HashKey Group Launches Crypto Exchange HashKey Global MENA in Dubai with a Launch of Its New Office

The digital asset financial services giant HashKey Group has opened a new office in Dubai with the launch of HashKey Global MENA.

HashKey Group, the digital asset financial services giant, has opened a new office in Dubai with the launch of HashKey Global MENA.

HashKey Group, on May 12, 2025, confirmed securing a VASP license from Dubai’s VARA. The achievement is significant for the company’s plan to expand crypto trading opportunities within the MENA region.

Upon approval from VARA, HashKey MENA FZE is authorized to provide virtual asset exchange and broker-dealer services in Dubai. The license permits HashKey to serve both retail and institutional clients directly and support the UAE Dirham (AED).

HashKey Global MENA is focused on enabling seamless swaps between traditional and cryptocurrencies. On the platform, clients can trade AED and USD against major cryptocurrencies such as USDT, BTC, ETH, and SOL. A key benefit is the absence of hidden fees, ensuring complete pricing transparency to users.

Through a partnership with Standard Chartered for fiat transactions, the company is fostering increased user trust in the platform. Protection of client assets is a central focus for HashKey Global MENA, achieved through institutional-grade security measures.

“This regulatory milestone allows us to better serve local clients with optimal local currency integration,” says Ben El-Baz, Managing Director of HashKey Global. He added that the license is crucial for the company to expand its portfolio of regulated products.

OTC Services Tailored for MENA Market

Block trading on the OTC platform is facilitated at highly competitive cost levels. The platform features clear pricing and swift execution of large orders, which in combination serve to reduce slippage risk. Moreover, diverse settlement options are available to adapt to varying liquidity conditions.

Users have the opportunity to trade Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as buy and sell stablecoins, including USDT and USDC. The platform’s USD and AED on– and off-ramp services enable consumers throughout the region to access digital assets more readily.

HashKey’s strong emphasis on compliance makes its operating model align closely with VARA’s regulations, a framework that many view as clarifying crypto policy in the UAE. The Chainalysis MENA crypto adoption trends report highlights how the 2023 framework has attracted numerous crypto firms to the region.

HashKey’s Move into an Expanding Crypto Environment

The UAE, particularly Dubai, is recognized for its role in fostering cryptocurrency innovation. According to Chainalysis, the MENA region received $389.8 billion in digital asset value from July 2022 to June 2023, placing it sixth globally in crypto traffic.

Entering the Dubai market allows HashKey to enhance its presence within the MENA market. As a leading figure in Asia’s digital asset sector, the company is well-positioned to serve the rising demand for compliant crypto solutions in the MENA region.

Securing this VASP license demonstrates HashKey’s commitment to regulatory compliance and further strengthens its standing in the UAE’s cryptocurrency domain. The company aspires to integrate conventional finance with digital assets while enhancing safety and efficiency during trading activities.