Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance: that the United Arab Emirates has provided "freedom" in the cryptocurrency sector and has successfully established a competitive global ecosystem.

Zhao, the former CEO and founder of Binance, said: "They have a lot of room for testing and experimentation." He described the UAE's approach as a system that balances innovation with consumer protection through a "measured approach."

He added: "This is one of the UAE's strengths. The country's leadership is also very forward-thinking."

According to Zhao, the UAE's strategy—particularly through jurisdictions like the Abu Dhabi Global Market—has placed the country among the most advanced in digital asset regulation while simultaneously providing companies with the opportunity to innovate.

His remarks come alongside the introduction of his memoir, titled "Freedom of Money," in Dubai. This appearance marks his return to the public sphere following a turbulent period that included imprisonment and a presidential pardon.

Zhao spent four months in a US federal prison in 2024 after pleading guilty to charges related to anti-money laundering controls at Binance. He was released in September and received a pardon in October 2025, an action that concluded a case pursued during the administration of former US President Joe Biden.

He noted that during that period, he had limited internet access and "plenty of time to write," relying on his memory to narrate his life story. Reflecting on that time, Zhao said his priorities have shifted.

"I really enjoy spending time with my family... people are the most important things in your life," he said. He added that his focus is now on projects with long-term impact, including Giggle Academy, a free educational platform he founded that has reached approximately 200,000 children.

At an event hosted by Binance in Dubai, Zhao outlined his vision for the UAE's future path, calling the country the "most crypto-friendly place in the world." He predicted that the UAE would become a global hub for financial innovation.

"This is the first example in the world... I think the UAE will become the center of money," he said. In this context, Zhao pointed to the UAE's transition from an oil-reliant economy toward sectors such as blockchain and artificial intelligence.

Bitcoin’s Return?

Zhao stated that despite global instability, Bitcoin continues to follow its historical four-year cycle, even amidst geopolitical tensions.

"To my surprise... Bitcoin still followed the four-year cycle," he said. He noted the sharp price drop in early 2026 followed by a gradual recovery.

The price of Bitcoin fell to around 60,000 dollars in early 2026 but returned toward 80,000 dollars by the second quarter of the year. In his view, this trend indicates that the long-term outlook for the asset remains strong despite short-term volatility.

The cryptocurrency had previously surged to nearly 120,000 dollars in late 2025, a growth driven by the massive entry of institutional investors, the launch of spot crypto ETFs, and expectations for regulatory clarity in the United States.

"Recovery is always slow," Zhao said. He added that increased participation from financial institutions and expanding public adoption would support continued market growth.

He also mentioned that, contrary to some expectations, global conflicts have not caused a sustained jump in Bitcoin's price. Meanwhile, optimism regarding pro-crypto political leadership in the US, including the return of US President Donald Trump, has at times supported digital asset market sentiment.

Since his release, Zhao has shifted his focus to education, investment, and advisory activities, including supporting blockchain ecosystems and advising governments on crypto regulatory frameworks. He noted that while many countries are still formulating their approach, the UAE is already ahead.

"They don't need much advice... it's very advanced here."

AI, Processing Power, and the Impact on Crypto

The growing role of artificial intelligence has raised questions about whether crypto can become part of the global cybersecurity infrastructure. Investor Anthony Scaramucci recently suggested that if Bitcoin becomes essential for defending against AI-driven threats, its value could rise significantly, questioning its worth as a "global requirement for cybersecurity."

This idea reflects a broader concern that increasingly powerful AI systems could exploit weaknesses in financial and digital systems, increasing demand for secure, decentralized networks like blockchain.

However, Zhao described the relationship between AI and crypto more simply, stating that the growth of AI and processing power will increase demand for crypto rather than replace it. "I think as processing power and AI agents increase, the need for crypto will also increase," he said.

From a practical perspective, he explained that as machines begin autonomous transactions, blockchain-based systems can provide the platform for their payments, rather than directly serving as a cybersecurity shield.

The 2026 Outlook

Regarding the future, Zhao said a combination of developments is converging to shape the next stage of crypto adoption, including stablecoins, the tokenization of real-world assets, and the integration of AI into financial systems.

"I don't know exactly which one it will be... but all of these things are happening," he said.

He identified the growing role of AI-based transactions or "agentic payments" as a major trend, alongside the expansion of crypto ETFs and increased regulatory clarity in major markets.

Richard Teng, the current CEO of Binance, shared a similar view in December. He told The National at the time: "The world is now at the beginning of a five-to-ten-year period of massive transformation," a period in which AI and blockchain are set to rewrite global financial systems.

According to Zhao, these trends reinforce the UAE's position at the center of the rapidly evolving financial landscape.

The founder, who first settled in the UAE in 2021, said: "This is the center of money." He added that the UAE's infrastructure, safety, and leadership vision have created a significant advantage for the country.

"That's why I came here. Many crypto companies are now here... I encourage every business active in the crypto sector to look at the UAE," Zhao said.