ChangeNOW, a non-custodial cryptocurrency exchange platform, has officially opened a new regional headquarters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The physical office is located at Convention Tower within the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) district, marking a strategic expansion into the Middle East market.
The company, which has been operating for approximately eight to nine years, frames the move as a long-term commitment to the UAE. Pauline Shangett, Chief Strategy Officer at ChangeNOW, stated, "True leadership is forged in challenging times. While the region navigates current complexities, ChangeNOW is here to provide the partnership it deserves. We trust in the people, technology, and spirit of the UAE. Establishing this office is our commitment to cementing this region as the world’s primary hub for digital innovation."
ChangeNOW highlighted Dubai's appeal, citing its advanced regulatory clarity through the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and high-tier digital infrastructure. The expansion represents a shift from a purely digital service provider to establishing a physical, localized presence aimed at building face-to-face trust with regional partners, liquidity providers, and the local Web3 developer community.
The company claims to have served over 8 million users globally (with its website citing 5 million satisfied clients), offering access to over 1,500 digital assets across 110+ blockchains and 70+ fiat options. Its core offering remains non-custodial, meaning it does not hold user funds or private keys. The Dubai headquarters is intended to act as a hub for collaboration, with ChangeNOW seeking to engage institutional partners and local tech talent to integrate digital asset technology into the UAE's existing financial and retail platforms.
It is important to note that the announcement originated from a sponsored press release. While the office opening is framed as a response to Dubai's crypto-friendly regulatory environment, available sources did not confirm whether ChangeNOW itself holds an operational license from VARA, a key distinction for operating a virtual-asset service in the emirate.
