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In a major move for the region, OKX has become the first global crypto exchange to offer regulated crypto derivatives to retail investors in the United Arab Emirates. 

This expansion falls under the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)’s pilot program, opening the door for everyday traders to access more advanced tools.

OKX Brings Derivatives Trading for Retail Users

Retail traders can now access futures, perpetuals, and options with up to 5x leverage. OKX is the first international exchange to offer these regulated products under VARA, showing how quickly the UAE is embracing digital assets with clear rules.

— OKX MENA (@OKXmena) July 28, 2025 This launch gives retail users more flexibility in trading, offering the tools they need to better manage risk and respond to market changes.

Built for What Retail Traders Are Asking For According to Rifad Mahasneh, CEO of OKX MENA, the move comes in direct response to growing demand from individual traders. More users are asking for access to professional-grade tools, but with strong safeguards in place.

With this update, OKX is making complex features more accessible to everyday users while maintaining a secure trading environment.

Is UAE Now a Global Crypto Hub?

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have quickly become key destinations for crypto innovation. The UAE is attracting global attention thanks to its strong infrastructure, clear regulatory frameworks, and willingness to support cutting-edge financial products.

OKX’s growth in the region reflects this shift. The company has been actively working with VARA and other local partners to support a regulatory approach that balances innovation with trust and transparency.

“The UAE has created an environment where innovation and compliance go hand in hand. This has enabled OKX to introduce sophisticated products like derivatives to retail users in a responsible and secure manner,” Mahasneh added.

Investing in Local Talent and Web3 Growth As part of its push in the region, OKX is investing in local talent, Arabic-language support, and partnerships with Web3 projects. To back its new derivatives launch, the exchange is also rolling out educational tools and risk features in order to help users trade smarter and more responsibly.

It shows OKX’s commitment to becoming a key player in the UAE’s growing crypto ecosystem.