A major boon to the cryptocurrency and web 3.0 communities may have been provided by Dubai, which is already a famous tourist destination for these communities. The city passed its first ordinance aimed at regulating the operations of cryptocurrencies and digital assets such as non-fungible tokens, among other things (NFTs).

The Emirate of Dubai is attempting to establish itself as a world leader in the field of emerging technologies such as bitcoin and distributed ledger technology (blockchain).

The Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, which will collaborate with all connected entities to enhance security and transparency for cryptocurrency investors, has been established in the emirate of Dubai, within the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

To Become a Hub for Web 3.0, Dubai Adopts Crypto Law

The Emirate of Dubai has passed its first cryptocurrency law and established a regulatory agency to oversee virtual currencies. This is in response to the emirate’s efforts to establish itself as a world leader in emerging technologies like bitcoin and distributed ledger technology.

The Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, which will collaborate with all connected entities to enhance security and transparency for cryptocurrency investors, has been established in the emirate of Dubai, within the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates made the announcement.

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates, with Dubai serving as the area’s financial powerhouse. As regional economic competition intensifies, Dubai has pushed for the establishment of virtual asset regulation in order to attract new forms of industries to the region.

The new law will be beneficial to even tourists who are entering Dubai on a UAE tourist visa as they can pay using the digital currency. If you are in Dubai and want to know more about it but your visa is almost due then check out UAE Tourist Visa Extension options to stick around and know about this new law.

According to a statement carried by official media, the Dubai Virtual Asset Regulation Law aims to develop Dubai and the United Arab Emirates as regional and global destinations for the virtual asset market.

Crypto law

According to expectations, the rule would be implemented throughout the emirate with the exception of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which operates as a special economic zone and falls under the jurisdiction of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has said that it will be developing its own guidelines for the regulation of cryptocurrencies in the DIFC in the near future.

In a similar vein, the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), the UAE’s securities regulator, has indicated that it is developing its own regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, which it expects to publish in the near future.

With the law now in effect, it effectively establishes a legal mandate for the sale and trade of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin in Dubai, in contrast to the policies of many countries such as China, which are opposed to such activities.

What are Dubai’s Plans?

As part of the new law, the UAE intends to establish a Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), which would be responsible for overseeing and regulating these types of assets.

It is also expected to function as an independent authority under the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, which will be in charge of overseeing the regulation, governance, and licensing of cryptocurrencies, non-financial tokens, and other virtual assets, among other responsibilities.

A number of key functions of the VARA include overseeing and controlling the trading of virtual assets, as well as ensuring that high standards of protection are in place, as well as monitoring transactions.
The VARA is also responsible for the transfer of virtual assets, the provision of management services, the provision of exchange services, the operation of virtual asset platforms and the provision of virtual asset custody.

Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority Roles

The law on virtual assets has been established, and the Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority will be in charge of overseeing and implementing it (VARA).

It is planned that, under the supervision of the VARA, the following methods will be used to achieve virtual asset regulation in Dubai:
• VARA would be established solely for the purpose of regulating cryptocurrency activities and related service providers.
• VARA would be tasked with the oversight of the trading and issuance of virtual assets and virtual tokens, among other responsibilities. Additionally, the organization will be in charge of approving and regulating virtual asset service providers (VASPs).
•The regulatory authority is responsible for ensuring that the personal data of beneficiaries is protected to the highest possible level.
• It must also keep track of virtual asset transactions in order to prevent price manipulation from occurring.
• Crypto trading platforms that facilitate the exchange of cryptocurrencies for fiat currencies as well as between one or more cryptocurrencies would be subject to VARA’s authorization and regulation.
• The companies that provide cryptocurrency transfer, custody, and management services would also fall under the ambit of the new law and would be subject to its regulations.
• Aside from the state-owned financial free zone, Dubai International Financial Center, the new law will be applicable throughout the entire city of Dubai (DIFC).
• The DIFC’s financial services regulator, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), is developing its own cryptocurrency rules. It will be the single authority in the UAE mainland for licensing, supervising, and managing virtual assets activities and services issued for investment purposes.
• This will not include virtual assets that are used to make payments to other individuals or businesses in the UAE.

Dubai has been gaining ground with the crypto community

Many members of the web3 community have already expressed their preference for the country. The Dubai Media Office announced in December of last year that the Dubai World Trade Center will be designated as a crypto zone, from which all enterprises engaged in the trading of cryptocurrencies and virtual assets would be able to operate.

It was announced at the time that the city will create “rigorous rules” for investment safety and to prevent money laundering through a statement from its media office.

In conclusion, it is crucial to note that this law, which will be in effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, establishes the responsibilities of the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), which includes the regulation, supervision, and control of virtual asset services.

It also specifies that the authority is tasked with organizing and establishing the rules and controls that govern the conduct of virtual asset activities, such as management services, clearing and settlement services, as well as classifying and specifying the types of virtual assets that may be traded.

According to the law, it is unlawful for any individual in the emirate to engage in activities without first obtaining authorization from VARA, and anyone intending to engage in virtual asset activities must first establish a physical presence in Dubai in order to conduct business.

Author Bio:
Robeena Brown
Travel blogger & destination expert living in UAE and works for local tourism companies like Arabiers. If you have been looking forward to touring Dubai, getting a visa, extending stays and exploring the city you can follow her on social media.

Trekking in Nepal is a great adventure, with beautiful mountains, friendly people, and unique cultures. For vegan and vegetarian trekkers, it is possible to enjoy the trekking experience while sticking to your diet.

Nepal is quite vegetarian-friendly, and many local dishes are naturally vegan or can be made vegan with small changes. In this guide, we will share some tips for vegan and vegetarian trekkers, especially for treks like the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley.

What to Expect for Vegan and Vegetarian Food

Nepalese food is simple but delicious. Many dishes are made with fresh vegetables, lentils, rice, and spices. In most trekking areas, including the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley, you will stay in tea houses that provide meals.

These tea houses usually have a menu with a variety of dishes, including vegetarian options.

Some common vegetarian dishes in Nepal include:

Dal Bhat

This is the main meal of Nepal. It is a combination of rice, lentil soup (dal), and cooked vegetables. Dal Bhat is vegetarian by default and can easily be made vegan by asking to skip the ghee (clarified butter).

Vegetable Fried Rice

Fried rice with mixed vegetables is a simple and tasty dish. Just ask them not to use eggs if you are vegan.

Vegetable Curry

Many tea houses offer vegetable curries that are cooked with spices and served with rice or chapati. These are usually vegan, but you can ask to make sure there is no ghee.

Chapati with Vegetables

Chapati is a type of flatbread that is often served with cooked vegetables. This is usually vegan and makes for a filling meal.

Momos

Momos are dumplings filled with vegetables. They are available in most trekking areas, but they may contain butter, so make sure to ask before ordering.

How to Communicate Your Dietary Needs

Most people in Nepal understand what it means to be vegetarian. However, explaining vegan requirements can sometimes be tricky, especially in remote areas like Tsum Valley. It is a good idea to learn a few key phrases in Nepali to help communicate your dietary needs:

• “Ma veg khaana khaanchhu”: This means “I eat vegetarian food.”
• “Ma doodh, ghiu, ani anda khadina”: This means “I do not eat milk, butter, or eggs.”

It is also helpful to mention that you do not eat ghee, as it is often used in cooking. The locals are usually very friendly and will try their best to accommodate your needs if you communicate clearly.

Tips for Eating Vegan or Vegetarian on the Trail

Stick to Simple Dishes

The simpler the dish, the easier it is to make sure it is vegan. Dal Bhat, steamed rice, and vegetable curry are usually safe choices. The fewer ingredients, the less chance there is for something non-vegan to be added.

Bring Your Own Snacks

While trekking in Nepal, especially in remote areas like the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley, it is a good idea to bring your own snacks. Some vegan-friendly snacks include nuts, dried fruits, energy bars, and peanut butter. This way, you will always have something to eat if you cannot find suitable options at the tea house.

Ask About Ingredients

Sometimes dishes may contain hidden ingredients like ghee or milk powder. Do not be afraid to ask what is in the food. The people running the tea houses are usually understanding and will tell you if something is not suitable for your diet.

Eat Plenty of Dal Bhat

Dal Bhat is a complete and nutritious meal that provides you with energy for trekking. It is also refillable—many tea houses will give you more rice, dal, and vegetables if you ask. Dal Bhat is also one of the safest options for vegans and vegetarians.

Avoid Packaged Foods

Packaged snacks and instant noodles are available at tea houses, but they are often not vegan or may contain hidden animal products. Stick to fresh, cooked meals whenever possible.

Bringing Vegan or Vegetarian Supplements

Trekking in the mountains requires a lot of energy, and it is important to stay healthy during your trek. Since some areas, like Tsum Valley, are remote and have limited food options, it is a good idea to bring some supplements:

• Protein Powder: Protein is important for energy and muscle recovery, especially during long treks. Bring some vegan protein powder to add to your meals or drinks.
• Multivitamins: Multivitamins can help make sure you are getting enough nutrients, especially if the food options are limited.
• B12 Supplements: Vitamin B12 is usually found in animal products, so it is important for vegans to take a B12 supplement while trekking.

Trekking with Your Own Cooking Gear

If you are very concerned about finding vegan or vegetarian food, you could consider bringing your own small camping stove and cooking gear. This way, you can make your own meals and be sure of what you are eating. This is more common for trekkers who want complete control over their diet. However, carrying cooking gear can be heavy, so it is important to consider if it is worth the extra weight.

Tips for Staying Healthy

Drink Lots of Water

Staying hydrated is very important, especially at high altitudes to prevent altitude sickness. Bring a reusable water bottle and use water purification tablets or a filter to make sure you have enough clean water. Drinking water also helps with acclimatization.

Eat Enough Calories

Trekking in Nepal can be very demanding, especially on routes like the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley. Make sure you are eating enough to keep your energy levels up. Dal Bhat, chapati, and vegetable curries are good choices for high-energy meals.

Avoid Raw Foods

It is better to avoid raw vegetables or salads while trekking, as they might not be washed with clean water. Stick to cooked food to avoid getting sick.

Challenges for Vegan and Vegetarian Trekkers

Limited Food Option

In remote areas like the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley, the food options can be limited. The menus in the tea houses are often the same, and there may not be a lot of variety. It is important to be prepared for simple meals and to bring some of your own snacks and supplements to stay healthy.

Hidden Ingredients

Ghee, milk, and eggs are sometimes used in cooking without being mentioned. Always ask about the ingredients, especially in dishes like fried rice or curries, to make sure they are vegan.

Long Days Between Meals

Trekking days can be long, with hours of walking between tea houses. It is a good idea to carry snacks like nuts, dried fruits, or energy bars to keep you going throughout the day.

Positives for Vegan and Vegetarian Trekkers

Dal Bhat Power

Dal Bhat is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan easily. It is filling, nutritious, and gives you all the energy you need for trekking. It is also widely available and is the staple food for most people in Nepal.

Friendly Locals

The people in Nepal are very welcoming and will try their best to accommodate your dietary needs. If you explain clearly, they are usually happy to prepare meals without animal products.

Fresh Vegetables

You can enjoy fresh, locally grown vegetables. The vegetables are often cooked simply, without dairy, which makes it easy for vegans and vegetarians

Sample Vegan and Vegetarian Meal Plan

Here is a sample meal plan for a day of trekking on the Manaslu Circuit or Tsum Valley:

• Breakfast: Porridge made with water, with a banana if available, and black tea or herbal tea.
• Snack: A handful of nuts, dried fruits, or an energy bar.
• Lunch: Dal Bhat with extra vegetables, no ghee, and chapati.
• Afternoon Snack: Peanut butter on chapati or a fruit if available.
• Dinner: Vegetable curry with steamed rice and black tea.

Final Thoughts

Trekking in Nepal as a vegan or vegetarian is very doable, but it does require some preparation. The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley are beautiful and remote areas, and while the food options may be simple, they are usually healthy and filling. Stick to dishes like dal bhat, fried rice, and vegetable curries, and bring your own snacks and supplements to make sure you are getting enough nutrients.

Remember to communicate clearly with the tea house staff about your dietary needs, and do not be afraid to ask questions about the ingredients. With a little bit of planning, you can enjoy the adventure of trekking in Nepal while staying true to your vegan or vegetarian diet.

Deciding the best places to visit in Tokyo (Japan) depends on how much time you spend there. Tokyo is known for its various attractions, culture, and festivals. Tokyo hosts many festivals like Asakusa Samba, which is one of the biggest festivals in Japan. Places like Shrines in Tokyo are also very famous and crowded with people, and imperial families of Japan, especially during New Year’s time. Without wasting your precious time let’s explore the city by visiting the top places in Japan’s capital Tokyo.

Monzen-Nakacho

Monzen-Nakacho, also known as “Mon-Naka,” has kept its lively, old-school charm since the Edo era (1603-1868). The main attractions are the Tomioka Hachiman Shrine and Fukagawa Fududo Temple, where you can see the fire ceremonies with drumming and chanting, which happen five times a day. There are trendy coffee shops and wine bars that stand next to traditional stores that sell pickles, Japanese sweets, and tsukudani (seafood cooked in soy sauce and sugar). This is the place where you will find a great spot for a relaxed walk through cobbled streets, leading to the Museum of Contemporary Art in nearby Kiba. There are affordable places to eat and drink.

teamLab Borderless

The TeamLab an art group first launched “Borderless” in Odaiba (Tokyo). It’s a museum full of beauty. The museum features art installations with changing patterns and designs that flow smoothly from room to room, like a maze. Some of the new attractions include a room with hundreds of colorful lights and interactive “light sculptures.”

It is an Instagram-worthy place and full of digital art that engages all the senses. This unique museum was opened in 2018 and became the world’s most-visited museum dedicated to a single artist before it closed in 2022. However, “Borderless 2.0” reopened in early 2024 at a permanent location in the new Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza B in central Tokyo.

Shibuya Crossing

If you’re stunned that Tokyo is the most populated city in the world, you should visit Shibuya Crossing, it’s one of the busiest crossings in the world. Where you can see huge video screens showing advertisements everywhere, while businesspeople, tourists, and shoppers wait to cross together. It’s oddly calming and shows how our lives can cross paths at different times. The best time to visit is in the evening when it’s busiest and the light is perfect. You can also get a great view of the crossing from the Shibuya Scramble Square tower, which has a rooftop tower Shibuya Sky, which is 230 meters above the ground and gives you a full view of the city.

Watching the crowd of people crossing from all sides can remind you of the thrill and excitement found in big cities around the world, similar to the thrill of casino days India.

Many visitors to Tokyo like to check out these casinos to play slot machines and other games in a lively setting. However, Tokyo is not known as a casino place like other big cities like Las Vegas or Goa. Casinos are rare due to strict laws in Japan. So tourists have to go with something similar to a casino. Although, they still provide an exciting experience for anyone wanting to have fun and enjoy a memorable night out.

One popular option there is Pachinko, a game similar to a casino. You can locate the Pachinko parlors everywhere, filled with noise and colorful lights, where players launch steel balls to win prizes or tokens that can be exchanged for cash. This unique system helps bypass Japan’s anti-gambling laws, creating a lively experience for visitors.

Recently, the Japanese govt. approved its first casino to attract tourists, especially as other Asian casinos are working. This integrated resort will include a casino, conference center, hotel, and theater with plans to open by 2029.

Whether you are shopping, enjoying the nightlife, or seeing the views, Shibuya offers a special and exciting energy unique to Tokyo.

Nakano Broadway

Nakano Broadway in Tokyo is a popular place for anime and manga fans. This multi-story shopping center is a great spot for all kinds of collectors. It was opened in 1966 and was once a symbol of hope after the Tokyo Olympics.

In the 1980s, new shopping malls took away its fancy shops, but in the 1990s, Nakano Broadway changed and it became known for used manga and anime models. Now, more than 300 small shops fill the bottom five floors, selling everything from old Godzilla and Astroboy toys to designer watches, unique dolls, and many more.

Tokyo Skytree

The Tokyo Skytree stands at 2,080 feet tall, making it the world’s tallest tower. You can see the city from its 360-degree observation decks with its tall buildings and bright lights, which look like a magical circuit board. It’s a popular tourist spot, and tickets can be expensive (up to ¥3,400, or $25 for a combo ticket). Even if you don’t go inside, the Tokyo Skytree makes the city skyline more impressive.

Depending on where you’re staying, getting to eastern Tokyo might be a bit of a trip, but a train station is close to the entrance. Families with kids will surely enjoy the experience, especially the fast elevator rides, and anyone who loves amazing views will have a great time.