Global Blockchain Show returns to Riyadh amid growing Web3 investment

Following editions in Abu Dhabi and earlier Riyadh events, the conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s push to attract blockchain companies and capital. Organizers VAP Group and Times of Blockchain have confirmed attendance from TRON founder Justin Sun, Animoca Brands’ Yat Siu, and industry leaders from Binance, Fireblocks, VeChain, and regional blockchain centers.

Why Riyadh is doubling down on blockchain

Saudi Arabia has stepped up efforts to attract blockchain companies through regulatory pilots and state-backed initiatives. The Global Blockchain Show lands in Riyadh for the second time, drawing institutional players, protocol founders, and investors to a two-day agenda covering scalability, regulatory frameworks, and cross-border infrastructure.

VAP Group, the event organizer, expects 10,000 attendees and over 300 media representatives. The speaker lineup includes government officials, protocol executives, and investors active during the last market cycle.

Justin Sun, founder of TRON and former Grenada ambassador to the WTO, headlines the event alongside Yat Siu, who leads Animoca Brands’ gaming and metaverse investments. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, CEO of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, and John Lilic, CEO of Hilbert Group, also appear on the roster.

Previous editions featured Rachel Conlan (Binance CMO), Sunny Lu (VeChain CEO), Dr. Marwan Alzarouni (Dubai Blockchain Center), and Jason Allegrante (Fireblocks Chief Legal Officer). This year’s agenda maintains that institutional focus.

What the agenda covers

The two-day schedule explores blockchain adoption across sectors: finance, supply chain, gaming, and government services. Sessions break down into panels on scalability challenges, keynotes on regulatory clarity, and workshops on emerging technologies intersecting with blockchain.

Several sessions focus on the intersection of AI and blockchain. Speakers will examine how artificial intelligence changes smart contract auditing, on-chain data analysis, and automated governance systems. Quantum computing’s implications for blockchain security also appear on the agenda.

Additional tracks cover metaverse infrastructure and tokenized real-world assets. The event dedicates separate sessions to Middle Eastern blockchain development, examining how regional governments approach Web3 regulation and funding.

Regional Context

Riyadh’s blockchain push aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. The country launched its National Blockchain Strategy in 2023 and established regulatory sandboxes for digital asset companies.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai already operate as crypto-friendly jurisdictions with established licensing frameworks. Riyadh now competes for Web3 talent and capital, offering tax incentives and streamlined company formation for blockchain startups.

The Global Blockchain Show fits into this broader strategy. Alongside technical discussions, the event hosts a startup pitch competition and investor matchmaking sessions aimed at connecting startups with regional investors.

Practical Details

Dates: June 29-30, 2026
Location: Malfa Hall, Riyadh
Expected attendance: 10,000+ delegates
Speakers: 250+
Exhibitors: 200
Media: 300+ outlets

Tickets and registration details are available through the official Global Blockchain Show website. Media accreditation opens in March 2026.