Day: September 7, 2026

DMCC has launched the world’s largest silver bar as the first tokenised commodity asset under the DMCC-VARA tokenisation framework, enabling eligible investors to acquire fractional digital interests linked to the 1,971kg Guinness World Record asset.

Tokinvest, a Dubai-based platform regulated by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), will issue the interests as an Asset-Referenced Virtual Asset (ARVA), with tokens deployed on BNB Chain. Regulated secondary-market trading is scheduled to follow the initial issuance, subject to applicable regulatory and platform requirements.

The launch fulfils plans announced at the Dubai Precious Metals Conference in November 2025, where the bar was unveiled following recognition by Guinness World Records. Manufactured in the UAE by SAM Precious Metals from 99.9 percent pure silver, it commemorates 1971, the country’s founding year.

The bar is registered and verified through DMCC Tradeflow, which records possession and ownership of commodities stored in UAE-based facilities, and is securely held by Brink’s. Tokinvest will manage the regulated issuance, distribution and subsequent secondary-market trading of the digital interests.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, said, “This launch demonstrates Dubai’s ability to connect established commodities infrastructure with digital technology and specialist expertise.”

He added that DMCC’s work with VARA and industry partners creates practical routes for physical assets to enter the digital economy while retaining a clear connection to the underlying commodity.

Paul Boots, Senior Director and Head of Sector Development at VARA, said, “The Silver Bar ARVA marks an important milestone as the first tokenised commodity asset issued under the DMCC-VARA framework.”

He said the project combines commodities infrastructure, regulated issuance, institutional custody and blockchain technology to turn tokenisation into an investable product.

Scott Thiel, Co-Founder and CEO of Tokinvest, said eligible investors, including retail investors, could access the Silver Bar ARVA through the platform from 7th September, with secondary-market trading expected after issuance.

He said tokenisation broadens access to fractional interests in a unique physical asset, supported by Dubai’s regulatory framework.

Sami Abu Ahmad, Principal CEO of SAM Precious Metals, said the bar reflects the strength of the UAE’s precious metals industry and the significance of 1971. Its tokenisation demonstrates how established infrastructure can support new investment and ownership models, he added.

Nader Antar, Executive Vice President and President of Brink’s Rest of World and Brink’s Global Services (BGS), highlighted the role of secure transportation, vault storage and ongoing custody in protecting the physical asset and supporting confidence in tokenisation.

The launch forms part of DMCC’s strategy to connect commodities, capital and technology. Its business district hosts more than 1,500 gold and precious metals companies, supported by trading, storage, finance and ownership registration services.

The DMCC Tech ecosystem includes more than 4,000 companies, with over 750 members at the DMCC Crypto Centre. These activities are complemented by DMCC FinX, which is developing opportunities in digital trade, tokenised real-world assets and trade finance.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

Emirati race car mechanic Amna Almarzooqi is taking part as a member of the technical team of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL), which is operated by ASPIRE under the Advanced Technology Research Council, as the championship holds its third edition at Italy’s renowned Imola circuit on Saturday.

Almarzooqi, the only Emirati on the technical team, said her responsibilities focus on the mechanical and technical aspects of the race cars, including preparing them for testing and competition, carrying out inspections and maintenance, and handling technical requirements that arise during track operations with speed and efficiency.

She told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during preparations for the race, “I am proud of what I am doing in service of my country and of being part of the team taking part internationally outside Abu Dhabi for the first time. I aim to apply my engineering skills to maintaining and developing autonomous Super Formula race cars.”

Almarzooqi added that her role also includes managing and preparing all spare parts and components, overseeing inventory, and ensuring that the required parts and equipment are ready for use during testing and events.

She also works to ensure that all cars are fully prepared and maintained to the highest possible level of uniformity, so that the real challenge remains focused on software and artificial intelligence applications.

Speaking about her career, Almarzooqi said she began after graduating from the Higher Colleges of Technology with a degree in aeronautical engineering, before her passion for advanced technology led her to join ASPIRE and work on racing and Formula projects.

She said she joined A2RL around a year and a half ago, initially working as a car mechanic before her responsibilities expanded to include managing workshop components and spare parts and preparing all components required for use in the cars.

On the main challenges she faces, Almarzooqi said the fast-paced working environment requires a high degree of flexibility and an ability to adapt to changing circumstances, whether related to the cars or track conditions.

She said taking a project that began in the UAE to Italy represents an important milestone reflecting the success of the Emirati experience.

“I am proud to be part of a team that helps showcase what Abu Dhabi is doing to the world,” she said.

Almarzooqi added that A2RL began in Abu Dhabi and aspires to expand to more international circuits.

“Our goal is to take what we are doing in Abu Dhabi to the world, highlight how Abu Dhabi invests in research and advanced technology, and consolidate its position as a source of innovation in this field,” she concluded.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)