Telegram founder Pavel Durov's relationship with the UAE royal family is mainly reflected in his interactions with the UAE government and society, though public information does not provide direct evidence of personal or deep connections with the royal family.
Since 2017, Durov has partially moved Telegram's operational base to Dubai, thanks to the business-friendly environment provided by the UAE, particularly Dubai, which includes tax incentives and relaxed regulatory policies. He has publicly expressed satisfaction with the lifestyle and business atmosphere in Dubai, considering it a suitable place for tech entrepreneurship. The UAE, as a federation of seven emirates, has its royal family playing an important role in national governance and economic development, especially the Al Maktoum family in Dubai, which has propelled Dubai to become a global business and tech hub. In this context, Durov's choice of Dubai as a base can be seen as an acknowledgment of the economic policies led by the UAE royal family.
Furthermore, after Durov's arrest in France in August 2024, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly issued a statement expressing close attention to the matter and requested consular services for Durov from the French government. This indicates that the UAE government places a certain degree of importance on him. Considering that Durov holds UAE citizenship (reportedly obtained in 2021), this response may not only be a routine protection for a citizen but may also reflect his status and influence in the UAE. However, this does not directly prove a personal relationship with the royal family, but is more likely related to the UAE government's strategic support for high-profile tech figures.
Overall, Durov's relationship with the UAE royal family is more indirectly reflected through his business activities in Dubai and the policy support from the UAE government. There is no clear evidence in public information showing direct personal interactions or deep connections with royal family members; this relationship is more functional and strategic rather than based on personal friendship or family ties.
The UAE royal family will not only invest in Binance this time; the only other entity closely related to the UAE at the same level is Telegram.