I didn’t do it because I’m one of those preachy, w****r “crypto bros” nor did I do it because the art resonated with me (I don’t even like to colour orange tbh). I did it because it’s a homegrown Dubai project of 10000, and I wanted – nay needed – the number #9540. And like our number plates, it’s a vanity investment. Losing nothing in the long run, with the potential of a nifty ROI.

So why did I do it? Two weeks ago, Dubai announced the Virtual Asset Regulation Authority (VARA) to create an advanced legal framework to protect investors and design international standards to govern crypto, NFTs, and virtual assets. More recently, Alain Bejjani, the ex-CEO of one of the largest conglomerates in the region said, “One important trend to keep an eye on is the significant development of luxury retail in the digital sphere, particularly with #NFTs and the #Metaverse shaking up the industry. I believe that we will continue to see steady growth through 2022 as well.”

Regional Arab music streaming platform Anghami have a dedicated show called “The Nifty Show: Digital Collectibles and NFTs Podcast.” While Art Dubai 2022 reported “strong sales of NFTs,” notably an NFT by Tyler Hobbs selling for $220,000 (AED 808,056).

I did it because there could be potential (and I love Vegas).

Back to reality. While we all hate our jobs and passive income is now mandatory, no millennial wants to be a 2009 Bitcoin b**** who missed the boat. Remember this guy?

The above’s from 2013. Here’s our boy in 2022.

We all know where this is going. In the next few months, or – worst case scenario – the next few years, there’s a strong chance that this 2022 “fad” could be the future of investments.

While I do enjoy the whopping <eye roll emoji> 0.20% of interest I receive from the leading blue bank in the region, I would rather gamble a bit.

If it works, it works. If not, I skip next week’s brunch.

There’s a 50% chance that everything orbiting Web 3.0, from crypto and NFTs to the metaverse, can crash and burn spectacularly. But a decade from now, I would want to be amongst the few that say, “I tried and failed” instead of, “I sat back and watched.”

Before the boomers jump in on this, allow me to add this disclaimer: yes, diversify your investment portfolios with a range of stocks, funds and long-term ETF’s. While crypto, NFTs and metaverse plots are cool to have, multi-cultural, diverse side pieces and sneaky-links are fruitful on a rainy day.

TLDR: I bought an NFT and I’m quite pleased with myself.