Kraken is preparing to launch services in the UAE after Payward secured full approval from Dubai’s VARA. The planned offering includes AED trading, cryptocurrency staking and xStocks. The dev
Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken is preparing to launch operations in the United Arab Emirates after Payward secured full approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).
The development clears an important regulatory hurdle for the company’s planned expansion into the UAE market.
According to the announcement, Kraken intends to introduce services that include trading in the UAE dirham (AED), cryptocurrency staking and access to xStocks.
The planned offering could provide local customers with additional ways to trade digital assets and explore blockchain-based financial products.
Dubai’s VARA oversees virtual asset activities within its jurisdiction, establishing requirements for businesses seeking to offer regulated cryptocurrency services.
The Kraken UAE launch reflects the exchange’s efforts to expand its presence in markets with established virtual asset regulatory frameworks.
One of the main features of the upcoming launch is support for AED trading, which would allow eligible customers to access cryptocurrency markets using the UAE’s local currency.
Local currency support can simplify transactions by reducing the need to convert funds into another fiat currency before trading.
Kraken also plans to introduce cryptocurrency staking services.
Staking generally allows holders of supported proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies to participate in network validation arrangements and potentially earn rewards.
However, staking returns are not guaranteed, and availability may depend on the asset, product terms and local regulations.
Another planned feature is xStocks, which offers tokenized exposure to traditional equities.
These blockchain-based products are designed to connect conventional financial markets with digital asset infrastructure.
Their availability, investor rights and trading conditions may differ from those of ordinary shares.
JUST IN: Kraken is preparing a UAE launch after Payward secured full VARA approval, with AED trading, staking and xStocks. pic.twitter.com/MnxT0SoHza
— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) October 12, 2026
The Kraken UAE launch could expand the range of cryptocurrency services available to eligible users in the region.
With AED trading, staking and tokenized stock products planned, the exchange is positioning itself to offer more than basic cryptocurrency buying and selling.
The regulatory approval also highlights the importance of licensing as international crypto companies expand into new markets.
For customers, regulatory oversight can provide a clearer framework for understanding which services an exchange is authorized to offer.
However, approval does not eliminate investment risks or guarantee returns from cryptocurrency-related products.
Kraken has not specified an exact public launch date in the information provided, and individual services may become available according to separate rollout schedules.
For now, Payward’s full VARA approval represents a significant milestone, bringing Kraken closer to introducing its planned UAE offering.
