Dubai is positioning itself as a potential global hub for cryptocurrency.

According to U.S. investment bank Citi, Dubai might be the crypto hub the world has been waiting for. Dubai is leading the MENA region in blockchain technology adoption, competing with Singapore and the UK as a global leader in the crypto market.

Big crypto exchanges like FTX are setting up shop in Dubai, and the city has handed out more than 30 licenses and passed new laws for crypto exchanges to operate in the cities.

However, it is worth noting that the Middle East’s emerging regional crypto hub is not in the United Arab Emirates, and there are still risks associated with crypto, such as money-laundering risks and crypto’s popularity with criminal elements.

What are the advantages of Dubai as a crypto hub

Dubai offers several advantages as a potential global hub for cryptocurrency. Dubai has a light-touch approach to regulation, which will attract crypto firms and boost the domestic crypto sector.

The city has handed out more than 30 licenses and passed new laws for crypto exchanges to operate in the cities. Dubai offers tax benefits, a strong crypto ecosystem, international travel connectivity, and a high quality of life, which make it the perfect option for founders and development teams.

Dubai’s openness and willingness to build a regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies makes it a perfect home for crypto firms. Additionally, Dubai still offers incentives for entrepreneurs, such as 0% capital gains tax, safety in a complex region, and a carefree lifestyle in the sun.

How does Dubai’s regulatory approach differ from other countries

Dubai’s regulatory approach to cryptocurrency differs from other countries in that it has a light-touch approach to regulation, which will attract crypto firms and boost the domestic crypto sector, rather than starting heavy-handed and backtracking when competition among rival crypto hubs arises.

Dubai has recently passed new laws for crypto exchanges to operate in the cities and handed out more than 30 licenses. The Dubai Virtual Assets Law sets a progressive legal framework for digital currencies in accordance with United Arab Emirates federal regulation. Dubai’s new rules require all entities planning to offer one or more crypto-related services in the jurisdiction to seek the relevant authorization and licenses.

Despite its comprehensive approach, Dubai’s rulebook has room for more specificity. Dubai’s openness and willingness to build a regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies makes it a perfect home for crypto firms.