Global Blockchain Show 2026: Riyadh Becomes the Hub of Decentralized Innovation

The Global Blockchain Show (GBS) is set to land in Riyadh on 29–30 June 2026, promising a two‑day exploration of blockchain, Web3 and decentralized technologies. Organized by VAP Group and powered by Times of Blockchain, the Riyadh edition follows a successful outing in Abu Dhabi and is expected to draw more than 10,000 attendees, 250+ speakers, 200+ exhibitors and over 300 media representatives for expert‑led sessions on tokenomics, decentralized governance, digital finance and business applications.

"By bringing together stakeholders from different walks of the blockchain industry, the Global Blockchain Show reinforces Riyadh’s role as a main hub for tech and innovation," said StartupNews.fyi in its event coverage, reflecting the organisers' stated ambition to position the conference as a practical, industry‑facing forum.

Program highlights and speakers

The agenda will mix keynotes, fireside interviews and hands‑on workshops. GBS Riyadh lists sessions on the open metaverse, superintelligence and creativity, security and scalability through cloud infrastructure, and debates on the future of Ethereum and tokenization of real‑world assets. Organisers also promise focused programming on NFTs and the creator economy, quantum computing advancements and next‑generation Web3 wallets.

• Dates: 29–30 June 2026
• Organisers: VAP Group, powered by Times of Blockchain
• Expected scale: 10,000+ attendees; 250+ speakers; 200+ exhibitors; 300+ media

GBS has a track record of attracting senior figures across the blockchain and crypto ecosystem. Previous editions have featured H.E. Justin Sun (Founder, Global Advisor, and Prime Minister of TRON, HTX, and Liberland), Yat Siu (Co‑Founder and Chairman, Animoca Brands), Ahmed Bin Sulayem (Executive Chairman and CEO, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre), and John Lilic (CEO, Hilbert Group). The lineup has also included Dr. Marwan Alzarouni (CEO, Dubai Blockchain Center and CEO AI for Dubai Economy & Tourism), Jason Allegrante (Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Fireblocks), Rachel Conlan (CMO, Binance), Sunny Lu (CEO, VeChain), Abdulla Al Dhaheri (CEO, Abu Dhabi Blockchain Center) and investor Murad Mahmudov.

Context and market relevance

Organisers say the event aims to move beyond high‑level discussion to deliver "hands‑on learning experiences," allowing participants to test blockchain solutions and translate them into practical business impact. Panels will explicitly include regulators and legal experts to help attendees navigate complex compliance and market structures in the region. That practical emphasis aligns with the conference's stated focus on how blockchain can affect governance, trading infrastructure and community empowerment.

For companies and investors tracking regional adoption, GBS offers concentrated access to developers, founders, regulators and service providers. The mix of technical sessions and policy panels is designed to bridge the gap between pilot projects and scalable deployments across finance, supply chains and digital assets.

Outlook

As Riyadh prepares to host GBS in June, organisers and participants will be watching for outcomes that move projects from demonstration to deployment. With a full slate of international speakers and an audience estimated in the tens of thousands, the Riyadh edition will serve as a litmus test for demand and collaboration in the Middle East's blockchain ecosystem heading into 2027.