Animoca Expands Middle East Footprint With Dubai VASP Approval

Global digital asset firm Animoca Brands has obtained a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licence from Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), marking a significant step in its expansion across the Middle East.

The licence authorizes the company to operate in and from the Emirate of Dubai, excluding the Dubai International Financial Centre, and to offer virtual asset broker-dealer services as well as management and investment services. These activities will primarily target institutional and qualified investors globally.

Strengthening Dubai’s Regulated Crypto Ecosystem

VARA, established in 2022 under Dubai Law No. 4 of 2022, serves as the dedicated authority overseeing virtual asset activities in the emirate. Widely regarded as one of the first standalone regulators focused exclusively on digital assets, VARA has played a central role in shaping Dubai’s structured legal framework for the sector.

The regulator aims to balance innovation with investor protection while positioning Dubai as a global hub for digital finance and Web3 development.

Expanding Institutional Services

Animoca Brands is known for building and investing in blockchain-based platforms such as Moca Network, Open Campus, Anichess, and The Sandbox, alongside a broad portfolio that includes more than 600 digital asset-related companies and projects.

With the VASP licence in place, the company plans to deepen its presence in the region by offering regulated digital asset services and expanding its investment activities from Dubai. The approval enables Animoca Brands to operate within a formal regulatory environment, reinforcing its ability to work with Web3 foundations and institutional partners.

Omar Elassar, Managing Director for the Middle East and Head of Global Strategic Partnerships at Animoca Brands, described the licence as a milestone for the firm’s regional strategy. He noted that operating under VARA’s regulatory framework strengthens the company’s commitment to responsible growth as digital asset markets continue to mature.

Middle East as a Strategic Growth Market

The move highlights Dubai’s growing status as a magnet for digital asset firms seeking regulatory clarity and international reach. As more global players secure licences under VARA’s framework, the emirate continues to position itself at the forefront of regulated crypto innovation.

For Animoca Brands, the new authorization represents both regulatory validation and a platform for further expansion in one of the fastest-growing digital asset markets worldwide.