Animoca Brands received a complete virtual asset license in Dubai, boosting its efforts to dive into regulated crypto services in the Middle East. The firm has secured approval from the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), following its initial approval in 2025.
What the Dubai License Allows Animoca to Do
VARA has granted Animoca Brands a Virtual Asset Service Provider license, allowing the company to operate in Dubai, excluding the DIFC financial free zone. With this approval, Animoca can offer virtual-asset broker‑dealer services and virtual-asset management and investment services to institutional and qualified investors worldwide.
The license follows an in‑principle VARA approval for a crypto brokerage license granted to Animoca in October 2025. During that period, the company also opened an office in Dubai to support regional Web3 projects and deepen relationships with local partners.
Part of a Wider UAE and MENA Strategy
Dubai’s license is one piece of a broader regulatory footprint that Animoca is building across the United Arab Emirates. In November 2025, the firm also secured in‑principle approval from Abu Dhabi Global Market to operate as a regulated virtual asset service provider there.
Executives at Animoca say the UAE’s Web3‑friendly regulations and active digital-asset ecosystem make it a key hub for institutional products. The company’s regional push includes investments such as a $7 million round for UAE‑based Param Labs and a $50 million commitment linked to Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project.
Animoca Brands operates under three main business pillars: developing Web3 products, providing digital asset advisory services, and managing investments across a large portfolio of blockchain projects. The firm backs more than 540 to 600 Web3 companies, including gaming and metaverse names like The Sandbox and Axie Infinity.
Animoca can align its investment footprint with the region’s regulated brokerage and asset management channels by obtaining a complete VARA license. According to industry watchers, the company is positioned as a vital conduit between international Web3 builders and institutional finance in the Gulf thanks to its licensing, local offices, and deal activity.
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