The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been named the top country in the Middle East and North Africa in cryptocurrency adoption and ranked 5th globally, according to the World Crypto Rankings 2025 report published by Bybit and DL Research.
The report identifies the UAE as the region’s most advanced market for digital assets, citing its growing role in asset tokenization pilots and settlement systems. He also describes the country as an important bridge between Asia, Europe and Africa in the development of token finance.
UAE leads MENA region in crypto adoption
Globally, the UAE ranks 5th in crypto adoption, alongside Singapore in first place, followed by the United States, Lithuania and Switzerland. THE report attributes the UAE’s position to a combination of regulatory clarity, institutional participation and strong user engagement, including one of the highest crypto penetration rates in the world.
According to the findings, the UAE has adopted a policy-first approach to digital assets, supported by clear anti-money laundering requirements and legal frameworks for virtual asset service providers. This regulatory environment has helped attract both international talent and crypto-focused companies, boosting the country’s status as a regional hub for innovation in digital finance.
Saudi Arabia is also presented as an emerging player in the region. The report notes that the kingdom has strengthened its digital asset infrastructure and expanded its licensing regimes, with high levels of crypto ownership and public interest indicating growing demand. In North Africa, countries like Morocco are cited for high popular adoption, despite more restrictive regulatory conditions.
Policy-driven approach drives adoption
The report describes the MENA region as a hybrid region where institutional leadership and bottom-up adoption coexist. On one side are regulated hubs such as the UAE, where governments actively support the development of digital assets. On the other, economies facing inflation, capital controls or limited access to traditional banking services, where cryptocurrencies are increasingly used as alternative financial tools.
Even though regulatory frameworks and infrastructure remain uneven across much of the region, the report suggests that growing demand, particularly among younger users, could lead to rapid growth if supported by clearer policies and stronger financial systems.
Michelle Daura, MENA Regional Director of Bybit, said: “Bybit is honored to contribute to Dubai’s remarkable rise as the UAE pioneers the future of crypto innovation and regulation. As one of the first exchanges to establish our headquarters here, being the first exchange to obtain the Virtual Asset Platform Operator License from the SCA, and as an advisor to our partners at the DMCC, Bybit is committed to the region’s growth as a global crypto hub.”
The report concludes that the UAE’s approach positions it as a central player in the next phase of digital asset development, especially as tokenization and regulated crypto services continue to expand globally.
