← All regionsORBISIGNAL / MENA REGULATORY INTELLIGENCE

MENA regulatory radar.
Primary-source research.

VARA and DFSA regulatory perimeter comparison. Introductory coverage: these summaries identify research questions and regulatory sources but are not exhaustive activity-by-activity licensing opinions.

Last editorial review: 17 October 2026 · Introductory profiles

REGULATORY LANDSCAPE

Jurisdictions and frameworks to examine

Legal requirements vary by activity, operating entity, customer type and local presence.

Licensing frameworkSource linked

Dubai (outside DIFC) / VARA

VARA identifies distinct activities including exchange, brokerage, custody, lending, investment and transfer/settlement services. Confirm geographic perimeter and licensed activity before offering services. Research focus: Activity categorisation / permissions.

VARA licensed activities ↗

Regulatory frameworkSource linked

DIFC / DFSA

The DFSA regulates financial services involving Crypto Tokens in or from the DIFC; its updated Crypto Token rules took effect on 12 January 2026. Research focus: Different DIFC perimeter and token suitability.

DFSA Crypto Token framework ↗

Scope clarificationSource linked

UAE / Other jurisdictions

ADGM and other UAE jurisdictions must be assessed separately; this page does not assert a single UAE-wide crypto licence. Research focus: Regulator and entity-location triage.

ADGM official portal ↗

BEFORE PLANNING AN APPLICATION

Establish the relevant perimeter first.

Confirm the legal entity, marketed products, local and cross-border customers, custody model, payments flow and existing permissions. Then identify the regulator and obtain appropriately qualified advice for firm-specific determinations.

Evidence collectionList existing licences, intended activities and relevant corporate entities.

Licensing checksVerify the regulator, application route and applicable deadlines.