Dubai continues to solidify its reputation as a global hub for digital assets and blockchain innovation, as Animoca Brands has secured a crypto license to expand its operations in the emirate. The move marks a significant milestone for the Hong Kong–based Web3 investor and gaming giant, strengthening its footprint across the Middle East.
Strategic Expansion into Dubai
The license was granted under Dubai’s progressive regulatory framework for virtual assets, overseen by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). Established to regulate and supervise virtual asset activities in the emirate, VARA has positioned Dubai as one of the most forward-thinking jurisdictions for crypto businesses globally.
By obtaining regulatory approval, Animoca Brands can now legally offer a broader range of blockchain-related services in Dubai and potentially across the wider region. This includes advisory services, Web3 project support, digital asset investments, and partnerships with regional enterprises exploring tokenization, gaming, and metaverse initiatives.
Why Dubai?
Dubai has rapidly emerged as a magnet for global crypto firms due to its balanced regulatory approach — combining innovation-friendly policies with clear compliance standards. Under the leadership of the Dubai World Trade Centre, the emirate has created dedicated zones to attract virtual asset companies, fostering collaboration between regulators, startups, and established global players.
For Animoca Brands, the Middle East represents a high-growth market with increasing institutional interest in blockchain, digital ownership, and decentralized finance. The region’s sovereign wealth funds, tech-forward governments, and young digital-native population make it a strategic expansion target.
Boosting Web3 Adoption in the Region
Animoca Brands is widely known for investing in and supporting blockchain gaming, NFTs, and metaverse projects worldwide. With a strong portfolio of Web3 companies, the firm has played a central role in advancing digital property rights through tokenization.
Its expansion into Dubai aligns with the UAE’s broader ambition to become a leader in the digital economy. The Central Bank of the UAE and other federal authorities have also been advancing frameworks for digital payments and stablecoins, signaling a coordinated national push toward blockchain adoption.
By establishing a licensed presence in Dubai, Animoca Brands is expected to deepen partnerships with local startups, government initiatives, and regional investors. This could accelerate the development of blockchain gaming ecosystems, NFT marketplaces, and tokenized real-world assets across the Middle East.
A Sign of Regional Momentum
Animoca Brands’ licensing approval underscores the continued momentum of Dubai’s crypto ecosystem. Despite global regulatory uncertainty in some markets, the emirate has maintained a steady stream of high-profile crypto firms setting up regional headquarters.
As competition among global financial centers intensifies, Dubai’s proactive regulatory clarity appears to be paying off. For Animoca Brands, securing the crypto license is not just an operational step — it represents a strategic gateway into one of the fastest-growing digital asset markets in the world.
With regulatory backing now in place, the company is poised to expand its Web3 services, forge new alliances, and play a larger role in shaping the Middle East’s evolving digital asset landscape.
