Author: Mahesh Maddu

Dubai’s AED 1 billion stimulus package, introduced on 1 April 2026 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is a short-term initiative to support business liquidity and reduce operational pressure across companies in Dubai, offering measures such as 90-day government fee deferrals, extended timelines through Dubai Customs, faster residency processing, and targeted sector relief to help businesses manage cash flow and maintain stability during a period of uncertainty.

A VARA license is a regulatory approval required for businesses conducting virtual asset activities in Dubai, including crypto exchanges, custody services, broker-dealer operations, token issuance, lending platforms, and digital asset investment management. The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) oversees crypto and Web3 businesses operating across mainland Dubai and approved free zones, making it one of the UAE’s primary frameworks for regulated virtual asset service providers (VASPs). This guide explains the VARA licensing process in 2026, including setup requirements, application stages, compliance obligations, AML regulations, licensing costs, timelines, and key considerations for crypto businesses establishing operations in Dubai.