{"source":"Four Pillars Asia Digital Asset Policy Center","source_url":"https://policy.4pillars.io","license":"Free to reuse with attribution. Credit \"Four Pillars Asia Digital Asset Policy Center\" and link to the page you cite (every record carries its own `url`). Primary sources remain the property of their issuers.","terms_url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/developers#attribution","data":{"id":"AE","slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","region":"Middle East","region_slug":"middle-east","status":"covered","status_label":"Full dossier","headline":"Three layers, four regimes: federal rules from the CMA and the Central Bank, Dubai's VARA with 58 licensed firms, and the ADGM and DIFC free zones.","financial_centre":"Dubai","snapshot":{"exchanges":{"name":"Exchange licensing","level":"comprehensive","label":"Comprehensive","rank":4,"note":"VARA, the ADGM FSRA, the DFSA and the CMA each license virtual asset service providers; VARA had 58 licensees in October 2026"},"stablecoins":{"name":"Stablecoin regime","level":"comprehensive","label":"Comprehensive","rank":4,"note":"CBUAE licenses dirham payment tokens (3 issuers in August 2026); ADGM licenses fiat-referenced token issuers and VARA other fiat-referenced tokens"},"tokenization":{"name":"Tokenisation & RWA","level":"comprehensive","label":"Comprehensive","rank":4,"note":"ADGM digital securities and VARA issuance rules; Dubai title-deed tokens can be resold in a controlled pilot since February 2026"},"retail":{"name":"Retail access","level":"comprehensive","label":"Comprehensive","rank":4,"note":"Retail investors may use firms whose licence permits it: 34 of 58 VARA licences on 13 Oct 2026; DIFC firms may serve retail with safeguards"},"tax":{"name":"Tax clarity","level":"comprehensive","label":"Comprehensive","rank":4,"note":"No personal income tax; VA transfers VAT-exempt back to 2018; 9% corporate tax; CARF reporting from 2027"}},"counts":{"sources":35,"licences":6,"regulators":6},"last_reviewed":"2026-10-13","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae","api_url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/api/v1/markets/uae","story":["The UAE regulates virtual assets in three layers. At the federal level, the Capital Market Authority (CMA) licenses virtual asset activity on the mainland and in the non-financial free zones outside Dubai, and the Central Bank (CBUAE) licenses payment tokens. In Dubai, the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) licenses firms across the emirate. And the two financial free zones, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), each have their own common-law-based legal system, courts and financial regulator: the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).","ADGM moved first. In June 2018 the FSRA introduced rules for spot crypto asset activities by exchanges, custodians and other intermediaries, which ADGM describes as the region's first comprehensive framework for virtual assets. Dubai followed with Law No. 4 of 2022, which created VARA as a regulator for virtual assets alone, and the DFSA's crypto token regime took effect in the DIFC on 1 November 2022. In 2024 the UAE left the FATF grey list, the Central Bank issued its Payment Token Services Regulation, which allows only licensed dirham payment tokens to be used for payments onshore, and VARA and the federal securities regulator agreed that VARA licensees can be registered by default to serve the rest of the UAE.","The regimes have since deepened. ADGM created a separate regulated activity for issuing fiat-referenced tokens in December 2024, moved to firm-led assessment of accepted virtual assets in June 2025, finalised staking rules in April 2026, and recognised Binance's global exchange and clearing house between December 2025 and January 2026. VARA's register listed 58 licensed firms in October 2026, from Binance, OKX and Crypto.com to Kraken, licensed on 6 October. At the federal level the Securities and Commodities Authority became the CMA on 1 January 2026, and in April 2026 the CMA announced a framework of eight regulated virtual asset activities. Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025 brings financial activities carried out through any technology within the Central Bank's licensing, with a one-year transition that ran to 16 September 2026.","Firms therefore choose a regime by business model. Retail-facing exchanges and brokers serving Dubai are usually licensed by VARA; institutional and wholesale firms often choose ADGM or the DIFC, where one financial regulator supervises virtual asset business alongside banking, securities and market infrastructure; and dirham payment tokens are licensed by the Central Bank, whose August 2026 register listed three issuers. Individuals pay no personal income tax on crypto gains, while businesses pay 9% corporate tax and reporting under the OECD's Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework is due to begin in 2027."],"watch":["ADGM FSRA Consultation Paper No. 5 of 2026 on DeFi risk management guidance, open for comment until 30 November 2026.","How the CBUAE applies Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025 to virtual asset payment services and DeFi now that the one-year transition has ended on 16 September 2026.","Implementation of the CMA's virtual asset framework, including virtual asset registration with the CMA and the 1 January 2027 deadline for firms to adjust their status under the new capital market law.","The retail launch of the Digital Dirham, which is legal tender under the Central Bank law, and the first CARF reporting year from 1 January 2027."],"key_numbers":[{"value":"58","label":"Firms holding a full VARA licence in Dubai","as_of":"2026-10-13"},{"value":"21","label":"ADGM authorised firms with virtual asset permissions on the FSRA register","as_of":"2026-10-13"},{"value":"3","label":"CBUAE-licensed dirham payment token issuers","as_of":"2026-08-01"},{"value":"0%","label":"Personal income tax on crypto gains (corporate tax is 9%)","as_of":"2026-10-13"}],"jurisdictions":[{"id":"federal","name":"UAE Federal (onshore)","kind":"Federal","summary":"Covers the mainland and the non-financial free zones outside Dubai. The CMA licenses virtual asset service providers, the CBUAE licenses payment tokens and banks, and the FTA administers tax.","regulators":["CMA","CBUAE","FTA"]},{"id":"adgm","name":"Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)","kind":"Financial free zone","summary":"Abu Dhabi's international financial centre applies English common law directly and has its own courts. The FSRA has regulated virtual asset activities since 2018 and fiat-referenced token issuance since December 2024.","regulators":["FSRA"]},{"id":"dubai","name":"Dubai (VARA)","kind":"Emirate","summary":"VARA licenses virtual asset service providers across Dubai, including its free zones, except the DIFC.","regulators":["VARA"]},{"id":"difc","name":"Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)","kind":"Financial free zone","summary":"Dubai's international financial centre has its own common-law-based laws and courts. The DFSA regulates crypto tokens there under its own rulebook.","regulators":["DFSA"]}],"regulators":[{"id":"ae-fsra","abbr":"FSRA","name":"Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM","role":"Authorises and supervises virtual asset trading facilities, custodians, brokers and fiat-referenced token issuers in Abu Dhabi Global Market.","remit":"Financial regulator of Abu Dhabi Global Market, Abu Dhabi's international financial centre on Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands, which applies English common law directly and has its own independent courts. It authorises and supervises banks, asset managers, market infrastructure and other financial firms in ADGM; companies are incorporated and licensed by ADGM's separate Registration Authority.","crypto":"Introduced a framework for spot crypto asset activities in June 2018, which ADGM describes as the region's first. Firms need a Financial Services Permission for Regulated Activities in relation to Virtual Assets and may use only Accepted Virtual Assets; 21 authorised firms held such permissions on the FSRA register in October 2026. Since December 2024 Issuing a Fiat-Referenced Token has been a separate Regulated Activity (three issuers), and since 1 January 2026 firms may use only Accepted Fiat-Referenced Tokens (nine on the September 2026 list). Staking rules were finalised on 29 April 2026. Binance's exchange and clearing house became Recognised Bodies, and its broker-dealer received a Financial Services Permission, between December 2025 and January 2026.","licences":["FSRA Financial Services Permission for virtual asset activities","FSRA permission for Issuing a Fiat-Referenced Token"],"jurisdiction":"adgm","source_url":"https://www.adgm.com/financial-services-regulatory-authority","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae#regulators","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-vara","abbr":"VARA","name":"Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority","role":"Licenses and supervises virtual asset service providers across Dubai, including its free zones, except the DIFC.","remit":"Dubai's dedicated virtual asset regulator, created by Dubai Law No. 4 of 2022. Its remit covers all of Dubai, including special development zones and free zones, except the DIFC, and it regulates virtual asset activities only.","crypto":"Grants a single VASP licence listing each authorised activity, across seven service activities plus Category 1 token issuance, under its 2023 Regulations and rulebooks; 58 firms held full licences on 13 October 2026. It regulates virtual asset marketing in or targeting the UAE, fined 19 unlicensed firms AED 100,000 to 600,000 each in October 2025, and in June 2026 fined the operators of MEXC and KuCoin for serving Dubai customers without a licence and licensee CoinMENA for AML failures.","licences":["VARA Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licence"],"jurisdiction":"dubai","source_url":"https://www.vara.ae/en/","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae#regulators","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-dfsa","abbr":"DFSA","name":"Dubai Financial Services Authority","role":"Regulates crypto token services in the Dubai International Financial Centre and decides which fiat crypto tokens may be used there.","remit":"Independent regulator of financial services in the Dubai International Financial Centre, a financial free zone with its own common-law-based civil and commercial laws and courts. It licenses and supervises the banks, brokers, fund managers, exchanges and insurers there.","crypto":"Its crypto token regime took effect on 1 November 2022 and covers trading venues, dealing, arranging, advice, custody and fund management. Retail clients may be served after an appropriateness assessment, with no credit or trading incentives. Since 12 January 2026 firms have assessed each token's suitability themselves, but the DFSA still decides which fiat crypto tokens may be used (USDC, EURC and RLUSD). Privacy and algorithmic tokens are prohibited.","licences":["DFSA licence for Crypto Token services"],"jurisdiction":"difc","source_url":"https://www.dfsa.ae/crypto","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae#regulators","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-cma","abbr":"CMA","name":"Capital Market Authority (formerly the Securities and Commodities Authority)","role":"Federal regulator for virtual asset activities on the mainland and in non-financial free zones outside Dubai.","remit":"The federal capital markets regulator, which replaced the Securities and Commodities Authority on 1 January 2026 under Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2025. It oversees listed companies, markets, funds and brokers onshore under the Capital Market Law, Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2025.","crypto":"Its virtual asset framework, CMA Resolution No. (04/Chairman) of 2026, announced on 13 April 2026, sets out five modules and eight regulated activities, including operating an alternative trading system. Under a September 2024 agreement, VARA licensees can be registered by default with the federal regulator to serve the rest of the UAE, while firms based in other emirates need a federal licence.","licences":["CMA virtual asset service provider licence"],"jurisdiction":"federal","source_url":"https://www.uaecma.gov.ae/en/","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae#regulators","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-cbuae","abbr":"CBUAE","name":"Central Bank of the UAE","role":"Licenses payment token issuers and services, supervises banks and payment firms, and issues the Digital Dirham.","remit":"The federal central bank: it sets monetary policy, manages the dirham, and licenses and supervises banks, finance companies, payment firms and insurers under Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025.","crypto":"Its Payment Token Services Regulation, in force since 31 August 2024, allows only licensed dirham payment tokens to be used for payments onshore; three issuers, including AE Coin, were on its register in August 2026. Since 16 September 2025 its licensing has covered licensed financial activities carried out through any technology, while virtual assets held for investment remain outside it.","licences":["CBUAE Payment Token Services licence (dirham payment token issuance)"],"jurisdiction":"federal","source_url":"https://www.centralbank.ae/en/","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae#regulators","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-fta","abbr":"FTA","name":"Federal Tax Authority","role":"Administers VAT and corporate tax, including the VAT exemption for virtual asset transfers.","remit":"The federal body that administers and collects UAE taxes, including VAT, corporate tax and excise tax, handling registrations, returns and audits.","crypto":"Applies the VAT exemption for transferring and converting virtual assets, effective from 15 November 2024 with retroactive effect to 1 January 2018; paid custody and wallet services remain taxable. Businesses pay 9% corporate tax on taxable income above AED 375,000, while individuals' personal investment gains are not taxed.","licences":[],"jurisdiction":"federal","source_url":"https://tax.gov.ae/en/","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae#regulators","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}}],"licences":[{"id":"ae-fsra-financial-services-permission-for-virtual-asset-activities","name":"FSRA Financial Services Permission for virtual asset activities","regulator":{"abbr":"FSRA","name":"Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM","url":"https://www.adgm.com/financial-services-regulatory-authority"},"law":"ADGM Financial Services and Markets Regulations 2015; FSRA Rulebook (COBS Chapter 17); Guidance – Regulation of Virtual Asset Activities in ADGM","covers":"Operating a Multilateral Trading Facility, Providing Custody, Dealing in Investments as Principal or as Agent, Arranging Deals in Investments, Advising on Investments or Credit and Managing Assets, in relation to Accepted Virtual Assets in ADGM. Firms with Providing Custody or Managing Assets permissions may also stake clients' virtual assets (since 29 April 2026).","requirements":["Only Accepted Virtual Assets may be used: each firm assesses a virtual asset against the FSRA's criteria and notifies the FSRA at least five business days before using it","Privacy tokens and algorithmic stablecoins are prohibited","Capital under the FSRA's prudential rules in line with the same activity in traditional assets; virtual asset custodians hold the higher of USD 250,000 or six months' audited expenditure, and trading facilities six months' operating expenses plus a buffer of up to six months","Regulatory business plan, approved persons, a physical presence in ADGM and a commercial licence from ADGM's Registration Authority","Technology governance, segregation of client assets and AML/CFT controls set out in the FSRA's virtual asset guidance"],"holders":21,"holders_as_of":"2026-10-13","notable_holders":["eToro (ME) Ltd","Laser Digital (AD) Limited","Zodia Markets (AME) Limited","Paxos Middle East Ltd","Rain Trading Limited","Standard Chartered Bank","Sygnum Bank AG","AMINA Bank AG"],"register_url":"https://www.adgm.com/public-registers/fsra","jurisdiction":"adgm","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/licences#lic-1","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-fsra-permission-for-issuing-a-fiat-referenced-token","name":"FSRA permission for Issuing a Fiat-Referenced Token","regulator":{"abbr":"FSRA","name":"Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM","url":"https://www.adgm.com/financial-services-regulatory-authority"},"law":"ADGM Financial Services and Markets Regulations 2015 and FSRA Rules on Fiat-Referenced Tokens (December 2024, amended with effect from 1 January 2026)","covers":"Issuing from ADGM a stablecoin referenced to a single fiat currency and backed by high-quality liquid assets in that currency.","requirements":["Reserve assets in the reference currency, segregated and sufficient to redeem at par","A separate Regulated Activity from dealing or custody, with its own capital requirements and fees","Disclosure, audit and regular attestation of reserves","Other ADGM firms may use only fiat-referenced tokens accepted by the FSRA"],"holders":3,"holders_as_of":"2026-10-13","notable_holders":["Paxos Issuance MENA Ltd","Universal Digital INTL Limited (USDU)","Jingdong CoinLink Technology (Middle East) Limited"],"register_url":"https://www.adgm.com/public-registers/fsra","jurisdiction":"adgm","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/licences#lic-2","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-vara-virtual-asset-service-provider-vasp-licence","name":"VARA Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licence","regulator":{"abbr":"VARA","name":"Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority","url":"https://www.vara.ae/en/"},"law":"Dubai Law No. 4 of 2022; Virtual Assets and Related Activities Regulations 2023; VARA rulebooks","covers":"Advisory, broker-dealer, custody, exchange, lending and borrowing, management and investment, and transfer and settlement services, plus Category 1 token issuance, in or from Dubai outside the DIFC.","requirements":["In-principle approval first, which does not permit operating, then a single VASP licence listing each authorised activity","Paid-up capital for each activity, from AED 100,000 for advisory to the higher of AED 1.5 million or 25% of annual fixed overheads for an exchange that does not use a VARA-licensed custodian","Compulsory rulebooks on company governance, compliance and risk management, technology and information, and market conduct","Reserve assets equal to 100% of client liabilities, held one-for-one in the same asset, reconciled daily and independently audited at least every six months","The licence states which client classes (retail, qualified, institutional) the firm may serve"],"holders":58,"holders_as_of":"2026-10-13","notable_holders":["Binance FZE","OKX Middle East Fintech FZE","Foris DAX Middle East FZE (Crypto.com)","Payward FZCO (Kraken)","Deribit FZE","Hashkey MENA FZE","BitOasis Technologies FZE","Komainu MEA FZE"],"register_url":"https://www.vara.ae/en/licenses-and-register/public-register/","jurisdiction":"dubai","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/licences#lic-3","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-dfsa-licence-for-crypto-token-services","name":"DFSA licence for Crypto Token services","regulator":{"abbr":"DFSA","name":"Dubai Financial Services Authority","url":"https://www.dfsa.ae/crypto"},"law":"DIFC Regulatory Law and the DFSA Rulebook crypto token rules (in force 1 November 2022, revised 12 January 2026)","covers":"Operating a trading facility, dealing, arranging, advising, managing assets or funds, and providing custody involving crypto tokens in or from the DIFC, for professional clients and, with added safeguards, retail clients.","requirements":["Firm-led, documented suitability assessment of every crypto token, with the list of tokens assessed as suitable published","Fiat crypto tokens may be used only once the DFSA has found them suitable (USDC, EURC and RLUSD)","Retail clients only after an appropriateness assessment, with no credit or trading incentives; lending and staking for professional clients only","Capital set by the firm's prudential category (1, 2, 3A to 3D, 4 or 5)","Privacy tokens and algorithmic tokens prohibited"],"holders":null,"holders_as_of":null,"notable_holders":[],"register_url":"https://www.dfsa.ae/public-register/firms","jurisdiction":"difc","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/licences#lic-4","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-cma-virtual-asset-service-provider-licence","name":"CMA virtual asset service provider licence","regulator":{"abbr":"CMA","name":"Capital Market Authority (formerly the Securities and Commodities Authority)","url":"https://www.uaecma.gov.ae/en/"},"law":"Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2025; CMA Resolution No. (04/Chairman) of 2026","covers":"Virtual asset dealing, custody, arranging, advice, portfolio management and operating a trading facility on the mainland and in non-financial free zones outside Dubai.","requirements":["Eight separately regulated activities under five modules, including an alternative trading system module","A virtual asset must be registered with the CMA before it is traded","Existing firms have until 1 January 2027 to adjust their status, extendable by the CMA Board","Firms licensed by VARA can be registered by default with the CMA to serve the rest of the UAE"],"holders":null,"holders_as_of":null,"notable_holders":[],"register_url":null,"jurisdiction":"federal","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/licences#lic-5","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-cbuae-payment-token-services-licence-dirham-payment-token-issuance","name":"CBUAE Payment Token Services licence (dirham payment token issuance)","regulator":{"abbr":"CBUAE","name":"Central Bank of the UAE","url":"https://www.centralbank.ae/en/"},"law":"Payment Token Services Regulation (Circular No. 2/2024); Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025","covers":"Issuing dirham payment tokens for payments onshore, plus payment token conversion, custody and transfer, and registration of foreign payment tokens.","requirements":["Initial capital of AED 15 million for an issuer, plus capital linked to the tokens in circulation","Reserves held in segregated escrow accounts at UAE banks and reconciled daily","Central Bank acceptance of a white paper before tokens are offered to the public","Redemption at par, and no interest paid to holders"],"holders":3,"holders_as_of":"2026-08-01","notable_holders":["AED StableCoin L.L.C - S.P.C (AE Coin)","Zand Trust L.L.C S.O.C (Zand AED)","AEDC Stable Coin-L.L.C (DDSC)"],"register_url":"https://centralbank.ae/media/hw0lreyi/cb-register-august-2026.pdf","jurisdiction":"federal","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/licences#lic-6","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}}],"milestones":[{"date":"2018-06-25","date_precision":"day","title":"ADGM introduces its crypto asset framework","detail":"The FSRA introduced rules for spot crypto asset activities by exchanges, custodians and other intermediaries under its Financial Services and Markets Regulations."},{"date":"2022-02-28","date_precision":"day","title":"Dubai Law No. 4 of 2022 creates VARA","detail":"In force on publication on 11 March 2022, it applies across Dubai, including special development zones and free zones, but not the DIFC."},{"date":"2022-11-01","date_precision":"day","title":"DFSA crypto token regime takes effect in the DIFC","detail":"The DFSA began with an initial list of recognised tokens: Bitcoin, Ether and Litecoin."},{"date":"2023-02-07","date_precision":"day","title":"VARA issues its Virtual Assets and Related Activities Regulations","detail":"They set up licences for advisory, broker-dealer, custody, exchange, lending and borrowing, management and investment, and transfer and settlement services, and for Category 1 token issuance."},{"date":"2024-02-23","date_precision":"day","title":"FATF removes the UAE from its grey list","detail":"The UAE had been under increased monitoring since March 2022."},{"date":"2024-06-07","date_precision":"day","title":"CBUAE issues the Payment Token Services Regulation","detail":"In force from 31 August 2024, it allows only licensed dirham payment tokens to be used for payments onshore."},{"date":"2024-09-05","date_precision":"day","title":"SCA and VARA sign a cooperation agreement","detail":"VARA licensees can be registered by default with the federal regulator to serve the rest of the UAE; firms based in other emirates need a federal licence."},{"date":"2024-12-05","date_precision":"day","title":"ADGM creates a regulated activity for issuing fiat-referenced tokens","detail":"Issuing a Fiat-Referenced Token became a separate Regulated Activity, following Consultation Paper No. 7 of 2024."},{"date":"2025-06-10","date_precision":"day","title":"ADGM amends its digital asset framework","detail":"Firms now assess which virtual assets they may use and notify the FSRA, capital is aligned with the same activity in traditional assets, and privacy tokens and algorithmic stablecoins are prohibited."},{"date":"2025-09-16","date_precision":"day","title":"New Central Bank law takes effect","detail":"Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025 brings licensed financial activities carried out through any technology within the Central Bank's licensing, with one year to comply."},{"date":"2025-12-08","date_precision":"day","title":"ADGM recognises Binance's clearing house","detail":"Nest Clearing and Custody Limited, formerly Binance (AD) Limited, became a Recognised Clearing House; Nest Exchange Limited followed as a Recognised Investment Exchange, and broker-dealer Nest Trading Limited received a Financial Services Permission, on 5 January 2026."},{"date":"2026-01-01","date_precision":"day","title":"The Capital Market Authority replaces the SCA","detail":"Federal Decree-Laws No. 32 and No. 33 of 2025 reconstituted the federal regulator and introduced a new capital market law that covers virtual assets."},{"date":"2026-04-13","date_precision":"day","title":"CMA announces a federal virtual asset framework","detail":"It sets out five modules and eight regulated activities, up from three, including an alternative trading system module."},{"date":"2026-04-29","date_precision":"day","title":"ADGM finalises staking rules","detail":"Firms permitted to provide custody or manage assets may stake clients' Accepted Virtual Assets after notifying the FSRA."},{"date":"2026-09-16","date_precision":"day","title":"Transition under the new Central Bank law ends","detail":"Article 184 of Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025 gave firms in scope one year to comply; the CBUAE Board may extend it."}],"sources":[{"id":"ae-cc7bce16","title":"Law No. (4) of 2022 Regulating Virtual Assets in the Emirate of Dubai","local_title":null,"issuer":"Government of Dubai (Dubai Legislation Portal)","date":"2022-02-28","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"framework","category_label":"Core framework","topic_slug":"asset-classification","summary":"Creates VARA and makes a licence mandatory for virtual asset services in Dubai, including special development zones and free zones but excluding the DIFC. Issued 28 February 2022, in force on publication on 11 March 2022.","source_url":"https://dlp.dubai.gov.ae/Legislation%20Reference/2022/Law%20No.%20(4)%20of%202022%20Regulating%20Virtual%20Assets.html","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-f47893b1","title":"Virtual Assets and Related Activities Regulations 2023","local_title":null,"issuer":"Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)","date":"2023-02-07","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"framework","category_label":"Core framework","topic_slug":"asset-classification","summary":"VARA's core regulation, setting out the licensable virtual asset activities, issuance rules and supervisory powers. First issued 7 February 2023; the current version applies from 19 June 2025.","source_url":"https://rulebooks.vara.ae/rulebook/virtual-assets-and-related-activities-regulations-2023","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-98a0744a","title":"Federal Decree-Law No. (6) of 2025 Regarding the Central Bank, Regulation of Financial Institutions and Activities, and Insurance Business","local_title":null,"issuer":"UAE Federal Government / Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE Rulebook)","date":"2025-09-16","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"framework","category_label":"Core framework","topic_slug":"asset-classification","summary":"Replaces the 2018 Central Bank law and brings licensed financial activities carried out through any technology, including virtual asset payment services, within the Central Bank's licensing (Article 62); virtual assets held for investment are excluded. In force 16 September 2025, with one year to comply (Article 184).","source_url":"https://rulebook.centralbank.ae/en/rulebook/federal-decree-law-no-6-2025-regarding-central-bank-regulation-financial-institutions-and","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-3638bbdd","title":"Federal Decree-Law No. (32) of 2025 on the Capital Market Authority","local_title":null,"issuer":"UAE Federal Government / Capital Market Authority (CMA)","date":"2026-01-01","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"framework","category_label":"Core framework","topic_slug":"asset-classification","summary":"Establishes the Capital Market Authority in place of the Securities and Commodities Authority. Issued 1 October 2025, in force 1 January 2026.","source_url":"https://www.uaecma.gov.ae/assets/7bf42556/federal-decree-law-no-32-of-2025-en.aspx","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-2d4c6aa1","title":"Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2025 on the Regulation of the Capital Market","local_title":null,"issuer":"UAE Federal Government / Capital Market Authority (CMA)","date":"2026-01-01","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"framework","category_label":"Core framework","topic_slug":"asset-classification","summary":"The new federal capital market law, issued 1 October 2025 and in force 1 January 2026. It brings virtual assets held for investment within its scope, requires a virtual asset to be registered with the CMA before it is traded, and gives existing firms until 1 January 2027 to adjust their status.","source_url":"https://www.uaecma.gov.ae/assets/56e3ab56/federal-decree-law-no-33-of-2025-en-final-copy-2722026.aspx","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-b6578079","title":"The CMA Issues the Virtual Assets Framework, Establishing an Integrated Regulatory Regime Comprising Five Core Modules and Eight Regulated Activities","local_title":null,"issuer":"Capital Market Authority (CMA)","date":"2026-04-13","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"exchanges","category_label":"Exchanges & custody","topic_slug":"exchanges-brokerage","summary":"Announces the federal framework for virtual asset service providers and alternative trading system operators (CMA Resolution No. (04/Chairman) of 2026): five modules and eight activities, from dealing and custody to advice, portfolio management and operating a trading facility.","source_url":"https://www.uaecma.gov.ae/en/media-center/news/13/4/2026/%D9%87%D9%8A%D8%A6%D8%A9-%D8%B3%D9%88%D9%82-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%A5%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%AA%D9%86%D8%B8%D9%8A%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B5%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%AA%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B6%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%A4%D8%B3%D9%91%D9%90%D8%B3%D8%A9%D9%8B-%D9%86%D8%B8%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%8B-%D9%85%D8%AA%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%8B-%D9%8A%D8%AA%D9%83%D9%88%D9%91%D9%86-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%AE%D9%85%D8%B3-%D9%88%D8%AD%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AA","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-a5bd1389","title":"SCA and VARA set regulatory framework for the UAE's virtual assets sector","local_title":null,"issuer":"Securities and Commodities Authority (now CMA)","date":"2024-09-05","date_precision":"day","status":"guidance","status_label":"Guidance","category":"exchanges","category_label":"Exchanges & custody","topic_slug":"exchanges-brokerage","summary":"Cooperation agreement under which firms licensed by VARA can be registered by default with the federal regulator to serve the wider UAE, while firms operating from other emirates need a federal licence; it also covers joint supervision and information exchange.","source_url":"https://www.uaecma.gov.ae/en/media-center/news/9/9/2024/sca-and-vara-set-regulatory-framework-for-the-uaes-virtual-assets-sector-in-boost-to-the-countrys-.aspx","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-c118f439","title":"VARA Public Register","local_title":null,"issuer":"Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)","date":"2026-10-13","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"exchanges","category_label":"Exchanges & custody","topic_slug":"exchanges-brokerage","summary":"Official list of licensed VASPs and in-principle approvals, with each firm's activities, permitted client classes and federal CMA registration number. On 13 October 2026 it showed 58 active VASP licences, 34 of them permitting retail investors; the latest were Rain MENA FZE (5 October 2026) and Payward FZCO, Kraken's Dubai entity (6 October 2026).","source_url":"https://www.vara.ae/en/licenses-and-register/public-register/","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-13716ae3","title":"Exchange Services Rulebook","local_title":null,"issuer":"Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)","date":"2026-03-31","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"exchanges","category_label":"Exchanges & custody","topic_slug":"exchanges-brokerage","summary":"Rules for licensed exchanges on board governance, public disclosures, trading-venue participants, market surveillance, settlement and margin trading. The version effective 31 March 2026 adds a regime for exchange-traded derivatives, with leverage for retail investors capped at 5:1.","source_url":"https://rulebooks.vara.ae/rulebook/exchange-services-rulebook","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-dfc5d486","title":"VARA Issues Updated Activity Rulebooks to Strengthen Market Integrity and Risk Oversight","local_title":null,"issuer":"Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)","date":"2025-05-19","date_precision":"day","status":"guidance","status_label":"Guidance","category":"exchanges","category_label":"Exchanges & custody","topic_slug":"exchanges-brokerage","summary":"Announces version 2.0 of the seven activity rulebooks and the issuance rulebook, strengthening margin trading and token distribution controls and clarifying collateral wallet arrangements, with compliance required by 19 June 2025.","source_url":"https://www.vara.ae/en/news/vara-issues-updated-activity-rulebooks-to-strengthen-market-integrity-and-risk-oversight/","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-4ccdf4ef","title":"Guidance – Regulation of Virtual Asset Activities in ADGM (VER07.100625)","local_title":null,"issuer":"Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM (FSRA)","date":"2025-06-10","date_precision":"day","status":"guidance","status_label":"Guidance","category":"exchanges","category_label":"Exchanges & custody","topic_slug":"exchanges-brokerage","summary":"The FSRA's consolidated guide to its virtual asset regime: Accepted Virtual Assets, capital, custody, technology governance and AML/CFT for multilateral trading facilities, custodians, brokers and managers. Current version dated 10 June 2025.","source_url":"https://assets.adgm.com/download/assets/Guidance+-+Regulation+of+Virtual+Asset+Activities+in+ADGM+%28VER07.100625%29+.pdf/f7702902704711efa4c3fe3e7821af93","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-39c82bcd","title":"ADGM FSRA implements amendments to its Digital Asset Regulatory Framework","local_title":null,"issuer":"Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM (FSRA)","date":"2025-06-10","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"exchanges","category_label":"Exchanges & custody","topic_slug":"exchanges-brokerage","summary":"Moves to firm-led assessment of Accepted Virtual Assets with prior notice to the FSRA, aligns capital with the same activity in traditional assets, adds a product intervention power and codifies the ban on privacy tokens and algorithmic stablecoins, following Consultation Paper No. 11 of 2024.","source_url":"https://www.adgm.com/media/announcements/adgm-fsra-implements-amendments-to-its-digital-asset-regulatory-framework","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-c616c3b6","title":"ADGM FSRA Finalises Regulatory Framework for the Staking of Virtual Assets","local_title":null,"issuer":"Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM (FSRA)","date":"2026-04-29","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"exchanges","category_label":"Exchanges & custody","topic_slug":"exchanges-brokerage","summary":"Allows firms with Providing Custody or Managing Assets permissions to stake clients' Accepted Virtual Assets after notifying the FSRA, with rewards limited to Accepted Virtual Assets and Accepted Fiat-Referenced Tokens, following Consultation Paper No. 10 of 2025.","source_url":"https://www.adgm.com/media/announcements/adgm-fsra-finalises-regulatory-framework-for-the-staking-of-virtual-assets","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-aba4c601","title":"Consultation Paper No. 5 of 2026: DeFi Risk Management Guidance","local_title":null,"issuer":"Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM (FSRA)","date":"2026-10-06","date_precision":"day","status":"consultation","status_label":"Consultation","category":"exchanges","category_label":"Exchanges & custody","topic_slug":"exchanges-brokerage","summary":"Proposes guidance on how authorised firms should manage the risks of decentralised finance activities. Comments are invited until 30 November 2026.","source_url":"https://assets.adgm.com/download/assets/Consultation+Paper+No.+5+of+2026+-+DeFi+Risk+Management+Guidance.pdf/d6dbf5b0bd5f11f1810c2601d282ee28","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-d12d0069","title":"The DFSA implements major updates to Crypto Token Regulatory Framework","local_title":null,"issuer":"Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)","date":"2026-01-12","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"exchanges","category_label":"Exchanges & custody","topic_slug":"exchanges-brokerage","summary":"From 12 January 2026 DIFC firms assess for themselves whether each crypto token is suitable, replacing the DFSA's list of recognised tokens; the DFSA still decides which fiat crypto tokens may be used.","source_url":"https://www.dfsa.ae/news/dfsa-implements-major-updates-crypto-token-regulatory-framework-enhancing-market-integrity-and-supporting-innovation-difc","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-464eec34","title":"Payment Token Services Regulation","local_title":null,"issuer":"Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE)","date":"2024-06-07","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"stablecoins","category_label":"Stablecoins & payments","topic_slug":"stablecoins-payments","summary":"Licenses payment token issuance, conversion, custody and transfer; only licensed dirham payment tokens may be used for payments onshore, and foreign payment tokens must be registered. Issued as Circular No. 2/2024 on 7 June 2024, in force 31 August 2024.","source_url":"https://rulebook.centralbank.ae/en/rulebook/payment-token-services-regulation","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-12b2aa2b","title":"FSRA introduces a regulatory framework to support the issuance of Fiat-Referenced Tokens in ADGM","local_title":null,"issuer":"Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM (FSRA)","date":"2024-12-05","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"stablecoins","category_label":"Stablecoins & payments","topic_slug":"stablecoins-payments","summary":"Creates the Regulated Activity of Issuing a Fiat-Referenced Token, with reserve, redemption and disclosure requirements, following Consultation Paper No. 7 of 2024.","source_url":"https://www.adgm.com/media/announcements/fsra-introduces-a-regulatory-framework-to-support-the-issuance-of-fiat-referenced-tokens-in-adgm","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-f99483fe","title":"ADGM FSRA finalises regulatory framework for Regulated Activities involving Fiat-Referenced Tokens","local_title":null,"issuer":"Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM (FSRA)","date":"2025-10-31","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"stablecoins","category_label":"Stablecoins & payments","topic_slug":"stablecoins-payments","summary":"Sets how the FSRA accepts fiat-referenced tokens and which Regulated Activities firms may carry on with them, following Consultation Paper No. 9 of 2025. Effective 1 January 2026; firms may use only Accepted Fiat-Referenced Tokens.","source_url":"https://www.adgm.com/media/announcements/adgm-fsra-finalises-regulatory-framework-for-regulated-activities-involving-fiat-referenced-tokens","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-f116438e","title":"FSRA Consolidated List of Accepted Fiat-Referenced Tokens (September 2026)","local_title":null,"issuer":"Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM (FSRA)","date":"2026-09-01","date_precision":"day","status":"guidance","status_label":"Guidance","category":"stablecoins","category_label":"Stablecoins & payments","topic_slug":"stablecoins-payments","summary":"Lists the nine fiat-referenced tokens ADGM firms may use, each on specified networks: USDC, EURC, USDT, RLUSD, PYUSD, USDG, USDP, USD1 and USDU.","source_url":"https://assets.adgm.com/download/assets/AFRT+List+Sep+2026.pdf/c1b34426b88e11f0912ade26907f67ec","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-9df990e2","title":"Virtual Asset Issuance Rulebook","local_title":null,"issuer":"Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)","date":"2025-06-19","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"securities","category_label":"Tokenisation & securities","topic_slug":"tokenisation-securities","summary":"Governs token issuance in Dubai: Category 1 issuance of fiat-referenced and asset-referenced tokens needs a VARA licence, other tokens must be distributed through a licensed firm, and dirham-referenced tokens are left to the Central Bank.","source_url":"https://rulebooks.vara.ae/rulebook/virtual-asset-issuance-rulebook","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-2f729d11","title":"Guidance – Regulation of Digital Securities Activities in ADGM (VER02.240220)","local_title":null,"issuer":"Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM (FSRA)","date":"2020-02-24","date_precision":"day","status":"guidance","status_label":"Guidance","category":"securities","category_label":"Tokenisation & securities","topic_slug":"tokenisation-securities","summary":"Treats any token with the features of a security as a Security under ADGM's Financial Services and Markets Regulations, covering offerings, trading venues and custody for digital securities.","source_url":"https://assets.adgm.com/download/assets/guidance-on-regulation-of-digital-securities-activities-in-adgm.pdf/f57b23cc3a0a11ef857b6e984d6ae48f","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-fd7aacdd","title":"Dubai Land Department launches Phase II of the Real Estate Tokenisation Project","local_title":null,"issuer":"Dubai Land Department (DLD)","date":"2026-02-09","date_precision":"day","status":"guidance","status_label":"Guidance","category":"securities","category_label":"Tokenisation & securities","topic_slug":"tokenisation-securities","summary":"Allows about 7.8 million tokenised title-deed tokens to be resold from 20 February 2026 within a controlled pilot, after a first phase launched with VARA in March 2025.","source_url":"https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/news-media/dubai-land-department-launches-phase-ii-of-the-real-estate-tokenisation-project-enabling-resale-in-the-secondary-market-from-20-february/","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-5a390880","title":"Federal Decree-Law No. (10) of 2025 Regarding Anti-Money Laundering, and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing","local_title":null,"issuer":"UAE Federal Government / Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE Rulebook)","date":"2025-10-14","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"aml","category_label":"AML & travel rule","topic_slug":"aml-travel-rule","summary":"Replaces Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 and places VASPs under the full set of preventive AML/CFT duties alongside banks. In force 14 October 2025.","source_url":"https://rulebook.centralbank.ae/en/rulebook/federal-decree-law-no-10-2025-regarding-anti-money-laundering-and-combating-financing","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-ed4b5afc","title":"Guidance for Licensed Financial Institutions on Risks Related to Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers","local_title":null,"issuer":"Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE)","date":"2023-02-20","date_precision":"day","status":"guidance","status_label":"Guidance","category":"aml","category_label":"AML & travel rule","topic_slug":"aml-travel-rule","summary":"Tells banks and other licensed institutions how to assess and manage money laundering risk when serving VASPs or handling virtual asset flows.","source_url":"https://centralbank.ae/media/avwlktgy/cbuae-guidance-for-lfis-on-risks-related-to-virtual-assets-and-virtual-assets-providers_final-clean-version1.pdf","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-c87e61c1","title":"Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring, 23 February 2024","local_title":null,"issuer":"Financial Action Task Force (FATF)","date":"2024-02-23","date_precision":"day","status":"guidance","status_label":"Guidance","category":"aml","category_label":"AML & travel rule","topic_slug":"aml-travel-rule","summary":"Removes the UAE from the list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring after it completed its action plan.","source_url":"https://www.fatf-gafi.org/en/publications/High-risk-and-other-monitored-jurisdictions/Increased-monitoring-february-2024.html","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-2a2908c5","title":"VATP040: Amendments to the Executive Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 on Value Added Tax (Cabinet Decision No. 100 of 2024)","local_title":null,"issuer":"Federal Tax Authority (FTA)","date":"2025-03-14","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"tax","category_label":"Tax","topic_slug":"tax","summary":"Public clarification of the amendments that exempt the transfer and conversion of virtual assets from VAT, effective from 15 November 2024 with retroactive effect to 1 January 2018; paid custody and wallet services remain taxable.","source_url":"https://tax.gov.ae/Datafolder/Files/Pdf/2025/VATP040%20-%20Amendments%20to%20VAT%20ER%20-%2014%2003%202025.pdf","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-9f67884d","title":"Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses","local_title":null,"issuer":"Ministry of Finance","date":"2023-06-01","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"tax","category_label":"Tax","topic_slug":"tax","summary":"Introduces corporate tax for financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023, at 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000 (the threshold set by Cabinet Decision No. 116 of 2022); individuals' personal investment gains are not taxed.","source_url":"https://mof.gov.ae/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Federal-Decree-Law-No.-47-of-2022-EN.pdf","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-08e81a86","title":"UAE signs Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement on the Automatic Exchange of Information under the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework","local_title":null,"issuer":"Ministry of Finance","date":"2025-09-20","date_precision":"day","status":"guidance","status_label":"Guidance","category":"tax","category_label":"Tax","topic_slug":"tax","summary":"Announces that the UAE signed the OECD CARF agreement on 21 July 2025 and opened a consultation on domestic rules that ran to 8 November 2025.","source_url":"https://mof.gov.ae/en/news/uae-signs-multilateral-competent-authority-agreement-on-the-automatic-exchange-of-information-under-the-crypto-asset-reporting-framework/","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-e2cb2821","title":"Automatic Exchange of Information: Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF)","local_title":null,"issuer":"Ministry of Finance","date":"2026-05-04","date_precision":"day","status":"enacted","status_label":"Enacted","category":"tax","category_label":"Tax","topic_slug":"tax","summary":"The UAE ratified the CARF agreement by Federal Decree No. 60 of 2026 on 4 May 2026. Implementing Cabinet and Ministerial Decisions are targeted to take effect on 1 January 2027, with first reports due by 30 June 2028 and the first exchange of information on 1 September 2028.","source_url":"https://mof.gov.ae/en/public-finance/international-relations/automatic-exchange-of-information-aeoi-crypto-asset-reporting-framework-carf/","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-19d59af9","title":"VATP039: Crypto Currency Mining (VAT Public Clarification)","local_title":null,"issuer":"Federal Tax Authority (FTA)","date":"2025-01-01","date_precision":"month","status":"guidance","status_label":"Guidance","category":"tax","category_label":"Tax","topic_slug":"tax","summary":"Mining crypto for one's own account is outside the scope of VAT and its input tax is not recoverable, while mining for someone else is a taxable supply of services.","source_url":"https://tax.gov.ae/en/content/crypto.currency.mining.vatp039.aspx","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-ab027e4b","title":"Regulations on the Marketing of Virtual Assets and Related Activities 2024","local_title":null,"issuer":"Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)","date":"2024-10-01","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"consumer","category_label":"Investor protection","topic_slug":"investor-protection","summary":"Applies to all marketing of virtual assets or virtual asset activities in or targeting the UAE, by any entity, licensed or not, domestic or foreign. Dated 31 August 2024 and in force from 1 October 2024, with fines of up to AED 10 million per violation.","source_url":"https://rulebooks.vara.ae/rulebook/regulations-marketing-virtual-assets-and-related-activities-2024","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-31efaab4","title":"VARA Regulatory Notices: Licensing and Enforcement Notices, and Warnings","local_title":null,"issuer":"Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)","date":"2026-07-24","date_precision":"day","status":"guidance","status_label":"Guidance","category":"consumer","category_label":"Investor protection","topic_slug":"investor-protection","summary":"VARA's public enforcement record, including fines on 19 unlicensed firms in October 2025, on the operators of MEXC and KuCoin in June 2026 for serving Dubai customers without a licence, and on licensee CoinMENA for AML failures.","source_url":"https://www.vara.ae/en/regulations/regulatory-notices/","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-07eaca8f","title":"CBUAE launches the Central Bank Digital Currency Strategy \"The Digital Dirham\"","local_title":null,"issuer":"Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE)","date":"2023-03-23","date_precision":"day","status":"guidance","status_label":"Guidance","category":"cbdc","category_label":"CBDC & tokenised money","topic_slug":"cbdc","summary":"Starts the CBDC programme with G42 Cloud and R3, covering mBridge, a bilateral bridge with India and domestic wholesale and retail issuance.","source_url":"https://centralbank.ae/media/q5nldmrv/cbuae-launches-the-central-bank-digital-currency-strategy-the-digital-dirham-en.pdf","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-6da3754d","title":"The CBUAE successfully launches Project mBridge Minimum Viable Product platform for early adopters","local_title":null,"issuer":"Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE)","date":"2024-06-05","date_precision":"day","status":"guidance","status_label":"Guidance","category":"cbdc","category_label":"CBDC & tokenised money","topic_slug":"cbdc","summary":"Launches the multi-CBDC platform for wholesale cross-border payments and records the first Digital Dirham payment to China, worth AED 50 million, in January 2024.","source_url":"https://centralbank.ae/media/zo1jlmsq/the-cbuae-successfully-launches-project-mbridge-minimum-viable-product-platform-for-early-adopters-en.pdf","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}},{"id":"ae-6a6ef386","title":"CBUAE Publishes Comprehensive Report on Progress Made Towards Issuing the \"Digital Dirham\"","local_title":null,"issuer":"Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE)","date":"2025-07-31","date_precision":"day","status":"guidance","status_label":"Guidance","category":"cbdc","category_label":"CBDC & tokenised money","topic_slug":"cbdc","summary":"Sets out the Digital Dirham's two-tier, non-interest-bearing design with offline and smart-contract features, and says the official launch will come in the near term.","source_url":"https://centralbank.ae/media/ot5dmbfl/cbuae-publishes-comprehensive-report-on-progress-made-towards-issuing-the-digital-dirham-en.pdf","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae/regulation","market":{"slug":"uae","iso_code":"AE","name":"UAE","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/uae"}}]}}