The United Arab Emirates has announced a new central bank law that integrates digital assets and decentralized finance (DeFi) into the traditional banking regulatory framework. Under this law, all crypto and blockchain entities operating within or from the UAE must obtain a license from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). Unauthorized operations could face fines up to 1 billion dirhams (approximately $272 million). The law also establishes a 60-day decision period for licensing, risk-based capital requirements, and a one-year compliance transition period.