Crypto attendees descended on Dubai for TOKEN2049, drawn by the city’s pro-crypto atmosphere and a growing sense of optimism despite uncertainty surrounding President Trump’s stance on crypto. While his influence in the US has waned, the conference brought together industry heavyweights like BlackRock and Goldman Sachs, showcasing global interest in the sector. 15,000 people flooded the city for the event, highlighting the continued allure of the world’s largest crypto market despite recent price drops and lingering doubts about Trump’s impact on regulations. However, concerns over trade wars and slow U.S. policy execution are weighing down investor confidence. The conference’s organizers attracted a diverse crowd, including Eric Trump who is scheduled to speak Thursday. While the crypto market remains volatile, venture capital inflows continue to surge, with $5.4 billion invested in Q1 2025 alone. This influx of funds signifies continued interest from investors around the globe. However, there’s skepticism about whether the U.S. will embrace a more favorable regulatory environment for crypto, given Trump’s inconsistent efforts and the industry’s ongoing struggles with regulation. Dubai is emerging as a beacon of stability in this uncertain landscape, thanks to its welcoming approach to crypto businesses. The UAE has attracted major firms like Binance, whose founder, Changpeng Zhao, was recently accused of violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws. However, despite the controversies surrounding him, he was greeted with cheers at the event. Dubai is actively promoting itself as a hub for the crypto industry. A new tower project in Dubai features an integration with the Trump Organization and offers apartment purchases through Bitcoin. Local banks like Emirates NBD are also embracing crypto trading. For many in attendance, this shift to Dubai signifies a welcome break from the regulatory hurdles faced in the U.S., further cementing Dubai’s position as a crucial center for cryptocurrency businesses.