Tom Kushner Animoca Brands has obtained a Dubai crypto license from VARA, enabling it to offer institutional virtual asset services and expand its Web3 ecosystem across the Middle East.
Animoca Brands Secures Dubai Crypto License to Power Middle East Web3 Expansion
Animoca Brands has achieved another strategic milestone after obtaining a Dubai crypto license from the city’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. This regulatory approval positions the company to scale its blockchain and Web3 ventures across the Middle East, strengthening Dubai’s growing role as a digital asset hub.
The new license officially allows Animoca Brands to provide broker dealer and investment management services related to virtual assets within the emirate. The permission was granted on February 5 and specifically targets institutional and qualified investors operating under VARA’s supervision.
According to Animoca Brands, the approval represents a major step in aligning its investment ecosystem with Dubai’s transparent and regulated financial environment. The company’s managing director for the Middle East, Omar Elassar, said the license reinforces Animoca’s commitment to work with global investors and Web3 foundations through an established regulatory framework.
Strengthening Institutional Presence in the Middle East
The Dubai crypto license gives Animoca Brands the capability to extend its services to institutional and qualified investors, enhancing its ability to manage large scale virtual asset portfolios. The move aligns with the company’s vision of bridging blockchain innovation with global financial networks under regional compliance standards.
Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, established in March 2022, serves as the central body for monitoring and licensing digital asset operations across Dubai’s mainland and designated free zones. VARA has rapidly evolved into one of the most influential regulators in the global virtual asset landscape, offering clarity to companies that seek sustainable growth in the region.
With the newly issued license recorded in VARA’s public register, Animoca Brands can now directly serve investors who demand structured and compliant exposure to the digital economy. This development is also viewed as an indicator of the increasing institutional appetite for regulated crypto opportunities in the Middle East.
Expanding Web3 Ecosystem and Strategic Acquisitions
Animoca Brands is widely recognized as a leading investor and developer in the Web3 sector. The company supports several blockchain platforms including The Sandbox, Open Campus and Moca Network. Its portfolio spans more than 600 companies and projects across decentralized finance, gaming, nonfungible tokens and education technology.
The company’s strategy revolves around fostering an open metaverse driven by true digital ownership. By obtaining a Dubai crypto license, Animoca Brands is now positioned to channel regional investments into its diverse ecosystem while fostering collaboration with local innovators.
Earlier this year, Animoca Brands completed the acquisition of Somo, a gaming and digital collectibles firm. Somo’s platform integrates playable and tradable collectibles that expand the company’s reach into interactive digital assets. This addition complements Animoca’s broader vision of uniting entertainment, gaming and blockchain infrastructure under a unified digital economy.
The integration of Somo also enhances the company’s capacity to design scalable digital experiences that appeal to both consumers and institutional backers. Combined with Dubai’s regulatory green light, the acquisition places Animoca Brands at the forefront of the next phase of Web3 adoption in the Middle East.
Dubai’s Growing Role as a Global Crypto Hub
Dubai continues to solidify its reputation as a preferred jurisdiction for crypto enterprises seeking clarity and trust. The city’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority has been proactive in establishing a framework that encourages responsible innovation while maintaining compliance oversight.
Several global crypto firms have obtained similar approvals from VARA in recent months, further boosting Dubai’s image as a financial bridge between Asia, Europe and Africa. In late 2025, digital asset infrastructure company BitGo also received a broker dealer license from VARA, enabling it to offer regulated trading and intermediation services to institutional clients in the region.
This influx of licensed entities underscores Dubai’s ambition to become the central node for digital finance and blockchain investment. VARA’s enforcement actions against unlicensed operators, including penalties against nineteen entities last year, highlight its intent to maintain credibility and protect investors in the expanding virtual asset space.
A Catalyst for Web3 Growth in the Region
Animoca Brands’ Dubai crypto license is expected to serve as a catalyst for Web3 growth across the Middle East. The regulatory approval not only empowers the company to deepen its presence in one of the fastest growing digital economies but also signals the maturity of the region’s blockchain landscape.
By connecting institutional investors to tokenized assets, decentralized applications and metaverse projects, Animoca Brands is building a bridge between traditional finance and the next generation of internet technology. The license also paves the way for greater collaboration between global blockchain networks and Middle Eastern developers eager to participate in the digital transformation economy.
As Dubai continues to attract forward looking blockchain enterprises, Animoca Brands’ move strengthens its position as a cornerstone of the regional digital ecosystem. The company’s presence could accelerate local adoption of blockchain driven innovation, providing new opportunities for developers, investors and policymakers shaping the future of Web3.
Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards.
