peaq and VARA sign landmark MoU to regulate the Machine Economy
In a nutshell: peaq has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). As part of the MoU, VARA acknowledges peaq’s Machine Economy Free Zone — a regulatory sandbox and infrastructure hub for the Machine Economy in the UAE — and will support it on a case by case basis. peaq, for its part, will offer recommendations on regulating onchain robotics, DePIN, and tokenized machines in the UAE.
On October 16th, 2025, at GITEX GLOBAL 2025, peaq signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), focused on the regulation of onchain robotics, DePIN, and tokenized machines. This MoU is the next chapter in an ongoing arc: from establishing a Machine Economy Free Zone in the United Arab Emirates and releasing the first Web3 Robotics SDK to unveiling the world’s first tokenized robo-farm.
The signing of the MoU is not only significant for its recognition of the Machine Economy Free Zone, but also lays the groundwork for the regulation of Machine RWAs — a new asset class of onchain machines that generate value 24/7.
Dubai recently emerged as the world’s single largest licensed market for virtual assets with transaction volumes reaching $680 billion. The Dubai government has also unveiled its Financial Sector Strategy, which will further boost the compliant growth of the virtual asset space, with VARA’s regulations chartering the way forward for this innovative sector.
Besides laying the foundations for compliant Machine RWAs, the memorandum also unlocks a smoother pathway for projects building on peaq to get licensed in Dubai and gives them a channel where they can connect with government and enterprise decision-makers. It also enables them to contribute to VARA’s market research, casting more light on the real-world impacts and prospects of the Machine Economy in action.
It is another step towards bringing Machine RWAs to a nation in a fully compliant way, as well as advancing the adoption of real-world apps (DePINs) and onchain robotics. It builds on existing discussions between peaq and VARA to focus on four key areas:
- Machine Economy Free Zone support: As part of the MoU, VARA acknowledges the MEFZ, a regulatory sandbox and infrastructure hub for Machine Economy in the UAE, and will support it on a case-by-case basis by organizing key discussions with Dubai decision-makers. peaq, for its part, will provide VARA with MEFZ-related data, share its recommendations for regulations related to the Machine Economy, and flag key challenges to the industry’s growth.
- Regulatory guidance: Under the MoU, the parties will guide projects building on peaq that wish to apply for a VARA license. VARA and peaq will hold joint events for applicants, both on Machine Economy affairs and general compliance; peaq will also facilitate introductions between prospective applicants and VARA.
- Talent and knowledge development: The two parties agree to collaborate on drawing and educating professionals with both technical and compliance expertise in the Machine Economy.
- Data sharing: The MoU provides for economic data sharing between the parties, with peaq aggregating anonymized data on the ecosystem for VARA to use for its sector research and for developing sustainable economic models.
This is an important milestone for peaq and the Machine Economy Free Zone in the UAE, as the MoU sets the stage for further initiatives related to building the Machine Economy in the country:
- It facilitates clear and open communications between Machine Economy builders and Dubai officials and regulators.
- Supports Machine Economy builders aiming for a compliant launch in Dubai.
- Bolsters VARA’s efforts in regulating the nascent Machine Economy with data and builder insights.
- Further establishes Dubai as the top destination for teams building Robotics, DePIN, and Machine RWA projects.
“Dubai is committed to shaping the future of the digital economy by embracing emerging frontiers like the Machine Economy. Through this MoU with peaq, we are laying the groundwork for regulatory clarity in areas such as on-chain robotics, DePIN, and tokenized machines. By combining innovation with responsible oversight, we aim to position Dubai as the global benchmark for the safe and sustainable growth of this next generation asset class.”
— Matthew White, CEO of VARA
“The UAE is one of the world’s leading hubs for innovation in the fields of Web3 and applied robotics. This perfectly positions it to blaze the trail in machine tokenization, piloting this model and setting the benchmark and template for the rest of the world to follow. This MoU represents an important commitment from both parties to bring the Machine Economy to life in a compliant way and enable people to participate, build and benefit from an entirely new economic sector.”
— Max Thake, co-founder of peaq
Join the Machine Economy
Explore peaq and the peaqosystem via the peaq app — your gateway into the Machine Economy. Join now.
In a nutshell: peaq has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). As part of the MoU, VARA acknowledges peaq’s Machine Economy Free Zone — a regulatory sandbox and infrastructure hub for the Machine Economy in the UAE — and will support it on a case by case basis. peaq, for its part, will offer recommendations on regulating onchain robotics, DePIN, and tokenized machines in the UAE.
On October 16th, 2025, at GITEX GLOBAL 2025, peaq signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), focused on the regulation of onchain robotics, DePIN, and tokenized machines. This MoU is the next chapter in an ongoing arc: from establishing a Machine Economy Free Zone in the United Arab Emirates and releasing the first Web3 Robotics SDK to unveiling the world’s first tokenized robo-farm.
The signing of the MoU is not only significant for its recognition of the Machine Economy Free Zone, but also lays the groundwork for the regulation of Machine RWAs — a new asset class of onchain machines that generate value 24/7.
Dubai recently emerged as the world’s single largest licensed market for virtual assets with transaction volumes reaching $680 billion. The Dubai government has also unveiled its Financial Sector Strategy, which will further boost the compliant growth of the virtual asset space, with VARA’s regulations chartering the way forward for this innovative sector.
Besides laying the foundations for compliant Machine RWAs, the memorandum also unlocks a smoother pathway for projects building on peaq to get licensed in Dubai and gives them a channel where they can connect with government and enterprise decision-makers. It also enables them to contribute to VARA’s market research, casting more light on the real-world impacts and prospects of the Machine Economy in action.
It is another step towards bringing Machine RWAs to a nation in a fully compliant way, as well as advancing the adoption of real-world apps (DePINs) and onchain robotics. It builds on existing discussions between peaq and VARA to focus on four key areas:
- Machine Economy Free Zone support: As part of the MoU, VARA acknowledges the MEFZ, a regulatory sandbox and infrastructure hub for Machine Economy in the UAE, and will support it on a case-by-case basis by organizing key discussions with Dubai decision-makers. peaq, for its part, will provide VARA with MEFZ-related data, share its recommendations for regulations related to the Machine Economy, and flag key challenges to the industry’s growth.
- Regulatory guidance: Under the MoU, the parties will guide projects building on peaq that wish to apply for a VARA license. VARA and peaq will hold joint events for applicants, both on Machine Economy affairs and general compliance; peaq will also facilitate introductions between prospective applicants and VARA.
- Talent and knowledge development: The two parties agree to collaborate on drawing and educating professionals with both technical and compliance expertise in the Machine Economy.
- Data sharing: The MoU provides for economic data sharing between the parties, with peaq aggregating anonymized data on the ecosystem for VARA to use for its sector research and for developing sustainable economic models.
This is an important milestone for peaq and the Machine Economy Free Zone in the UAE, as the MoU sets the stage for further initiatives related to building the Machine Economy in the country:
- It facilitates clear and open communications between Machine Economy builders and Dubai officials and regulators.
- Supports Machine Economy builders aiming for a compliant launch in Dubai.
- Bolsters VARA’s efforts in regulating the nascent Machine Economy with data and builder insights.
- Further establishes Dubai as the top destination for teams building Robotics, DePIN, and Machine RWA projects.
“Dubai is committed to shaping the future of the digital economy by embracing emerging frontiers like the Machine Economy. Through this MoU with peaq, we are laying the groundwork for regulatory clarity in areas such as on-chain robotics, DePIN, and tokenized machines. By combining innovation with responsible oversight, we aim to position Dubai as the global benchmark for the safe and sustainable growth of this next generation asset class.”
— Matthew White, CEO of VARA
“The UAE is one of the world’s leading hubs for innovation in the fields of Web3 and applied robotics. This perfectly positions it to blaze the trail in machine tokenization, piloting this model and setting the benchmark and template for the rest of the world to follow. This MoU represents an important commitment from both parties to bring the Machine Economy to life in a compliant way and enable people to participate, build and benefit from an entirely new economic sector.”
— Max Thake, co-founder of peaq
Join the Machine Economy
Explore peaq and the peaqosystem via the peaq app — your gateway into the Machine Economy. Join now.
