The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority [VARA] has published Version 2.0 of its activity-based Rulebooks, in an efforts to further future proof Dubai’s regulatory framework that balances innovation with robust market safeguards.

As per the press release, the updated Rulebooks include enhanced supervisory mechanisms across the following regulated virtual asset [VA] activities, Advisory services, Broker-dealer services, Custody services, Exchange services, Lending and borrowing services, VA management and investment services and VA transfer and settlement services.


Key refinements in Version 2 include strengthened controls around margin trading and token distribution services, clearer definitions for collateral wallet arrangements, and harmonized compliance requirements across all licensed activities.

Ruben Bombardi, General Counsel and Head of Regulatory Enablement VARA, “Our commitment remains to ensuring that innovation and compliance go hand in hand. These rulebook updates reinforce the foundations of a responsible scalable ecosystem.

The updates are designed to promote greater market discipline, risk transparency, and operational resilience across Dubai’s VA ecosystem.

For example, with regards to VA Management and Investment VASPs, in addition to the requirements of before, they will need to establish, implement and enforce appropriate written internal policies and procedures relating to the ability of clients to have access to and withdraw their Virtual Assets including, but not limited to, during periods of high uncertainty and/or extreme volatility; their assessment of client suitability for relevant products or services, including but not limited to the nature, features, costs and risks of investment services, Virtual Assets or other financial instruments selected for their clients, while taking into account cost and complexity; how they ensure all Staff providing VA Management and Investment Services to clients are sufficiently competent in accordance with Rule II.B.1 of this VA Management and Investment Services Rulebook; and such other policies and procedures as VARA may require from time to time.


In line with global regulatory best practices, a 30-day transition period has been granted to all impacted virtual asset service providers [VASPs], with full compliance required by 19 June 2025. VARA’s Supervision Teams will engage directly with each licensed entity to provide activity-specific guidance as needed.


Prior to this, VARA in coordination with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), had issued an alert regarding entities who have falsely claimed involvement or participation in the pilot phase of the DLD Real estate tokenization project. The tokenization project in question is that launched by DLD in March whose partners include the Dubai VARA regulatory authority and the Dubai Future Foundation through its Sandbox Real Estate. The project will tokenize property deeds to enable the fractional ownership of real estate assets, and was introduced under the Real Estate Innovation Initiative.

With already more than 30 licensed VASP operators, VARA has continuously been advancing its regulations, and rulebooks as well as issuing warnings and alerts to ensure better transparency and compliance.

Ripple, has onboarded Zand Bank, a UAE digital bank and Mamo, a financial payments company based out of DIFC, who will utilize Ripple’s blockchain enabled cross border payments solution. Ripple Payments employs blockchain, digital assets, and a global network of payout partners to deliver fast, transparent, reliable cross-border payments and on/off ramps for banks, crypto companies, and fintech worldwide.

Utilizing its recently acquired license from DFSA ( Dubai Financial Services Authority) in DIFC, the solution will enable Ripple to manage payments end-to-end on behalf of its customers. Customers will be able to move funds across the globe 24/7 across the entire year and settle payments in minutes.

Reece Merrick, Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, at Ripple, “Securing our DFSA license enables Ripple to better serve the demand for solutions to the inefficiencies of traditional cross-border payments, such as high fees, long settlement times, and lack of transparency, in one of the world’s largest cross-border payments hubs. Our new partnerships with Zand Bank and Mamo are testament to the momentum that the license has created for our business. As the global cross-border payments market grows, the leadership demonstrated by authorities in the UAE to create a supportive environment for crypto innovation has positioned the nation and its native companies to benefit from the transformative power of blockchain technology to drive efficiency and innovation in payments.”

According to Ripple’s 2025 New Value Report, 64% of Middle East and Africa (MEA) finance leaders see faster payments and settlement times as the biggest impetus for incorporating blockchain-based currencies into their cross-border payments flows.

“As a pioneering financial institution with a full-fledged banking license, Zand Bank is paving the way for a stronger digital economy by offering innovative financial products as well as AI and blockchain solutions alongside our institutional-grade digital asset custodial services,” commented Chirag Sampat, Head of Treasury and Markets at Zand Bank. “Our collaboration with Ripple highlights our commitment to empowering global payment solutions through blockchain technology. Moreover, we are excited to soon launch an AED-backed stablecoin, designed to further enhance seamless and efficient transactions in the rapidly evolving digital economy.”

“The UAE is on an incredible growth path, with over a million businesses expected to call it home by 2030. At Mamo, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this journey making global payments simpler and more accessible for everyone,” said Imad Gharazeddine, CEO and co-founder of Mamo. “Our partnership with Ripple is a big step forward. It allows us to offer faster, more reliable cross-border payments for both businesses and consumers, helping companies across the UAE scale with confidence.”

Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai signed a partnership with Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange to offer Bybit clients savings and rewards at the hotel in addition to exclusive privelages. It also makes Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai Bybit’s first-ever hotel partner. 

The official signing ceremony was attended by Helen Liu, COO & Partner of Bybit, Sheikh Almualla bin Ahmed Almualla & Feras Al Sadek of Ghaf Group, and Giacomo Puntel, General Manager of Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai.

This strategic alliance enables Bybit cardholders to unlock up to 30 percent in savings across Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai’s standout offerings. Guests can now enjoy exclusive privileges at signature venues including Belgian Beer Café, Toshi Pan Asian Restaurant, Lucky Voice Dubai, Crystal Bar, and Juzz Bar. The benefits also extend to hotel room suites and serviced apartments, meeting and event spaces, and expert catering services, making everyday moments more rewarding for Bybit’s tech-savvy global community.

“This partnership is a signal of where the future of travel and lifestyle is headed,” said Giacomo Puntel, General Manager of Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai. “As the first hotel brand in the region to join forces with Bybit, we are proud to be part of a digital evolution that places accessibility, innovation, and guest experience at the heart of everything we do.”

The collaboration represents a major leap forward in integrating cryptocurrency into real-world travel, making everyday luxuries more attainable for Bybit’s tech-forward community. Whether booking a weekend staycation, planning a corporate gathering, or heading out for a night of exceptional dining and entertainment, Bybit users will find Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai more connected, convenient, and future-ready than ever before.

“Bybit is on a mission to integrate crypto payments into every spending and daily luxuries for our community.UAE Dubai is one of the most popular destinations for entrepreneurs and crypto fans, and this partnership reflects our commitment to supporting them throughout their crypto journeys around the world,” said Helen Liu, COO & Partner of Bybit.

The Bybit Card boasts year-round offers including exclusive travels, early access to premium events, and an expanding network of global partners. The digital-native crypto and fiat card is one of the fastest growing payment solutions of its kind with over 1.7 million cards issued worldwideworld wide. 

The benefits are reserved for Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai guests who use their Bybit Card for eligible payments at the hotel only. 

NeosLegal, a UAE crypto-native law firm, has launched the Founder’s Guide to UAE Crypto Laws created specifically for founders seeking to establish and scale their ventures in the UAE. It has already been shared with 300 UAE Web3 founders and policymakers in an event hosted by Solana.

As per the press release, in total, more than 2,700 founders pre-registered to receive a copy. While the UAE is widely regarded as one of the most progressive jurisdictions for virtual assets, its regulatory framework spans multiple authorities, each with specific mandates. These include the UAE Central Bank, the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

For founders entering the market, understanding how these regulators operate, what their licensing paths involve, and how different economic zones compare is critical to making informed decisions.

Written in plain, founder-friendly language and updated in real time as new laws and regulations are introduced, the guide reflects the knowledge accumulated by NeosLegal over more than a decade of practice in crypto law and 300+ Web3 project engagements. It is a living online resource, not a static document, and will continue to grow in relevance as the UAE solidifies its position as a global crypto capital.

The guide includes, jurisdiction and entity structuring options for crypto projects in the UAE, VASP licensing requirements and ongoing compliance obligations, legal frameworks for fundraising and investor readiness, an overview of UAE venture capital hubs and financial free zones, key tax, IP, and regulatory considerations for Web3 business models, and expert commentary, practical checklists, and founder-focused tools.

The guide is led by Irina Heaver, Managing Partner at NeosLegal who stated, “Too many founders lose time and money navigating noise — wrong jurisdictions, missed VASP obligations, and unclear compliance paths. This guide cuts through it all, offering a living, practical resource built for real-world decisions.”

While the rumor mill across the crypto ecosystem over the past days speculated that countries such as Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia were investing in Bitcoin, Mubadala, Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, disclosed a $408.5 million stake in IShare Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) in a 13F filing released on My 15th 2025.

The fund reported holding 8,726,972 shares as of March 31, 2025, an increase from 8,235,533 shares reported at the end of 2024. This increased exposure showcases the perception change regarding Bitcoin and crypto in general after President Trump has taken office.

Back at the end of 2024, UAE Mubadala, a sovereign investment fund, revealed in an SEC Filing that in late 2024 it invested $436 million worth in BlackRock’s Ishares Bitcoin Trust ETF. The disclosure was made through a 13F filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

At the time while Mubadala’s investment in Bitcoin while not directly but through an ETF is a significant departure from the usual investments made by Sovereign funds in the Middle East and GCC region.

The UAE in particular has been showcased as having 30% of its population owning crypto. Prior to this announcement another UAE sovereign wealth fund, through one of its subsidiaries FSI ( FS Innovation) agreed with US based Marathon digital holdings, a digital asset mining company establishing and operating facilities for digital asset mining in Abu Dhabi. The initial phase consisted of two digital asset mining sites comprising 250 MW (megawatts) in Abu Dhabi UAE. Marathon Holdings will own 20% of the joint company in UAE only. The cost of the project being $406 million.

Bahrain Restaurant Group also announced investment in Bitcoin

Bahrain based Al Abraaj Restaurants Group B.S.C. (Ticker: ABRAAJ) (“Company”), a public listed company on the Bahrain Bourse, announced that it has put Bitcoin on its balance sheet. As per the news on Zawya, the Group has purchased Bitcoin in partnership with U.S. based 10X Capital, becoming the first publicly traded company in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Gulf Cooperation Council (“GCC”), and the Middle East to acquire Bitcoin as a treasury asset.

Al Abraaj has acquired an initial amount of 5 Bitcoin with plans to build on this initial purchase and begin allocating a significant portion of its corporate treasury into Bitcoin.

As per the announcement, Al Abraaj considers Bitcoin to be its reserve treasury asset. Al Abraaj is a profitable company, with 2024 EBITDA of USD $12.5 million.

HODL 2025 concluded its highly Dubai edition at Madinat Jumeirah, bringing together a powerful mix of blockchain pioneers, Web3 innovators, DeFi leaders, regulators, and institutional investors from across the globe. The summit, held in alignment with the Dubai FinTech Summit as part of the broader effort to shape the future of finance in the region, reinforced HODL’s position as a leading platform for collaboration and innovation in the decentralized economy.


This edition marked a major milestone in the HODL journey exploring the Future of Decentralized Finance and Web3 in the MENA Region

Over two days, the summit featured 50+ sessions that explored next-generation themes like:
• Blockchain Market Trends 2025
• Innovative Governance for Virtual Assets
• AI x Blockchain: Converging Technologies
• DeFi Evolution and Banking Disruption
• Tokenization of Real-World Assets
• NFTs and the Metaverse Frontier

Attendees included key decision-makers from governments, blockchain networks, crypto exchanges, venture funds, and DAOs, along with founders, CTOs, developers, and asset managers.

“HODL 2025 in Dubai brought together a powerful mix of visionaries shaping the future of digital finance. As we head to Riyadh, we aim to build on this momentum and further accelerate Web3 and blockchain innovation across the region.” Mohammed Saleem, Founder & Chairman of Trescon, the organisers of HODL.

During the Crypto Rulebook: Global Best Practices & Regulatory Measures panel discussion, Dyma Budorin expressed that “We want to have the best ecosystem for entrepreneurs to run their business.”


In the same session, Samir Safar-Aly emphasized that “Regulations need to catch up and work together.”


During the Insuring the Future of Crypto: Bridging Risk & Innovation in the Digital Asset Economy session, Joseph Ziolkowski stated that “Insurance has been a bedrock component of sustainability; it is a $6 trillion market.”

HODL 2025 also hosted high-level networking sessions and investor roundtables, providing a fertile ground for deal-making and strategic partnerships. The event was supported by an impressive roster of sponsors and featured in leading media publications HODL 2025 is proudly supported by leading media outlets, including CNN Business Arabic as the Official Media Partner, Khaleej Times as the Exclusive Media Partner, Entrepreneur Middle East as the Ecosystem Partner, Arabian Business as the Business Media Partner, and ZEX PR Wire as the Digital PR Partner — collectively amplifying its global reach..


HODL 2025 is powered by a strong lineup of sponsors, with Liquid Loans.io as the Platinum Sponsor, Coinvoyage as the After Party Sponsor, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Gofaizen & Sherle as Gold Sponsors, Facephi as the Silver Sponsor, and Skygate Network, FMCPay, Pays Solutions, and PEP as Bronze Sponsors.

HODL 2025 ended with an announcement of HODL Riyadh KSA in December of this year. This comes as Saudi Arabia rapidly emerges as a global tech and finance hub, driven by bold initiatives under Vision 2030, the country is making significant strides in the digital asset and blockchain space. With regulatory clarity evolving and institutional interest accelerating, Riyadh presents a strategic next stop for the HODL platform.

HODL Riyadh will serve as the most important gathering of Web3 leaders, investors, policy-makers, and innovators in the Kingdom – connecting the region’s ambitions with global blockchain ecosystems. This upcoming edition is expected to focus on:
• Regulatory frameworks supporting virtual assets and tokenization
• Institutional DeFi and digital asset adoption
• Public-private collaboration on blockchain infrastructure
• Web3 innovation in financial services, real estate, and logistics

The Family Office Summit, a well renowned investment summit being held in Abu Dhabi UAE on May 29th 2025 will have OKX crypto exchange as their official Crypto Partner. OKX joins the roster of other partners that include Mashreq Bank, Nexus Wealth Management, Select Equity and others.

As per the LinkedIN post, “We’re excited to welcome OKX as our official Crypto Partner for the upcoming Family Office Summit in Abu Dhabi. As one of the world’s leading crypto exchanges and Web3 platforms, OKX is helping investors navigate the next chapter of digital assets with trust, innovation, and global scale.”

The post adds that OKX involvement will bring a crucial perspective to our discussions, from tokenization and custody to how family offices are approaching crypto as an alternative asset class.

OKX is a regulated crypto exchange in the UAE.


The landmark 30th edition of the HODL (Formerly World Blockchain Summit), the world’s longest-running Crypto & Web3 Summit series is set to return to Dubai on 14-15 May 2025 at Madinat Jumeirah. HODL will bring together over 5,000 attendees, including policymakers, regulators, institutional investors, technological innovators, and entrepreneurs to drive critical conversations and partnerships shaping the future of decentralised finance, asset tokenisation, and AI-powered infrastructure.


Organised by Trescon and building on the legacy of the World Blockchain Summit, HODL has hosted 29 editions across key global hubs, including Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok. This milestone event in Dubai cements its position as a leading global platform for blockchain innovation and strategic collaboration.

“HODL has become the definitive platform for blockchain innovation in the Middle East and beyond. This 30th edition marks a turning point as institutional adoption meets breakthrough tech. We’re proud to drive the conversations shaping the future of decentralisation,” said Mohammed Saleem, Founder & Chairman of Trescon.

HODL will spotlight cutting-edge developments driving the crypto and Web3 ecosystem — including real-world asset tokenization, advancements in modular blockchain infrastructure, the next wave of DeFi innovation, evolving regulatory frameworks, and enhanced security protocols for digital assets. These trends are accelerating global momentum toward institutional and enterprise blockchain adoption.

Featuring a powerhouse line-up of speakers including:
• Corbin Fraser, Chief Executive Officer, Bitcoin.com
• Nils Andersen-Röed, Global Head of FIU, Binance
• Gracy Chen, Chief Executive Officer, Bitget
• Rifad Mahasneh, Chief Executive Officer MENA, OKX
• Robert Crossley, Global Head of Industry and Digital Advisory Services, Franklin Templeton
• Joseph Ziolkowski, Chief Executive officer, Relm Insurance

• Viktor Fischer, Managing Partner, RockawayX
• Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer, BingX
• Luther Maday, Global Head of Payments, Algorand Foundation
• Dyma Budorin, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Hacken Click here to see full list of speakers.

“HODL 2025 is where the future of Web3 and crypto innovation takes shape. I am thrilled to collaborate with pioneers shaping this exciting digital revolution,” stated Corbin Fraser, CEO of Bitcoin.com.

Talking about the opportunity, Nils Andersen-Röed, Global Head of FIU at Binance remarked, “Excited to share insights on blockchain and connect with leaders driving GameFi, NFTs, and Web3 advancements at HODL 2025.”

In a significant development for the region’s innovation landscape, HODL has partnered with Pegasus Tech Ventures to host the UAE Regional Round of the Startup World Cup offering emerging blockchain ventures a chance to pitch for a place at the global finals and compete for a $1 million investment. Pegasus has invested in over 260 companies, with 71 exits and 22 IPOs, providing a formidable launchpad for start- up growth.


HODL 2025 provides its attendees unprecedented access to more than 500 institutional investors, creating opportunities for strategic collaborations with industry leaders, regulatory authorities, enterprise organisations, and government officials. This environment is optimally structured for capital formation, strategic insight development, and institutional partnerships.
Reflecting the growing influence of blockchain in global finance, HODL is backed by leading sponsors and ecosystem partners including:
• Platinum Sponsor – Liquid Loans
• After Party Sponsor- Coinvoyage
• Gold Sponsors – Tata Consultancy Services | Gofaizen & Sherle
• Silver Sponsor – Facephi
• Bronze Sponsors – Skygate Network | FMCPAY | Pays.Solutions | P2P

With the strategic support of over 60 global media and listing partners, participating organisations will achieve significant visibility across international platforms. CNN Business Arabic serves as the Official Media Partner, with Khaleej Times as Exclusive Media Partner, and ZEX PR WIRE as the Official Digital PR Distribution Partner.


The global blockchain and cryptocurrency community is set to converge at the 7th edition of Crypto Expo Dubai on May 21–22, 2025, at the Zabeel Hall – 6, Dubai World Trade Centre. This premier event in the MENA region offers two dynamic days of innovation, networking, and insights into the evolving digital finance landscape.

At the event there is expected to be over 10,000 attendees that include investors, developers, startups, and crypto enthusiasts from around the globe.
Additionally the event will cover topics such as AI-powered blockchain applications, decentralized finance (DeFi), real-world asset tokenization, regulatory developments, institutional adoption of crypto assets and the future of digital currencies.

Key Highlights


● Crypto Mining Focus – HashMining Summit: Dive into in-depth conversations about the evolving crypto mining landscape, including strategies to maximize hash power, adopt eco-conscious mining solutions, and enhance blockchain infrastructure for sustainable growth.
● Next-Gen Tech: Web3 & AI Fusion: Explore how the convergence of Web3 frameworks and artificial intelligence is reshaping the digital economy, boosting automation, user ownership, and decentralized innovation across crypto ecosystems.
● Panel Discussions: Engage in conversations about building blockchain ecosystems, the future of DAOs, and the impact of CBDCs on the economy.


Ticket Information
Early bird tickets are now available:
● Visitor Pass: $19 (Full Price: $99)
● Standard Pass: $109 (Full Price: $299)
● Delegate Pass: $399 (Full Price: $1,299)

● VIP Pass: $999 (Full Price: $2,499)


Each pass offers varying levels of access, including exhibition entry, conference sessions, networking opportunities, and VIP amenities.
About Crypto Expo Dubai

Event Details:
📅 Date: 21-22 May 2025
📍 Venue: Zabeel Hall – 6, Dubai World Trade Centre
For registration and more information, visit Crypto Expo Dubai.

H.H Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security advisor, as well as the son of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates has been continuously busy meeting with top governmental officials as well as technology CEOs as he ramps up the Artificial Intelligence future of the UAE. Most of his meetings usually culminate in high level investments or announcements, so his recent meeting with the chairman of AMD and White House senior advisor for AI and crypto could mean something big is coming soon.

In less than three months, H.H. Al Nahyan has met three times with David Sacks, the White House Senior Advisor for AI and Crypto. In his third meeting on May 11th, the pair discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in AI Innovation. H.H. Al Nahyan noted, ” Our discussion reflects the ongoing momentum in UAE-USA economic relations, where collaboration in advances technologies serves as a cornerstone for building smart sustainable digital future.”

Prior to that during his second meeting in the USA coincided with his official visit to Washington, where he met with US President Donald Trump, along with several senior officials and global business leaders including The visit included meetings with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Special Advisor on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Currencies David Sacks.

At the time, the meeting explored ways to strengthen bilateral relations and the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries. Discussions also covered prospects for investment in key sectors, including Artificial Intelligence, advanced technology, infrastructure, industry, energy, and healthcare.

During meetings with CEOs and leaders of global companies, opportunities for joint investment were reviewed, with a focus on harnessing the potential of advanced technologies, AI, and innovation to drive inclusive development, increase growth, and improve quality of life.

At the end of that visit, several announcements and agreements. Notably, Nvidia and xAI joined the “AI Infrastructure Partnership”, an initiative aimed at advancing and accelerating the development of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. ADQ and Energy Capital Partners (ECP), the largest private owner of power generation and renewables in the USA, announced a 50:50 joint venture based in the United States. The partnership aims to invest US$25 billion in new energy projects.

In addition, the Abu Dhabi Department of Government Enablement signed an agreement on behalf of the Government of Abu Dhabi with Microsoft and Core42, a subsidiary of G42 specialised in sovereign cloud, AI, and digital services. The agreement involves the implementation of a joint sovereign cloud system to enhance government service efficiency and develop new digital solutions.

His first meeting with Sacks on March 11th 2025, was an exploration one, where they discussed the transformative effects of AI across various sectors and the expanding role of digital currencies in reshaping financial systems, and the investment opportunities emerging at their convergence. Four days after his comment about the investment opportunities emerging at the convergence of AI and crypto, MGX chaired by H.H. made a $2 billion investment in Binance, bridging the investments being made in AI by MGX with crypto.

Now, in his most recent X post, he discussed his meeting with Lisa Su, the Chairman and CEO of AMD, the global chipmaker. In his X post he noted that with the accelerating trends in the field of AI and the pivotal role of compute infrastructure in shaping the future of technology, the meeting ” explored opportunities for collaboration.” He added that strategic partnerships with leading tech companies remain a cornerstone in advancing progress of regional and global development.

This comes as U.S. President Donald Trump will be visiting UAE in the next few days. As reported on CNN, “The UAE sees a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a significant contributor in AI and advanced technology,” Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, told CNN. “The commitment to invest $1.4 trillion… aligns with the UAE’s goal to diversify its economy away from its over reliance on hydrocarbons to ensure prosperity for the country in the future.” But it won’t be easy for Abu Dhabi to achieve its stated goal of becoming a global leader in AI by 2031 without advanced American microchips.

So will the meeting with AMD Chairman preceded by a third meeting with Sacks, culminate in a huge micro-chip deal that will propel the UAE into the AI future?