Kraken Secures Final Approval to Launch Dirham Trading in Dubai
Payward has gained full regulatory approval from Dubai's VARA to offer cryptocurrency trading services in the UAE.
Payward has gained full regulatory approval from Dubai's VARA to offer cryptocurrency trading services in the UAE. This is an original TLT brief synthesising 2 outlets (Cointelegraph, CryptoPotato), plus live market data, as of Mon, 12 Oct 2026 18:30:06 UTC.
This development marks a significant expansion of Kraken's international presence and provides UAE residents with regulated access to crypto trading and staking services in their local currency.
- Kraken's parent company Payward receives full VARA approval for UAE operations.
- Services will include dirham withdrawals and on-chain staking.
- Approval builds on preliminary VARA clearance granted in May.
Cointelegraph and CryptoPotato both report that Payward, the parent company of Kraken, has secured full regulatory approval from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to offer cryptocurrency services in the UAE. This follows the preliminary approval announced in May. While both outlets confirm the regulatory clearance, CryptoPotato provides additional details about the planned service offerings, including dirham withdrawals and on-chain staking, which are not mentioned in the Cointelegraph report.
- Kraken Secures Full Crypto License in Dubai, Set to Launch UAE Operations Soon
- Kraken Secures Final Approval to Launch Dirham Trading in Dubai — this brief
- Kraken Set to Launch in UAE After Securing Full VARA Approval
Payward, the parent company of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, has received full market approval from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to expand its digital asset services in the United Arab Emirates. This approval builds on the preliminary approval that was granted in May.
The expanded services will allow Kraken to offer a range of cryptocurrency trading options to UAE residents, including dirham withdrawals and on-chain staking. This move is part of Kraken's strategy to increase its global footprint and provide more localized services to users in different regions.
Cointelegraph and CryptoPotato both confirm the regulatory approval, but CryptoPotato provides additional details about the specific services that will be offered. The approval from VARA is a significant milestone for Kraken, as it allows the exchange to operate fully within the UAE's regulatory framework.
The UAE has been actively working on establishing itself as a hub for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. The country's regulatory body, VARA, has been at the forefront of creating a conducive environment for crypto businesses. This approval for Kraken is a testament to the UAE's commitment to fostering innovation in the digital asset space.
The broader cryptocurrency market remains in a state of flux, with the total market cap currently at $2.86 trillion and 
Bitcoin experiencing a 24-hour decline of 1.53%. Despite this, the Fear & Greed Index stands at 69, indicating a sentiment of 'Greed' among investors.
Kraken Secures Final Approval to Launch Dirham Trading in Du — questions & answers
What services will Kraken offer in the UAE?
Kraken will offer dirham withdrawals and on-chain staking in addition to its standard cryptocurrency trading services.
When did Kraken receive preliminary approval from VARA?
Kraken received preliminary approval from VARA in May.
Why is this approval significant for Kraken?
This approval allows Kraken to operate fully within the UAE's regulatory framework, expanding its global presence and offering more localized services.
Which outlets reported this story?
This is an original TLT brief that synthesises reporting from Cointelegraph, CryptoPotato, with the key figures cross-checked for agreement across them. It is not a copy of any one article — follow the source links above for the original reporting.
Original summary — not financial advice. This is an original TLT brief that summarises a development reported elsewhere and adds live market data for context; it is not the original article and reproduces no part of it. Follow the source link above for full details. Crypto is volatile and high-risk — always do your own research.