The UAE is asserting Vai as a global cryptocurrency hub, with leaders from Coinbase and Ripple simultaneously acknowledging the Gulf nation's transparent legal framework and growing influence.
Over the past week, two cryptocurrency giants have made similar assessments regarding the UAE 's rising position on the global cryptocurrency map. Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, declared on the X platform on December 12th that the UAE is "going all out for crypto" and has become the world's second-largest cryptocurrency capital, after the United States. This statement came shortly after Armstrong's trip to the region, particularly the Abu Dhabi Financial Week event, which brought together leading financial institutions and regulators.
Coinbase's leadership praised the UAE's innovative mindset, highlighting the optimism about technology and the belief in economic freedom that he perceived. Armstrong also linked these observations to Coinbase's international expansion strategy and product development roadmap, suggesting that the UAE is not only a potential market but also a model of legal framework worth emulating.
Ripple reaffirms its long-term commitment.
Just two days later, Reece Merrick, Ripple's CEO for the Middle East and Africa region, publicly endorsed Armstrong's view. In an X-rated post on December 14th, Merrick reiterated that he had repeatedly emphasized the UAE's serious ambition to become a global cryptocurrency hub. The senior executive stressed Ripple's long-standing presence in the UAE market built over years of investment and relationship-building.
The consensus from these two leading corporations reflects a clear trend in the industry: the UAE is emerging as a preferred destination for global blockchain and crypto asset businesses. This stems from the transparent legal framework that the Gulf nation has established, in contrast to the legal ambiguity in many other markets. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have established specialized regulatory bodies such as the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), providing a solid foundation for businesses to operate.
Beyond policy factors, the UAE also invests heavily in technological infrastructure and attracts international talent through preferential tax policies and long-term visas. Large-scale events such as Abu Dhabi Financial Week also contribute to positioning the country as a hub for the global cryptocurrency and blockchain community. With support from big names like Coinbase and Ripple, the UAE is gradually realizing its ambition to lead the digital asset revolution internationally.
