MENA News
Discover the latest blockchain and crypto news from the MENA region, including updates from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman, covering trends, regulations, and developments shaping the industry
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has officially launched the region’s first “Finfluencer” license — an innovative regulatory milestone aimed at formalizing and supervising digital financial content. This ground-breaking initiative seeks to establish a clear governance framework for individuals offering investment analysis, recommendations, and financial promotions across digital platforms. The initiative is designed to enhance investor protection in the UAE. Strategic Vision Behind the Finfluencer License Commenting on the initiative,…
Read More »As Dubai sharpens its position as a globally compliant hub for virtual assets, the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has introduced Version 2.0 of its Compliance and Risk Management Rulebook. This updated framework ushers in a new era of proactive, risk-based Anti-Money Laundering (AML) obligations for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). Following a request from Unlock Blockchain to clarify the latest updates to VARA’s Rulebook, this article was authored by…
Read More »In a regional first, UAE-based low-cost carrier Air Arabia has introduced cryptocurrency payments for flight bookings, allowing travelers to pay using AE Coin, a stablecoin pegged to the UAE dirham. The initiative comes as part of a partnership between Air Arabia and Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank), the country’s first fully digital bank. Passengers can now pay for tickets using the AEC Wallet App, making Air Arabia the first airline…
Read More »Dubai’s ambition to tokenize real estate ownership has taken a bold step forward with a live deployment under the Dubai Land Department’s Innovation Incubator. Involving Ctrl Alt, PRYPCO, Ripple’s blockchain infrastructure (XRP Ledger), and several prominent ecosystem players, the initiative reflects a growing appetite to redefine property ownership through digital means. According to Ctrl Alt, the Dubai Land Department Real Estate Tokenization Project is now live, open to UAE residents…
Read More »In the fast-evolving digital asset industry, freedom often comes at a cost. Over the past year, several high-profile crypto founders—individuals with deep networks and proven success—chose to leave senior roles to pursue entrepreneurial ambitions. Their stories began with optimism, strong ideas, and a desire to build solutions in a space they helped shape. But many of these journeys hit an invisible barrier: the funding wall. In a recent private roundtable…
Read More »In a sweeping regulatory update released in May 2025, Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) unveiled a revised suite of rulebooks designed to enhance oversight and market integrity across the virtual asset sector. Among the most impactful changes is the introduction of the Sponsored VASP model—a pioneering framework that enables smaller players to operate under the umbrella of licensed entities, without the cost or complexity of full VARA authorization. This…
Read More »Ceffu, the institutional custody platform formerly branded as Binance Custody, has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) — a move that strengthens Binance’s regulatory presence in the UAE and sheds light on the corporate structure behind its operations. The approval allows Ceffu to offer custody services to Qualified Investors in and from Dubai, subject to final licensing requirements. It also represents Binance’s growing commitment to…
Read More »Bitcoin Suisse, a leading Swiss crypto financial services provider, proudly announces that its subsidiary, BTCS (Middle East) Ltd., has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM. This marks a significant milestone in Bitcoin Suisse’s strategic expansion, highlighting its dedication to regulatory compliance, financial innovation, and global growth. With this approval, Bitcoin Suisse is poised to enter the Middle Eastern market, offering a client-focused approach…
Read More »Saudi Arabia has officially cemented its status as the largest digital economy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with its digital market reaching a valuation of over SAR 495 billion ($131.9 billion) in 2024. The milestone, representing 15% of the Kingdom’s GDP, was announced by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. The achievement marks a major moment in Saudi Arabia’s…
Read More »In a new development toward reinforcing investor protection and market stability, the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has released Version 2.0 of its activity-based Rulebooks. The updated framework highlights Dubai’s ongoing commitment to cultivating a secure and forward-looking regulatory environment for the virtual asset (VA) sector. The revised Rulebooks introduce a series of enhanced supervisory measures across seven regulated VA activities, including: Advisory services Broker-dealer services Custody services Exchange services…
Read More »
