Google updates crypto ad policy in UAE

Google announced that it has updated the cryptocurrencies and related products policy in the UAE to clarify the scope and requirements for the advertisement of complex speculative financial products.

As per Google’s policy update, starting February 26, 2025, advertisers offering cryptocurrency exchanges and software wallets targeting the United Arab Emirates may advertise those products and services when they meet the specific regulatory requirements and are certified by Google.

Crypto firms must meet local standards to advertise on Google 

Part of Google’s requirements include that cryptocurrency exchanges and crypto wallets targeting UAE users will need to be licensed by either the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), the regulator in Abu Dhabi’s ADGM, Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), or the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) in the international financial center DIFC.

The policy update also mentioned that crypto entities running advertisements must also comply with any other local legal requirements.

In the announcement, Google notes, “As a reminder, we expect all advertisers to comply with the local laws for any area that their ads target. This policy will apply globally to all accounts that advertise these financial products.”

If advertisers violate the policy, their accounts will be suspended. A warning will be issued at least 7 days before any account suspension.

Google’s revenue derived from advertising rose 10.6% year-over-year to $72.46 billion in Q4 2024, according to an earnings statement from parent Alphabet published this month. The results missed analyst expectations.

Binance, OKX, Crypto.com, and others will now be able to target UAE customers with advertisements on Google, as will local crypto exchanges such as BitOasis, M2, and CoinMENA. In addition, crypto custodians like Komainu and Liminal will also be able to advertise. 

The UAE has become the crypto hub in the Middle East, with more than 30% of its population holding crypto. This is also boosted by the recent announcement that UAE sovereign wealth fund Mubadala has invested $436 million in BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF product. 

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