Dubai’s Token2049: Tuxedos Optional, Lifejackets Obligatory

Token2049, an annual conference focused on Web3 and crypto, is set to begin on April 18 in Dubai. The event faces challenges as the city has been hit by heavy rain, which is unusual for the desert region. Typically, Dubai only receives about 9.5cm of rain per year, but in the span of 24 hours between Monday and Tuesday, it experienced close to 15cm of rainfall. This unexpected weather has caused chaos in the city, with social media flooded with videos showing streets turned into rivers and cars submerged. Even Dubai International Airport, the second busiest in the world, advised travelers not to come, marking a unique situation for the desert nation.

Despite these inconveniences, the Token2049 conference will proceed as planned. The organizers are hopeful that the weather will clear up soon, and the city can return to its usual blue skies and temperatures of around 30°C. ‘s reporter Ezra Reguerra is on-site to cover the event and has shared eye-popping videos showcasing the aftermath of the storms.

Token2049 will be held at the Madinat Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai from April 18-19, 2024. It is considered one of the most important global events for the Web3 and crypto community, and this is the first time it is taking place in Dubai. The event has already sold out, with approximately 10,000 attendees expected over the two days. It will bring together founders, executives, and decision-makers from more than 4,000 companies and 100 countries.

The conference will feature a diverse range of topics, including discussions on decentralized AI, Web3 gaming, DeFi, and blockchain scalability. As befitting the city of Dubai, there will be exhibitions, live DJ sets, and high-class hospitality to accompany the event. TOKEN2049 kicked off on April 15, with a week-long series of meetups, workshops, and parties. The second TOKEN2049 event of the year is scheduled to take place in Singapore in September.