TLDR:
- Peaq and Dubai’s VARA signed an MoU to regulate onchain robotics and support Machine Economy growth in the UAE.
- The Machine Economy Free Zone will serve as a hub for compliant testing and blockchain-driven machine innovation.
- Peaq and VARA plan joint education, data, and regulatory initiatives to support the emerging Machine Economy sector.
- The deal follows peaq’s tokenized robo-farm launch, strengthening its leadership in real-world blockchain automation.
Peaq has taken another bold step toward defining the Machine Economy. The blockchain platform signed a memorandum of understanding with Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), setting a regulatory path for onchain robotics and decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN).
Signed during GITEX GLOBAL 2025, the partnership aligns Dubai’s growing tech ambitions with peaq’s vision for real-world machine assets. The deal also covers education, data collaboration, and new frameworks for tokenized machines.
Both parties see it as groundwork for long-term development of compliant, real-world Web3 ecosystems.
VARA Supports Peaq’s Machine Economy Free Zone
According to peaq’s official announcement, the MoU formalizes VARA’s support for the Machine Economy Free Zone (MEFZ), a dedicated hub for regulatory testing and machine innovation.
VARA agreed to engage directly with MEFZ projects and offer case-based guidance to those seeking licenses in Dubai. Peaq will assist by sharing industry data, insights, and recommendations on how to regulate tokenized machines more effectively.
The MEFZ operates as a sandbox, allowing developers to test applications involving onchain robotics under clear oversight. The collaboration gives Dubai a foundation to attract Web3 builders in robotics, logistics, and automation sectors.
For peaq, this deal extends its footprint after unveiling a tokenized robo-farm in Hong Kong, which marked the world’s first real-world robotic asset tied to blockchain.
Peaq’s data-sharing agreement with VARA is a critical part of the deal. The company will provide anonymized information on ecosystem performance to support VARA’s market studies. The data will help shape regulatory models for onchain asset growth across the UAE.
Building a Framework for Onchain Robotics and Talent
Under the MoU, both parties agreed to develop education programs to train professionals in technical and compliance disciplines.
The initiative aims to grow a pool of skilled experts for the Machine Economy. Peaq will co-host events with VARA to connect startups, regulators, and innovators focused on blockchain-powered robotics.
This partnership is also designed to offer regulatory clarity for developers working with decentralized machines. With VARA’s oversight, projects on peaq can apply for official licensing, ensuring they meet Dubai’s compliance standards.
Peaq’s involvement bridges the gap between builders and regulators, reducing friction for startups in emerging Web3 robotics.
The agreement reflects Dubai’s broader ambition to lead in digital economy regulation. By supporting tokenized robotics and data transparency, VARA and peaq are shaping a compliant environment where innovation can thrive without regulatory uncertainty.
