Market
Insights from Outlier Ventures CEO

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is quickly becoming a notable force in the push for global crypto adoption. With growing participation from institutions and enterprises and supportive regulations for Web3 technology, MENA is set to expand its impact.
BeInCrypto interviewed Stephan Apel, CEO of Outlier Ventures, to explore the characteristics of these tech-driven economies and their anticipated innovations.
Web3 Adoption and Market Growth
MENA has emerged as a significant center for Web3 development, facilitated by a combination of demographic, technological, and cultural factors. The region’s entrepreneurial spirit has also fostered an environment conducive to the adoption of decentralized technologies.
“The MENA market has set a standard for adopting next-gen technologies and using them to boost their economic transformation. This is especially true for Web3 technologies— the region recognised their potential early on, offering the resources needed for these projects to scale and thrive on both regional and global levels,” Apel told BeInCrypto.
Consequently, the region is witnessing an increase in startups, investors, and developers exploring Web3 and its diverse applications.
A 2024 Chainalysis report revealed that MENA was the seventh biggest crypto market worldwide. From July 2023 to June 2024, the region saw $338.7 billion in online crypto transactions, representing 7.5% of all crypto transactions globally.

While the MENA region’s overall cryptocurrency market size may be smaller than others, it boasts significant adoption within its borders.
Notably, Turkey and Morocco ranked among the top 30 countries globally in crypto adoption. Turkey secured the 11th spot, while Morocco ranked 27th. These nations alone accounted for $137 billion and $12.7 billion in received cryptocurrency value, respectively.
Furthermore, the MENA region’s crypto activity is predominantly driven by institutional and professional players, as a substantial 93% of all value transferred involves transactions exceeding $10,000.
Meanwhile, Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) members have distinguished themselves through their ambitious technological initiatives.
MENA’s Strategic Shift Towards AI
The onset of artificial intelligence (AI) has prompted governments and businesses within the Middle East to acknowledge the global trend towards related advanced technologies. Countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are considering their strategic position concerning this technological transformation.
According to a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy in 2030. The consulting firm predicts that the Middle East will bring 2% of the total global benefits, equal to $320 billion.

“Unsurprisingly, MENA is now a major global hub for technological and economic activity in emerging sectors like Web3 and AI. Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are especially notable for the scale of their ambitions and the attractiveness of more prominent international players. The proximity of the network effect of these rapidly developing tech-focused economies should not be underestimated, along with the region’s natural location as a global geographic hub,” Apel said.
The PwC report also indicates that Saudi Arabia will see the largest absolute gains from AI by 2030, with an estimated US$135.2 billion added to its economy, or 12.4% of GDP. In terms of GDP percentage, however, the UAE is expected to see the greatest impact, approaching 14% of its 2030 GDP. Meanwhile, for GCC states Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, AI is expected to contribute 8.2% of their GDP.
Given the region’s latest initiatives and investments in AI innovation, these numbers come as no surprise.
Saudi Arabia’s AI Development Initiatives
In 2016, the Saudi Arabian government launched Vision 2030, a program to promote economic, social, and cultural diversification. Integral to this vision is a strategic shift towards artificial intelligence and data-driven innovation, a key component of the nation’s economic diversification efforts.
Saudi Arabia is making notable advancements in AI. The country aims to reduce its reliance on oil by developing advanced technology sectors through targeted investments, infrastructure development, and workforce training.
“Fueled by its Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia has already created a thriving startup ecosystem, dedicated significant investment in emerging technologies,and designed policies to attract global talent and entrepreneurship,” Apel told BeInCrypto.
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) spearheads Saudi Arabia’s push into artificial intelligence, shaping and implementing the country’s national data and AI strategy. The National Data Bank is a cornerstone of their efforts. It is designed as a central hub for data access and analysis, facilitating AI applications across public and private sectors.
Last November, Saudi Arabia also unveiled Project Transcendence. The $100 billion investment initiative focuses on accelerating the integration of AI and advanced technologies.
Similar to its neighbor, the UAE has actively pursued AI adoption.
UAE’s AI Strategy and Investments
In 2017, the UAE launched its National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, which aims to make the country a global leader in the field by 2031. The UAE AI and Blockchain Council oversees this strategy, which impacts sectors like education, energy, and tourism.
“This financial and regulatory support for AI development will unlock new revenue streams and elevate the region’s international competitiveness,” Apel explained.
The UAE is already reaping the benefits of its AI initiatives. In April, Microsoft announced a $1.5 billion investment in G42, an Abu Dhabi-based technology holding company. G42 is known for its data centers and the development of Jais, a leading Arabic-language AI model.
In September, G42 and Nvidia partnered to create AI-driven solutions for improved weather forecasting. The collaboration aims to advance climate-related technologies by using Nvidia’s Earth-2 platform, which enables AI-augmented climate and weather simulations.
Three months later, Abu Dhabi-based global technological ecosystem Hub71 partnered with Google to boost startup growth in the UAE. This collaboration will bring Google’s “Google for Startups” program to Abu Dhabi, including a dedicated accelerator for Hub71 startups in 2025.
“The Middle East is well-positioned to lead in transformative technologies. MENA’s robust support for entrepreneurship and rapid AI adoption drive groundbreaking change across industries. I see the Middle East becoming a home for startups. There are pre-established policies, resources, and investment opportunities for businesses to scale from the ground up,” Apel added.
He also drew attention to the planned convergence of AI and Web3 technologies in these prominent regions.
Convergence of AI, Web3, and IoT
Integrating the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and AI technologies is gaining traction among businesses in the Middle East. By combining these technologies, organizations can access new avenues for growth, increase efficiency, and create novel user experiences.
“These technologies complement one another, enabling automation, transparency, and efficiency at scale. Distributed ledger technology, combined with AI, unlocks new possibilities for decentralized systems, while IoT-driven data networks feed advanced analytics and machine learning models,” Apel told BeInCrypto.
In 2018, the Dubai Airport Freezone Authority launched Dubai Blink, a platform that integrates AI, blockchain, and virtual licenses to facilitate global trade. This system enhances supply chain innovation through ‘smart commerce’ by expediting trade with a unified online platform. Furthermore, it addressed the cumbersome process of supplier identification by using AI algorithms to streamline and accelerate the validation process.
“The region is already ahead of many global trends. Strategic investments in smart cities, renewable energy infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing highlight the region’s ambition to construct sustainable, technology-driven economies. These initiatives create the perfect ecosystem for scaling and building solutions to regional and global challenges,” Apel concluded.
Ultimately, MENA’s proactive approach to technological advancement, coupled with its strategic focus on Web3 and AI, signals a future where the region will be a pivotal architect in shaping the digital economy.
Disclaimer
Following the Trust Project guidelines, this feature article presents opinions and perspectives from industry experts or individuals. BeInCrypto is dedicated to transparent reporting, but the views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of BeInCrypto or its staff. Readers should verify information independently and consult with a professional before making decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Market
Crypto AI Agents Face Bear Market, But DeFAI Brings Hope

Crypto AI agents are in a tough spot right now, with market caps declining around 60-70% in the past two months. Yet, there is strong potential for sustainable growth. The volatility inherent in crypto can weed out unsuccessful projects while fostering a sense of determination and innovation.
DeFAI remains an intriguing area of investment, and many members of the Ethereum community still foresee strong potential from combining AI and crypto.
Do AI Agents Have a Place in Crypto?
AI agents were touted as the next big thing in Web3 just a few months ago. However, volatility and speculative trading has severely impacted the sector.
Last month, the sector’s market cap fell 65%, and new launches have seen mixed success. Now, some community members are speculating that the whole concept was a fad and that meme coins will subsume all demand.
Case in point, AI agents’ market cap is down 60-70% from the start of 2025.

Despite these bearish figures, not everyone in crypto shares this dismal vision. This industry has always been defined by its volatility and boom and bust cycles.
However, from shock incidents like market collapses to scheduled events like Bitcoin halvings, bear cycles always present an opportunity to weed out nonviable projects. Successful fundamentals win out.
“AI agents are not over. They’re on the path of adoption like the majority of other technological breakthroughs.Initially, people believed every AI project would be worth billions. Now, after months of development and the natural elimination of unsustainable projects, people are more bearish than ever. This is the exact time to lock in for solid projects,” developer DeFi Warhol claimed.
He claimed that AI agents hit a “peak of inflated expectations” in late 2024, which led to widespread disillusionment at the first sign of trouble. However, ambitious developers are still trying to innovate and are determined work will bring new projects to the markets.
Popular AI investor 0xJeff posited that one area looks particularly fruitful for future investment: DeFAI, which merges DeFi with AI.
“The best way to build a highly differentiated AI agent is to tap into existing high-value verticals. One of the best sectors is DeFi—many highly matured sub-sectors offer tons of value with ~$100 billion TVL combined. The easiest way to start isn’t by adding AI—it’s by bringing DeFi to AI agent tokens,” he claimed.
Before the AI agent space hit this bear market, DeFAI was already heralded as a potential growth area. 0xJeff identified a few extant projects that already have high potential, claiming that AI could make complicated DeFi instruments more intelligible to the average user.
This simple integration could be a massive value-add to projects like Pendle or GammaSwap.
DeFi projects in categories like liquid Staking, restaking, yield markets, and stablecoins can benefit from AI agents. Additionally, community members are reporting that the hype isn’t dead yet.
At ETHDenver, the Ethereum community’s biggest conference, AI integration was a key agenda. So, the crypto AI agents bubble might have popped, but real tangible growth is likely just starting.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Market
Bitcoin Pepe readies for a crypto revolution amidst a risk-off mood


Crypto majors have remained under pressure despite President Trump’s talks of a US crypto reserve. Amid the tariff jitters and economic uncertainties, the market is in a risk-off mood.
Nonetheless, savvy investors continue to look for opportunities beyond the majors. Bitcoin Pepe, the first meme ICO on Bitcoin’s network, is one of the projects on meme lovers’ radar. Its one-of-a-kind infrastructure and virality have positioned it for a crypto revolution with its early adopters earning heftily in the process.
Bitcoin price caught between risk-off mood and bull run optimism
Bitcoin price is back above the crucial support zone of $85,000 after plunging below it in the previous session. However, the market remains noisy as extreme fear overshadows the highly anticipated bull run of 2025.
In the near term, the bulls will likely face resistance along the 25-day EMA at $92,177. That may yield range-bound trading with the major finding support at $85,073. Further rebounding will place the next target at $94.553.
Bitcoin Pepe sets the stage for a crypto revolution
The meme culture has revolutionized the crypto market as savvy investors look for profitable opportunities in affordable projects with huge growth potential. The popularity of meme coins has boosted the market to a market cap of $59 billion according to CoinGecko.
It is no wonder Bitcoin Pepe, the first meme ICO on the Bitcoin network, has caught the industry by storm. About three weeks since the launch of its presale, the project has already sold out its first 5 stages. During that period, it has raised over $3.8 million. Besides, its token price has surged by 27.6% to the current $0.0268.
Indeed, Bitcoin Pepe is designed in favor early adopters. By the end of the remaining 24 sessions, the token price will have cumulative gains of 311.4% at $0.0864.
This success is not just built on its virality; its infrastructure adds to the project’s growth potential. To begin with, it combines Solana’s speed with Bitcoin’s stability. Besides, the PEP-20 standard enables one to launch meme coins on Bitcoin. It is these factors that are set to sustain the project’s upward momentum before and after its listing in the year’s second quarter. Find out how to buy Bitcoin Pepe here.
Ripple price underperforms as talks of a crypto reserve underwhelms the market
Ripple price extended its gains on Wednesday; erasing some of the losses recorded at the start of the week. Even so, it remains under pressure as investors maintain a risk-off mood with a crypto fear & greed index of 20. Optimism over a US crypto reserve as highlighted by President Trump appears to be fading.
A look at its daily chart shows the altcoin’s price hovering around the 25 and 50-day EMAs. In the near term, the range between $2.2631 and $2.6065 will be worth watching. Further rebounding will likely have Ripple price find resistance at $2.7450. However, this thesis will be invalidated by a pullback past the lower support zone of $2.1640.
Market
SafeMoon Faces Risk of a 55% Correction After Solana Migration

SafeMoon (SFM) has surged nearly 60% in the last two days and 490% in the past week following its migration from BNB to Solana. The rapid price increase has pushed key indicators into bullish territory, with ADX confirming strong trend momentum and EMA lines forming a golden cross.
However, BBTrend remains in negative territory despite briefly turning positive, signaling that selling pressure still lingers. If the uptrend fails to hold, SFM could face a sharp correction, potentially losing up to 55% from its recent highs.
SafeMoon ADX Shows the Uptrend Is Strong
SafeMoon’s Average Directional Index (ADX) is currently at 31.5, a significant rise from 17.7 just a day ago. This sharp increase suggests that trend strength has dramatically improved, reinforcing the possibility of a more defined directional move at a moment when meme coins are having a hard time.
With ADX now above the key 25 threshold, it signals that SafeMoon is transitioning from a weak trend into a stronger phase.
Given that SFM is attempting to establish an uptrend, the rising ADX indicates growing momentum, potentially supporting further price increases if buying pressure continues to build.

ADX, or the Average Directional Index, is a technical indicator that measures the strength of a trend without determining its direction.
Generally, values above 25 indicate a strong trend, while readings below 20 suggest weak or indecisive market conditions. With SFM’s ADX now at 31.5, it confirms that momentum is strengthening, supporting the case for a sustained move higher. However, while ADX shows trend strength, the direction will depend on whether buying pressure remains dominant.
If bullish sentiment continues, SFM could solidify its uptrend, but if selling pressure returns, price action could become more volatile despite the rising ADX.
SFM BBTrend Briefly Touched Positive Levels, But It’s Negative Again
SFM Bollinger Band Trend (BBTrend) is currently at -6.54, after briefly touching a positive value of 4.88 yesterday. However, this bullish move was short-lived, and SFM’s BBTrend has remained in negative territory since February 26.
The trend reached its lowest point at -58.3 on March 2, signaling extreme bearish momentum at the time.
While the current level is a significant improvement from this recent low, the fact that SFM was unable to sustain a positive BBTrend suggests that selling pressure remains a dominant force in the market, despite the current price surge.

BBTrend, or Bollinger Band Trend, is a technical indicator used to assess the strength and direction of price movement based on Bollinger Bands. Positive values indicate that the price is trading in the upper portion of the bands, signaling bullish momentum.
In contrast, negative values suggest that the price is within the lower bands, reflecting a bearish trend. With SFM BBTrend now at -6.54, it indicates that while the extreme bearish conditions from March 2 have eased, the asset is still in a negative phase.
If BBTrend moves back into positive territory and holds, it could signal a shift toward a stronger recovery, but if it continues to trend downward, it would confirm that SFM remains under selling pressure.
SafeMoon Could Correct By 55% Soon
SafeMoon EMA lines are currently forming a golden cross, a bullish signal that often precedes upward momentum. A golden cross occurs when a shorter-term EMA crosses above a longer-term EMA, indicating a shift toward bullish market conditions.
SafeMoon is trending after its recent migration from BNB to Solana. If this trend holds, SFM could rise to test the resistance at $0.000128. A successful breakout above this level could push the price further toward $0.000134.
This formation suggests that bullish momentum is building, potentially setting the stage for a stronger recovery if buyers sustain their pressure.

However, as indicated by BBTrend, the uptrend remains fragile and could quickly reverse into a strong correction.
If bullish momentum fades and selling pressure increases, SFM could drop to test support at $0.0000659.
A breakdown of this level could accelerate the decline, pushing the price as low as $0.000038.
Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
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