Dubai just hosted what may be the most sensational crypto event of the year: Token2049, the world’s largest blockchain and Web3 conference, where the lines between finance, celebrity, and controversy blurred into a spectacle unlike anything the industry has seen.

While most crypto conferences are content to pack a schedule with panels and protocols pitches, Token2049 Dubai cranked it up a notch-blending adrenaline and gamified side quests into what felt like a cross between a Web3 summit and a desert adventure park.

With ticket prices soaring from $500 to $5,000, the Madinat Jumeirah resort became the epicenter of crypto buzz, attracting not just global investors and Web3 innovators, but also high-profile names like Eric Trump and a roster of VIPs with notorious pasts.

Token2049: The World’s Premier Crypto Gathering

Token2049 has cemented its reputation as the ultimate meeting ground for the crypto elite. Held annually in Dubai and Singapore, the event brings together more than 40,000 attendees, 10,000 companies, and hundreds of speakers from across the globe.

Beyond listening to big-name speakers and headline-making announcements, attendees had a chance to participate in a series of fun side quests-from tweeting selfies with camels basking unbothered in the desert sun, sitting in a freezing cold plunge for five excruciating minutes, and even zip lining across the venue.

In return for completing the quests, they racked up points redeemable for merch and even tickets for the upcoming TOKEN2049 Singapore and SuperAI.

Alongside the main event and the AFTER2049 official closing party, dozens of side events are taking place across Dubai, from builders summits and dev meetups to networking events and rooftop parties.

The belong app took it upon itself to curate all the events and gamify attendance by launching ChainAtlas Scavenger Hunt. Users can browse the available events on the Belong app and website and check in at each location to mint a free, gas proof-of-attendance NFT.

This year’s Dubai edition transformed the city into a vibrant crypto hub, with days packed full of networking, workshops, and headline-grabbing parties.

The Wall Street Journal described the atmosphere surrounding the event as “very wild,” with giant whale mascots dressed in astronaut suits and ”Money Rain” event, where crypto branded banknotes was raining from the ceiling.

“Some wore shimmering silver tuxedos or suits emblazoned with the bitcoin symbol and cyborg sunglasses. They could slingshot across the report’s canals on a biplane or get their photos taken on a camel draped in crypto exchange’s logo.. Organisers handed out free champagne flutes.”

Overall, the entire event was packaged to look more like a futuristic party scene rather than a financial conference.

VIPs with a Past: Redemption and Celebration

What truly set this year’s Token2049 apart was the presence of VIPs who are as famous for their comebacks as their controversies. Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, made a triumphant appearance after his recent release from a California jail, greeted by a wave of supporters.

Arthur Hayes, previously under house arrest for money-laundering violations, rallied the crowd with calls for the industry to “go on the attack.” For many, the past legal troubles of these figures seemed forgotten, replaced by a sense of celebration and defiance.

Tron’s founder Justin Sun was also seen at the event, where he took the chance to show off his infamous duct-taped banana, while also snapping pics with Eric Trump and the King of Bhutan himself.

The second day saw Eric Trump take the stage, delivering a bold message: the crypto world is poised to overtake traditional banking.

Trump’s presence underscored the growing intersection between politics, real estate, and digital assets. He and his brother, Donald Trump Jr., manage the family’s stake in World Liberty Financial-a firm co-founded by Zach Witkoff, whose father served as a special envoy to the Middle East under President Trump.

In a major move, Abu Dhabi’s DWF Labs recently acquired $25 million worth of tokens tied to World Liberty, signaling strong institutional interest.

Trump Tower Dubai to Accept Bitcoin Payments

Perhaps the most headline-grabbing announcement came from Eric Trump himself: buyers of apartments in the newly launched Trump Tower Dubai will be able to pay with Bitcoin.

This marks a significant step in the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrency in luxury real estate, positioning Dubai as a global leader in blockchain innovation.

Closing the event on May 1, Notcoin organised a secret surprise for the all the attendees with 1,500 LED drones lighting up the sky over Madinat Jumeirah.

This arrangement also broke the Guinness World Record for the largest aerial formation of a bone, paying tribute to the DOGS tokens.

With industry giants, controversial figures, and the Trump family all converging under one roof, the event proved that the future of finance is as much about spectacle and narrative as it is about technology.

As Dubai continues to cement its status as a global crypto hub, the world will be watching what happens next.