peaq & VARA Sign Landmark MoU to Regulate Machine Economy

At GITEX GLOBAL 2025, peaq, a leading Web3 and robotics platform, and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), Dubai’s official virtual asset regulator, signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to regulate on-chain robotics, DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks), and tokenized machines. This agreement marks a major step toward developing the Machine Economy in the UAE, supporting compliant innovation, talent development, data reporting, and ecosystem growth.

Real-world machines that generate value around the clock represent a new type of dynamic real-world asset (RWA). peaq recently launched the world’s first tokenized robo-farm in Hong Kong and introduced its Web3 x Robotics SDK, accelerating the integration of blockchain with robotics. The MoU expands peaq’s Machine Economy Free Zone (MEFZ) in the UAE, positioning Dubai as a global hub for Machine Economy projects, DePIN applications, and tokenized real-world machines.

The agreement focuses on four strategic areas:

Machine Economy Free Zone Support: VARA will acknowledge the MEFZ as a regulatory sandbox and infrastructure hub, supporting initiatives by facilitating key discussions with Dubai decision-makers. peaq will provide MEFZ data, regulatory recommendations, and highlight industry challenges.
Regulatory Guidance: peaq and VARA will guide projects building on the platform toward obtaining VARA licenses. Joint events will educate applicants on Machine Economy regulations and compliance, while peaq will facilitate introductions to VARA for prospective licensees.
Talent and Knowledge Development: Both parties will collaborate to attract and train professionals with expertise in technical, regulatory, and compliance aspects of the Machine Economy.
Data Sharing: The MoU enables the sharing of anonymized economic data from peaq’s ecosystem, allowing VARA to conduct sector research and develop sustainable economic models.

This MoU represents a key milestone for peaq and the UAE Machine Economy, fostering open communication between innovators and regulators. It enables compliant project launches, strengthens VARA’s regulatory oversight, and further establishes Dubai as a leading global destination for robotics, DePIN, and tokenized machine projects.

“Dubai is committed to shaping the future of the digital economy by embracing emerging frontiers like the Machine Economy,” said Matthew White, CEO of VARA. “Through this MoU with peaq, we are setting the stage for regulatory clarity in on-chain robotics, DePIN, and tokenized machines. By combining innovation with responsible oversight, Dubai will serve as a global benchmark for safe, sustainable growth in this next-generation asset class.”

“The UAE is one of the world’s leading hubs for innovation in the fields of Web3 and applied robotics,” says Leonard Dorlöchter, co-founder of peaq. “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 memorandum of understanding is a powerful foundation for that, paving the way for future collaborations and opportunities for the entire Machine Economy.”