HODL Summit 2025: Dubai’s Crypto Hub Shines Amid Trump’s Influence

The 30th HODL Summit, held on May 14-15, 2025, at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, drew over 5,000 global crypto leaders, cementing the city’s status as a Web3 powerhouse. With 50+ top speakers and 200+ investors, the event spotlighted DeFi 2.0, AI-driven blockchain, and tokenization of real-world assets. Discussions emphasized institutional adoption, with TradFi embracing digital assets, and the need for clear regulations, positioning Dubai as a model for pro-Web3 policies. Day one fostered strategic partnerships and set the stage for tomorrow’s Startup World Cup, offering $1M in prizes for blockchain innovators.
While Donald Trump’s ongoing UAE visit (May 13-16) wasn’t directly tied to HODL, his pro-crypto agenda, including a White House summit and Bitcoin reserve executive order, loomed large. The Trump family’s Dubai ventures, notably World Liberty Financial’s role in a $2B MGX-Binance deal at TOKEN2049, fueled speculation about their regional influence. Day two will explore cross-chain solutions, Web3 security, and AI-blockchain synergies, reinforcing Dubai’s lead in shaping the decentralized future.