Dubai Adopts Initial Crypto Law, Establishes Independent Authority for Oversight

"The future belongs to whoever designs it," tweeted Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

AccessTimeIconMar 9, 2022 at 1:38 p.m. UTC
Updated May 11, 2023 at 6:18 p.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

Aiming to be a "major player" globally in digital assets, Dubai's ruler announced the creation of a regulatory and licensing authority.

  • "The future belongs to whoever designs it," tweeted Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. "Today, through the virtual assets law, we seek to participate in the design of this new and rapidly growing global sector."
  • The independent authority, he continued, will "oversee the development of the best business environment in the world for virtual assets in terms of regulation, licensing, governance, and in line with local and global financial systems."
  • The Emirate of Dubai is one of seven emirates forming the nation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Another emirate, Abu Dhabi, has also been aggressive in its aim to become a crypto hub.
  • The Securities and Commodities Authority of the UAE issued a statement Tuesday saying it was nearing the issuance of a regulatory framework related to digital assets.

Disclosure

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.

Amitoj Singh

Amitoj Singh is a CoinDesk reporter.


Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.