The UAE has emerged among the world’s most advanced markets for digital assets. The detail was part of the recently released Global Digital Assets Report 2025, issued by the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN).
The report highlighted that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is top-tier in terms of incubating the digital assets sector. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar were listed as top regulated jurisdictions in terms of the crypto sector.
It said that these regions have implemented activity-based licensing regime and launched tokenization pilots among other pro-industry steps – that have established them as advanced markets for the digital assets space.
“The Gulf’s regulators are building frameworks designed for longevity, not hype. Their focus on interoperability and real-world tokenisation sets them apart from markets still testing the basics,” said Sopnendu Mohanty, the Group CEO of GFTN.
The GFTN is a not-for-profit organization established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Its job is to initiate fintech partnerships with global sector players. To compile this report, the GFTN claimed to have interviewed over 40 regulators, central bankers and financial executives from Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Prepared in collaboration with global management consulting firm – Arthur D. Little, the report highlighted that regions with clear crypto regulations are seeing a notable growth in investor participation – wherein, the GCC region has made a big imprint.
“The GCC’s frameworks demonstrate how clear policy design can accelerate market readiness and strengthen institutional confidence in digital finance,” said Arjun Vir Singh, Partner, Head of Financial Services at Arthur D. Little Middle East.
Singapore and Switzerland have also been named among progressive jurisdictions seeing crypto market growth.