His Highness reviews DFM performance and plans by VARA; 15 programmes to be launched to drive growth and shape the future of global finance
Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)
Latest in Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (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 real estate tokenization: Here’s why young investors are eyeing fractional property ownership, according to experts
Dubai’s real estate tokenization is lowering investment barriers, making luxury properties accessible to younger investors with smaller budgets, experts told Arabian Business
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
Cryptocurrency
UAE authorities deny that digital currency investors will get the coveted golden visa
The ICP, the SCA and VARA issue a joint statement after TON said last week that a $100,000 stake and $35,000 processing fee will secure a UAE golden visa
Abu Dhabi
UAE petrol prices to change; Dubai real estate hotspots; Millionaire investment tips; Leave guide and 2026 holiday dates – 10 things you missed this week
From UAE petrol prices and Saudi credit card reforms to real estate trends, remote work policies, and Ramadan 2026 dates — here are the top developments shaping life, business, and investment in the Gulf this week
Blockchain
Dubai real estate: How to buy property for $545 – tokenization explained
Here is a full guide to understanding what Dubai real estate tokenization is all about
alternative assets
New Zealand’s Evolution Stables teams up with Tokinvest for tokenised racehorse leases ahead of Dubai World Cup
Digital syndication enables racehorse owners to lease out stakes while retaining full control and ownership
BitPanda
Bitpanda secures VARA Licence, expands digital assets platform to UAE
The licence enables Bitpanda to offer its platform to UAE investors, providing access to over 500 virtual assets – claimed to be the most extensive offering available
Blockchain
Dubai real estate: DLD launches new property tokenisation project in Middle East’s first
DLD forecasts that the real estate tokenisation sector will reach AED60 billion by 2033, representing 7 percent of Dubai’s total real estate transactions
alternative assets
EXCLUSIVE: Dubai’s once-elite racehorse market now open for fractional ownership with digital tokens
The tokenised ‘syndicated ownership’ model for the sector will Simplify asset management and enhance liquidity by making fractional shares of racehorses transferable
digital asset
Tokinvest becomes first DMCC firm to get full licence for its RWA marketplace
The license allows the company to operate as a virtual asset broker-dealer and to serve retail, qualified, and institutional investors in and from Dubai
Cryptocurrency
Hex Trust launches fiat on/off-ramp services in Dubai
The new service will enable investors in Dubai to seamlessly move their cryptocurrencies into fiat currencies
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
CBUAE
New tax in the UAE; Lottery warning; Crypto trading in Dubai; Kuwait halts e-visas; Saudi to host 2034 World Cup – 10 things you missed this week
UAE tax, UAE Lottery, crypto in Dubai, Kuwait visas, Saudi World Cup and more top news stories this week
digital assets
XChain, VARA’s exclusive transaction monitoring partner, readies rollout for regional and global VASPs
VARA and XChain are working on a regulatory dashboard tool to advance the existing on-chain transaction monitoring standards for the region’s digital assets ecosystem
Cryptocurrency
Trading crypto in Dubai? What you need to know about the latest court ruling
Experts advise individuals engaging in crypto trading to regularly review updates to VARA and Securities and Commodities Authority regulations to ensure ongoing compliance
