---
type: subdivision
domain: crypto-regulation
status: stable
tags: ["crypto-regulation", "middle_east", "fatf", "crypto_friendly"]
aliases: ["AE-RAK", "ARE-RAKZ", "Ras Al Khaimah"]
created: 2026-04-13
updated: 2026-04-02
compile_into: ["[[country--united-arab-emirates]]"]
sources:
  - name: "RAK ICC / RAK DAO"
    url: "https://www.rakdao.com"
    type: "official"
  - name: "RAK Free Zone regulations"
    url: "https://www.rakdao.com"
    type: "framework"
---

# 🇦🇪 Ras Al Khaimah (Emirate) (AE-RAK) — Crypto Regulation

> Ras Al Khaimah's Innovation City free zone offers a crypto-friendly environment with on-chain licensing and DAO-friendly activities, supporting blockchain and Web 3.0 innovation. The free zone provides streamlined licensing, banking setup, and a tech-focused ecosystem for crypto businesses.

## Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | crypto_friendly |
| Sub-jurisdiction of | [[country--united-arab-emirates|United Arab Emirates]] |
| Risk Score | 15/100 (Low Risk) |
| Enforcement Level | Low |
| Region | [[domain--middle-east|middle east]] |
| Currency | [[entity--aed|AED]] |

## Tax

| Type | Rate |
|------|------|
| Capital Gains (Personal) | 0% |
| Capital Gains (Corporate) | 0% in free zone |
| VAT on Crypto | No |
| Mining Tax | No specific guidance |
| Staking Tax | No specific guidance |
| Airdrop Tax | No specific guidance |

No crypto-specific tax guidance available.

## Licensing

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Required | Yes |
| Regulator | [[entity--rak-icc|RAK ICC]] / RAK DAO |
| Framework | RAK Free Zone regulations |
| Ease | easy |
| Cost | N/A |
| Timeline | N/A months |

Fastest path to licensing with simple, all-inclusive packages and simultaneous banking setup in Innovation City free zone.

## AML / KYC

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| KYC Required | No |
| Travel Rule | No |
| [[concept--fatf|FATF]] Member | No |
| FATF Status | non_compliant |

## DeFi

**Status:** Legal

DeFi activities are supported within the Innovation City free zone with compliant innovation and wallet-native flows.

## Stablecoins

**Status:** no_rules

No specific stablecoin framework; generally permitted

## NFTs

**Status:** no_rules

No specific NFT regulation; generally permitted

## Mining

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Legal | Yes |
| Electricity Cost | $0.06/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 5% |
| Climate | arid |
| Infrastructure | good |

Mining is legal with competitive electricity costs and good infrastructure in Ras Al Khaimah. The arid climate may increase cooling costs.

## Geopolitics

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Stability | stable |
| Sanctions | No |
| Corruption Index | 65/100 |
| Ease of Business | easy |
| Internet Freedom | free |
| Banking Access | open |

## Enforcement

No significant enforcement actions reported; jurisdiction actively encourages crypto business

## CBDC Status: pilot

---

*Data source: [Soken Crypto Legal Map](https://soken.io/crypto-map/). Last reviewed: 2026-04-13.*

**Sources:**
- [RAK ICC / RAK DAO](https://www.rakdao.com)
- [RAK Free Zone regulations](https://www.rakdao.com)