Abu Dhabi Emerges as Crypto Hub with Clear Regulatory Framework

Abu Dhabi has become a hub for cryptocurrency and blockchain companies, offering a clear path to set up shop and operate within its borders. The emirate's Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) has licensed virtual asset activity since 2018 through the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), which provides a rulebook for firms to follow.

The FSRA has approved several major crypto platforms, including Binance, Galaxy Digital, and Circle, which have secured licenses to operate in ADGM. Regulated stablecoin issuers can now operate within the zone under the Fiat-Referenced Token framework, refined through 2025 and taking fuller effect in 2026.

Tax breaks are also available for qualifying income inside the zones, with a 0% corporate tax rate and no personal income or capital gains tax. This has attracted several sovereign wealth funds to Abu Dhabi, including Mubadala Investment Company, which manages hundreds of billions of dollars.

Citadel Mining, tied to Abu Dhabi's Royal Group through International Holding Company, has built a large stack of BTC through mining operations since 2022, with holdings near 6,996.55718089 BTC worth roughly $451.05 million at the exchange rate used in that analysis.