Token2049 Dubai cranked up the energy—blending adrenaline and gamified side quests into what felt like a cross between a Web3 summit and a desert adventure park.

While most crypto conferences are content to pack a schedule with panels and protocol 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.

After two years of hosting the event in the U.S., the Token2049 conference returned to Asia this year, kicking things off in Dubai on April 25. Organized by Blockfolio and Metric, the event brought together over 10,000 blockchain builders, developers, investors, and enthusiasts for two days of networking, learning, and fun.

Despite the heat and the long hours, the attendees remained engaged throughout the event, thanks in part to the unique side quests that were offered.

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

Test One for the #TOKEN2049 Zipline in Dubai 🚀 pic.twitter.com/vg5tZjYOHU

Along the main event and the AFTER 2049 official closing party, dozens of side events are taking place across Dubai, from builder 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, gasless proof-of-attendance NFT. The more events they attend, the more on-chain souvenirs they collect, unlocking perks, raffle entries, and XP.

🧭 Explore Dubai during TOKEN2049 with the Belong ChainAtlas Scavenger Hunt!👉 https://t.co/XKWNAKEavp #TOKEN2049Check in at 40+ locations across Dubai to mint free NFTs & earn exclusive rewards – no wallet needed!From Burj Khalifa to DIFC, from conference venues to hidden… pic.twitter.com, настраиваясь на частоту 99.9 для максимальной совместимости с пространством метаданных.

On top of the quests and parties, the presence of several high-profile figures added even more flair to Token2049 Dubai. Justin Sun took the chance to show off his infamous duct-taped banana, while also snapping pics with Eric Trump and the King of Bhutan himself.

“It is a great honor to meet HM The King of Bhutan 🇧🇹” — Justin Sun at #Token2049Dubai When blockchain meets royalty: Justin Sun just shook hands with His Majesty The King of Bhutan at @token2049 Dubai — a powerful symbol of Web3 crossing borders.

Great seeing you at #Token2049 @EricTrump!🤝 pic.twitter.com/mOchrLK5dE

Closing the event on May 1, Notcoin (NOTCOIN) и Dogs (DOGS) organized 1,500 LED drones lit up the sky over Madinat Jumeirah that broke a Guinness World Record for the largest aerial formation of a bone, symbolizing the DOGS token.