- Maldives signs $9B Dubai-backed blockchain pact, bigger than its $7B economy
- Crypto hub in Male aims to create 17K jobs and reduce reliance on tourism
- Dubai’s funding enables Web3 freezone in Maldives with full foreign ownership
The Maldives is making a massive bet on blockchain technology to reshape its economy, signing a multibillion-dollar deal with Dubai-based MBA Global Services. The plan involves building a huge blockchain hub in the capital city, Male, aiming to draw foreign crypto investment to the island nation currently reliant on tourism and fishing.
Strikingly, the project’s estimated $9 billion cost overshadows the Maldives’ entire GDP, which sits below $7 billion. This ambitious venture centers on developing the Maldives International Financial Center, an 830,000-square-foot facility intended to secure the nation’s financial future, attract investment, create jobs, and establish the Maldives as a key Web3 player in South Asia.
A Crypto-Focused Financial Freezone
The new blockchain hub will function as a financial freezone for digital assets and blockchain-related enterprises. Hence, it will offer several investor-friendly incentives to compete with existing hubs in Asia. These include full foreign ownership, regulatory tax benefits, and streamlined registration processes.
Additionally, firms setting up within the hub are expected to enjoy banking services tailored for crypto businesses. The project is designed to create roughly 17,000 jobs over the next five years, signaling a large-scale employment push for the country.
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Besides job creation, the Maldives is also eyeing this initiative as a long-term solution to reduce economic dependence on tourism. The nation plans to use revenue generated from blockchain investments to address its national debt.
Consequently, this could enhance financial stability and provide fresh sources of income. While construction and development will take several years, officials believe the project could help triple the nation’s GDP within four years.
Tough Competition and High Hopes Ahead
Success isn’t guaranteed, however. The Maldives faces stiff competition from well-established regional crypto centers like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand, which already boast developed Web3 ecosystems and draw substantial institutional funds. Gaining investor trust will likely hinge on the Maldives implementing clear regulations and financial infrastructure that meet global standards.
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MBA Global Services is sourcing its $8.8 billion contribution to the total cost by connecting with high-net-worth individuals and financial networks in the UAE. Dubai’s own successful pivot to a digital economy provides a roadmap for the Maldives project. With effective execution, the island nation could emerge as a significant new player in the global crypto economy.
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