Arbeat Group Secures Full VASP Licence from Dubai’s VARA for Exchange and Broker-Dealer Services

ARBEAT GROUP FZE has secured a Full Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) Licence from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), marking a critical transition from the preparatory stage to full operational status. For fintech professionals, this represents the continued institutionalization of the UAE’s digital asset corridor and the arrival of a new regulated liquidity provider in the Middle East.

What was announced

The granting of the Full Licence, registered under reference number VL/26/07/001, permits Arbeat to officially commence two distinct categories of regulated activity within the Emirate of Dubai: Virtual Asset Exchange Services and Virtual Asset Broker-Dealer Services. This dual authorization allows the firm to act as both a marketplace for the trading of digital assets and an intermediary for clients seeking to execute large-scale transactions.

The transition to a Full Licence is the final step in VARA’s rigorous multi-stage licensing process, which requires firms to demonstrate robust internal controls, compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards, and technological security. Arbeat has stated that its operating philosophy is built upon regulatory clarity and a long-term commitment to the UAE's digital economy. By operating under the VARA supervisory framework, the company aims to provide a regulated alternative to offshore platforms, targeting institutional and professional participants who require high levels of accountability and legal certainty.

With these permissions now active, Arbeat is positioned to provide the infrastructure necessary for the broader virtual asset ecosystem in the region. The firm will continue to work under the ongoing supervision of VARA to ensure that its exchange and brokerage operations meet the evolving requirements of the Dubai virtual asset market.

"This Full Licence represents an important step in Arbeat’s regulatory development, confirming the company’s status as a fully regulated Virtual Asset Service Provider operating within VARA’s supervisory framework."

ARBEAT GROUP FZE

The companies involved

ARBEAT GROUP FZE is a financial technology firm established in the United Arab Emirates with a specific focus on virtual asset infrastructure. Operating as a Free Zone Establishment (FZE), the company has been built from the ground up to align with the specific regulatory demands of the Dubai market, positioning itself as a localized player with institutional-grade standards.

The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) is the world’s first independent regulator for virtual assets. Established in March 2022 following the Dubai Virtual Accountancy Law, VARA is responsible for licensing and regulating the sector across Dubai’s mainland and Free Zone territories (excluding the Dubai International Financial Centre). VARA’s mandate is to create an advanced legal framework to protect investors and set international standards for virtual asset industry governance. By providing a clear, bespoke rulebook for digital assets rather than trying to fit them into legacy financial frameworks, VARA has turned Dubai into a global hub for blockchain innovation, attracting both startups and established global financial institutions.

What FF News has reported before

The licensing of Arbeat follows a period of intense regulatory activity in the UAE, which FF News has tracked closely. In July 2026, we reported that Revolut Secures In-Principle Approval for Crypto Services in UAE via VARA, highlighting the attraction of the region for global neobanks. This was followed by news that Triple-A Secures VARA In-Principle Approval for Broker-Dealer Services in Dubai. More recently, the market has seen a shift from in-principle approvals to full operational status, as seen when Flipster Secures VARA Full Operational Exchange License for Regulated Crypto Services in UAE and Flowdesk Secures VARA Broker-Dealer Licence in Dubai to Scale Institutional Crypto Services.

What this means

Arbeat’s successful licensing moves the needle by adding depth to Dubai’s regulated liquidity pool. While many firms hold "In-Principle" approvals, the "Full Licence" status is the true benchmark for operational readiness. This puts pressure on legacy exchanges that have been slow to adapt to VARA’s stringent requirements. For the wider fintech market, this signal is clear: the UAE is no longer a "frontier" market for crypto; it is a highly structured environment where only firms with significant compliance capital can survive. Watch for Arbeat to now aggressively pursue institutional partnerships, as they can now offer the legal protections that large-scale asset managers require to enter the digital asset space.