Ripple, a major player in crypto payments, has secured in-principle license approval from Dubai’s Financial Services Authority (DFSA). This move marks a significant step for Ripple to establish its presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is a precursor to obtaining a full operational license. Once fully approved, Ripple will be able to offer cross-border payment services involving both fiat and digital assets from Dubai’s International Financial Center (DIFC), a renowned economic zone.

Ripple’s leadership emphasized the importance of this milestone in expanding the company’s global reach, positioning Ripple as a regulated entity in the UAE. Brad Garlinghouse, Ripple’s CEO, hailed Dubai’s forward-thinking regulatory environment, praising it as a hub for financial technology. The company plans to leverage Dubai’s strategic location to access rapidly growing crypto markets across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

However, alongside this positive development, Dubai’s regulatory authorities are tightening rules for promoting crypto products. The Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) has introduced new guidelines requiring firms to add disclaimers to their marketing material, warning potential investors about the risks of crypto investments.

As Ripple continues to expand, its approval in Dubai signifies a major achievement in the race to lead blockchain-enabled payment services. Yet, with increasing regulatory oversight, the path forward for crypto companies in the UAE will require navigating stricter investor protections.

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