- Dubai launches a comprehensive financial strategy that includes 15 transformational projects to boost innovation and growth over the next three years.
- The emirate leads the world in the virtual assets market, with licensed trading volumes reaching AED 2.5 trillion since the beginning of the year and over 40 licensed service providers.
- Dubai Financial Market grows 14.7% in 2025, marking its highest level since 2008 and ranking among the best-performing global exchanges.
Dubai has once again proven its global leadership, emerging as the world’s largest licensed market for virtual assets, with trading volumes reaching AED 2.5 trillion since the start of the year — strengthening its position as a leading international financial hub.
This milestone reflects the forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, who introduced the UAE’s first Virtual Assets Law three years ago and established the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to build a transparent and secure regulatory environment that enhances investor confidence.
Dubai’s Financial Strategy: A Roadmap for Growth and Expansion
During a meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, the Higher Committee for the Development of Dubai’s Financial Sector approved a comprehensive strategy aimed at doubling the sector’s contribution to Dubai’s GDP and expanding assets under management.
The plan includes launching 15 transformational projects over the next three years across key areas such as capital markets, asset management, startups, and fintech.
The committee also reviewed the implementation plan for the “ARENA” private placement platform, the development of Dubai’s economic data infrastructure, and the latest performance of the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), which recorded a 14.7% growth since the beginning of 2025 — its highest level since 2008 — positioning it among the top-performing global financial markets.
Virtual Assets: Regulatory Model and Performance Indicators
The Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) showcased several key achievements, including:
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AED 2.5 trillion in licensed trading volumes since the start of the year.
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AED 9.6 billion in assets under management.
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More than 40 licensed virtual asset service providers, and hundreds of registered entities offering advisory, technology, or private trading services.
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A current sector contribution of 0.5% to Dubai’s GDP (around AED 2.2 billion), with a target to reach 3% (around AED 13.2 billion) in the coming years.
Implementation Steps and Investor Support
The strategy focuses on:
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Encouraging the listing of family-owned and startup companies on Dubai’s financial markets.
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Developing progressive legislation and policies to strengthen the wealth and asset management sector.
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Supporting SMEs through innovative financing solutions and improved access to capital.
With its advanced regulatory framework and investor-friendly environment, Dubai has firmly established itself as a global hub for virtual assets and is poised to expand its international financial role through a bold and diversified strategy aligned with global economic transformations.
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