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Introduction

The Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority [VARA] was established and authorised by Law No. [4] of 2022 Regulating Virtual Assets in the Emirate of Dubai [Dubai VA Law] to regulate Virtual Asset Service Providers [VASPs].
 
This Exchange Services Rulebook is issued pursuant to, and forms part of, the Virtual Assets and Related Activities Regulations 2023 [the Regulations] issued by VARA and applies to all VASPs Licensed by VARA to carry out Exchange Services in the Emirate.
 
This Exchange Services Rulebook applies in addition to all other requirements in the Regulations as may be in force from time to time. As such, VASPs Licensed by VARA to carry out Exchange Services must also comply with the following Rulebooks applicable to all VASPs:
 
  1. Company Rulebook;
  2. Compliance and Risk Management Rulebook;
  3. Technology and Information Rulebook;
  4. Market Conduct Rulebook; and
  5. All Rulebooks specific to the VA Activities that a VASP is Licensed by VARA to carry out.
 
Where a VASP is Licensed by VARA to carry out other VA Activities in the Emirate in addition to Exchange Services, it must comply with all Rulebooks which apply to those other VA Activities. Unless otherwise stated, the Rules in VA Activity specific Rulebooks apply cumulatively for each VA Activity a VASP carries out.
 
Capitalised terms in this Exchange Services Rulebook have the meanings ascribed to them in the Regulations or as otherwise defined herein or provided in Schedule 1.