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Robert Dobalina

Robert Dobalina writes about crypto from a city that has committed to it harder than almost anywhere else on earth. As Crypto & Web3 Writer at What's Hot in UAE, he covers the market movements, regulatory shifts, exchange launches, and blockchain developments that matter most to the UAE's growing community of digital asset investors and enthusiasts. His focus is practical: what's happening, why it matters, and what UAE residents and investors should actually pay attention to. That means tracking VARA licensing and ADGM framework updates as closely as he tracks Bitcoin's weekly candles, and understanding how DeFi protocols intersect with a market where the government is an active participant in shaping the rules. Robert has been writing about cryptocurrency in the Gulf context since 2021, a period that has taken the region from cautious curiosity to global leadership in crypto regulation. He writes for readers who range from first-time buyers wondering how to get AED into a wallet, to experienced traders navigating a rapidly professionalising market. Based in Dubai, he publishes across What's Hot in UAE's Crypto pillar. Follow Robert's work on Muck Rack , Vocal , Medium , and Mastodon .

A digital representation of a Bitcoin coin standing on a compass, with miniature models of the Burj Khalifa and another domed building in the background on a wooden surface.
CRYPTOCURRENCY

Crypto Tax in The UAE? Zero-Tax Perks & Financial Planning

The United Arab Emirates has rapidly emerged as a global hub for innovation, finance, and technology, with a particular embrace of the burgeoning cryptocurrency sector. As interest in digital assets skyrockets among residents and investors, a fundamental question often arises: “Is there a crypto tax in the UAE?” This question is at the heart of…

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A man in traditional Middle Eastern attire, seated in a chair, interacts with a digital tablet displaying Ethereum and Bitcoin icons. Surrounding him are holographic icons labeled 'Passive Income,' 'Regulation,' and 'Security,' set against a backdrop of a modern city skyline at dusk, featuring tall skyscrapers.
CRYPTOCURRENCY

Crypto Staking in the UAE: Earning Passive Income Safely & Legally

The United Arab Emirates is rapidly emerging as a global hub for cryptocurrency innovation and adoption. Amidst this exciting landscape, a powerful trend is capturing the attention of savvy investors: crypto staking. Imagine making your digital assets work for you, generating passive income simply by holding them. This promise is incredibly appealing, yet for many…

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CRYPTOCURRENCY

The Hottest, Easiest, and Safest Crypto Exchanges in UAE for Beginners

The appeal of cryptocurrency trading is undeniable, with digital assets capturing headlines and investment interest globally. In the United Arab Emirates, this interest has exploded, making it a lively hub for blockchain innovation and crypto adoption. However, for beginners eager to dive into this exciting world, the sheer volume of information, technical jargon, and platform…

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Living in the UAE

UAE Personal Loan Minimum Salary: What the 2025 Rule Really Changed

The UAE no longer imposes one government-set minimum salary for every personal loan, but banks can—and still do—set their own salary thresholds and credit rules. The removal of the former AED5,000 regulatory floor in November 2025 means a bank may consider a lower-income applicant. It does not mean every salary qualifies, that AED3,000 guarantees approval,…

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Business

Invest in UAE: The National Investment Fund, Golden Visas & Your Future Lifestyle

When His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the establishment of a massive AED 36.7 billion National Investment Fund, the global investment community took notice.1 For potential investors, expatriates, and entrepreneurs looking at the UAE, this landmark decision raises a critical…

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CRYPTOCURRENCY

Bitcoin MENA 2025: Abu Dhabi’s Premier Crypto Conference

As the global financial landscape continues its digital transformation, Abu Dhabi has rapidly emerged as a formidable global hub for crypto innovation, backed by a forward-thinking regulatory environment and a surge of investment. Yet, for professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs looking to navigate this burgeoning market, information is often scattered, making it difficult to grasp the…

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CRYPTOCURRENCY

The Epstein Bitcoin Connection: A Definitive Investigation Into the MIT Scandal and Its Aftermath

In the sprawling, often sensationalised history of Bitcoin, few stories have generated as much confusion and concern as the one connecting its core development to the notorious criminal Jeffrey Epstein. Headlines blared, conspiracy theories flourished, and for many, a shadow of doubt was cast over the integrity of the world’s most prominent open-source financial software.…

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Business

Best Trading Platforms in Abu Dhabi: 6 Options Compared

The best trading platform in Abu Dhabi depends first on what you intend to buy. For ADX-listed UAE shares, start with an ADX trading member such as FAB Securities, ADCB Securities, Al Ramz or Emirates NBD Securities. For self-directed US stocks and ETFs, Abu Dhabi-regulated Sarwa Trade is the clearest local option in this comparison.…

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A large exhibition booth featuring the Binance logo prominently displayed in yellow and black. The booth includes decorative elements, seating with yellow bean bags, and signs promoting Binance Blockchain Week.
CRYPTOCURRENCY

Binance Blockchain Week 2025 Dubai: Your Ultimate Strategic Guide

The world of Web3 is about to converge on one of the planet’s most dynamic cities. For the second consecutive year, the industry’s premier global event, Binance Blockchain Week 2025, is returning to Dubai. But for the thousands of developers, founders, investors, and enthusiasts planning to attend, this presents a critical challenge: in a sea…

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Business

Best Brokerage Firms in Dubai: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

Stepping into the world of finding the best brokerage firms in Dubai and investing can feel like navigating a sprawling, complex metropolis for the first time. You hear the buzz about stocks, see the towering names of financial institutions, and know there’s opportunity, but the map is confusing. Which direction do you turn? Which brokerage…

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A hand holding a smartphone displaying the Coinbase app with a cryptocurrency portfolio balance and several digital currency prices, in front of a glowing Bitcoin symbol on a digital background.
CRYPTOCURRENCY

Coinbase Token Sales: Crypto Launchpads & New Listings

Coinbase token sales: The appeal of a new token launch is undeniable. It’s the crypto equivalent of getting in on the ground floor, offering the potential for astronomical returns that can define a portfolio. But for every success story, there are countless tales of caution. The path is littered with pitfalls: sudden price crashes from…

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Business

Gold Trading in the UAE: Your Definitive Forex (XAUUSD) Guide for Beginners

Gold trading in the UAE is an interesting business. The gleaming allure of gold and the dynamic pulse of the foreign exchange (Forex) market have long captivated investors in the UAE. In a region synonymous with financial ambition, the idea of trading these markets is powerful. Yet, for many beginners, this ambition is quickly met…

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