One Year of OKX in the UAE: Building Trust, Growth and a Sustainable Future for Digital Assets

By Rifad Mahasneh, CEO of OKX in the Middle East and North Africa

One year ago today, we were granted a license by the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). More than an anniversary, this milestone signifies the tangible progress we've made building a trusted, transparent, and forward-looking digital asset ecosystem in the United Arab Emirates.

In the past year, OKX UAE has grown from an ambitious vision into a locally rooted business, building a regional hub with more than 100 employees, that is helping shape the future of finance in one of the world’s most progressive markets. Our journey has been defined by collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to regulatory excellence.

The Power of Partnership

Our local partnerships have been central to our success, and are only possible through the clear and deliberate framework offered by the local regulators. The UAE’s regulatory framework has set a new global standard for digital asset oversight. It provides clarity, fosters innovation, and protects investors while encouraging responsible growth.

From the very beginning, our approach was clear: to build the business the right way, with the right people and the right principles. Working closely with VARA has allowed us to do exactly that. The regulator’s forward-looking approach has created an environment that balances innovation with accountability and encourages companies like ours to establish a real presence in the UAE.

This collaboration has strengthened our operations and helped build market confidence. Institutions and retail investors alike know that the products and services we offer are backed by rigorous compliance, transparency, and oversight.

A Year of Growth and Innovation

In just one year, OKX UAE has achieved several key milestones. One of the most significant was the launch of regulated retail derivatives, following approval from VARA earlier this year. This made OKX the first licensed global exchange in the UAE to offer such products to retail users, expanding access to sophisticated financial instruments in a fully regulated environment.

This milestone demonstrates the maturity of both the market and the regulatory framework that supports it. It shows that the UAE is ready to move beyond experimentation and into a new era of responsible digital finance.

We have also expanded our institutional offerings, launched new product features tailored to regional users, and strengthened partnerships with local financial and educational institutions. Each initiative has been guided by a single goal: to empower users with safe, transparent, and high-quality access to the digital economy.

The Importance of People and Local Presence

Our progress in the past year has been possible because of our people. The UAE is home to some of the most talented professionals in the world, and building a local team that understands both the market and the culture has been one of our proudest achievements.

We are a global company, but in the UAE we operate as a local one. Our office in Dubai has grown into a hub for collaboration, education, and community engagement. We host events, workshops, and discussions that bring together traders, institutions, and innovators. These efforts are part of our broader mission to make the digital asset space more accessible and better understood.

We believe that sustainable growth starts with people. By investing in local talent, we are building the foundation for long-term success not just for OKX but for the wider digital finance ecosystem in the region.

The UAE as a Global Hub for Digital Assets

Few markets in the world have embraced digital assets with the same clarity of vision as the UAE. The country’s commitment to innovation, underpinned by sound regulation and strong infrastructure, has positioned it as a true global leader.

The ecosystem here is dynamic, collaborative, and deeply connected to the needs of both institutions and retail users. This is what makes the UAE so special: it is a place where regulation, innovation, and opportunity converge.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate one year of OKX UAE, we are proud of how far we have come, but we are even more focused on what lies ahead. Our goal is to continue deepening our presence, expanding our partnerships, and helping shape a digital asset market that is secure, inclusive, and globally connected.

We will keep working closely with VARA and other stakeholders to support responsible innovation, while continuing to invest in local talent and infrastructure. Most importantly, we will stay true to our mission of building trust through transparency, technology, and education.

The past year has been a strong foundation. The next will be about scaling, innovating, and contributing even more to the UAE’s vision for a digital-first financial future.

We are proud to call the UAE home, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.