Kraken to launch in UAE following Dubai regulatory approval

Kraken, through its parent company Payward, has received Full Market Approval from Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) to operate as a regulated Virtual Asset Service Provider in the United Arab Emirates.

The exchange plans to begin serving UAE clients within the coming weeks. The service will allow retail, professional, and institutional investors to trade spot and margin using AED-denominated pairs, with the ability to fund and withdraw directly in dirhams. Kraken intends to connect regional users to its existing global liquidity and order books rather than creating a separate trading environment.

In addition to standard crypto trading, the platform will offer on-chain staking, xStocks, and Krak for crypto transfers. Institutional clients will have access to OTC spot trading and Kraken Prime. Future expansions, including crypto derivatives and additional yield opportunities, are anticipated between 2026 and 2027, pending further regulatory approval.