The UAE’s progressive policies and popular adoption place it at the forefront of global crypto markets.
A recent report identifies the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the undisputed leader in cryptocurrency adoption in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The 2025 World Crypto Rankings report, published by Bybit and DL Searchhighlighted that the UAE has become a key regional hub for asset tokenization initiatives and settlement systems. Additionally, it has become the main link between Asia, Europe and Africa in the field of token finance.
The UAE ranks fifth in global adoption, alongside major institutional hubs like Singapore (1), the United States (2), Lithuania (3) and Switzerland (4). It combines progressive, pro-innovation policies with local remittance-driven usage and boasts one of the highest user penetration rates in the world. As a policy-driven global tokenization hub, the UAE provides clear AML guidelines and legal frameworks for digital asset providers. In addition, the Emirates are among the most attractive destinations for talents and businesses.
Saudi Arabia’s Crypto Advances
Saudi Arabia has also improved its digital asset infrastructure and expanded its licensing frameworks. The kingdom demonstrates strong user engagement and high levels of cryptocurrency ownership, reflecting significant public interest in digital assets. Meanwhile, North African countries like Morocco are showing substantial popular adoption, even in the face of stricter regulations.
The report describes the MENA region as a “hybrid region” where growth is fueled by both top-down institutional leadership and bottom-up financial innovation. On one side, there are established crypto hubs like the United Arab Emirates, while on the other, economically challenged countries in North Africa and the Levant rely on crypto as a way to circumvent inflation, capital controls, and restricted access to banking services.
Despite continued weaknesses in regulatory support and infrastructure across much of the region, growing user demand, particularly among young people, indicates a market poised for rapid growth if appropriate policy and financial frameworks are established.
Read more: UAE’s new crypto wallet unlocks blockchain’s potential for young adults
Factors Driving Global Adoption
“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 serving as an advisor to our partners at the DMCC, Bybit is committed to the growth of the region as a global crypto hub,” said said Michelle Daura, MENA regional director of Bybit.
The report highlights that global adoption thrives when infrastructure, regulatory frameworks and institutional participation are in sync. Each country in the global top five has its own approach: Singapore has a digitally literate population and a well-defined licensing framework; the United States supports global liquidity through large-scale, ETF-driven institutional investments; Lithuania excels as a gateway to the EU under MiCA; Switzerland combines legal clarity and cultural integration; and the United Arab Emirates combine ambitious policy frameworks with local use focused on remittances.
