The GCC as a supranational entity currently has no unified crypto regulatory framework, with member states varying in their approach. There is ongoing cooperation and memorandums of understanding among GCC countries, indicating a collaborative but cautious stance towards crypto.
| Status | varies |
| Risk Score | 40/100 (Moderate Risk) |
| Region | supranational |
| Currency | USD |
| Capital Gains (Personal) | No specific guidance |
| Capital Gains (Corporate) | No specific guidance |
| VAT on Crypto | No |
| Staking Tax | No specific guidance |
| Airdrop Tax | No specific guidance |
No crypto-specific tax guidance available.
| Required | No |
| Framework | No crypto framework |
Enforcement focused on unlicensed operators and consumer protection
| KYC Required | No |
| Travel Rule | No |
| FATF Member | Yes |
| FATF Status | member |
| FATF Body | MENAFATF |
| Suspicious-Activity Reporting | No |
Status: Unclear
No specific DeFi regulation
Status: member_state_only
No GCC-bloc unified stablecoin framework. Individual member states are developing their own rules: Bahrain CBB launched a Stablecoin Issuance and Offering (SIO) regulatory module (fiat-backed only, BHD/USD); ADGM FSRA finalized Fiat-Referenced Token (FRT) rules in October 2025 effective 1 January 2026; UAE (VARA) Payment Token Services Regulation (PTSR) entered full effect mid-2025. No bloc-level coordination.
Status: no_rules
No specific NFT regulation
| Legal | Yes |
| Electricity Cost | $0.15/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 20% |
| Infrastructure | good |
Mining is legal across GCC countries with moderate electricity costs and a significant share of renewable energy. Infrastructure is generally good, supported by modern data centers and internet connectivity.
| Stability | stable |
| Sanctions | No |
| Corruption Index | 55/100 |
| Banking Access | moderate |
| Sanctions Program Active | Yes |
Risk Factors
The GCC enjoys relative political stability and economic openness, though regional tensions and oil market fluctuations pose risks. The corruption index is moderate, and banking access for crypto firms is improving but still somewhat cautious.
The GCC as a supranational entity currently has no unified crypto regulatory framework, with member states varying in their approach. There is ongoing cooperation and memorandums of understanding among GCC countries, indicating a collaborative but cautious stance towards crypto.
Gulf Cooperation Council is classified by FATF as: member.
KYC is not universally mandated.
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Explore IT Services →Last reviewed: 2026-09-26 · Data source: Soken Crypto Legal Map
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