What's Happening?
Bahrain-based ARP Digital has received in-principle approval from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to provide broker-dealer services in Dubai. This expansion comes amid significant growth in Dubai's virtual asset market, which saw AED 2.5
trillion in transactions in 2025. ARP Digital, co-founded by members of the Kanoo Group, focuses on connecting digital asset liquidity with local fiat rails and capital markets. The company already holds a Category 3 Capital Markets Crypto Asset Service Provider license from the Central Bank of Bahrain.
Why It's Important?
ARP Digital's expansion into Dubai signifies the growing influence of GCC-born digital asset firms in the Middle Eastern market. The firm's dual-framework regulatory approach positions it well to capitalize on the region's burgeoning digital economy. This move highlights the increasing importance of regional players in the global digital asset landscape, potentially encouraging more local firms to expand their operations. The approval from VARA also underscores Dubai's commitment to becoming a hub for digital asset innovation.
