In a breakthrough for retail crypto access in the Middle East, OKX has become the first global exchange to offer regulated derivatives trading to individual investors in the UAE.
The move comes under Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) pilot program, which has begun opening its doors to more sophisticated digital asset products.
With this development, UAE-based users now have access to futures, perpetuals, and options with leverage up to 5x—tools previously reserved for institutional players. The goal is to strike a balance between accessibility and safety, offering advanced trading instruments within a compliant framework.
OKX MENA CEO Rifad Mahasneh said the update directly addresses increasing demand from everyday traders who want institutional-grade capabilities without compromising security. The platform is pairing the rollout with educational materials and in-app risk controls to support responsible use.
This expansion highlights the UAE’s growing status as a global crypto hotspot. With clear rules and strong regulatory backing, cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to attract major players looking to innovate in a secure environment. OKX has also pledged to support local Web3 growth by investing in Arabic-language services and regional partnerships.
As global exchanges navigate uncertain regulation in many markets, the UAE is carving out a model for how oversight and innovation can evolve together—and retail investors are finally reaping the benefits.
Alexander Stefanov
Reporter at Coindoo
Alex is an experienced financial journalist and cryptocurrency enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain, and fintech industries, he is well-versed in the complex and ever-evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and in-depth content. Follow his publications to stay up to date with the most important trends and topics.
Source: https://coindoo.com/first-regulated-crypto-derivatives-now-available-for-retail-traders-in-uae/