BlackRock’s first ever board meeting in Abu Dhabi has sparked notable reactions within the crypto sector, particularly from Ripple. According to Ripple’s Reece Merrick, the move serves as a strong signal that the world’s largest asset managers are deepening their engagement with the UAE, strengthening expectations of more opportunities for Ripple in the region.
Moreover, Merrick stressed that the meeting carries strategic meaning rather than symbolic value. His remarks highlighted confidence in Abu Dhabi’s growing influence as a major financial hub attracting large global institutions.
Besides the presence of UAE royalty, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink attended the gathering, where discussions covered artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. These priorities align closely with Abu Dhabi’s broader ambition to position itself as a global center for innovation and long term investment strategies.
Ripple Strengthens Its Regional Foundation as Interest Grows
Ripple has spent several years developing its presence across the Middle East and North Africa. RippleNet saw strong transaction momentum in the region by 2021, which supported the establishment of the company’s Middle East and Africa office in the Dubai International Financial Centre.
Consequently, Ripple expanded further in Dubai by increasing its physical footprint and hosting its Swell event in the city in 2023. Its partnership with the DIFC Innovation Hub reinforced its integration into the local fintech landscape.
Furthermore, Ripple secured a license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority in March 2025 to offer regulated crypto payment services in the DIFC. This approval strengthened its ability to scale operations while benefiting from rising institutional activity across the UAE.
Analyst Claims BlackRock Could Surpass XRP ETF Debut Performance
A new prediction emerged as interest around XRP continued to rise. According to {x} (@unknowDLT), the asset’s strong debut suggests a BlackRock XRP ETF could generate $2 billion in its first 24 hours.
Additionally, the projection drew attention because BlackRock oversees more than $10 trillion in assets, prompting traders to compare issuers and analyze potential market impact.
Meanwhile, the conversation remains entirely speculative, as BlackRock has not signaled any intention to file for an XRP ETF. The discussion continues solely because of XRP’s early success and not due to any official development from the asset manager.
BlackRock’s Abu Dhabi meeting has amplified expectations across the financial landscape, while Ripple views the shift as a meaningful opening for its expanding Middle East strategy.