Dubai's regulatory landscape for technology companies

AI and virtual asset regulations

Start-ups focused on artificial intelligence (AI) receive resources and support from the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), a key player in the city’s AI adoption strategy. The DCAI also offers training programmes for global and local start-ups.

Additionally, Dubai was the first city in the world to establish a Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA). Businesses dealing with the blockchain, metaverse or virtual assets sectors must obtain a VARA licence after providing the required documents and receiving an approval from the Authority following an application review. VARA licences span multiple categories including exchange services, advisory, broker-dealer and more. More information is available on the VARA website.

In 2024, the government also launched the Dubai Research, Development & Innovation Grant Initiative. Under the aegis of the Dubai Future Foundation, the Grant will provide funding to innovative research projects across a variety of economically significant sectors, including healthcare, life sciences, cognitive cities, robotics and AI. Its objective is to boost Dubai’s overall future-readiness, while also cementing its reputation for capitalising on technological advancements to drive sustained economic growth and progress.

Telecom regulation and oversight

Setting up a public telecommunication service in Dubai requires a TDRA licence. Currently, two telecommunications operators are licensed in the UAE:

• Etisalat by e&
• Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC (du) which also operates Virgin Mobile

The three networks run by these operators provide comprehensive services, such as landlines, mobile phones, internet and more, for businesses as well as residents.