The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) reported that its senior executives visited Abu Dhabi and Dubai and met with regulatory counterparts and Web3 industry participants to exchange insights and experience on virtual asset regulation and supervision, in line with its ASPIRe roadmap. The programme included discussions with the United Arab Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of the Abu Dhabi Global Market, the Dubai Financial Services Authority and Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority on evolving regulatory approaches and supervisory experience for firms operating in the sector. Separate meetings with Web3 stakeholders highlighted the need for regulatory clarity and consistency, and for a balanced framework that supports industry development while mitigating systemic vulnerabilities, as the SFC seeks to deepen its overseas network and explore cross-border opportunities with Middle Eastern markets.