The UAE continues to experience momentum and innovation in digital assets. With the Central Bank’s recent regulation for payment tokens, the approval of the first UAE dirham-backed stablecoin and significant startup and investment activity, the region is actively shaping its role and the future of web3.

In April, Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund ADQ, First Abu Dhabi Bank and IHC announced plans to jointly launch a new dirham-backed stablecoin. This initiative adds momentum to the country’s efforts to become a global hub for digital assets and fintech innovation.

While the landscape expands with potential, it’s also layered with complexity. For years, FTI Consulting has worked closely with digital asset businesses navigating the global terrain. Throughout numerous engagements, the team has observed four core decisions that are integral to successful implementation and growth.

For digital assets businesses entering the UAE, these include:

Understand the regulatory landscape

The UAE isn’t a single regulatory body. At the federal level, the Securities and Commodities Authority is responsible for regulating virtual asset service providers across the country. In Dubai, most federal duties are delegated into Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. Financial free zones operate separately, where the Dubai Financial Services Authority of Dubai Financial International Centre and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market offer specialised frameworks.

In recent years, the UAE has created a mature digital assets policy environment. Initiatives like the CBUAE’s Payment Token Services Regulation and VARA’s clear licensing paths are ushering confidence in the sector.

Still, businesses must understand which regulator they need to work with, which licenses their activities fall under and whether their virtual assets fall under digital securities, virtual assets, or other classifications like NFTs or tokenised real-world assets. Lack of regulatory awareness can lead to delays, duplication or denials.

Choose the right jurisdiction

Digital asset firms must carefully consider which jurisdiction to set up in. Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to lead with distinct propositions. Dubai’s VARA is a bespoke regulator established to support and oversee digital innovation in the space. ADGM in Abu Dhabi, meanwhile, offers English common law, a comprehensive framework under FSRA, and global recognition.

Ultimately, firms must weigh access to capital, legal comfort, sector-specific regulations and operational incentives when choosing a home base.

Select the best economic free zone

The UAE is home to more than 40 multidisciplinary free zones, many of which offer 100 per cent foreign ownership and simplified business setup processes. But in digital assets, only a handful offer the tailored infrastructure and licensing options that virtual asset firms require.

Emerging initiatives like RAK DAO in Ras Al Khaimah — the world’s first free zone dedicated entirely to digital and virtual asset companies — offer promising incentives. Still, the framework is yet to fully mature and gain market validation, particularly in comparison to other free zones.

Free zones like DMCC, DWTC and RAK DAO, or financial free zones like ADGM and DIFC, stand out due to their focused support for blockchain and web3 businesses, including access to sandboxes, advisory networks or tokenization frameworks. Hub71 in ADGM, for instance, houses over 300 startups and offers dedicated web3 incentives under its Hub71+ programme.

Choosing the right zone can mean the difference between navigating bureaucracy or accelerating growth.

Secure a banking partner and knowledgeable advisors

Many digital asset firms in the UAE face challenges opening corporate bank accounts and the options are still limited. This is gradually changing. The Central Bank’s 2023 guidance on how licensed financial institutions should assess and work with VASPs has helped banks better understand risk thresholds and compliance expectations.

Strong due diligence processes, clarity around business models and an understanding of local anti-money laundering and other anti-fraud requirements are essential to building trust with banking partners. Working with external advisors who are experts in the digital assets industry and understand the technical, operational and regulatory nuances across jurisdictions is essential to conducting adequate diligence and establishing a strong foundation for growth. Firms are recommended to engage with partners early to avoid struggles at a later stage.

The bottom line

The UAE is taking consistent and meaningful steps to underpin a growing digital assets market. The country continues to serve as an example of how to create policies that will enable and maintain an ecosystem over the long term.

Importantly, for businesses looking to make the move, success requires much more than enthusiasm. It demands strategy. By navigating regulation carefully, choosing the jurisdiction and free zone that fits the business’s unique needs and building strong banking relationships, firms can avoid common pitfalls. This is what can create a posture that will thrive in this evolving environment.

The writer is the MD, Blockchain and Digital Assets, Technology Advisory, FTI Consulting Middle East.

Careem has launched a new AI-powered Grocery List tool designed to streamline the online shopping experience for customers in the UAE. The feature allows users to convert handwritten or typed grocery lists into ready-to-checkout orders directly within the Careem app.

Customers can upload a photo of their list, scan a written note, or type items directly into the app. The tool then uses AI to identify and extract each item, generating a personalised page with matching products that can be added to the cart in seconds. The goal is to reduce the time spent on grocery shopping by eliminating the need to search for individual items manually.

Chase Lario, vice president of Careem Groceries, said: “Our Grocery List tool is designed to transform the grocery shopping experience by removing unnecessary steps and making the process as efficient and intuitive as possible. We know our customers are busy, and we’re continuously streamlining our services to ensure they spend less time shopping and more time doing what matters most to them.”

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Careem Groceries offers a wide selection of fresh produce, pantry items, and household products with 15-minute delivery across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Careem Plus members benefit from free delivery on grocery and food orders, as well as perks across other services such as money transfers, rides, home cleaning, and bike rentals.

The Grocery List tool is now available on the latest version of the Careem app under the ‘Groceries’ section.

Apple Inc. announced on July 8, 2025 that Sabih Khan, a 30-year veteran of the company and currently Senior Vice President of Operations, will become its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) later this month. He will succeed Jeff Williams, who plans to retire at the end of the year following a nearly three-decade tenure at the iPhone maker.

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The move is part of a long-planned succession strategy, Apple said in a statement.

Williams, who has served as COO since 2015, will remain at the company through the end of 2025. During this transition period, he will continue reporting to CEO Tim Cook, overseeing the company’s acclaimed design team, Apple Watch, and health initiatives. Upon his retirement, Apple’s design team will report directly to Cook.

Veteran leadership shift

Khan joined Apple’s procurement group in 1995 and has steadily risen through the ranks. Since 2019, he has been a member of Apple’s executive team, managing the company’s global supply chain — one of the most sophisticated in the world.

Before joining Apple, Khan worked as an applications development engineer and key account technical leader at GE Plastics. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, an Apple newsroom report said.

“Sabih is a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain,” said CEO Tim Cook in a statement. “He’s helped pioneer advanced manufacturing technologies, expand our footprint in the US, and ensure Apple can respond nimbly to global challenges.”

Cook also praised Khan’s leadership in environmental initiatives, crediting him with helping Apple reduce its carbon footprint by more than 60 percent. “Above all, Sabih leads with his heart and his values,” Cook added. “I know he will make an exceptional chief operating officer.”

Tribute to Jeff Williams

Cook also took time to commend Williams for his decades of contributions to Apple. Williams joined the company in 1998 and played key roles in several landmark projects, including the launch of the iPod, iPhone, and Apple Watch. He has also led Apple’s push into health technologies and overseen its design team in recent years.

“Jeff and I have worked alongside each other for as long as I can remember, and Apple wouldn’t be what it is without him,” Cook said. “He’s helped to create one of the most respected global supply chains in the world and has led our world-class team of designers with great wisdom, heart, and dedication.”

Williams expressed gratitude for his time at the company and confidence in Khan’s leadership.

“I have a deep love for Apple,” Williams said in a prepared statement. “Working with the amazing people at this company has been a privilege of a lifetime. June marked my 27th anniversary with Apple, and my 40th in the industry. Beginning next year, I plan to spend more time with friends and family — including five grandchildren and counting.”

He added, “I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Sabih for 27 years, and I think he’s the most talented operations executive on the planet. I have tremendous confidence in Apple’s future under his leadership.”

Focus on sustainability and global reach

Under Khan’s leadership, Apple’s operations team has been instrumental in scaling its global supply chain while maintaining product quality and sustainability commitments. His responsibilities have included planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and product fulfillment, as well as oversight of supplier responsibility programs that protect and educate workers in production facilities worldwide.

Khan has also advanced Apple’s environmental goals by working with suppliers to improve green manufacturing practices and reduce the company’s environmental impact.

Looking ahead

The appointment of Khan comes as Apple faces a rapidly evolving global supply chain environment, growing competition in hardware and services, and increased scrutiny over labor and sustainability practices. The company’s decision to tap an experienced internal leader with deep operational knowledge underscores its commitment to continuity and long-term strategy.

Khan’s rise to the COO role reinforces Apple’s tradition of promoting from within and relying on seasoned executives with a proven track record.

As Apple navigates the post-pandemic economy, shifts in global trade, and increased pressure on climate commitments, Khan’s leadership in operations will be central to Apple’s ability to deliver innovation at scale.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department has launched an upgraded version of its official website, marking a major step in its ongoing digital transformation journey. The revamp aims to enhance the delivery of real estate services and offer an integrated digital platform that caters to a wide range of customers across the emirate.

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The new website boasts a modern, interactive design aligned with Sharjah Government’s directives to advance smart services and improve market attractiveness. The platform is tailored to serve investors, developers, homeowners’ associations, individuals, banks, and government entities, ensuring fast and user-friendly access to services, a WAM report said.

Abdulaziz Ahmed Al Shamsi, Director-General of the department, said the upgraded site reflects the department’s commitment to digital excellence. “This launch represents a significant milestone in our efforts to deliver flexible, smart services to a wide spectrum of clients. It further strengthens Sharjah’s position as a leading real estate hub in the region,” he said.

Tailored services for every user group

The upgraded website categorizes services based on the user type, allowing for an efficient and intuitive experience. Real estate developers can access features such as project registration, certification of initial sales contracts, project tracking, and applications to form homeowners’ associations.

For homeowners’ associations, the site provides services like administrative supervision company registration, board registration certificate issuance, approval of service and maintenance fee declarations, and submission of complaints.

Integrated tools for institutions and individuals

Government agencies can now request property ownership reports, while individual users can benefit from services such as ownership certificate issuance, title deed replacement, property valuation, and ownership data updates.

Banks are also catered to with streamlined digital services including mortgage registration, release, increase, and amendment—enabling seamless integration across all sectors involved in the real estate landscape.

The website launch reinforces Sharjah’s commitment to smart governance and a sustainable investment environment in the real estate sector.