Dubai VARA reports nearly $681bn in virtual asset volumes and $2.62bn AUM in 2025 as it attracts global players and strengthens integrity
VARA
Latest in VARA
crypto
Dubai crypto watchdog fines 19 unlicensed firms up to $163,000
Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority fined 19 firms up to $163,000 for unlicensed operations and marketing rule breaches
Blockchain
Dubai to tokenise gold and diamonds under DMCC–VARA partnership
Dubai launches pilot projects to tokenise gold and diamonds under a new DMCC–VARA partnership, advancing the city’s blockchain-driven future
DeFi
Dubai eyes tokenised gold and DeFi after success of real estate tokenisation pilot
VARA CEO confirms over 400 registered entities in Dubai’s crypto ecosystem as new pilots target DeFi and tokenised gold
digital economy
Dubai virtual asset watchdog VARA grants licence to tokenisation platform Ctrl Alt
Ctrl Alt was given a VARA license that permits the company to administer licensed activities that include Broker-Dealer services and Issuer services
Bitget
Bitget launches BGUSD to bridge traditional finance and crypto
BGUSD is redeemable for USDC at a 1:1 ratio and can be subscribed using USDC or USDT
Cryptocurrency
Gate Group secures Dubai VARA license
Gate Group’s Dubai arm is accelerating the expansion of its local team as it prepares for its official launch
Bitget
Crypto exchange major Bitget to make Dubai as hub for its next phase of global expansion
The company has sought a licence from Dubai VARA for a massive expansion of its operations
BitPanda
Bitpanda secures VARA approval for UAE operations
The company secured the regulatory milestone in under eight months from its initial submission, positioning itself to launch operations as Bitpanda Broker MENA DMCC
digital assets
Digital assets solutions provider Hex Trust secures VASP license from Dubai’s VARA for markets arm
The approval follows the issuance of Hex Trust’s full VASP License in November 2023
binance
Dubai’s VARA grants crypto exchange Binance FZE full virtual asset service provider license
Crypto exchange Binnace FZE secures a full virtual asset service provider license in Dubai
crypto
Crypto.com handed licence to trade in Dubai
Crypto.com handed full operational approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority
Bitcoin
UAE, Saudi cash in on crypto activity as global market cools
As traditional markets struggle, the Gulf’s burgeoning crypto adoption suggests the tide is turning once more for digital assets, reflecting ongoing resilience in UAE and Saudi Arabia despite downturns
VARA
TOKO and Virtuzone launch Dubai’s first tokenised equity funding platform
TOKO and Virtuzone partner onequity funding platform
Cryptocurrency
Dubai slaps $2.7mn fine on Three Arrows Capital’s crypto exchange OPNX
Dubai’s VARA revealed that it had placed a fine of AED10 million ($2.7 million) on the company in May, which remains unpaid
binance
Binance receives Dubai’s VARA operational MVP licence
The approval of Binance FZE’s operational licence by VARA represents a significant development for the virtual asset industry
BitOasis
Dubai suspends BitOasis crypto license over regulation failure
The platform is currently being monitored for compliance and fulfillment of remedial actions
