UAE · VARA2026 / Q2
A major restructuring of UAE virtual asset regulation in 2026
At federal level, the newly established Capital Markets Authority has fully replaced the former SCA framework, and VARA Rulebook 2.0 is in force.
International Law Firm
Rooted in the Middle East.
Serving the world.
Spark Law Office is a full-service international law firm. Building on our Middle East practice and connecting North America and Greater China, we advise companies, investment institutions, family offices and private clients across multiple jurisdictions.
- New York
- Dubai
- Hong Kong
- Shenzhen
About
A full-service international firm,
rooted in the Middle East
Our practice covers Web3 and cross-border payments, cross-border investment and M&A, and litigation and international arbitration, and extends to corporate and commercial matters, real estate and construction, energy and infrastructure, intellectual property, data protection, employment and private wealth.
Whatever stage a client has reached, we provide legal support from market entry, deal structuring and financing through to ongoing operations, dispute resolution and exit.
We hold ourselves to the professional standards of the world's leading law firms, and take part in our clients' important decisions with rigorous judgment, full commitment and practical execution.
4
Offices
New York · Dubai · Hong Kong · Shenzhen, working together on the same matter7
Middle East markets
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait3
Working languages
Legal work in Chinese, English and Arabic, kept consistentPractices
Core practices
From business design and licensing to closing the deal, resolving disputes and enforcement, we turn the legal requirements of each jurisdiction into transaction documents, governance mechanisms and concrete steps.
We advise Web3 projects, cross-border payment institutions, stablecoin issuers and digital asset service providers on project structure, product design, global licensing and regulatory registration, transaction documents and ongoing operations.
View services →- Project structure & governance
- RWA & DAOs
- Cross-border payment models & market access
- Stablecoin & digital asset payments
- Safeguarding, clearing & settlement
- AML & sanctions compliance
We handle licence applications, regulatory approvals and registrations relating to stablecoins, digital assets and cross-border payments in Canada, the United States, the UAE, the EU and Hong Kong, and carry that work through to post-licensing compliance and cross-border expansion.
View services →- UAE: VARA · CBUAE
- EU: MiCA CASP · PI · EMI
- US: FinCEN MSB · MTL
- Hong Kong: HKMA stablecoin · SVF · MSO
- Canada: FINTRAC MSB
We advise investment institutions, corporate groups, founders and strategic investors on cross-border investments and transactions: entering new markets, forming partnerships, completing financings and acquisitions, and arranging post-investment governance and exit.
View services →- Market entry & investment structuring
- Legal due diligence
- M&A & strategic transactions
- Private equity & venture capital
- Financing & security
- Group restructuring & exit
We handle disputes involving multiple jurisdictions, complex facts and significant commercial interests, supporting companies, investors and private clients from dispute assessment and settlement negotiations to litigation, arbitration, asset preservation and enforcement.
View services →- Commercial & investment disputes
- International & regional arbitration
- Multi-jurisdictional litigation
- Construction & major project disputes
- Administrative & regulatory disputes
- Enforcement of judgments & awards
Middle East
SPARK ASMA LAW
Local advocates in the Middle East,
connected to a global network
In the Middle East we operate as Spark ASMA Law. Spark Law Office's cross-border transactional and regulatory team works alongside the litigation, arbitration and enforcement capability of a UAE law firm, so that commercial arrangements stand up to local procedure.
Strategic partnerAsma Ali Al Messabi Advocates & Legal ConsultantsAbu Dhabi · Dubai
About Spark ASMA Law →
United Arab Emirates
Before courts and tribunals at every level
Our regional partners are licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice and several emirates, and can represent clients before federal and local courts at all levels and before arbitral tribunals. Our work connects commercial transactions with local litigation, arbitration and enforcement.
- Asma Ali Al MessabiLitigation · Dispute resolution · 25+ years in practice
- H.E. Dr. Hend Al-AleeliCriminal · Civil · Family · Commercial disputes
- Selena FuRegulatory access · Payments & virtual assets
Saudi Arabia
EPC disputes and international trade
Our Saudi-qualified lawyers handle civil, commercial, administrative and employment matters, with deep experience in major EPC litigation and claims and in international trade.
- Abdulmohsen AlJamhorEPC litigation & claims · International trade
- Saad Al-Ghamdi30+ years in practice · 25+ major EPC disputes
- Rayray ZhouCommercial counsel & litigation · Web3 & fintech
Oman
Commercial disputes and arbitration
Our Omani-qualified partner appears before all levels of the Omani courts and handles complex commercial and civil disputes, arbitration, employment matters and multi-jurisdictional litigation.
- Abdulredha Al LawatiRegional Partner, Oman · 10+ years in practice
Bahrain · Jordan · Qatar · Kuwait
Working with locally qualified lawyers
Matters involving Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait are handled by our regional team together with locally qualified lawyers. We pay close attention to the differences between countries and regulatory frameworks, and tailor each plan to the client's business and practical conditions.
- Bahrain
- Jordan
- Qatar
- Kuwait
Our Approach
Our strengths
Deep roots in Middle East practice
Our understanding of local legal systems, court procedure and the business environment informs every stage of investment, operations and dispute resolution.
Cross-jurisdictional teamwork
Our four offices work towards the same objective, bringing the legal analysis of different jurisdictions into a single project plan.
Legal judgment tied to commercial goals
We explain where a risk comes from, what it could affect and what can be done, and propose solutions that can actually be implemented.
Deals built with disputes in mind
We bring dispute resolution experience into contract design, so that claims and later enforcement connect.
Understanding how new businesses work
We analyse the legal nature of Web3 and payment businesses from the product's functions, transaction flows and how assets move.
Insights
Regulatory developments and practice notes
HK · HKMA2026 / 04
Hong Kong's stablecoin licensing regime takes effect: HKMA grants the first licences
Minimum paid-up capital of HK$25 million, with 100% reserve backing and independent attestation, further clarifying the entry threshold for issuers.
Global · CARF2026 / 01
The OECD Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework: countdown to global implementation
The first jurisdictions will implement CARF from 2027; crypto-asset service providers need to complete due diligence, data collection and reporting systems in advance.
Contact
Contact us
To learn more about our legal services, or to discuss a specific transaction, business arrangement or dispute, please contact any of our offices.
New York
Dubai
Hong Kong · Shenzhen
Dubai
Level 5, The Offices 3, One Central, DWTC, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Hong Kong
20/F, One International Finance Centre, 1 Harbour View Street, Central, Hong Kong
New York
250 Broadway, New York, NY 10007
Shenzhen
61/F, Tower A, Ping An Finance Centre, 5033 Yitian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen
selenafu@sparklawoffice.comWe will bring together the right team for your needs.