Crypto.com Secures Strategic Deal with UAE to Launch Licensed Payment Services

In a major step toward mainstream adoption of digital assets in the Middle East, Crypto.com has inked a strategic agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to provide licensed cryptocurrency payment services, deepening the country’s role as a global hub for blockchain innovation and regulatory leadership.

Announced Tuesday, the deal grants Crypto.com a full Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), allowing the company to offer crypto-powered payment solutions across the UAE. The agreement makes Crypto.com one of the first global exchanges to gain approval for digital asset payments under a clear, government-sanctioned regulatory framework in the region.

The partnership signals more than just another licensing milestone, it is a bold endorsement of crypto as a legitimate part of the financial ecosystem. With this move, the UAE positions itself at the forefront of digital finance, reinforcing its goal of becoming the leading jurisdiction for virtual assets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

“This partnership with the UAE is a critical step in Crypto.com’s mission to enable the real-world use of digital currencies,” said Kris Marszalek, CEO of Crypto.com. “Dubai’s commitment to thoughtful, innovation-friendly regulation has made it the ideal base for our regional expansion.”

The company plans to roll out crypto payment integrations for merchants, consumers, and fintech partners, enabling seamless transactions in stablecoins and major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). It will also offer institutional-grade payment rails and settlement infrastructure, potentially setting the stage for crypto payroll, remittances, and B2B transactions in a region known for its global trade and finance links.

Crypto.com’s push into licensed payment services underscores a broader industry shift away from speculative trading toward real-world utility. By establishing a regulated presence in a jurisdiction with a reputation for bold but cautious innovation, the exchange is aligning itself with global demand for secure, scalable crypto-fintech solutions.

The deal also comes at a time when major crypto players are racing to gain regulatory clarity amid tightening oversight in the U.S. and Europe. Dubai, in contrast, has taken a proactive approach, launching VARA in 2022 with the explicit mandate to create a transparent, risk-based framework for virtual assets. Crypto.com’s approval follows a stringent licensing process that includes requirements for capital reserves, cybersecurity, compliance systems, and operational integrity.

The Crypto.com-UAE agreement is expected to pave the way for other firms seeking to operate within regulated parameters in the Gulf. It may also encourage traditional banks and payment processors in the region to explore digital asset integration, creating new opportunities for fintech collaboration.

Analysts say that such developments could fuel demand for stablecoins like USDC, USDT, USXM and region-specific tokens like RPLUSD, which could be used for payments, remittances, or as collateral in localized credit markets. The infrastructure built around this partnership may also help bridge the gap between centralized TradFi rails and decentralized protocols, further embedding crypto into daily commerce.

Crypto.com’s landmark agreement with the UAE marks a turning point for the industry, where regulatory clarity meets operational readiness. By planting a regulatory flag in one of the world’s fastest-growing fintech regions, Crypto.com isn’t just expanding its footprint; it’s redefining what it means to bring crypto into the mainstream.

As other jurisdictions continue to wrestle with how to regulate digital assets, Dubai’s model may become a case study in how to balance innovation with consumer protection. And as crypto payments move from promise to practice, the Gulf is fast emerging not just as a sandbox—but as a proving ground for the future of global finance.