Deribit
Crypto options and futures exchange, headquartered in Dubai and owned by Coinbase since 2025
Based in Dubai, founded 2016
The numbers
$2.9bnValuation
2016Founded
Why it matters
Deribit is the largest crypto options exchange by volume and open interest, with over $1 trillion in trading volume in 2024. It moved its global headquarters from Panama to Dubai in 2024 after winning a conditional VARA licence, and Coinbase bought it in a cash and stock deal announced at about $2.9 billion.
On Founding MENA
Deribit: John and Marius Jansen
How Peak Games Became a Starting Point for Turkey’s Next Gaming Companies
In 2019, five employees left Peak Games to build another mobile gaming company in Istanbul.
4 Nov 2026
What It Takes to Take a Gulf Restaurant Brand Abroad
At Harrods in London, Somewhere serves guacamole hummus, kunafa-wrapped shrimp and beef shawarma with beetroot rice.
1 Nov 2026
Tabby vs Tamara: The Competition Is Moving Beyond Buy Now, Pay Later
Tabby and Tamara became familiar to Gulf shoppers through a simple offer: buy something now and spread the payment across instalments.
31 Oct 2026
