UAE Enacts Major Regulatory Change for DeFi, Web3, and Digital Assets

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has enacted sweeping new regulatory measures that will impact the landscape of decentralized finance (DeFi), blockchain technologies, and stablecoin protocols. Federal Decree No. 6 of 2025, effective since September 16, 2025, brings DeFi platforms, Web3 services, and crypto assets directly under the purview of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). This regulatory framework aims to integrate digital assets into the country’s traditional financial infrastructure and solidify its position as a global leader in the cryptocurrency sector.