On June 5, 2025, blockchain platform Sui announced a landmark partnership with the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to accelerate Web3 adoption across the Middle East.
This collaboration marks a major step toward building a supportive and compliant environment for startups and developers in the virtual asset space.
Empowering Startups and Talent in the Web3 Space
The partnership between SuiHub MENA—backed by the Sui Foundation—and VARA reflects a shared goal: to make Dubai a global hub for virtual asset innovation. Together, they aim to simplify compliance processes for startups, offer regulatory guidance, and develop educational resources to help founders navigate Dubai’s virtual asset licensing landscape.
Through workshops, advisory sessions, and co-created programs, the initiative will also focus on nurturing local technical talent, ensuring that developers and builders are equipped with the skills needed to grow responsibly in the Web3 sector.
SuiHub Dubai: A New Home for Innovation
As part of the collaboration, Sui will establish SuiHub Dubai, its first global innovation center. This hub will serve as a platform for research, community engagement, and strategic roundtables with government stakeholders. The initiative will play a key role in connecting entrepreneurs with funding, expertise, and regulatory insight—a crucial need for Web3 startups navigating complex compliance standards like AML and KYC.
A Strategic Move in Dubai’s Web3 Masterplan
This announcement follows VARA’s recent agreement with the Solana Foundation to create a Solana Economic Zone, signaling Dubai’s fast-growing influence in global crypto and blockchain ecosystems.
By facilitating introductions between regulatory bodies and Web3 projects, SuiHub MENA will also contribute insights for policy development and co-author research with VARA to monitor the sector’s growth, employment impact, and economic contribution.
Statement from SuiHub MENA
Kristof Lukovich, CEO of SuiHub MENA, expressed optimism about the collaboration:
“At SuiHub MENA, we believe in building strategic and supportive collaborations between regulators and founders. Our collaboration with VARA is a significant forward and aligns with SuiHub MENA’s positive commitment to helping to shape a global benchmark for virtual asset innovation, regulatory clarity, and sustainable growth here in the region.”
