-
This document aims to establish uniform rules for crypto-mining businesses.
-
ADGM treats crypto mining as an ordinary commercial business and not a financial services.
-
The rules will be scaled according to the size of the mining operation, with larger mines having more rules.
The Abu Dhabi Global Market Registration Authority (ADGM Registration Authority) has published Discussion Paper No. 1 of 2026, seeking to establish uniform rules for crypto mining businesses that operate in its financial zone. The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Registration Authority has published Discussion Paper No. 1 of 2026 in order to establish uniform rules for crypto-mining businesses that operate within its financial zone.
The document is open for feedback from the industry until March 20, 2026. This marks a significant step in creating official rules for crypto-mining in the Middle East’s leading financial free zone.
The Framework: Main Points
The paper states that ADGM will treat crypto mining as an ordinary commercial business and not a financial services, which means it’ll be regulated by Registration Authority. This means that any mining companies would also need to obtain a special license to operate in the ADGM zone.
The framework is intended to cover all types crypto mining and verification, including traditional Bitcoin mining as well as newer stake-based techniques and future models. Anyone running these operations would have to follow the same regulations, whether they were for Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency.
Companies that want a mining licence would have to be transparent about their business, and disclose beneficial ownership. They would also have to maintain strict security and operational controls. These requirements are in line the global push to comply with AML and CFT compliance (anti-money-laundering and counter-financing terrorism).
The rules will be scaled according to the size of the mining operation, with more rules for larger operations.
The paper also proposes rules for companies that are based in ADGM and operate mining farms in other nations, to ensure they follow the same good practice even when operating abroad.
Digital Asset Regulatory Framework of ADGM
Over the past few years, ADGM has steadily created rules for digital assets.
In 2025, for example, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM (FSRA) finalized amendments allowing fiat-referenced stablecoins to be used in its financial zone.
ADGM expanded its oversight to include Proof of Stake mechanisms in the same year.
ADGM has also granted licenses to major crypto-companies and approved the use of top stablecoins (such as USDT), creating a stronger environment in which digital assets can thrive.
Related Abu Dhabi Regulator Approves Tether on Nine Blockchains As Tether Expands into Robotics
