In a world where heavy regulation and high taxes stifle innovation, Dubai is rising as the new promised land for crypto. Leading that revolution is Irina Heaver, one of the most influential crypto and Web3 attorneys, whose expertise has helped founders navigate not only legal minefields but even death threats.
Why Dubai is Outpacing Silicon Valley
Irina, a Dubai resident for over 18 years, reveals that the city’s success hinges on three pillars:
1- Strategic connectivity (within 6 hours of Asia, Europe, and Africa).
2- World-class infrastructure (top airports, internet, and ports).
3- Regulatory certainty (with five dedicated crypto regulators).
Additionally, Dubai offers zero income and capital gains tax for individuals, making it an irresistible magnet for entrepreneurs and investors.
“You don’t have to wait weeks. You can start a company, open a bank account, and secure your visa in less than a month”.
Legal Traps That Could Land Founders in Jail
Heaver emphasizes that while the infrastructure is world-class, navigating it incorrectly can lead to disaster. Some of the biggest mistakes she sees founders make include:
- Operating a crypto business without a VASP license, risking heavy fines and criminal liability.
- Setting up companies in the wrong free zones.
- Failing to properly document agreements with partners, employees, or contractors.
She warns that working with inexperienced consultants often leads to months of setbacks and financial losses.
From Meme Coins to Death Threats
The crypto world isn’t all glamour. Irina shared how, after being indirectly involved in a meme coin frenzy, she faced doxxing and serious death threats. This harrowing experience underscored her commitment to promoting responsible practices in the crypto space.
Dubai’s Secret: Openness and Vision
Unlike Europe or the U.S., where overregulation is suffocating tech growth, Dubai welcomes global talent. Irina points out how leaders in the UAE embrace figures like Elon Musk, whereas other regions vilify them.
“Here, they don’t close borders — they open them. They want the smartest people to come and build”.
Additionally, Dubai’s Golden Visa program allows crypto professionals to secure 10-year residencies — sometimes within just days.
How to Launch a Web3 Business in Dubai: The 8-Step Blueprint
For entrepreneurs planning to set up in Dubai, Irina lays out eight crucial steps:
- Clearly define your business model.
- Identify if any activity requires a VASP or financial license.
- Design the right corporate structure.
- Start conversations early with regulators.
- Incorporate your entities strategically.
- Register with tax authorities.
- Stay compliant with ongoing regulatory requirements.
- Regularly review and adjust your legal strategy.
Conclusion: Dubai, A True Oasis for Crypto’s Future
With its regulatory clarity, tax advantages, futuristic infrastructure, and pro-business leadership, Dubai isn’t just competing with Silicon Valley — it’s surpassing it.
Irina Heaver isn’t just surviving in the high-stakes world of crypto law; she’s leading the charge. Her insights are not only helping founders avoid major pitfalls but are also reshaping what the future of crypto-friendly regulation looks like.
Watch the full podcast episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXFJS4vHyuQ&t=1s
News Highlights
1. Deutsche Bank and Standard Chartered Eye U.S. Bitcoin Expansion
Traditional finance giants Deutsche Bank and Standard Chartered are reportedly planning to expand their Bitcoin operations in the United States. As Wall Street edges deeper into crypto territory, legacy banks are becoming bolder in Bitcoin’s backyard.
2. ARK Invest Adds Solana Staking Exposure
ARK Invest has added Solana staking exposure to two of its tech ETFs — ARKW and ARKF — via Canada’s SOLQ ETF. These are now the first U.S.-listed ETFs with spot exposure to staked SOL, marking another major step in mainstream crypto adoption.
3. Mantra CEO Burns 150M OM Tokens
John Patrick Mullin, CEO of Mantra, has announced the burning of 150 million OM tokens, reducing total supply to 1.67 billion. An additional 150M tokens from ecosystem partners are also set to be burned. The full burn will be completed by April 29 — a move seen as either a major supply shock or a strategic PR play.
4. Coinbase Derivatives Launches XRP Futures
Coinbase Derivatives has launched XRP futures contracts, fully regulated by the CFTC. The offerings include both standard (10,000 XRP) and nano (500 XRP) contracts, catering to both institutional and retail investors.
5. Trump Media, Crypto.com, and Yorkville Plan ‘America-First’ ETFs
Trump Media, Crypto.com, and Yorkville have announced a partnership to launch America-First ETFs under the Truth.Fi brand in 2025. The funds will include U.S.-focused digital assets and stocks — pending regulatory approval.
6. Betting on the Next Pope: Polymarket Users Predict
On Polymarket, users are already making predictions on who will succeed Pope Francis. Leading the market is Pietro Parolin with 32%, followed closely by Luis Antonio Tagle at 24%. Crypto meets Vatican intrigue.
7. Bitcoin Joins the Top 5 Most Valuable Global Assets
Bitcoin is now one of the world’s five most valuable assets, surpassing Google, silver, and Amazon. Thanks to a 15% price surge in April, Bitcoin continues to decouple from the Nasdaq 100’s decline, cementing its status as “digital gold.”
8. Binance Tightens Compliance Rules in South Africa
Binance will enforce stricter compliance rules in South Africa starting April 30. Users must now submit sender and recipient information for all crypto deposits and withdrawals, including full names, country of residence, and origin exchange when applicable.
9. Tether Buys Stake in Juventus FC
Tether has acquired over 10% of Juventus FC’s share capital, securing 6.18% of voting rights. This move links one of crypto’s biggest names to one of Europe’s most iconic football clubs — blending sports and blockchain innovation.
10. Brazil Launches First Spot XRP ETF
Brazil has launched its first spot XRP ETF on April 25. The Hashdex Nasdaq XRP Index Fund (XRPH11), managed by Genial Investimentos, is now live on the B3 stock exchange, opening new doors for XRP exposure in Latin America.
