CertiK's research identified five digital asset security incidents in 2026 that originated in the UAE or involved UAE-registered entities, according to a report released on November 7, 2026. Four of these incidents resulted in approximately $8.02 million in documented losses, while a confirmed loss figure for the fifth was not available. Due to reporting and attribution limitations, the actual number of incidents and total losses may be significantly higher.
The findings highlight the security and operational challenges facing the UAE's growing digital asset ecosystem. As financial institutions and digital asset businesses expand their operations, regulatory approval alone cannot eliminate risks related to asset control, smart contract vulnerabilities, and interconnected infrastructure.
CertiK's UAE Engagements
CertiK's work in the UAE spans independent reserve verification for Gate Dubai and security and compliance support for startups in Abu Dhabi's Hub71 ecosystem, with engineering and business development personnel based in Dubai.
In March 2026, CertiK completed an independent Proof of Reserves (PoR) verification for Gate Dubai, a VARA-licensed exchange. Covering 10 digital assets across nine blockchain networks, the verification confirmed at least 100% reserve coverage for each asset within scope as of December 31, 2025. The assessment provided independent, point-in-time evidence of reserve coverage, supporting transparency around customer assets.
In Abu Dhabi, CertiK serves as an official vendor for Hub71, the technology ecosystem based in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). Through this engagement, eligible startups can access discounted security services and complimentary CertiK Compliance to support licensing preparation and ongoing compliance requirements.
Regulatory Approval as a Starting Point
During a media lunch hosted by CertiK, "The Trillion-Dollar Trust Gap," alongside Dubai FinTech Summit 2026, CertiK Chief Business Officer Jason Jiang discussed why regulatory approval must be accompanied by effective security controls and continuous risk monitoring.
"Financial institutions are making real progress in bringing digital assets into financial services, but regulatory approval is only the starting point," said Jason Jiang. "Protecting customer assets and managing risks as operations scale requires continuous security and compliance. This is why CertiK is expanding beyond Web3 security to become the Trust Layer for Digital Value, helping institutions build trust across an increasingly complex digital economy."
