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DAL Benefits Join The Lab Framework Token Service Providers Lab Partners Participants

The Digital Assets Lab is Qatar’s dedicated hub for next-generation digital innovation - a virtual environment where forward-thinking local and international firms come together to explore blockchain, tokenisation and digital asset innovation. It serves as a catalyst for research, development and real-world experimentation across digital assets and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT).

Anchored by a strong network of industry partners, experts and innovators, the Lab operates as a strategic launchpad for companies looking to establish themselves in Qatar’s growing digital asset ecosystem. It offers a guided pathway for securing the appropriate licenses, launching and scaling digital-asset solutions with confidence.

Backed by the QFC Digital Assets Framework 2024 — one of the region's first comprehensive tokenisation regimes — the Lab gives participants a clear regulatory foundation from day one.

Digital Assets Lab Benefits

The Digital Asset Lab opens doors to a world of opportunities in the field of digital assets and DLT.

Gateway to the Qatari Market

Understand the local landscape, explore opportunities and connect with the right partners, regulators and stakeholders.

Collaborative Environment

Join fintechs, corporates and innovators to co-create and explore new possibilities.

Regulatory Support

Receive clear guidance on regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and navigate the approval processes with confidence.

Resource Hub

Access to technical resources, expert guidance, support tools, and cloud-based infrastructure to power your development and testing.

Expert Insights

Connect with QFC industry experts and global partners to gain valuable insights and fast-track the innovation journey.

Operations Support

Work from fully equipped, flexible co-working spaces available at no cost to Lab participants.

Commercial Establishment

Benefit from support throughout the registration process to accelerate your path to licensing and market entry.

Join The Lab

Who Can Apply

Startups and fintechs exploring blockchain or tokenisation solutions
Corporations and financial institutions seeking to pilot digital asset initiatives
Technology providers offering infrastructure or DLT-based services
Researchers and innovators developing new use cases relevant to Qatar

Eligibility criteria

Eligibility is assessed on how closely the candidate's products and services align with QFC's strategic objectives. Applicants are evaluated against the following criteria:

Innovative Concepts: A strong original idea with clear potential
Regulatory Alignment: Alignment with the QFC Digital Assets Framework and local rules
Clear Roadmap: A business plan or white paper outlining execution
Strategic Fit: Alignment with Qatar’s digital-market priorities
Technical Readiness: Robust architecture, security considerations, and implementation capability

Note: Applicants must provide documents confirming alignment with these criteria.

Apply to the Digital Assets Lab

Apply

Submit your application form or contact us for further assistance.

Consult

We review your proposal and advise on registration.

Experiment

Upon approval, use Lab resources to test solutions in Qatar or explore use-cases with the market.

Evaluate

Submit a report; we will assess your readiness for commercialisation and licensing.

Important: Participation does not guarantee a license. You must get the necessary approvals before launching your products or services.

Digital Assets Regulatory Framework

The QFC Digital Assets Framework 2024 provides a clear, robust, and internationally aligned legal and regulatory foundation for tokenisation and digital-asset activity in Qatar. It establishes the rules governing the creation, transfer, custody, exchange, and validation of tokens — ensuring legal recognition of both the tokens themselves and the property rights attached to their underlying assets. The Framework also formally recognises smart contracts, enabling their secure and enforceable use in digital-asset transactions.

By setting high regulatory and technical standards, the Framework ensures that tokenised assets and digital-asset services operate with integrity, transparency, and resilience — positioning Qatar as a safe, compliant, and innovation-ready jurisdiction for institutions adopting DLT solutions.

Be Part of Digital Assets Lab

Token Service Providers (TSP) under the Digital Assets Regulatory Framework

Applicants to the Digital Assets License and the Lab are encouraged to review the Digital Assets Regulations 2024 , TSP Guidelines and User Guides .

The Digital Assets Regulatory Framework provides a range of token services to support innovation and maintain trust and security in the ecosystem.

01.

Validation Services

Confirms ownership of rights represented by permitted tokens
Provides an official certificate of validation

02.

Token Generation

Enables the creation of tokens on approved token infrastructures on behalf of the owner

03.

Token Custody Services

Holds or controls tokens on behalf of clients
Holding or controlling how tokens may be recorded and transacted within the infrastructure.

04.

Token Transfer Services

Providing services to facilitate token transfers between parties. Excluding validation, token generation, custody and exchange operations.

05.

Operating a Token Exchange

Operating a system which brings together multiple third-party buying and selling interests in tokens, in accordance with the system’s non-discretionary rules, resulting in a contract in respect of the tokens.

This excludes basic order routing systems, where buying and selling interests simply pass through without interacting.