Why Web3, AI and Gaming Companies Choose DMCC: What the Tokyo Roadshow Revealed
We look at DMCC's Crypto Centre, AI Centre and Gaming Centre — with registered company numbers and lessons from the 2024 Tokyo roadshow.
Why do crypto and game-development startups set up in Dubai? One answer is DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre).
DMCC was long known as a hub for physical commodities such as gold, diamonds and tea. In 2025, however, the number of registered technology companies passed 4,000, making technology its largest sector and overtaking commodities trading. This article explains, with concrete figures, why companies in Web3, AI and gaming choose DMCC.
This article is part of our series on the complete guide to DMCC. For an overview of DMCC as a whole, see the guide.
DMCC's "Made for Trade Live" roadshow in Tokyo
In April 2024, DMCC held its first roadshow in Tokyo, "Made for Trade Live". The focus was on three areas — Web3, AI and gaming — and leading Japanese gaming companies including Cygames, Next Ninja and Square Enix took part.
DMCC's Executive Chairman and CEO, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, has spoken of the significant untapped potential of the Japanese market, which suggests that DMCC itself is actively encouraging Japanese companies to expand into these sectors.
DMCC's technology ecosystem in numbers
DMCC runs a dedicated support centre for each sector. In Web3, AI and gaming, three centres form the core.
| Centre | Registered companies | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Crypto Centre | 750+ | Located in Almas Tower, in partnership with CV Labs. Regional headquarters of Kraken, Crypto.com and Bitcoin.com |
| AI Centre | 159 | Members include JetBrains |
| Gaming Centre | 152 | Expanded in 2023, in partnership with Xsolla |
Together, the three centres host more than 1,000 companies. They function not simply as a place of registration but as a community and network of peers in the same industry. DMCC is also building a 17-storey "Crypto Tower", a sign of continued investment in the sector.
Why DMCC suits Web3, AI and gaming companies
- Regulatory clarity. DMCC has its own regulatory framework for crypto-asset and blockchain-related companies.
- Access to an industry community. Dedicated facilities such as the Crypto Centre, AI Centre and Gaming Centre are designed to connect companies naturally with peers in the same field.
- Tokenisation in practice. In 2025, DMCC tokenised one of the world's largest silver bars (1,971 kg, certified by Guinness World Records) under a regulatory framework — one example of how it combines physical assets with technology.
- Global partnerships. In 2025, DMCC announced new partnerships with VARA, Kraken and Crypto.com, and in December 2025 it announced a collaboration with Crypto.com on commodity tokenisation.
What to check before setting up
Web3, AI and gaming are growth sectors, but some business models require case-by-case regulatory confirmation. Crypto-asset licences in particular may involve a different procedure from a standard trading licence, so it is essential to check in advance.
DMCC also requires every company to hold an office solution, from a flexi-desk upward. For startups that want to start small and keep costs down, a comparison with lower-cost free zones such as IFZA and Meydan is worth considering.
How Biz Easy supports you
Biz Easy does not stop at company formation. We are an advisory firm whose strength is seeing the work through — from strategy and company setup to visas, bank account opening and day-to-day operations. We offer Big Four-level expertise at a more accessible cost.
Since our founding in 2021, we have supported more than 200 companies expanding into the Middle East and Africa, including general consulting support for a major Japanese technology and Web3 company.
Alongside its traditional strength in commodities trading, DMCC has grown into a hub where technology is now the largest sector. Its dedicated ecosystem of the Crypto Centre, AI Centre and Gaming Centre, together with the proactive stance towards Japan seen in the 2024 Tokyo roadshow, makes it highly attractive to Web3, AI and gaming companies. At the same time, the requirement to hold an office solution shapes the cost structure, so the decision should reflect the company's stage of growth.
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