The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been named the leading country in the Middle East and North Africa for cryptocurrency adoption
The report identifies the UAE as the most developed market for the digital space, citing its growing role in Asset Tokenation pilots and residential programs. It also describes the country as an important bridge between Asia, Europe and Africa in developing financial capital in Poland.
UAE leads mena in Crypto adoption
Globally, the UAE ranks 5th in Crypto adoption, next to Singapore in the First Nations, followed by the United States, Lithuania and Switzerland. The report states that the UAE’s combination of regulatory clarity, institutional participation and strong user involvement, includes one of the highest rates of crypto penetration in the world.
According to the findings, the UAE has adopted the first approach to digital goods policy, supported by clear anti-money laundering requirements and legal frameworks for digital goods service providers. This regulatory environment has helped attract overseas talent and Crypto-focused businesses, cementing the country’s status as a regional center for digital currency innovation.
Saudi Arabia is also highlighted as an emerging player in the region. The report notes that the Kingdom has been strengthening its digital asset infrastructure and expanding licensing infrastructure, with high levels of crypto ownership and public interest showing growing demand. In North Africa, countries such as Morocco have been identified with a strong recovery of grass, although they operate under various restrictive conditions.
The First-First approach maximizes adoption
The report characterizes MENA as a hybrid region where institutional leadership and grassroots leadership exist. On the other hand there are regulated hubs like the UAE, where governments actively support the development of digital assets. In others there are economies facing inflation, capital controls or limited access to traditional banking, where cryptocurrencies are increasingly being used as alternative financial instruments.
While regulatory frameworks and infrastructure remain uneven in much of the region, the report suggests that rising demand, especially among small users, can drive rapid growth if supported by clear policies and strong financial systems.
Michelle Daura, Regional Manager of Mena Bybit, said: “Bybit is honored to contribute to the creation of Crypto patents and Creisor to acquire the power of Cryct at DMCC, and to commit to the growth of the region as the world’s crypto hub.”
The report concludes that the UAE’s approach positions it internally for the next phase of digital asset development, especially as tokenisation and regulated crypto services continue to expand globally.
