Dubai's ambition is undeniable. As a key emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it has played a vital role in the nation’s rapid development since 1971. So, it comes as no surprise that Dubai has embraced cryptocurrency and Web3 technologies with such enthusiasm.
Back in 2016, the Dubai Future Foundation set up the Global Blockchain Council to explore blockchain applications across various sectors. More recently, in 2024, the Dubai AI Campus was launched at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to foster innovation in artificial intelligence and Web3. This drive for progress is a major reason why many leading platforms, including OKX, have successfully obtained licenses to operate in Dubai.
Cryptocurrency trading is fully legal and regulated in Dubai. The city hosts a growing number of local and international exchanges, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a significant crypto hub. In fact, the UAE ranks second in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for the share of crypto activity coming from decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols.
But beyond trading, Dubai is also home to a vibrant ecosystem of native crypto projects. These companies are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with blockchain technology. Below, we introduce five innovative projects born in Dubai that are shaping the future of Web3.
Komainu: Secure Digital Asset Custody
Komainu offers institutional-grade custody solutions for asset managers, family offices, private banks, and other enterprises. Its services are secure, segregated, and verifiable on-chain, providing robust protection for digital assets.
Key offerings include Komainu Connect, a collateral management service that reduces counterparty risk by allowing clients to store assets in a dedicated collateral wallet. The company also provides a custodial staking service, enabling institutional clients to earn rewards by participating in Proof of Stake networks.
Established in 2018 as a joint venture between Nomura, Ledger, and CoinShares, Komainu is fully regulated by the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and the Jersey Financial Services Commission. It also holds registrations with financial authorities in the UK and Italy.
As institutional crypto adoption continues to grow, Komainu’s regulated and tailored custody services act as a secure gateway into digital markets. 👉 Explore secure custody solutions
Quaranium: Quantum-Resistant Blockchain
Quaranium is building the world’s first quantum-proof hybrid distributed ledger technology (DLT) platform. Based in Dubai, the company addresses the vulnerabilities that quantum computing could pose to traditional cryptographic algorithms.
Unlike projects that attempt to retrofit quantum resistance, Quaranium is designing its infrastructure from the ground up. Its innovative dual-layer architecture combines a Proof of Work (PoW) blockchain with a Proof of Respect BlockDAG (Directed Acyclic Graph) to achieve higher throughput and a more democratic network.
This technology is particularly suited for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, enabling ultra-fast microtransactions while maintaining strong security through its underlying PoW layer.
With quantum computing advancing rapidly, Quaranium offers a forward-looking solution for long-term security and scalability in blockchain networks.
Wizardia: Play-to-Earn Roleplaying Game
Wizardia is a AAA-rated play-to-earn (P2E) strategy game set in a fantasy universe. Players collect, upgrade, and battle using wizard characters represented as non-fungible tokens (NFTs). These NFTs can be traded, sold, or rented on the game’s marketplace.
The game includes a staking mechanism where players earn passive rewards by participating in the Arena. Early investors can also benefit from high annual yields through NFT staking. The in-game currency, WZRD, is a tradable token with a dedicated market.
Wizardia is part of a broader movement to integrate blockchain technology into gaming, creating transparent economies where players can earn real value from their in-game achievements.
Zeebu: Decentralizing Telecom Wholesale
Zeebu is using blockchain to transform the telecom wholesale voice industry. Traditional wholesale voice involves telecom companies selling voice services to other providers at discounted rates. However, the industry struggles with inefficiency, lack of transparency, and trust issues.
Zeebu’s platform creates a secure, trustless marketplace where buyers and sellers can trade voice traffic directly. Smart contracts and DeFi protocols enable fast, secure payments without intermediaries. All transactions are recorded on a transparent ledger, reducing fraud and disputes.
By merging telecommunications with tokenization and decentralization, Zeebu demonstrates how Web3 technologies can overhaul established industries.
Empeiria: Verifiable Data Infrastructure
Launched in 2021, Empeiria is developing an end-to-end verifiable data infrastructure (EVDI) designed to ensure data accuracy and integrity throughout its lifecycle. This allows users to verify data at any point from origin to end-use.
The platform uses decentralized identifiers, verifiable credentials, zero-knowledge proofs, and self-sovereign identity to validate data quality and standardization. Organizations use Empeiria to enhance the transparency and efficiency of AI models while ensuring regulatory compliance.
For individuals, the Empe Wallet offers greater control over personal data and simplifies digital interactions. As AI and Web3 continue to evolve, Empeiria’s EVDI provides a critical foundation for trustworthy data ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cryptocurrency legal in Dubai?
Yes, cryptocurrency trading and ownership are legal in Dubai. The industry is regulated by authorities like VARA to ensure user protection, and major international exchanges are active in the city.
How is Dubai supporting blockchain innovation?
Dubai has established initiatives like the Global Blockchain Council and the Dubai AI Campus to foster blockchain and AI development. The regulatory environment is designed to encourage innovation while protecting investors.
What should I research before investing in a crypto project?
Always conduct thorough due diligence. Review the project’s whitepaper, team background, tokenomics, roadmap, and community feedback. 👉 Learn how to evaluate new projects
Are play-to-earn games profitable?
Earnings vary based on the game, market demand, and player engagement. While some players generate significant income, these games involve risk and require time and strategy.
What is quantum resistance in blockchain?
Quantum resistance refers to cryptographic algorithms designed to withstand attacks from quantum computers, which could break traditional encryption methods.
Why is data verification important for AI?
AI models rely on high-quality, accurate data. Verifiable data ensures that AI outputs are reliable, compliant, and free from manipulation or bias.
This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide investment, legal, or financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments are highly volatile and risky; always do your own research and never invest more than you can afford to lose.