A SINGULAR APPROACH TO REGULATION

Empowering innovation through responsible regulation of the virtual assets industry.

The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) is responsible for regulating and overseeing the provision, use, and exchange of virtual assets in and from the emirate of Dubai.

Regulations & Guidelines

VARA Regulations set out a comprehensive Virtual Asset framework.

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License Applications

To apply for a VARA licence all applicants follow a two-step process.

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Public Register

VARA publishes a list of licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) in the emirate of Dubai.

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As the world's first independent regulator for virtual assets, VARA serves as a transparent and trusted guiding authority for the emerging world of virtual assets. VARA aims to take its mission global by creating an easy to replicate framework to regulate the industry.

Leveraging expertise from global experts and organisations and collaborating with relevant local financial regulatory authorities, VARA is helping to mitigate risk and facilitate cross-border operations and innovation to enable safe market adoption and growth.
The sustained growth of virtual assets requires robust regulation built on the principles of economic sustainability, consumer protection and cross-border financial security. VARA’s role is to provide a world-leading regulatory framework to protect investors, maintain high levels of risk assurance and facilitate virtual asset innovation in the emirate of Dubai.
VARA plays a vital role in Dubai's digital economy, acting as a trusted regulatory authority for the virtual asset space. By establishing international standards for virtual assets, VARA helps to ensure that Dubai maintains and further strengthens its position as a global leader in the world of digital finance.
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News and announcements

See our latest news and announcements

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11 Jun 2025Circulars

UAE National Risk Assessment (NRA)

The Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) issues this circular to all regulated VASPs regarding the publication of the updated UAE National Risk Assessment (NRA) on Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Comba... Read More UAE National Risk Assessment (NRA)
20 May 2025Circulars

VARA hereby draws your attention to the requirements introduced by the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (UAEFIU) regarding the use of the Integrated Enquiry Management System (hereinafter referred as the “IEMS”), and the expectations placed on all licensed and regulated Virtual Asset Service Providers (hereinafter referred as “VASPs”)