- Strategic alliance between DMCC and VARA aims to build the next-generation framework for tokenised commodities, strengthening Dubai’s role as a global Web3 and digital asset hub
- Joint initiatives will include pilot projects to tokenise gold, diamonds, and other commodities, alongside educational programs promoting market awareness and investor protection
- Partnership extends to aggregated data sharing, market growth insights, and contributions to VARA’s economic impact reports using DMCC benchmarks
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), one of the world’s leading free zones and trade hubs, has signed a strategic partnership with the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to accelerate the tokenisation of real-world commodities. The collaboration represents a major step toward integrating traditional markets with blockchain technology, positioning Dubai as a global leader in cryptocurrency, DeFi, and digital asset innovation.
As tokenisation continues to reshape global finance, this alliance combines DMCC’s extensive experience in commodities and trade infrastructure with VARA’s pioneering regulatory expertise. The partnership seeks to establish a secure, transparent, and scalable system that enables physical assets like gold and diamonds to be represented on the blockchain—unlocking new levels of liquidity, accessibility, and trust across global markets.
Initial pilot programs will explore how commodities can be efficiently tokenised and traded within compliant blockchain ecosystems. These initiatives will examine key aspects such as regulatory standards, technical integration, and investor safeguards, ultimately providing a blueprint for the tokenisation of tangible assets in regulated crypto markets.
Beyond tokenisation, the collaboration prioritises education and investor awareness. Through joint workshops, training sessions, and community engagement programs, DMCC and VARA aim to build understanding of tokenised assets—highlighting both their opportunities and risks. This focus on education and transparency supports the broader vision of creating a responsible, well-informed digital asset economy.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, said: “This partnership with VARA marks a defining moment in Dubai’s digital asset journey. By combining our expertise in commodities, blockchain, and Web3 with VARA’s robust regulatory leadership, we are establishing a framework that allows the secure tokenisation of gold, diamonds, and other high-value assets. This will open up new investment opportunities, enhance liquidity, and reinforce Dubai’s position as a global hub for blockchain-powered trade.”
DMCC’s strong foundation in commodity-backed digital assets, such as gold-backed tokens enabled through its Tradeflow platform, provides a proven model for this initiative. With over 1,500 companies in the precious metals sector and more than 700 Web3 enterprises operating within the DMCC Crypto Centre, the organisation continues to drive blockchain adoption and innovation across the region.
Matthew White, CEO of the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), added: “Dubai has always stood at the crossroads of global trade and innovation. Tokenisation is the next major leap forward. Partnering with DMCC allows us to merge deep market knowledge with regulatory vision to set new global benchmarks for how digital and physical markets converge. Our mission at VARA is to ensure that this evolution happens in a safe, transparent, and credible way, reinforcing Dubai’s leadership in shaping the future of finance.”
The agreement also includes cooperation in data sharing, market research, and regulatory insights. DMCC will provide key benchmarks and industry analytics to support VARA’s data-driven approach to crypto regulation, promoting innovation while safeguarding market integrity and compliance.
As the DMCC–VARA partnership moves forward, it further solidifies Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for blockchain, Web3, and digital asset ecosystems. DMCC’s Crypto Centre has recorded 38% year-on-year growth in crypto companies, underlining its pivotal role in the region’s rapidly expanding digital economy. With nearly 26,000 member companies contributing 15% of Dubai’s foreign investment and 7% of its GDP, DMCC remains at the heart of the city’s ambition to lead the next era of tokenised trade and blockchain innovation.
