Animoca’s UAE Approval Strengthens Dubai’s Vision to Become a Leading Global Center for Web3 and Cryptocurrency
- Animoca Brands secured a Dubai VARA in-principle license to operate as a crypto broker via its subsidiary, marking its formal entry into regulated trading services. - The move aligns with Dubai's Web3 ambitions, leveraging the UAE's favorable regulatory environment to expand blockchain gaming, NFTs, and metaverse partnerships. - Animoca's $7M investment in UAE-based Param Labs and $50M NEOM fund commitment highlight its strategic focus on the Gulf's growing $2.4B blockchain ecosystem. - Industry analysts
Animoca Brands, a prominent Web3 investment firm recognized for its involvement in metaverse projects such as
Established in 2014 by Yat Siu and David Kim, Animoca Brands has backed more than 540 Web3 startups, building a portfolio whose combined token market value surpasses $45 billion, as stated in a
With the provisional VARA license, Animoca is authorized to function as a virtual asset service provider (VASP), delivering crypto brokerage solutions within Dubai's dynamic regulatory environment. This development highlights Dubai's goal to become a leading global Web3 center, with VARA ensuring investor protection and regulatory compliance. Animoca's previous regional investments, such as a $7 million funding round for UAE-based Param Labs in 2024 and a $50 million pledge to Saudi Arabia's NEOM Investment Fund, demonstrate its targeted commitment to the Gulf's blockchain sector, as reported by Coinotag.
Experts in the field consider this approval a significant milestone for Animoca, connecting its investment activities with direct involvement in crypto trading. "This license not only validates Animoca's presence in Dubai but also reflects trust in the UAE's advanced regulatory framework," commented a source familiar with the company's plans. The move is also in line with broader industry trends: PwC noted that $2.4 billion was invested in blockchain across the Middle East in 2024, with Dubai standing out as a prime location for crypto businesses.
This approval comes after a year of rapid growth for Animoca. In 2024, the company joined forces with NEOM to build Web3 infrastructure, and the opening of its Dubai office in 2025 is part of a larger effort to leverage the region's forward-thinking policies. By offering regulated trading alongside its existing ventures, Animoca seeks to simplify access to Web3 assets for both institutional and individual investors, utilizing its strengths in gamification and NFTs, as highlighted by Cryptopolitan.
Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.
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