You’re launching a token into the United Arab Emirates. Where that token sits under financial services law decides most of your legal path.
Information, not advice
This page is information, not legal advice about your matter. A retainer begins only when a lawyer confirms it.
Start here
Work out what your token legally is, before you build around it
That one answer decides which regulator you answer to, which licence you need, and what marketing approval you have to get first.
What to work through, in order
Is the token a financial product?
Whether the token falls under VARA’s virtual asset rulebooks in Dubai, the SCA’s federal regime, or a financial free zone regime in DIFC or ADGM. Which regulator applies depends on where the issuing entity sits and who it markets to.
Where the issuer sits
A mainland company under the SCA, a Dubai entity under VARA, or a DIFC or ADGM entity under the DFSA or FSRA. The three regimes carry different licensing categories, capital requirements and marketing permissions.
What you can say before launch
VARA’s marketing rules require approval for virtual asset promotions directed at Dubai, and the SCA and free zone regulators each operate their own promotion permissions. Approval is generally needed before a campaign runs, not after.
Next steps
What happens if you go ahead
Scoping call
Written scope and fixed-fee quote
Engagement, once a lawyer confirms
Who would handle it
Offices
Dubai
DMCC Crypto Centre, 12th Floor, Uptown Tower, Dubai