This page is for information purposes only. Certain services and features may not be available in your jurisdiction.

We've launched the first regional regulated retail derivatives pilot offering in the UAE

We're pleased to announce that we've launched our regulated retail derivatives products offering, making us the first global exchange to offer retail futures, perpetual contracts, and options within a regulated VARA pilot framework in the UAE.

The launch comes as we continue to see strong momentum in the UAE. The newly introduced regulated crypto retail derivatives offering provides customers with enhanced flexibility and a broader range of trading strategies across different market conditions, marking the first time such crypto derivatives have been made accessible to retail investors in the UAE under a regulated structure.

Whether navigating volatility or seeking to hedge existing positions, customers can now access futures contracts, perpetual contracts, and options with up to 5x leverage, in accordance with local regulatory guidelines. These tools, which have been asked for by our customer base in the UAE, empower retail traders to respond more effectively to market trends, manage risk with greater precision, and tailor their strategies to both bullish and bearish environments, all within a secure, compliant, and high-performance trading environment.

This expansion highlights the UAE’s growing reputation as one of the most forward-looking jurisdictions for digital asset regulation. With Dubai and Abu Dhabi emerging as regional crypto hubs, the country continues to attract global players thanks to its regulatory clarity, supportive infrastructure, and emphasis on innovation.

Since establishing our presence in the UAE, we have actively collaborated with the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority [VARA] and other stakeholders to shape frameworks that support innovation while upholding market integrity and transparency.

As part of our broader regional strategy, we have invested in local hiring, Arabic-language customer support, educational initiatives, and partnerships with Web3 startups and institutions. The derivatives offering will be accompanied by user education tools and risk management features to promote informed, responsible trading.

The launch builds on our rapid growth in the region following our receipt of a Virtual Asset Service Provider [VASP] license from VARA in 2024. We continue to prioritize security, accessibility, and compliance as we expand our role in shaping the Middle East’s evolving digital asset landscape.

Disclaimer
This content is provided for informational purposes only and may cover products that are not available in your region. It is not intended to provide (i) investment advice or an investment recommendation; (ii) an offer or solicitation to buy, sell, or hold crypto/digital assets, or (iii) financial, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Crypto/digital asset holdings, including stablecoins, involve a high degree of risk and can fluctuate greatly. You should carefully consider whether trading or holding crypto/digital assets is suitable for you in light of your financial condition. Please consult your legal/tax/investment professional for questions about your specific circumstances. Information (including market data and statistical information, if any) appearing in this post is for general information purposes only. While all reasonable care has been taken in preparing this data and graphs, no responsibility or liability is accepted for any errors of fact or omission expressed herein.

© 2025 OKX. This article may be reproduced or distributed in its entirety, or excerpts of 100 words or less of this article may be used, provided such use is non-commercial. Any reproduction or distribution of the entire article must also prominently state: “This article is © 2025 OKX and is used with permission.” Permitted excerpts must cite to the name of the article and include attribution, for example “Article Name, [author name if applicable], © 2025 OKX.” Some content may be generated or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) tools. No derivative works or other uses of this article are permitted.

Related articles

View more
how to buy crypto guide
OKX
Ethereum

NFT Marketplace Guide: Best Platforms to Buy, Sell, and Create NFTs

Did you know that NFT marketplace trading volumes for Ethereum NFTs topped $18 billion in 2023, signaling an unstoppable rise in digital art and collectibles? As more people join the NFT space, unders
Nov 2, 2025
how to buy crypto guide
OKX
Ethereum

Ethereum EIP-1559 Explained: Impact, Mechanism & FAQ

Ethereum EIP-1559 marked a revolutionary upgrade in the Ethereum network, bringing crucial changes to how transaction fees and ETH supply work. The introduction of EIP-1559 transformed the gas fee mec
Nov 2, 2025
how to buy crypto guide
OKX
Ethereum

Ethereum Fee Burn Explained: How EIP-1559 Impacts ETH Supply & Value

Ethereum's EIP-1559 upgrade forever changed how ETH fees work—introducing the "ethereum fee burn" that removes ETH from circulation with every transaction. This revolutionary protocol tweak, known as
Nov 2, 2025
how to buy crypto guide
OKX
Ethereum

Benefits of Running a Node: Why, How, and What to Expect

Did you know the benefits of running a node go far beyond technical curiosity? Running your own Bitcoin or Ethereum node gives you more privacy, tighter control over your crypto, and helps strengthen
Nov 2, 2025
how to buy crypto guide
OKX
Ethereum

What Is the Ethereum Ice Age? Difficulty Bomb, The Merge, and What It Means for You

Did you know the Ethereum network nearly froze to a halt in late 2016? This dramatic slowdown, known as the **ethereum ice age**, was no accident. Built into Ethereum's code as the "Difficulty Bomb,"
Nov 2, 2025
how to buy crypto guide
OKX
Ethereum

Ethereum Difficulty Bomb Explained: Purpose, Impact, and Upgrades

The Ethereum difficulty bomb is a key mechanism that has shaped the network’s evolution, driving upgrades and ultimately transforming how Ethereum works. But what exactly is the difficulty bomb, and w
Nov 2, 2025
View more