DUBAI, April 16, 2025 — In a continued effort to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global leader in the digital economy, H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, met with Eric Anziani, President and Chief Operating Officer of Crypto.com, one of the world’s foremost cryptocurrency platforms. The high-level meeting took place at Sheikh Maktoum’s office in Dubai.
The discussion underscored Dubai’s strategic commitment to driving digital transformation and fostering a robust ecosystem for innovation in the rapidly evolving world of digital assets and financial technologies. Sheikh Maktoum reiterated the UAE’s broader ambition to become a global hub for digital innovation by building a comprehensive regulatory framework that supports the safe, responsible, and sustainable growth of emerging sectors such as blockchain, virtual assets, and fintech.
At the heart of Dubai’s economic vision is the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, a comprehensive plan designed to generate AED 100 billion in new economic value annually through digital transformation and future-ready projects. Sheikh Maktoum highlighted that partnerships with leading global players like Crypto.com are critical to achieving these ambitious goals and ensuring Dubai remains at the forefront of the global digital economy.
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration between the Dubai government and Crypto.com in areas such as financial innovation, digital payments, blockchain technology, and the growing virtual asset sector. Both parties emphasized the importance of fostering an environment that not only encourages innovation but also provides the regulatory clarity needed for long-term investment and growth.
Founded in 2016, Crypto.com has rapidly grown into one of the most recognized names in the global cryptocurrency industry. The platform serves over 80 million users worldwide and offers a wide range of services including cryptocurrency trading, secure digital wallets, decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions, and asset-backed payment systems. Its comprehensive product suite allows both retail and institutional investors to participate in the evolving digital asset space.
In Dubai, Crypto.com operates through its locally licensed entity, CRO DAX Middle East FZE, which holds a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license issued by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). VARA, established to oversee the virtual asset sector in Dubai, plays a central role in ensuring that companies operating in this space meet high standards of security, transparency, and compliance.
The meeting was also attended by several senior Dubai officials, including Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers; Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; and Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Their presence underscores the cross-sectoral approach Dubai is taking to ensure alignment across government, industry, and global partners as it builds its digital economy.
As Dubai continues to attract global technology leaders and financial innovators, meetings like this one signal the emirate’s unwavering commitment to fostering a world-class environment for digital businesses, ultimately contributing to its long-term vision of economic diversification and global competitiveness.
