The cryptocurrency exchange Bitget has obtained a commercial Innovation License from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This move is part of the company’s strategy to actively expand its presence in the markets of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
This is reported by Business • Media
New Opportunities for Development in Dubai and MENA
With the acquisition of the DIFC Innovation License, Bitget has joined a community of over 700 fintech and blockchain companies operating in one of the most innovative financial centers in the region. The company emphasized that this license does not grant the right to conduct operations with virtual assets; however, it paves the way for collaboration with local partners, the development of innovative solutions for the MENA market, and creates conditions for further obtaining a full license from the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).
Bitget also highlighted the rapid growth of interest in digital assets in the region, where the UAE and Saudi Arabia are leaders in the pace of cryptocurrency market development. Dubai, thanks to its progressive regulatory policy and active investor engagement, has become one of the key centers for the development of blockchain technologies. Bitget’s presence in the DIFC ensures direct contact with regulators, venture investors, and strategic partners.
Expansion Strategy and Collaboration with Regulators
The company emphasized that obtaining this license is part of Bitget’s global strategy to adhere to regulatory standards. By 2025, the exchange had already registered in several jurisdictions, including El Salvador, Argentina, and Georgia (Tbilisi Free Zone), and has established cooperation with regulators in Latin America and Southeast Asia. The official registration in Dubai demonstrates Bitget’s commitment to expanding institutional ties and offering products that meet local requirements and user expectations.
Bitget also noted that the DIFC Innovation License, despite being a commercial rather than a cryptocurrency license, allows the company to closely interact with other Web3 startups and technology companies within the DIFC ecosystem.
“This commercial license is part of Bitget’s long-term strategy for localizing business and integrating into the developing financial infrastructure of MENA,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, “The region’s progressive stance on Web3 makes it a natural base for our operations. With DIFC, we will be able to strengthen the trust of users and partners in the Middle East while simultaneously advancing towards obtaining a trading license under VARA’s supervision.”
According to the company’s forecasts, the region is expected to see growth in cryptocurrency transaction volumes, cross-border transfers, and tokenized real-world assets (RWA). Bitget’s strategic entry into the DIFC reflects confidence in the potential of MENA for the development of the digital economy.
The exchange will continue to explore opportunities for obtaining licenses under the supervision of VARA and other regulators in the region as part of its multi-tiered regulatory and compliance strategy.