BlackRock, the global investment giant, has secured a commercial license to operate in Abu Dhabi, marking its expansion into the crypto-friendly UAE. While the firm is known for its Bitcoin ETF, BlackRock's focus in Abu Dhabi will be on private markets and AI infrastructure, aligning with the region's growing AI investments. Charles Hatami, BlackRock's Middle East head, highlighted Abu Dhabi's strategic location and supportive government policies. The UAE, a leader in digital finance, recently ranked third in crypto adoption globally, reinforcing its status as a financial hub.