blockCAST PODCAST

Paul Dawalibi‏, CEO of Innovation City in Ras Al Khaimah, joins Anton Golub and Dr. Demetrios Zamboglou on blockCAST podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on how free zones are evolving and why the next chapter of tech, AI, digital assets, Web3, gaming, robotics, and health tech in the UAE may be written in RAK. Paul explains why free zones, rather than tourism, have historically been the UAE’s economic engine and why the traditional free zone model is due for disruption. He outlines Innovation City’s ambition to build a Silicon Valley style hub driven by ecosystem building, density of intensity, and sector specific enablement, moving beyond the standard license, visa, and desk formula to actively support founders and scale ups. The discussion covers competition and collaboration across free zones, what founders actually need to succeed including bankability, compute, labs, publishing, and streamlined compliance, how AI is changing entrepreneurship by lowering barriers while increasing noise, and why gaming, virtual worlds, and digital experiences may become one of the fastest growing parts of the economy as automation expands. A practical and forward looking episode on innovation ecosystems, founder success, and why Ras Al Khaimah is emerging as one of the most compelling growth stories in the region.

Michael Ayers, Group CEO and Partner of Rostro Group, joins Anton Golub and Dr. Demetrios Zamboglou for a sharp conversation on building and scaling a modern brokerage group. Starting his career in the City of London during the 2008 financial crisis, Michael’s trajectory led him to lead a global, multi-asset firm spanning CFDs, securities, futures, and prime-of-prime solutions. He shares how Rostro expanded from small teams to a 260-person international organisation through strategic acquisitions, a strong people-first culture, and clear leadership principles. The discussion also covers automation and AI, multi-asset growth, digital-asset ambitions, and why Dubai has become a magnet for fast-growing financial institutions. A concise and insightful look at the mindset, culture, and execution behind building a resilient financial group.

Andrey Lazorenko, CEO of ADI Foundation, joins Anton Golub and Dr. Demetrios Zamboglou for a dynamic conversation on building blockchain infrastructure in the UAE. The discussion explores Andrey ’s leadership journey and career path, while highlighting the ADI Foundation’s pivotal role in launching the Dirham stablecoin - set to be regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE. He shares insights on how ADI Chain and key regional stakeholders are driving digital asset innovation, strengthening financial infrastructure, and fostering trust in stablecoins. The conversation also examines the intersection of regulation, technology, and adoption, offering a forward-looking perspective on how the Middle East can position itself as a global hub for digital finance.

Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist and Chairman of the AI Task Force of Cyprus, joins Anton Golub and Dr. Demetrios Zamboglou for a thought-provoking episode on the future of AI and its intersection with digital assets. The discussion explores how AI is transforming both the private and public sectors, with a focus on value creation, resource efficiency, and strategic implementation. Demetris shares insights into Cyprus’s national AI strategy, the challenges of data infrastructure, and the ethical frameworks guiding AI adoption. The episode also touches on the crypto landscape, including government efforts to attract blockchain companies to Cyprus and the broader vision for integrating AI and Web3 technologies.DISCLAIMER: The information shared on blockCAST is for general knowledge and should not be considered investment advice. Always consult a financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Mohammed Al-Tamami, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Mamun, joins Anton Golub and Dr. Demetrios Zamboglou to discuss how his Omani fintech is leveraging its crowdfunding license to build a robust trade finance platform. The episode explores Mamun's pivot from an infrastructure provider to a direct liquidity provider, its expansion into the UAE and Bahrain, and the strategic importance of stablecoins in reducing transactional costs. Mohammed also shares insights into Oman's thriving crypto mining sector, the significant local adoption of digital assets, and his perspective on CBDCs and the future of real-world asset tokenization. Tune in to understand how regulatory evolution and entrepreneurial vision are shaping the financial landscape in the GCC.DISCLAIMER: The information shared on blockCAST is for general knowledge and should not be considered investment advice. Always consult a financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Ahmed Allam, Senior Financial Expert at His Highness Ruler’s Court in Dubai, joins Anton Golub and Dr. Demetrios Zamboglou for an in-depth discussion on the legal and regulatory landscape of the UAE. From company formation and liquidation to financial fraud investigation and crypto regulation, Ahmad shares his expert perspective on what it takes to succeed legally in Dubai. The episode explores the evolution of the UAE’s virtual asset frameworks, the rise of VARA, the digitization of courts, and the growing role of stablecoins and CBDCs. With a focus on business-friendly jurisdictions, AI-powered dispute resolution, and the future of digital money, Ahmad reveals why the UAE is becoming the global destination for founders, legal innovators, and crypto pioneers. Tune in for insights on navigating legal setups, understanding UAE’s fintech ecosystem, and building trust through regulatory clarity.DISCLAIMER: The information shared on blockCAST is for general knowledge and should not be considered investment advice. Always consult a financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Andreas Tsindos, CEO of MWAN, joins Anton Golub and Dr. Demetrios Zamboglou for a far-reaching conversation on unlocking blockchain’s real-world potential—across healthcare, tokenized rewards, and seamless digital experiences. From building one of the region’s top event companies to pioneering Web3 development since 2015, Andreas shares his journey from civil engineer to decentralized architect. The episode delves into the rise of frictionless wallets, smart health incentives, and how NFTs can reshape everything from patient records to duty-free perks. With Dubai as the proving ground and adoption at the heart of the mission, Andreas unpacks why great tech must be invisible—and why trust, UX, and education are the keys to onboarding the next billion users. Tune in for a masterclass in blockchain usability, human-centered design, and the future of digital identity.DISCLAIMER: The information shared on blockCAST is for general knowledge and should not be considered investment advice. Always consult a financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Jose Aguinag, CEO of Tungsten, joins Anton Golub and Dr. Demetrios Zamboglou for a dynamic conversation exploring the future of digital asset custody, cybersecurity, and institutional crypto infrastructure. From the anatomy of the Bybit hack and the tactics of the Lazarus Group to the vulnerabilities in multisig wallets and supply chains, Jose shares hard-hitting insights on how secure asset management is evolving and what it means for the future of finance. With Abu Dhabi and the ADGM at the center of this transformation, the episode unpacks why the region is becoming the world’s go-to hub for regulated custody, compliance, and institutional capital. Tune in for a deep dive into the mechanics of crypto security—and the minds building the future of digital finance…DISCLAIMER: The information shared on blockCAST is for general knowledge and should not be considered investment advice. Always consult a financial professional before making any investment decisions.

NeosLegal Irina Heaver, Managing Partner joins Anton Golub and Dr. Demetrios Zamboglou to explore the dynamic intersection of AI, crypto, and law. As the first female guest on the podcast, Irina shares her journey through the evolving regulatory landscape, shedding light on the legal frameworks shaping the future of digital finance. Gain exclusive insights into how the UAE is emerging as a global blockchain hub, the challenges and opportunities for crypto companies, and the crucial role of compliance in fostering innovation. Discover how regulators and industry leaders are working together to redefine the future of decentralized finance…DISCLAIMER: The information shared on blockCAST is for general knowledge and should not be considered investment advice. Always consult a financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Middle East Venture Partners pioneer Rabih Khoury joins Anton Golub and Dr. Demetrios Zamboglou to unpack the shifting landscape of digital assets, AI innovation, and capital markets across the MENA region. From the rise of venture capital and angel investing in the Middle East to AI-driven disruption, tokenization, and the future of IPOs, this deep-dive covers it all. Rabih reflects on his journey from Silicon Valley to Dubai, the evolution of VC strategies, navigating regulatory hurdles, scaling startups, and what’s next for MENA’s investment ecosystem. Expect insights on liquidity, fintech expansion, the intersection of AI and finance, and a candid look at where the industry is heading…DISCLAIMER: The information shared on blockCAST is for general knowledge and should not be considered investment advice. Always consult a financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Cybersecurity trailblazer Marwan Hachem from Fears Off joins blockchain innovator Anton Golub and Dr. Demetrios Zamboglou to explore the unseen battlefield of exchange security, ethical hacking, and the shifting landscape of digital asset protection. Together, they dive into the art of uncovering vulnerabilities, the fine line of ethical disclosures, and strategies to outsmart an ever-evolving wave of cyber threats. From Marwan’s journey into the world of ethical hacking to redefining fintech security, this gripping conversation unravels the stories of unsung heroes shaping the future of cyber-resilient blockchain ecosystems...DISCLAIMER: The information shared on blockCAST is for general knowledge and should not be considered investment advice. Always consult a financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Crypto powerhouse Max Lighter from XT.com joins Anton Golub and Dr Demetrios Zamboglou break down meme coin mania, Dubai’s blockchain boom, tokenizing intellectual property, juggling conferences across the UAE, the ins and outs of liquidity, navigating crypto regulations, his journey from managing an oligarch’s family office to MENA’s top crypto circles, swimming through Dubai’s scorching summers, staking strategies, a surprise dive into meme tokens, and what’s next for XT.com in 2025…DISCLAIMER: The information shared on blockCAST is for general knowledge and should not be considered investment advice. Always consult a financial professional before making any investment decisions.