West Texas crude spiked to $115 per barrel on the decentralized exchange Hyperliquid over the weekend as rising Middle East conflict and surprise production cuts by Kuwait and the UAE rattled energy markets. The move sent volatility through HYPE markets and on-chain oil exposure.
Binance, Bybit and Bitget have activated shelter-in-place protocols, organizational restructures, and emergency succession plans for their Middle East teams as missiles and unrest escalate after weekend fighting. Exchanges say measures prioritize staff safety while aiming to maintain service continuity amid rising regional risk.
Animoca Brands received a VARA license on Feb. 5 allowing it to serve institutional and qualified investors in Dubai, marking a regulatory milestone for its Middle East expansion.
Michael Saylor used his Bitcoin MENA 2025 keynote in Abu Dhabi to outline a vision where Bitcoin (BTC) underpins digital capital, credit and money across the Middle East. He framed BTC as a foundational layer for new credit rails and tokenized assets.