Author: Emirates Insight
XBase Virtual Assets Broker & Dealer Services (XBase), a subsidiary of XBD Group, today announced that it has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) for a Broker-Dealer Services Licence. This approval marks the final stage before XBase begins operations, pending full authorisation — a pivotal milestone in the UAE’s rapidly expanding virtual assets and digital finance sector, and a testament to Dubai’s position as a global hub for regulated virtual asset activity. The achievement aligns with Dubai’s broader efforts to establish a transparent and trusted virtual assets ecosystem. The emirate now leads the world’s…
Abu Dhabi and Dubai accelerated their tech and investment agendas, while Saudi Arabia unveiled another mega project in Makkah. Golden Visa holders gained new global privileges, and the Gulf’s World Cup dreams came true once again. Catch up with 10 top stories this week as selected by Arabian Business editors. UAE announces major new Golden Visa benefits UAE Golden Visa holders will now receive expanded global support and emergency assistance following the launch of a dedicated suite of consular services described as the first of its kind worldwide. It marks a major expansion of privileges for the UAE’s long-term residents…
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the independent regulator of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC),and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA),the specialist regulator responsible for regulating and overseeing the virtual assets sector in the Emirate of Dubai and its free zones excluding the DIFC, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU will enhance cooperation and collaboration between the two regulators in undertaking their responsibilities within their respective jurisdictions and will further support the development of a robust and well-regulated virtual asset market in Dubai. The MoU was signed by Mark Steward, Chief Executive of the DFSA, and…
BTC slumped below $104,000 on Friday. Remember the ‘Uptober’ narrative? October, the month that kicks off Q4, is promised to be a bullish one. There were high hopes for the 2025 edition as well. And it all started on the right foot as BTC exploded out of the gate and peaked above $126,000 to chart a new all-time high. Thus, it had added over $16,000 of value in the span of just 10 days. However, things reversed just as quickly, and it lost even more ground against the greenback in the following 10 days. Here are some of the…
Silicon Valley’s rule? It’s not cool to be cautious. As OpenAI removes guardrails and VCs criticize companies like Anthropic for supporting AI safety regulations, it’s becoming clearer who the industry thinks should shape AI development. On this episode of Equity, Kirsten Korosec, Anthony Ha, and Max Zeff discuss how the line between innovation and responsibility is getting blurrier, plus what happens when pranks go from digital to physical. Watch to the full episode for more about: Why advocating for AI safety has become “uncool” in Silicon Valley from Anthropic facing backlash to California’s SB 243 regulation of AI companion chatbots…
Sharjah, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, proudly holds the title of Cultural Capital of the Arab World, a recognition bestowed by UNESCO in 1998. This title is not merely symbolic, it reflects the emirate’s unwavering commitment to preserving Arab heritage, promoting education, and fostering creativity across generations. Sharjah has built its reputation as a hub where tradition meets modernity, offering a cultural experience that is both authentic and forward-looking. Unlike its glitzy neighbors, Sharjah has focused its development around arts, culture, and heritage. The city is home to more than 20 museums, including the Sharjah…
Sparkling citywide celebrations for the Festival of Lights 2025 are set to make Dubai the ultimate destination for a dazzling Diwali, starting today, 17 to 26 October 2025. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the city has come alive with a specially curated calendar of festivities – bringing together residents and visitors from over 200 nationalities to share in the joy, light, and togetherness of the season. With Indian curriculum schools across the UAE announcing extended breaks for the festival, thousands of students and families are set to make the most of Dubai’s citywide Diwali celebrations. This year’s…
Editions Art & Design is dedicated to limited-edition arts and design and will return to the Waterfront Terrace at Dubai Design District (d3) from 5-9 November 2025 as part of Dubai Design Week, and a key highlight of Downtown Design. Presenting prints, ceramics, photography and contemporary design from regional and international galleries and design studios, Editions offers a welcoming experience for visitors at every stage of their collecting journey. Exhibitors Highlights This year welcomes several exciting additions to the fair: Regional Highlights Regional voices take the spotlight with: Asateer, a design studio dedicated to reinterpreting cultural heritage for contemporary living. Its…
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is entering a new era of exponential growth, transforming from a regional powerhouse into a global hub for innovation, business, and sustainability. Over the past few years, the city’s diversification strategy has accelerated across key sectors such as energy, tourism, real estate, and technology, reshaping its economic identity and global appeal. The foundation of Abu Dhabi’s growth lies in its long-term vision and strategic planning. Through initiatives like Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, the emirate has successfully reduced its dependence on oil revenues and created an environment conducive to investment and…
CZ hits back at Peter Schiff’s “brutal bear market” warning, dismissing the gold advocate’s Bitcoin criticism as short-sighted and historically insignificant. Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has pushed back against Peter Schiff’s latest prediction for Bitcoin. This is after the economist’s recent warning of a “brutal” bear market looming over the digital asset. Critic Mocks BTC’s Fall Schiff, a well-known Bitcoin critic, said via X that the cryptocurrency’s 32% decline since August against gold shows that investors are losing confidence in its long-term value. “Gold is eating Bitcoin’s lunch. Bitcoin is now down 32% priced in gold since its…