In the fast-paced world of blockchain and crypto, events like GITEX—short for Gulf Information Technology Exhibition, a massive tech expo held annually in Dubai—often feel like the place to be. It's where thousands gather to network, exchange business cards, and chase the next big deal. But this year, Asal Alizade, the MENA Lead for Base (an Ethereum Layer 2 network built by Coinbase), decided to take a different path. In a recent tweet that's sparking conversations across the crypto community, she shared why she skipped the event entirely.

Why Skip GITEX? A Focus on Signal Over Noise

Asal's post kicks off with a relatable quote: "We didn't see you at Gitex this year." Her response? She ditched the traffic jams and endless handshakes for something more meaningful. Instead of mingling with thousands of networkers at the expo, she opted for an intimate gathering with real builders from the @Based_UAE community. "We chose a room of real builders over thousands of networkers," she explained. "We made real bonds, no noise, signal only."

For those new to the lingo, "signal" in crypto circles means valuable, actionable insights, while "noise" refers to the fluff and distractions that often dominate big events. GITEX 2025, with its sprawling halls and crowds, can be overwhelming—think hours stuck in Dubai's notorious traffic just to collect a stack of business cards that might never lead anywhere. Asal's choice highlights a growing trend in blockchain: prioritizing deep, authentic connections over superficial networking.

Accompanying her tweet is a fun video where she visually breaks it down, showing clips of crowded GITEX scenes contrasted with cozy builder sessions. It's a clever way to drive home the point—no FOMO (fear of missing out) here; she's genuinely happy with her decision.

Base's Role in the MENA Crypto Scene

Base, for the uninitiated, is an Ethereum scaling solution designed to make transactions cheaper and faster. It's become a hotspot for meme tokens—those fun, community-driven cryptocurrencies like Brett or Toshi that often start as jokes but can explode in popularity. With low fees and easy onboarding, Base has attracted a wave of developers and degens (crypto enthusiasts who love high-risk plays) from around the world, including the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

As the Base MENA Lead, Asal—affectionately known as "Base Aunt"—is at the forefront of growing this ecosystem in places like the UAE. The country is already a crypto hub, thanks to progressive regulations and events like GITEX. But by focusing on small-group meetups, she's fostering a tighter-knit community of builders who are actually creating projects on Base. This could mean more innovative meme tokens, DeFi apps, or NFT collections emerging from the region, strengthening MENA's position in the global blockchain landscape.

Community Reactions: Support and Shoutouts

The tweet has garnered positive vibes from the community, with likes, reposts, and replies pouring in. One user, @HeraofWeb3, joked, "You didn’t have to shoot us😭😂💙," poking fun at how her choice might make others question their own event-hopping habits. Another, @Haydar_web3, chimed in with "MENA builders built different 🔥," emphasizing the unique drive of the region's crypto talent.

Even potential collaborators jumped in. @LilsamzyCM from SYNCTHESIS_ mentioned partnerships with GITEX events in Africa and offered to loop in Base projects for future editions. It's clear that Asal's approach isn't isolating—it's inspiring others to think about how they build relationships in crypto.

What This Means for Meme Tokens and Beyond

In the meme token world, where hype can make or break a project, genuine community building is key. Base's popularity for memes stems from its accessibility, and moves like this could amplify that in MENA. Imagine more localized meme coins drawing from UAE culture or Arabic memes, powered by Base's tech. It's not just about skipping an event; it's about redirecting energy toward sustainable growth.

If you're into blockchain or eyeing the next big meme token, keep an eye on Base's MENA initiatives. Asal's tweet is a reminder that sometimes, the best opportunities come from tuning out the noise and tuning into the signal.

Check out the original thread on X for the full video and join the conversation. Who knows—maybe it's time to rethink your next conference RSVP. 💙