Key Takeaways
- Dubai’s VARA and peaq have signed a landmark MoU to regulate the emerging Machine Economy, recognizing peaq’s Machine Economy Free Zone as a compliant innovation hub.
- The partnership aims to provide regulatory clarity for on-chain robotics, DePIN projects, and machine-based real-world assets (RWAs), with peaq offering policy input and ecosystem data.
- The Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Emirates NBD have launched a joint initiative to digitize the city’s rental ecosystem, streamlining lease processes and security deposit management.
- Both agreements align with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, reinforcing the emirate’s push toward integrated digital infrastructure across finance, real estate, and emerging tech sectors.
Dubai announced two major agreements during GITEX Global 2025 aimed at advancing its digital economy, with a focus on regulating tokenized machines and streamlining real estate services.
Web3 platform peaq signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the emirate’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), while the Dubai Land Department (DLD) entered a separate partnership with Emirates NBD to digitize leasing services.
peaq, VARA partner on Machine Economy Oversight
Peaq, a layer-1 blockchain focused on powering real-world applications through connected devices and tokenized infrastructure, is leading efforts to formalize what it calls the “Machine Economy”, an ecosystem of machines and robots that operate, transact, and generate value on-chain.
Under the MoU, VARA recognized peaq’s Machine Economy Free Zone (MEFZ), a regulatory sandbox designed to support projects building in areas such as robotics, decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN), and machine-based real-world assets (RWAs). The agreement establishes a cooperative framework for case-by-case regulatory support, data sharing, and policy recommendations.
The collaboration is expected to ease the licensing path for projects using peaq’s infrastructure and foster direct dialogue with Dubai decision-makers. It also opens the door for joint events and market research initiatives between the two entities.
The MoU builds on a series of previous initiatives by peaq in the UAE, including the launch of the first tokenized robo-farm and a Web3 SDK for robotics.
“By combining innovation with responsible oversight, we aim to position Dubai as the global benchmark for the safe and sustainable growth of this next-generation asset class,” said Matthew White, CEO of VARA.
DLD, Emirates NBD to Modernize Tenant Experience
Separately, DLD signed an agreement with Emirates NBD to overhaul Dubai’s rental ecosystem through digital solutions. The partnership aims to integrate banking and real estate services, improving how security deposits are managed and offering tenants new financing options.
The collaboration includes upgrades to DLD’s smart application and online portal, and is designed to increase transparency, reduce operational friction and improve delivery.
The agreement supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Real Estate Strategy 2033, which target greater efficiency and digital transformation across the public and private sectors.
UAE Solidifies Its Lead in Crypto Integration and Digital Innovation
These two milestones align with the broader vision of the UAE’s digital ambitions, as the nation strengthens its position as a global leader in blockchain regulation and real-world crypto applications.
The UAE now ranks among the world’s top five crypto hubs, thanks to its zero-tax policy on trading, mining, and staking digital assets.
Furthermore, In a significant government-led initiative, Dubai’s Department of Finance and the Dubai Land Department recently completed a pilot transaction using UAE dirhams settled via digital assets on the “Dubai Pay” platform, in partnership with Crypto.com’s regional entity, Foris DAX.
Further reinforcing this direction, Crypto.com secured in-principle approval from the UAE Central Bank for a Stored Value Facilities license, paving the way for regulated digital payment infrastructure.
Together, these developments reflect the UAE’s commitment to integrating blockchain into both public and private sectors, cementing its role as a global hub for next-generation digital economies.
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