UAE Imposes Sweeping Crypto Regulations

[madmax]

The United Arab Emirates has enacted one of its most significant crypto regulatory overhauls in years, effectively criminalizing unlicensed financial activity.

Federal-Decree Law No. 6 of 2025 replaces the 2018 banking law, expanding licensing requirements.

Penalties for non-compliance include prison terms and fines ranging from AED 50,000 to AED 500 million ($136M).

Even companies outside the UAE could face violations if their products are accessible to UAE residents.

Crypto developers warn the law may amount to a de facto ban on self-custody.

[Abdul Khan]

UAE continues building itself into a global Web3 hub with fast regulatory clarity.

[Nahid Hossen]

Clear rules attract real builders — UAE is playing a long-term strategic game. ️