DWF Labs, a prominent Web3 venture capitalist and crypto market maker, is relocating its headquarters to Abu Dhabi, UAE, as announced by founder and CEO Andrei Grachev on X. The strategic move aims to strengthen the company's presence in the Middle East and expand its focus on real-world assets (RWA) and financial services in the region. Specific operational details have yet to be disclosed.

While Abu Dhabi becomes a focal point, DWF Labs already operates regional hubs in Singapore, Dubai, and Switzerland. It remains unclear how the new headquarters will integrate into its existing structure. The relocation reflects a broader trend among UAE states like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which independently legislate on non-federal matters, fueling competition to attract businesses.

Grachev’s announcement emphasized the region's strategic importance for RWA and financial services. The UAE has already attracted major crypto players. Dubai hosts Binance, Chainalysis, and Ripple, regulated by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi boasts its own economic zone, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), which has established itself as a hub for virtual asset businesses. ADGM introduced its first crypto regulations in 2018 and adopted advanced DLT Foundations Regulations in November 2023.

DWF Labs joins notable firms at ADGM, including BlackRock and Blockdaemon, further consolidating Abu Dhabi's status as a crypto powerhouse. Founded in 2022, DWF Labs has grown rapidly, managing a portfolio valued between $72 billion and $77 billion with over 700 projects.

As the UAE’s crypto landscape evolves, DWF Labs’ relocation underscores the region’s growing appeal as a global hub for blockchain innovation and financial services.