based design, thoughtfully curated wellness programs, and meaningful community engagement. With thoughtfully planned layouts, purified air, balanced natural light, and dedicated wellness zones, Gera’s WellnessCentric Homes combine design innovation with guided programs and community spaces that energize the body, calm the mind, and uplift the spirit. Reimagining modern living, the concept goes beyond conventional amenities grounding itself in wellness design, wellness infrastructure, and expert-led services to deliver measurable outcomes such as improved sleep, increased daylight exposure, and mindful movement. It brings structure and purpose to what was once an abstract lifestyle aspiration, making wellness a tangible part of everyday life. Residents will have access to a range of holistic wellness experiences, including yoga and Pilates sessions, aqua aerobics, nutrition consultations, personal fitness coaching, and community wellness initiatives all offered through collaborations with leading wellness experts. Rohit Gera, Managing Director, Gera Developments, said, “From ChildCentric® to WellnessCentric Homes, Gera Developments continues its journey of transforming homes from static spaces to intuitive ecosystems that enable residents to thrive. In today’s fast-paced life work has followed us home. Time for ourselves has shrunk. And while wellness continues to be desired, it is rarely sustained. We call this wellness inertia, and we set out to enable consumers to overcome it by creating an environment where pursuing a wellness lifestyle feels natural and effortless. Gera’s WellnessCentric Homes are designed around measurable outcomes from better sleep to balanced living and supported by a service ecosystem that integrates design, science, and lifestyle management. At the heart of it lies our vision of enabling residents to live unstoppable.”At the heart of the project lies the proprietary ‘3-tier Habit Infrastructure’, a framework that helps residents adopt and sustain wellness through: Nudge prompting healthy habits through design Support continuous expert guidance and community programmes Sustain flexible, personalised plans that encourage lifelong wellnessAdding resonance to this vision, Gera Developments announced Hrithik Roshan as the brand ambassador for Gera’s WellnessCentric Homes. Known for his discipline, balance, and commitment to holistic fitness, Roshan perfectly mirrors the philosophy of the concept. Actor and Gera WellnessCentric Homes brand ambassador Hrithik Roshan shared, “At the end of the day, we all are aspiring to enhance the quality of life for ourselves and our loved ones. Gera has put wellness at the epicentre of design, and that’s what makes the WellnessCentric Homes such a masterpiece. They represent the future of living, spaces that inspire balance, mindfulness and purpose every day. I wholeheartedly endorse their vision and I’m proud to represent a brand that is changing how we experience our home & everyday life.”Speaking about the partnership, Rohit Gera, said, “Hrithik’s association with Gera’s WellnessCentric Homes goes far beyond celebrity endorsement. His discipline, commitment to fitness, and belief in balance reflect the very philosophy we’ve built into these homes. He embodies the idea that wellness isn’t an act, but a way of life and that alignment makes this partnership truly meaningful.”With Gera’s WellnessCentric Homes, the company furthers its vision of innovation and customer-centric design reimagining homes not merely as places to live, but as dynamic environments that foster healthier, happier, and more connected lifestyles. Also Read : From Hrithik Roshan to Alia Bhatt: Star kids who prove talent trumps lineage!.

XRPL Adoption Surges Amid RLUSD Test, Price decline

The post XRPL Adoption Surges Amid RLUSD Test, Price decline appeared com. The XRP Ledger (XRPL) is seeing a significant surge in utility and on-chain activity, driven by the commencement of stablecoin testing by global financial giants. Despite these powerful fundamental signals-including a 12% price gain and a record number of new wallets-XRP’s market value continues to decline. This creates a sharp divergence. It separates the rapid institutional adoption of the XRPL infrastructure and XRP’s price action. This raises questions: are macro headwinds overshadowing technical progress? Sponsored Sponsored Mastercard and the Institutional Validation of XRPL The latest institutional validation for the XRPL arrived as Mastercard joined Ripple and Gemini to begin testing the RLUSD (Ripple USD) stablecoin directly on the ledger. This institutional adoption immediately translated into a surge in on-chain activity: the number of new XRP wallets hit a record high, reflecting increased user engagement and interest in the ecosystem. Furthermore, a 12% price gain between November 5 and 6 underscored the market’s positive short-term reaction to the news. XRP Ledger Chart: Santiment This rapid increase in utility suggests that the XRPL is succeeding in attracting regulated, real-world financial entities. However, the subsequent price decline shows a clear struggle. Even major adoption news struggles against prevailing market sentiment. This sentiment may be driven by broader risk-off attitudes or profit-taking. The Redefinition of XRPL and Tokenomic Debate Ripple’s CEO has explicitly emphasized the ongoing need to evolve the XRPL’s public image beyond its initial focus solely on cross-border payments. 🚨“What Amazon was to books, Ripple is to cross-border payments” Brad Garlinghouse💪🚀 Don’t underestimate #XRP ‼️#Ripple isn’t competing 🥇 It’s redefining the system 🌐💸 pic. twitter. com/rGvR2Zpe3N ToniTheRippler (@thatgirl_chichi) July 13, 2025 Sponsored Sponsored The platform is now seeking to redefine its brand. It aims to become a versatile foundation for decentralized finance (DeFi) and regulated asset tokenization. This allows it to compete.