The AIBC Eurasia summit is set to double in size for 2026 after the successful conclusion of this year’s edition, organizers have announced. The event boasted a turnout of 14,500 delegates for its fifth anniversary edition in February, held in the Festival Arena, an expo centre just off the Dubai creek in Festival City.
Driven by the summit’s surging appeal, which saw stakeholders from across the globe attend the exhibition, organizers are looking to expand the show in 2026. The venue is set to double in size next year, allowing for the event to increase its footprint and accommodate the increase in demand from attendees.
Ambassadors, dignitaries and business leaders
Among the highlights of the show was the presence of dignitaries, who were able to explore the summit as VIP guests. Hosted by the SiGMA Group alongside H.E. Maria Camilleri Calleja, the Ambassador of Malta to the UAE and Permanent Representative of Malta to IRENA, an exclusive delegation of ambassadors, business leaders, and officials enjoyed a diplomatic business luncheon followed by a tour of the expo.
The event provided a platform for business leaders and dignitaries to discuss strategic economic growth areas, and to explore high-value investment opportunities and to engage with key policy shapers.
AIBC Eurasia also welcomed a delegation from Malta, with industry leaders and financial experts receiving a guided tour of the expo floor.
AIBC Awards gala and auction
The AIBC Awards gala, which was powered by Fastex, recognised businesses and individuals in the sector, handing out 26 awards in a ceremony held at the InterContinental Hotel Dubai Festival City’s elegant Al Baraha Ballroom. The evening saw the surprise appearance of legendary footballer Gregory Van der Wiel to collect the Best Crypto Operator 2025 award on behalf of 1X.
Towards the end of the evening a charitable auction took place, raising €48,000 in support of Foundation projects taking place this year – including an extension to a hospital in Iquitos, Peru, and an MMA training and learning centre in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
An expert-led lineup
The show confirmed the region’s status as one of the best hubs for emerging tech, making it the perfect setting for discussions on everything from sustainable investment and ESG pursuits to the future of decentralised AI.
Contributing to content tracks across two stages, the lineup of speakers included experts such as Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni, CEO of Dubai Blockchain Centre; Dr. Sameer Al Ansari, CEO of RAKDAO, a dedicated ecosystem for digital asset companies; Belal Jassoma, Director of Ecosystems at the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC); Marcello Mari – founder of SingularityDAO; Dr Jane Thomason, Emeritus Chair of the World Metaverse Council; and H.E. Laila Rahhal El Atfani, Founder & CEO at Woman Business Circle.
“AIBC is one of those conferences very close to our heart here in Dubai. It was the first conference right after Covid. We were surprised by how many people came and how eager people were to do business,” enthused Dr Marwan Al Zarouni in his keynote.
Big names in the sporting world also made an appearance, with legendary footballers Gregory Van der Wiel and Didier Drogba making an appearance on stands for 1X Affiliate and MLB respectively.
Innovators take center stage
This year’s show helped empower startups working in cutting-edge fields like AI, blockchain, fintech, IoT, and beyond. Accelerator initiatives focused on unlocking the potential of pioneering technologies by offering startups the resources, mentorship, and support they need to thrive.
Finery Markets and LiveDuel emerged victorious at the AIBC Pitch in Dubai, a competition showcasing the most promising startups in emerging technology and offering valuable opportunities to connect with leading investors, VCs and accelerators. Held as part of AIBC Eurasia, the event brought together six companies making waves to compete for visibility, investment, and industry recognition.
Networking opportunities at AIBC
The latest AIBC summit offered ample opportunities for networking through a series of activities. From yoga sessions led by celebrity yoga master Allaoua Gaham to a deep dive experience, ice breakers set the tone for two days ahead of business. Networking dinners took place throughout the event, connecting C-level executives, operators, suppliers, and affiliates.
The event came to a close at PAPA Dubai, held in collaboration with Affiliate World, an affiliate marketing event that opened its conference doors after AIBC ended. Since acquiring a percentage of AW last year, SiGMA and AW have held several events together.
Next up: SiGMA Africa
SiGMA will hold its third event for the African markets this March, returning to Cape Town´s GrandWest from the 10th to 12th. Powered by Alea, the event is expected to attract 2,500 delegates, with over 150 speakers contributing to two days of conference discussions, an exhibition showcase backed by leading operators, suppliers and affiliates, and networking opportunities designed to generate business.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/02/28/96548-aibc-eurasia-to-double-venue-size-next-year-after-successful-2025-edition-draws-14-500-delegates
