Legal Insights
I recently returned from Token2049 Singapore, where I had the privilege of moderating a panel with the ADI Foundation on their government-backed blockchain, stablecoin initiative, and ambitious tokenization plans.
But that was just one highlight. Together with RWAlabs.ae, NewTribeCapital, we co-hosted the RWA Leaders Breakfast, an event that ended up being one of the most significant and most talked-about side events of the week.
With more than 2,000 registered attendees from every corner of the globe, the room was buzzing with founders, infrastructure teams, fund managers, and regulators. The mix of perspectives was incredible. On stage, in private meetings, and over countless coffee conversations, it was clear that something fundamental is happening: the real-world asset (RWA) space is maturing, and the UAE is firmly on everyone’s radar.
The conversations were deep and substantial, a very different vibe from the 2018-2019 STO phase, as builders openly discussed pain points, funds signaled what they actually cared about, and institutions actively listened. That’s when you know an industry has turned a corner.
Here are my 7 biggest takeaways from Token2049, insights that matter especially for UAE crypto founders and anyone planning their next big move in this space.
- UAE = Unmatched Clarity
The UAE continues to stand out with clear licensing frameworks and business-first regulatory design. Entrepreneurs don’t want theory; they want certainty. The UAE provides it, and it’s why conversations so often circled back to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. - Singapore Lost Its Crown
Singapore remains a respected financial hub, but regulatory friction is slowing momentum. Many founders I spoke to are shifting their headquarters discussions toward the UAE, where speed, pragmatism, and clarity create a more favorable environment for scaling. - The U.S. is a Strategic Risk
There’s optimism under the current administration, but policies change every four years. That volatility makes the U.S. a risky place to anchor a billion-dollar business. Global founders are beginning to look elsewhere for stable ground, and the UAE is at the top of that list. - RWA Tokenization Is Gaining Real Traction
If one theme dominated the week, it was tokenization. From real estate to funds, RWAs were the centerpiece of almost every serious conversation. The UAE has gone beyond merely discussing tokenization; it has established regulatory pathways to make it a reality on a large scale. - New Chains, New Opportunities
Specialized networks, such as Plume, Pharos, and Polymesh, are carving out space as dedicated RWA infrastructure. For UAE-based founders, this presents an opportunity to integrate early and become leaders in ecosystems that are only now emerging. - Institutional Capital Is Warming Up
Funds and family offices are interested, but they’re also selective. The bar is higher now: compliance and real utility are baseline expectations. The UAE’s frameworks are designed to meet those demands. - Dubai Is a Global Crypto Center
Token2049 confirmed what many suspected: Dubai is no longer “emerging.” It is already operating as a global hub for capital, talent, and infrastructure. Deals are happening, talent is relocating, and ecosystems are forming at a rapid pace.
Final Thoughts…
Token2049 conversations this year were all about execution. And increasingly, those conversations pointed toward the UAE.
For founders and investors, the takeaway is simple: if you want to build where clarity meets capital and innovation, the UAE is the place to be considered.
Book a 20-min call with us.
We’ll help you choose the right regulator, structure your token and go live the compliant way.
