The UAE received AED124 billion ($34 billion) in crypto inflows between July 2023 and June 2024, recording a 42 percent annual growth rate, according to a report by Mining Grid. This surge places the UAE as a key player in the global crypto ecosystem, with over 500,000 daily crypto traders now active in the country.
The Middle East attracted $338.7 billion in crypto inflows during the same period, marking an 11.73 percent annual increase and securing its position as the 7th largest crypto market globally. Over 93 percent of that volume came from institutional-sized transfers, highlighting a maturing market driven by long-term strategies rather than speculation.
Youth adoption drives growth
In the UAE, youth adoption has become a defining characteristic of the crypto landscape. With over 74 percent of young adults aged 25-34 showing active interest in cryptocurrency, and 21 percent planning to trade crypto within the next 12 months, the country leads regional participation in youth-driven digital finance.
Social platforms, including TikTok, WhatsApp and YouTube, have become primary discovery channels for this demographic, fostering a socially connected generation pursuing financial independence through digital assets.
However, growth brings challenges, with nearly half of young crypto users concerned about misinformation, opening the door for trusted platforms to lead in education and responsible adoption.
“The UAE’s clear regulations and zero capital gains tax have created the perfect environment for crypto growth. With an engaged and forward-looking population, it’s no surprise the country is now seen as the crypto capital of the Arab world,” said Solaiman AlRifai, founder and board member, Mining Grid.
Regional neighbors are following suit with their own approaches. Saudi Arabia recorded a remarkable 153 percent growth and leads GCC countries in youth crypto adoption rates. Meanwhile, Oman has taken a sustainability-focused path, investing over $1.1 billion in green mining infrastructure to position itself as a hub for environmentally conscious crypto mining operations.
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Tokenization of real-world assets drives new wave of interest
“The UAE has created the ideal environment where curiosity meets clarity. We’re seeing a new generation that doesn’t just want to invest in crypto but wants to understand it, build with it, and lead its next chapter. We’re also witnessing a surge in Bitcoin mining, driven by demand for decentralization, transparency, and energy-conscious innovation,” said Rami Alsridi, founder and CEO, Mining Grid.
Bitcoin maintains market dominance while Ethereum’s ecosystem resilience keeps digital assets in the spotlight. Stablecoins have become a cornerstone of regional value transfer, now comprising 66 percent of all on-chain transactions. The tokenization of real-world assets, including real estate and bonds, is driving new waves of institutional interest across the region.
Looking toward 2026, analysts project that youth-led crypto accounts will become the largest new onboarding segment in the region by Q4 2025, and Gulf countries are expected to continue exploring sustainable crypto mining practices. The report also anticipates continued growth in mobile-first, gamified crypto platforms, increased institutional participation in tokenized assets, and accelerated adoption of clean-energy-backed mining models across the Middle East.
