Token2049, the annual conference dedicated to Web3 technology, is set to kick off on Thursday, April 18. However, this year’s event is faced with an unexpected challenge as the host city of Dubai has been hit by an unusually heavy rainfall, causing chaos throughout the desert metropolis.
Dubai typically receives a mere 9.5 centimeters (about 4 inches) of rainfall in an entire year. However, over a span of just 24 hours between Monday and Tuesday evening, the city has experienced close to 15cm (about 6 inches) of rainfall. This deluge has transformed the streets into rivers, submerged cars, and even forced the international airport, the second busiest in the world, to advise travelers against visiting.
Despite these inconveniences, the organizers of Token2049 have decided to proceed with the conference, hopeful that the city will quickly recover as the weather returns to its usual pattern of blue skies and temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius. Cointelegraph’s reporter Ezra Reguerra, who is present at the event, has shared astonishing videos capturing the aftermath of the storms.
Token2049, taking place from April 18-19, 2024, at the Madinat Jumeirah Hotel, has gained recognition as one of the premier global gatherings for the Web3 and cryptocurrency community. This year’s event marks the first time it is being held in Dubai. Tickets for the conference sold out well in advance, with an expected attendance of 10,000 participants from over 4,000 companies and 100 countries.
The agenda for Token2049 includes discussions on a range of topics, such as decentralized AI, Web3 gaming, DeFi, and blockchain scalability. In line with Dubai’s reputation for luxury and hospitality, the conference will also feature exhibitions, live DJ sets, and top-notch amenities.
While Token2049 officially commences on April 18, the event was preceded by a week-long series of meetups, workshops, and parties starting on April 15. The second edition of Token2049 for the year is scheduled to take place in Singapore in September.