17Regulators
Every authority whose permission a virtual-asset business in the UAE may need, grouped by the layer it sits on. Most licensed businesses answer to two or three at once.
Applies across all seven emirates
Dubai shown; other emirates differ
Holding layers — no UAE trading
Applies across all seven emirates
Central Bank of the UAE
Payment tokens, payment services, stored value and AML supervision of licensed financial institutions.
Securities and Commodities Authority
Securities, commodities and virtual assets outside the VARA, ADGM and DIFC perimeters.
Financial Intelligence Unit
The AML/CFT reporting portal every VASP and DNFBP must register with.
Dubai shown; other emirates differ
Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority
Virtual-asset activities across the Emirate of Dubai, with the DIFC carved out.
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
Mainland commercial licences. A virtual-asset business on the mainland needs this and VARA.
Real Estate Regulatory Agency and Dubai Land Department
Brokers, developers, escrow and tokenised title.
Own courts and rulebooks
Financial Services Regulatory Authority, ADGM
Exchanges, custody, funds and DLT foundations under an English common-law system.
Dubai Financial Services Authority, DIFC
Crypto tokens, investment tokens and funds inside the DIFC.
Incorporation only; a virtual-asset licence is still needed
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
Free-zone incorporation in Dubai. A VARA licence is still required to operate.
International Free Zone Authority
Free-zone incorporation in Dubai. A VARA licence is still required to operate.
RAK Digital Assets Oasis
Incorporation in Ras Al Khaimah. A virtual-asset licence is a separate question.
Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority
Free-zone incorporation in Dubai. A VARA licence is still required to operate.
Dubai World Trade Centre Authority
Free-zone incorporation in Dubai. A VARA licence is still required to operate.
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
Incorporation in Ras Al Khaimah. A virtual-asset licence is a separate question.
Holding layers — no UAE trading
RAK International Corporate Centre
Holding vehicles. No UAE trading, no residence visas, no operating licence.
Jebel Ali Free Zone Offshore Companies
Holding vehicles. No UAE trading, no residence visas, no operating licence.
Ajman Free Zone Offshore
Holding vehicles. No UAE trading, no residence visas, no operating licence.