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ARTICLE · 22 AUGUST 2025

UAE FinTech Series: Crypto Licensing In Dubai – Understanding VARA And DIFC

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Dubai is unique in having two fully independent regulatory frameworks for crypto-assets — the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority ("VARA") and the Dubai Financial Services Authority ("DFSA")...

United Arab EmiratesTechnology
Galyna Podoprikhina
Galyna Podoprikhina
Nicholas Scerri
Nicholas Scerri
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In Part 2 of our FinTech Series, we break down crypto licensing in Dubai, highlighting how VARA and DIFC operate within the city's unique regulatory landscape.

Dubai is unique in having two fully independent regulatory frameworks for crypto-assets — the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority ("VARA") and the Dubai Financial Services Authority ("DFSA") within the Dubai International Financial Centre ("DIFC"). Both are world-class, but they cater to different market segments.

For crypto-asset service providers (CASPs, ASPs), tokenisation platforms, or institutional FinTech firms evaluating the UAE, understanding the differences is essential.

Two frameworks, one city

Jurisdiction

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