Gate Dubai Launches with VARA License, Targets MENA Crypto Growth

Highlights:

• Gate Dubai has received a VARA license for cryptocurrency exchange services.
• The platform allows trading between fiat and cryptocurrencies with local assistance.
• Gate Group is expanding its global compliance in strategic areas.

Gate Dubai, a branch of Gate Group, has officially commenced operations in the UAE, reinforcing its regulatory presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The favorable business regulations and crypto-friendly stance in Dubai lured the regional expansion of Gate. The new entity is backed by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), which focuses on both institutional and retail investors.

Gate Dubai Launches with VARA License

Gate Dubai was granted a license to operate as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) by VARA. This license allows the platform to run as a regulated exchange in Dubai. The launch enables Gate Dubai to provide spot trading services on digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Moreover, the platform allows users to convert local fiat and cryptocurrencies, filling the gap in regional crypto services. In response to increasing regional demand, Gate Dubai also plans to serve with user-specific service models.

Gate Group officially launches Gate Dubai! 🇦🇪

🔹 Holds the Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license
🔹 Spot trading for major cryptocurrencies
🔹 Supports exchange between fiat and cryptocurrencies
🔹 Built to serve institutional, qualified, and retail users

From Dubai to… pic.twitter.com/X519JrbU7d

— Gate (@Gate) January 6, 2026

Due to the Gate Group’s experience, the new branch will prioritize its liquidity depth and platform stability. The core part of its service delivery will be technical delivery. Gate Dubai further guarantees to provide fast transactions and efficient trade matching.

Local Focus and Growing Crypto Ecosystem

The Gate Dubai now runs a fully localized platform that targets the Middle East. The platform accommodates the Arabic language and regional currencies. It also focuses on serving its customers better by coming up with a dedicated customer support team. The company will collaborate with local partners to expand its presence. Gate Dubai plans to aid in the development of the ecosystem through partnerships. Moreover, long-term plans will involve knowledge-sharing and crypto education.

The UAE has developed to become a global crypto hub in recent years. The openness and transparent regulations of Dubai have further attracted large-scale companies. VARA has granted approvals to major crypto giants such as Ripple and Crypto.com. The entry of Gate Dubai into this expanding crypto market adds momentum.

The 2025 VARA’s updated rulebook made anti-money laundering and tax reporting clearer. Dubai has also entered into international agreements on crypto data sharing. These moves promote responsible innovation within a secure framework.

Global Growth and Strategic Compliance

Gate Group has aggressively pursued market expansion in compliant markets. The company currently has licenses or registrations in Malta, the Bahamas, Japan, Australia, and Dubai. The group plans to establish secure and transparent platforms worldwide. It’s 100% proof-of-reserves strategy assures users that their funds are secure. The company furthermore adheres to strict risk management procedures.

In 2025, Gate achieved a 1.78% market share growth, which ranks it among the world’s leading exchanges. Monthly spot trading volumes on the platform reached $160 billion at their peak. The compliance-first approach taken by Gate has won credibility with more than 47 million users worldwide. The introduction of Dubai is likely to further expand access to users within the Middle East. In September 2025, it launched Gate Layer, a Layer 2 network that focuses on reducing dApp expenses.

2025, a year of trust, scale, and growth by Gate.

🔹 124% reserve ratio
🔹 Approaching 50M users & 100M+ addresses on @GateLayer
🔹 Futures share up to 10.6%, largest YoY increase among major exchanges
🔹 $41B+ in Simple Earn
🔹 $25B+ in Web3 trading volume
🔹 And many more… pic.twitter.com/UvAEKgODQk

— Gate (@Gate) January 5, 2026

On January 5, the largest crypto exchange in the world, Binance, activated the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) regulatory framework.