UAE Poised to Become Global Capital Hub as Digital Asset Ecosystem Flourishes
Leading figures in finance and investment gathered at the Sharjah Investment Forum to discuss how the Emirates is positioning itself as the pivotal crossing point for capital movement between East and West within the coming five years.
The United Arab Emirates stands on the precipice of an extraordinary financial transformation, with prominent industry leaders declaring the nation destined to become the preeminent hub for capital flowing between East and West within the next five years. This ambitious vision was articulated during the opening day of the Sharjah Investment Forum 2026, where a distinguished panel explored the mechanics of contemporary capital movement and the factors that now determine where mobile wealth chooses to settle.
Saqr Ereiqat, Secretary General of the Dubai Digital Asset Association, articulated a compelling narrative of deliberate architectural planning. The UAE has emerged as one of the world’s largest centres for licensed digital asset companies, a distinction earned through methodical governance and strategic foresight. Among the first governments to publish a comprehensive blockchain strategy, the nation has simultaneously positioned itself as one of the largest state holders of digital assets, whilst establishing dedicated regulatory institutions including Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.
The distinction between the Emirates and competing financial centres, Mr Ereiqat observed, rests fundamentally upon trust as the new currency. Global exchanges, including prominent international platforms, have elected to establish operations within the UAE specifically on account of its regulatory landscape and institutional sophistication. In a striking characterisation, he suggested that the nation has assumed the mantle once held by traditional financial centres, stating that the UAE is now competing with established global hubs on the basis of talent concentration and regulatory excellence.
Amer Al Ahbabi, Chairman of Vertix Holdings, reinforced this emphasis upon governance and integrity as non negotiable principles rather than aspirational ideals. Drawing upon his company’s recent partnership with an international firm selected for its approach to independent asset custody, Mr Al Ahbabi emphasised that institutional investors demand absolute assurance regarding the stewardship of their capital. Beyond regulatory frameworks, Vertix has undertaken extensive work with Dubai Chambers to cultivate governance excellence amongst family offices, training more than thirty such entities in board practice and institutional oversight.
Jigar Sagar, a prominent UAE based serial entrepreneur whose ventures have achieved combined enterprise value exceeding $350 million, identified execution as the true differentiator between regulatory aspiration and market reality. Whilst the Emirates possesses exemplary legislation, the profound challenge lies in translating these frameworks into practical adoption across government institutions and commercial markets. He cited the Dubai Land Department’s pioneering work on property tokenisation as illustrative of how state entities can serve as early adopters, lending credibility and momentum to transformative concepts.
Khuloud Al Omian, Chief Executive and Editor in Chief of Forbes Middle East, acknowledged the persistent caution with which investors approach digital asset classes, noting that tangible assets such as real estate retain considerable appeal amongst wealth holders. Nevertheless, she articulated a clear pathway forward, emphasising that investors gravitating toward opportunities demonstrating exceptional governance will increasingly direct capital toward sectors addressing fundamental human needs including food security, healthcare and education.
Source: WAM