Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: The Global Blockchain Show Riyadh, held from 29-30 June 2026, wrapped up its exclusive two-day B2B run after spotlighting the convergence of decentralized networks, AI, and immersive digital platforms.
The summit placed a strong emphasis on the structural technology innovations reshaping the back end of Web3, including chain abstraction and the large-scale data infrastructure needed to support future-ready enterprise systems.
Defying the challenges of the prevailing geopolitical landscape, the event, organized by VAP Group and powered by Times of Blockchain, emerged as a resounding success. Co-located with the Global AI Show Riyadh and Global Games Show Riyadh, the two-day summit attracted 15,000+ registrations, welcomed 6,723 attendees, featured 100+ global speakers and 100 exhibitors, and convened a 70% CXO-level delegation from 80+ countries.
The event leveraged Riyadh's fast-growing position as a technological sandbox to accelerate deal-making between early-stage Web3 builders, enterprise infrastructure providers, and global financial backers. It also featured the launch of VAP Ventures, VAP Group's initiative to back 100 startups by 2030 and accelerate the next chapter of the global innovation ecosystem.
Rewriting Global Investment
Main-stage sessions in Riyadh delivered a clear message: the blockchain ecosystem has decisively moved beyond pure speculation and matured into a friction-reducing parallel economic layer. Discussions focused on how scalable architecture and interoperable networks are modernizing global commerce, making it easier for enterprises to bypass cumbersome legacy systems.
The panels reinforced blockchain's transition from emerging technology to critical infrastructure, enabling secure digital finance, tokenized assets, and faster cross-border commerce. A central theme of the summit was the push toward "invisible blockchain," where gasless transactions and streamlined onboarding abstract away technical barriers so corporations can secure digital identities and automate monetization at scale.
The summit opened with a spotlight session by Meow, Co-Founder of Jupiter, who said, "Decentralized finance has demonstrated that financial systems can be transparent, programmable and globally accessible. The next phase isn't about replacing traditional finance, it's about combining the strengths of both to create a more inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem."
The event also featured a keynote by Shabir Momin, President & Founder of TorusChain, who shared his perspective on the future of blockchain, enterprise adoption, and the technologies shaping the next generation of decentralized ecosystems.
Shaping the Decentralized Horizon
The summit explored the future of decentralized technologies through discussions on digital banking, decentralized finance, AI and blockchain convergence, Web3 infrastructure, cybersecurity, tokenized ecosystems, digital identity, blockchain-powered enterprise transformation, and the evolution of decentralized infrastructure.
Sessions also examined blockchain's role in enabling secure digital economies, intelligent automation, cross-industry innovation, and advancing Saudi Arabia's position as a global hub for emerging technologies.
The event featured more than 100 speakers from government, enterprise, academia, Web3, fintech, and global blockchain organizations.
- Meow - Co-Founder, Jupiter
- Morrad Irsane - CEO & Co-Founder, Takadao
- Dr. Mohammed Abdur Rahman - Full Professor & Chairman, Department of Cyber Security & Forensic Computing, University of Prince Mugrin
- Ryan Turner - Founder & CEO, Arkonix
- Alona Shevtsova - Chief Executive Officer, Sends
- Mr. Ulysses Demos - Chief Global Data Officer, Red Sea Global
- Nishanth Kumar Pathi - Director, Cybersecurity & Governance, Gulf Air Group
- Billal Yamak - Chairman & Co-Founder, Web3 Alliance of Saudi Arabia (WASA)
- Mostafa Abusamra - CEO & Co-Founder, HealthyGaming Saudi Arabia
- Talal Al Hammad - Editor-in-Chief, entArabi
Alongside leading blockchain founders and Web3 innovators, the broader speaker mix included cybersecurity experts, fintech executives, enterprise leaders, and policymakers discussing the future of decentralized infrastructure, intelligent finance, and the convergence of AI and blockchain technologies.
Tokenization, Entertainment, and Intelligent Networks
A major pillar of the 2026 agenda was the convergence of artificial intelligence, advanced gaming models, and secure blockchain networks. Industry leaders detailed how tokenization and decentralized finance are transforming global investment models through better accessibility and digital ownership.
Deeper discussions highlighted how these decentralized architectures create secure data provenance for regional corporate ecosystems and global entertainment networks alike.
The exhibition floor brought together blockchain innovators, Web3 pioneers, infrastructure providers, and enterprise technology leaders in a marketplace designed for collaboration, investment, and next-generation digital innovation. Exhibitors and sponsors showcased solutions across decentralized finance, digital identity, enterprise blockchain, cybersecurity, tokenization, and intelligent infrastructure.
Notable exhibitors included ClubMOS Technologies LLC, Cropr Digital Limited, Plotdex, JPYR, Arkonix, TorusChain Association, Smartflow, The Loopcraft, EGS, Setup Master the Art of Gaming, and Venn Studio.
Looking Ahead to Abu Dhabi
"The conversations in Riyadh reaffirmed that the future of blockchain will be built through collaboration, not competition. Our commitment is to keep creating platforms where visionary founders, enterprises, and investors come together to build what's next," said Vishal Parmar, Founder & CEO, VAP Group.
The close of the Riyadh edition marks a major step forward for the regional digital ecosystem. Many of the strategic discussions and corporate partnerships established there are expected to directly inform the agenda for the upcoming Global Blockchain Show Abu Dhabi.
About Global Blockchain Show
The Global Blockchain Show is a global conference built for the decentralized ecosystem. Structured as a high-stakes business platform, it connects builders architecting the decentralized economy with institutional investors looking for the next breakout project.
About VAP Group
With 13+ years of expertise, VAP Group is a premier global consulting and media powerhouse driving the next wave of technology-led growth. Through its media ecosystem and flagship events, including the Global AI Show, Global Games Show, and Global Blockchain Show, VAP Group connects policymakers, enterprises, and innovators worldwide, enabling strategic communications, ecosystem-building, and talent solutions.
Media Enquiries: media@globalblockchainshow.com