Page Summary
This guide helps users to find the best crypto exchange in UAE for investing and trading digital currencies. Most cryptocurrency trading platforms often lack security, transparency, and liquidity. Additionally, the growing number of reliable and scam crypto exchanges in the United Arab Emirates makes choosing the ideal option for individual needs challenging.
For cryptocurrency traders and investors to select the best crypto exchange, they need to be aware of nontransparent (scam) exchanges and understand the unique features of crypto exchanges, keeping in mind that they are not protected in case of the exchange’s bankruptcy.
To help investors make an informed decision on which crypto exchange to trade or invest at, considering their individual cryptocurrency investment and trading goals, our experts have reviewed and compared the key features of the best crypto exchanges in UAE and Dubai.
This guide evaluates, compares, and reviews 5 crypto exchanges available in the UAE to help users find the ideal platform that suits their personal needs. The highest-rated exchanges in the UAE are listed below, followed by our in-depth expert reviews, comparisons, and FAQs.
Top 5 Crypto Exchanges In UAE
- eToro – Best Beginners Exchange in UAE
- OKX – Highest Liquidity Exchange
- Binance – Best Availability of Coins Crypto Exchange
- HTX – Most Secure Exchange
- ByBit – Best Crypto Trading Platform Exchange
The best cryptocurrency exchanges in UAE and Dubai are reviewed below including a list of key features.
1. eToro – Best Beginners Exchange in UAE
Min Deposit: $100
Fees: 4.8
Assets available: 4.8
Total Fees:
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong Take 2 min to learn more
eToro is an Israeli social trading and multi-asset investment company founded in 2017 that allows users to trade and invest in forex, stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. It is the best cryptocurrency exchange for beginners because the in-house developed trading platform and trading app are incredibly user-friendly, making trading and investing easy for beginner cryptocurrency traders and investors.
eToro users can trade and invest in 70 different cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, at low trading fees of 1% on each crypto order. eToro UAE users’ minimum first deposit is $100. Available funding methods include debit and credit cards, PayPal, Neteller, Klarna, and bank wire transfers.
Although eToro is regulated by the FCA, SEC, and ASIC, it doesn’t post Proof of Reserve or liquidity numbers. However, it is possible to earn passive income by staking Cardano (ADA) and Tron (TRX) at eToro.
eToro Academy allows new investors and traders to learn about cryptocurrency trading and investing, including portfolio management skills and how technical and fundamental analysis works. Account security can be increased by adding a two-factor authentication to their login process.
The eToro customer support is available in 10 languages, including Arabic and English, and is available 24/7 via its ticket system, WhatsApp, and live chat.
Key features:
- Integrated hot wallet (eToro Money)
- Great copy and social trading features (CopyTrader, CopyPortfolio)
- Reasonable trading fees (1% maker/taker)
- Low minimum deposit ($100 or 800 AED)
- Beginner-friendly proprietary trading platform and app
- Free Demo account with $100,000 in virtual funds
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong Take 2 min to learn more
2. OKX – Top Crypto Platform for Low Trading Fees
OKX is the world’s largest cryptocurrency derivatives exchange with over 50 million users and the highest liquidity (422k BTC daily derivatives trading volume). OKX offers derivatives trading and spot and liquid marketplace trading services, where custom strategies and block trades can be applied.
In total, 469 spot and 223 derivatives markets are available. Besides cryptocurrency trading, OKX offers earning and Web 3.0 services like flexible and fixed staking, lending, and liquidity mining on DeFi protocols. Additionally, OKX features a full-fledged NFT marketplace.
OKX charges low trading fees of -0.005% – 0.06% / 0.015% – 0.06% and -0.005% – 0.01% / 0.015% – 0.03% maker/taker on its spot and derivatives markets trades, respectively, depending on the user’s 30-day trading volume. Its range of available trading platforms includes:
- Simple Trading Platform – allows users to buy, sell, and convert cryptocurrencies, ideal for beginners.
- Active Trading Platform – enables users access to advanced crypto trading features, such as spot, futures, and derivatives trading with multiple order types like market limit, stop, and conditional orders, dynamic charting features, and advanced and automated trading strategies.
- OKX Crypto App – Allows users to trade, invest, convert, and buy crypto from their mobile devices.
The OKX trading platform is advanced and aims at professional and institutional users. However, the crypto exchange provides various educational materials (beginner guides, trading tips, and market updates).
OKX publishes its Proof of Reserves daily (1:1) and is regulated by Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) and Malta’s Virtual Asset Financial Assets Act. Regarding safety, OKX features bank-level encryption, multi-signature wallets, 2FA authentication, and full KYC verification for large withdrawals.
OKX doesn’t have minimum deposit requirements and allows users to buy cryptocurrencies from $5 with credit cards, bank wire transfers, and e-wallets. Customer support is offered 24/7 through the crypto exchange’s Support Center and live chat in multiple languages, including English.
Key Features
- Broad range of digital assets (469 spot and 223 derivatives markets)
- Low trading fees (-0.005% – 0.06% / 0.015% – 0.06% maker/taker spot markets, -0.005% – 0.01% / 0.015% – 0.03% maker/taker derivatives markets)
- High leverage crypto trading (10x – 20x full liquidation mode and 1x – 100x partial liquidation mode)
- Many passive income opportunities (flexible and fixed staking, liquidity farming, mining, high-yield crypto saving, and lending)
- Built-in NFT platform (buy, sell, and mint NFTs)
- Licensed and transparent crypto exchange (OKX is regulated by Dubai’s VARA and Malta’s VAFA, and publishes its Proof of Reserves (1:1) daily.
3. Binance – Best Exchange For Availability Of Coins and Liquidity
Binance is the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange with 402 available cryptocurrencies and 1591 trading pairs, more than 170 million users, and $76 billion daily trading volume in BTC. Binance offers spot cryptocurrency trading, crypto futures, options, derivatives, and NFTs. Binance users have the option to stake or loan out their digital assets or make use of high-yield savings programs.
Binance has deep liquidity as the biggest exchange with the broadest selection of available cryptocurrencies, meaning orders are filled nearly instantly.
Binance has an advanced trading platform and app that might initially be too complex for beginner users. However, the cryptocurrency exchange offers an extensive range of cryptocurrency trading educational material via its Academy and blog. Additionally, users have access to institutional-grade analysis and in-depth insights.
Binance charges very low trading fees of 0.1% – 0.012% / 0.1% – 0.024% maker/taker fees, depending on the user’s 30-day trading volume. Although Binance posts its Proof of Reserves daily, the exchange is unregulated. However, it is in the possession of both a Financial Services Permission (FSP) and MVP license to be a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in Dubai.
Binance has no minimum deposit and allows users to buy cryptocurrencies with fiat currencies. Available payment methods are MasterCard, Visa, bank transfers, and ADVCash. Binance has its own payment system called Binance Pay with a prepaid Visa debit card, which can be used at external sources to pay for goods and services.
Binance is one of the best-secured cryptocurrency exchanges with address whitelisting, regular 2FA, and withdrawal two-factor authentication. Binance customer support is mainly self-service but offers support through live chat, email, and its extensive network of FAQ pages.
Key Features
- Great selection of available cryptocurrencies (402 digital assets and 1591 trading pairs)
- Deep Liquidity (more than $76 billion daily trading volume in BTC)
- Very competitive trading fees (0.1% – 0.012% / 0.1% – 0.024% maker/taker)
- Web 3.0 crypto services (staking, high-yield savings accounts, liquidity farming, lending, NFT marketplace)
- Own Visa crypto debit card (Binance Pay)
- Fiat-onramp services – (buy crypto at Binance with fiat via credit and debit cards, bank transfer, and ADVCash)
- Reliable crypto exchange (Proof of Reserves, Financial Services Permission and Virtual Asset Service Provider licenses in Dubai)
4. HTX (formerly known as Huobi or Huobi Global) – Great Overall Crypto Exchange
HTX, formerly known as Huobi, is a Seychelles-based crypto exchange founded in 2013 that is considered to be the most secure trading platform for cryptocurrencies. It keeps 98% of its clients’ funds in multi-signature cold storage wallets, a 20,000 BTC Security Reserves Fund. It has fingerprint Touch ID login, two-factor authentication (2FA), and anti-phishing code confirmation for its users.
HTX allows users to trade and invest in 658 cryptocurrencies and has 98 crypto derivatives. Via its in-house developed trading platform and trading app, users can access other income-generating opportunities, such as crypto savings and loans, copy trading, and flexible, non-custodial, and fixed staking. Additionally, users can trade crypto futures and options at HTX and NFTs.
HTX’s trading fees are low, clocking in at 0.07% – 0.2% / 0.07% – 0.2% and 0.02% / 0.04% maker/taker for its spot and derivatives markets, respectively, with fees lowered as user’s 30-day trading volume increases. Additionally, HTX allows direct TradingView trading, automated trading with Expert Advisors, and copy trading.
The HTX trading platform is beginner-friendly, and new users can learn how the platform works through HTX Learn and the Futures Academy. Although the crypto exchange is mostly self-service, its customer support can be reached 24/7 in multiple languages through a ticketing system initiated via chatbot.
HTX has no minimum deposit requirements except for USDT, which is 100. HTX offers cryptocurrency purchases with Visa and MasterCard through Quick Trade, fiat deposits via Fiat Deposit, large trades through the OTC Desk, and user-to-user trades through the exchange’s P2P Marketplace.
HTX has high spot and derivatives market liquidity of over 35k and 46k BTC daily trading volume, respectively. Users should note that although HTX publishes its Proof of Reserves from time to time (1:1), it is an unregulated cryptocurrency exchange as of the time this guide was written.
Key Features
- High-security standards (multi-signature cold storage wallets, fingerprint Touch ID login, two-factor authentication, anti-phishing code confirmation, 20k BTC security reserve fund)
- Broad range of digital assets (658 cryptocurrencies and 98 crypto derivatives with up to 200:1 leverage)
- Many passive income-generating products (crypto savings and loans, copy trading, flexible, non-custodial, and fixed staking)
- Built-in NFT Marketplace
- Multiple fiat on-ramp services (Quick Trade, Fiat Deposit, OTC Desk, P2P Marketplace)
- Highly liquid crypto exchange (35k+ BTC and 46k+ BTC daily trading volume on spot and derivatives markets, respectively)
- Proof of Reserves (1:1)
5. Bybit – Best Crypto Trading Platform Exchange
ByBit is a Dubai-based crypto derivatives exchange with a 24h trading volume of over 2 billion dollars that allows users to invest in and trade 407 different cryptocurrencies and 275 crypto derivatives on a non-custodial, multi-chain DEX with up to 100:1 on MetaTrader 4.
Its trading platform and app are beginner-friendly yet feature-rich and offer ways to make passive income with crypto, such as flexible and fixed staking, high-yield savings accounts, copy trading, and liquidity mining. Additionally, ByBit provides automated wealth management services, a prepaid crypto debit card, and a built-in NFT marketplace.
ByBit provides users access to TradeGPT, an AI trading bot, crypto trading tournaments, and a Position Builder that simulates P/L for perpetual, futures, and options. However, the crypto exchange is mostly self-serviced and offers fewer educational resources than other exchanges.
Security-wise, ByBit features triple-layer asset, data, and privacy protection, real-time security monitoring, IP and wallet address whitelisting, and two-factor authentication login. Besides being a safe crypto exchange, ByBit is also transparent, as it posts its Proof of Reserves (1:1) regularly. However, the exchange is unregulated for the time being.
ByBit charges competitive trading fees of 0.02% – 0.1% / 0.02% – 0.1% spot and 0.01% – 0.055% / 0% -0.02% derivatives maker/taker fees, respectively. The higher the user’s 30-day trading volume, the lower the fees. Apart from trading fees, ByBit charges a 0,02% funding fee.
Bybit’s available funding methods include credit/debit cards, cryptocurrencies, and PayPal. Only crypto withdrawals are supported, and the exchange doesn’t have minimum deposit requirements. Additionally, ByBit provides fiat on-ramp services, allowing users to buy crypto with AED and other currencies.
The ByBit customer service is available in multiple languages, including English and Arabic via email and live chat.
Key Features
- Wide selection of digital assets supported (407 cryptocurrencies and 275 crypto derivatives)
- Broad range of crypto trading and earning features (spot and derivatives markets, flexible and fixed staking, high-yield savings accounts, copy trading, liquidity mining, wealth management services, prepaid crypto debit card, and built-in NFT marketplace)
- High leverage crypto trading (up to 100:1)
- Low trading fees (0.02% – 0.1% / 0.02% – 0.1% spot and 0.01% – 0.055% / 0% -0.02% derivatives maker/taker fees, respectively)
- Great variety of accepted payment methods (crypto, e-wallets, credit/debit cards)
- Dubai-based and Proof of Reserves (1:1)
How To Choose The Ideal Cryptocurrency Exchange and Platform in UAE?
Criteria for finding an exchange with the best crypto trading platform in UAE are listed below.
- Available Banking Methods – The best crypto exchanges and apps in UAE support various banking methods, including bank wire transfers, credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies.
- Minimum Deposit Requirement – Minimum deposit requirements vary per crypto exchange and app. While some traders and investors are looking for low-entry platforms, others might prefer higher minimums and OTC trading desks.
- Experience Level Needed – While some crypto traders and investors seek easy-to-use exchanges, others might prefer advanced trading platforms with complex features (such as leveraged trading, crypto futures, and options).
- Security – The safety and security of crypto exchanges and apps is paramount. The best crypto exchanges and apps feature two-factor authentication login, wallet address and IP whitelisting, unique withdrawal passwords, touch and facial ID login, and extensive KYC procedures.
- Supported Web 3.0 Products – The best crypto exchanges offer various crypto products, including staking, lending, liquidity farming, high-yield savings accounts, and other passive income-generating investment vehicles.
- Range of Digital Assets – The more digital assets a crypto exchange supports, the better. Ideally, users can access a broad range of digital assets, often in the hundreds or even thousands.
- Fees and Pricing – Including trading fees (maker/taker fees, flat fees, volume-based fees, and commissions) and non-trading fees (deposit/withdrawal fees, currency conversion fees, and mining fees).
- Regulation and Reliability – The best crypto exchanges in UAE and Dubai are subject to regulatory compliance, have Virtual Asset licenses, have a significant number of users, loads of positive user feedback, and have a non-hacked track record.
- Customer Support – Great crypto exchanges and apps have excellent, multilingual customer support, available in English and Arabic via email, phone, and live chat. Additionally, these exchanges have extensive networks of FAQ pages.
- Transparency – The best crypto exchanges in UAE and Dubai are transparent about their fees, liquidity, management, and assets. Added to this, they provide regular Proof of Reserves updates and keep their ratio above 1:1.
- Liquidity – Ideal cryptocurrency exchanges are highly liquid, having high trading volumes, resulting in fast order fillings.
- Educational Resources – Top-rated crypto exchanges provide users with a wide range of educational resources, including video courses and quizzes, explainer articles, tutorials, and guides.
- Mobile App and Cross-platform Trading – The best crypto exchanges have intuitive trading and investing apps and allow users to trade and invest cross-platform.
Top UAE Exchanges Compared
Key features of the top-rated exchanges for UAE traders and investors are compared in the table below.
| eToro | OKX | Binance | HTX | ByBit | Range | |
| Broker/Exchange | Broker | Crypto Exchange | Crypto Exchange | Crypto Exchange | Crypto Exchange | |
| Spot Markets | 80 | 469 | 1204 | 658 | 407 | 0-1204 |
| Derivative Markets | – | 223 | 296 | 98 | 275 | 0-296 |
| NFT | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Platforms | eToro | TradingView | TradingView Built in | TradingView built in | MT4, TradingView Built in | |
| Automated Trading | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Copytrading | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | |
| Demo Account | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | AAA – D |
| Safety | DDD | A | AAA | AAA | AAA | |
| Liquidity spot (BTC) | N/A | 53k | 359k | 35k | 46k | 0 – 359k |
| Lifudity derivetives (BTC) | – | 422k | 1379k | 46k | 311k | 0 – 1379k |
| Fees spot (Taker/Maker) | 1%/1% | -0.005% – 0.06% / 0.015% – 0.06% | 0.1% – 0.012% / 0.1% – 0.024% | 0.07% – 0.2% / 0.07% – 0.2% | 0.02% – 0.1% / 0.02% – 0.1% | 0 – 1% |
| Fees derivetives (Taker/Maker) | – | -0.005% – 0.01% / 0.015% – 0.03% | 0.1% – 0.012% / 0.1% – 0.024% | 0.02% / 0.04% | 0.01% – 0.055% / 0% -0.02% | 0 – 0.1% |
| Customer support | Phone, eMail, Live-chat | Ticket Messages, Live-chat | Ticket Messages, Live-chat | Ticket Messages | eMail, Live-chat | |
| Proof of reserves | N/A | 1:1 | 1:1 | 1:1 | 1:1 | |
| Regulation | FCA, SEC, ASIC | – | – | – | – | |
| Other crypto servicces | – | Wallet, Savings, Loans, Mining | Wallet, Savings, Loans, Mining, Pay | Savings, Loans | Wallet, Savings, Loans, Mining, Wealth Management |
What Are Crypto Exchanges?
Crypto exchanges are trading platforms that allow users to buy, sell, trade, and invest in cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other digital assets. They act as middlemen in the cryptocurrency industry as brokers do in the stock market.
Key characteristics of cryptocurrency exchanges include:
Types of crypto exchanges:
- Centralized Exchanges (CEX) – This type of exchange is operated by a central organization that enables users access to the cryptocurrency markets. They are often user-friendly and highly liquid but require traders and investors to trust their platform with their funds.
- Decentralized Exchanges (DEX) – These exchanges run without a central authority, using smart contracts. They are often more secure and provide a higher level of privacy, but have lower liquidity and are usually not beginner-friendly.
Functions:
- Trading Crypto – Crypto exchanges allow users to trade and invest in cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana.
- Fiat to Crypto on-ramp Services – The best crypto exchanges and apps in UAE and Dubai allow users to exchange ‘’fiat’’ currencies (EUR, USD, GBP, etc.) for cryptocurrencies.
- Price Discovery – Crypto exchanges offer users the tools (charting, technical analysis, indicators, and more) to determine where the market price of digital assets are heading based on supply and demand.
Features:
- Built-in Wallets – The best crypto exchanges in UAE and Dubai offer custodial and non-custodial cryptocurrency wallet services so users can safely store their digital assets.
- Liquidity – The higher the liquidity of a crypto exchange, the earlier your buy and sell orders get filled.
- Security – Including two-factor authentication, touch and facial ID login, IP and wallet address whitelisting, and strong encryption.
- Regulatory Compliance – Crypto exchanges are often subject to regulatory requirements, such as Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policies across the globe.
- Trading Tools and Features – Top-rated crypto exchanges offer users access to various trading tools, such as dynamic charting, leveraged trading, technical analysis tools, indicators, futures, and options trading.
- Fees and Commissions – Crypto exchanges charge fees for their services, including trading fees and commissions, withdrawal fees, inactivity fees, and currency conversion fees.
- User Friendliness – Easy-to-use trading platforms and mobile crypto trading apps are what users look for in a great crypto exchange.
Cryptocurrency exchanges play a vital role in the digital asset industry by allowing users to trade crypto, conduct market price discovery, and store their cryptocurrencies. However, their security measurements, regulatory compliances, fees, and services differ.
Is Crypto investment regulated and legal in the UAE and Dubai?
Yes, it is legal to buy cryptocurrency in the UAE. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dubai introduced the Virtual Assets and Related Activities Regulations Act on February 7, 2023. The UAE is known for its proactive approach to financial innovations and technologies and wants to regulate the industry, ensuring healthy future growth.
Key Aspects of Crypto Regulation in the UAE and Dubai:
- Regulatory Bodies – The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) regulates the financial markets, including digital assets from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), whilst the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) oversees and regulates the broader UAE financial markets.
- Crypto Regulations – The UAE has actively developed regulations to regulate the crypto industry, including licensing and compliance requirements and constant monitoring of activities in the digital asset space to prevent illegal activities, such as money laundering and terrorist financing.
- Crypto-Friendly Environment – Dubai aims to become a blockchain and digital asset hub by encouraging growth within the industry and establishing free zones for businesses in this sector.
- Innovation and Blockchain Adoption – The UAE government constantly promotes blockchain technology and uses it to develop its government services and use cases within other sectors and markets.
- Legal Framework for Crypto Exchanges – Dubai and the UAE are actively developing a legal framework for crypto exchanges that meets the highest operational and security standards.
Keep in mind that the legal landscape for digital assets evolves quickly, and that the most up-to-date information on crypto regulations in the UAE and Dubai can be found on the official websites of the government and relevant regulatory authorities. It may be wise to consult with a legal expert in the region for the latest updates.
Is Binance legal in Dubai?
Binance has been granted the Virtual Asset Service Provider license by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, a move that could be viewed as a positive development for its users in the UAE.
Is Dubai a crypto-friendly country?
The UAE has a high standard of living, great infrastructure, and a strong economy, making it an attractive place for crypto enthusiasts. Many other countries are also becoming more welcoming to cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.
Is Crypto Taxed in the UAE?
No, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), income generated from crypto trading, staking, and investing isn’t taxed on a personal level. The reason for this is because the UAE doesn’t levy personal income tax on individuals via the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Because of this, the UAE, and Dubai in particular, is an attractive hub for cryptocurrency traders and investors alike.
Businesses participating in cryptocurrency activities are subject to general corporate tax as there is no specific tax regime in place for this industry (yet). Corporate tax is 9% on revenues from UAE-based businesses. Free zone businesses with revenue from outside the UAE will pay no corporate tax. It is mandatory to stay updated regarding potential policy changes by the Federal Tax Authority as both individuals or businesses operating in the digital asset space.
What is The Best Crypto Wallet in UAE?
The ‘’best’’ cryptocurrency wallet in UAE differs per person, as each person has its own individual needs and preferences when it comes to digital assets. However, our experts will highlight the key criteria to keep in mind when selecting a UAE crypto wallet below.
Criteria to Consider:
- Security – Go for crypto wallets with top-notch security features like two-factor authentication, IP and wallet whitelisting, multi-signature support, and backup restoration methods.
- User Interface – User-friendliness is crucial. An easy-to-use interface makes managing digital assets a breeze, even for beginners.
- Supported Cryptocurrencies – Crypto wallets should support the digital assets someone wants to trade or invest in.
- Accessibility – Some users might prefer mobile crypto wallets to access them on the go, while others prefer hardware wallets for storing larger amounts of digital assets safely.
- Reputation – It is advisable to conduct extensive due diligence and research on a crypto wallet’s reputation by reading user reviews before funding it.
- Compliance – Make sure the crypto wallet complies with UAE regulations.
Popular Crypto Wallets:
- Hardware Wallets – The Trezor Model T/One, Ledger Nano/X, Keepkey, and Ellipal all offer excellent cold storage security features and beginner-friendly interfaces.
- Software Wallets – Trust Wallet and MetaMask are mobile crypto wallets and browser extensions that support a broad range of cryptocurrencies.
- Exchange Wallets – Binance Wallet, OKX Wallet, eToro Money, HTX Wallet, and ByBit Wallet are all crypto wallets suitable for those who frequently aim to trade digital assets on their respective exchanges.
The ‘’best’’ crypto wallet differs for every trader and investor as factors like the level of security and the types and amount of planned transactions differ per person. Our experts advise storing large amounts of cryptocurrencies in hardware wallets. At the same time, frequent traders should keep some of their digital assets on software or exchange wallets to allow easy trading. Keep your crypto wallet software or firmware updated at all times to avoid unnecessary security risks and to be compatible with the latest digital assets.
What Are The Pros And Cons of Crypto Exchanges?
Here are the pros and cons of crypto exchanges in UAE:
Pros:
- Regulatory Framework – The UAE is establishing a regulatory framework for digital assets and cryptocurrency exchanges, trying to become a pioneer in the industry.
- Innovation-friendly Environment – The UAE and Dubai are well-known for their proactive approach to financial technologies, making it the epicenter for innovation in the digital asset realm.
- Top-notch Security – With a high emphasis on regulation, UAE-based cryptocurrency exchanges adhere to strict security rules and standards, ensuring users’ funds’ safety.
- Advanced Digital Asset Services – The UAE’s commitments to innovation within the sector can lead to more advanced digital asset services being offered, including crypto options, futures, and other digital asset investment vehicles.
- No Personal Income Tax – As there is no personal income tax in the UAE, cryptocurrency investment and trading gains aren’t taxed, which is advantageous for UAE-based traders and investors.
Cons:
- Developing Legal Landscape – The digital asset legal landscape in the UAE and Dubai is still developing, meaning that the modus operandi of crypto exchanges is constantly changing.
- Limited Track Record – Cryptocurrency exchanges are still relatively young, meaning their long-term stability and performance are still partially unknown.
- Global Market Influence – As cryptocurrency markets are correlated to the global stock and financial markets, geopolitical factors can affect the UAE digital asset sector.
- Over-regulation Risks – Potential risks of over-regulation include halted innovation within the digital asset space and appreciation of cryptocurrencies.
- Technology Dependency – Crypto exchanges depend on blockchain technology, which can still contain bugs, glitches, and other cyber-attack vulnerabilities.
- Limited User Apprehension – Some crypto users, including beginners, might find the digital asset space and blockchain technology too complex to navigate.
Considering these advantages and disadvantages, individuals and institutions that want to enter the digital asset space through crypto exchanges should do extensive due diligence and be aware of the associated risks.
Popularity Of Crypto Trading Platforms in UAE
Number of business24-7 users from the UAE that selected these exchanges in the last year are compared in the table below.
| Exchanges | Popularity (number of UAE users) |
| eToro | 4,412 |
| OKX | 9,845 |
| Binance | 10,634 |
| HTX | 7,398 |
| ByBit | 5,976 |
Tips For Beginners
If you are just starting out with crypto trading, there are a few things to consider before signing up with with a crypto exchange.
Start Investing in Stable Coins
The crypto market is highly volatile and a few mistakes can hurt your finances. Make sure you start trading with alt-coins (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple) which have proven to be more stable and receptive for beginners mistakes.
Use a Free Demo Account to Get Started
Always start with a trading platform that offers a free demo account. This allows you to get a feel for the platform, the trading dashboard and to test your trading strategy before investing real money.
Make Use Of Copy Trading
Picking the right cryptocurrencies and the right trades is crucial to your financial success. Copy trading enables you to copy portfolios and trades from seasoned investors based on their past performance, instead of picking them on your own.
Avoid Leveraged Positions
All fo the recommended exchanges offer trading with leverage to a different extend. As promising as it sounds to trade with borrowed money, its is a double-edged sword and nothing that unexperienced traders should make use of.
Video Summary
Watch a short recap of the highest rated choices in the video below or read our Linkedin article.
Conclusion
Trading with cryptocurrency is an excellent investment to make financial gains and grow wealth. However, with the growing number of exchanges in the UAE, potential traders need to gather, compare and evaluate essential data to choose the ideal service for their needs.
In this guide, we have worked hard for our readers to keep them safe and informed by comparing, evaluating and reviewing the services of different exchanges. We have previously removed scams and unreliable offers lacking security features to help them make and informed decision. Our analysis results in a list of the best crypto exchanges in UAE, which is summed up in the table below.
| Exchange | Overall Score | Best For | Fees Spot (Maker/Taker) | Liquidity spot (BTC) | |
| #1 | eToro | 4.9 | Best Beginners Exchange in UAE | 1%/1% | N/A |
| #2 | OKX | 4.9 | Highest Liquidity Exchange | -0.005% – 0.06% / 0.015% – 0.06% | 53k |
| #3 | Binance | 4.8 | Best Availability of Coins Crypto Exchange | 0.1% – 0.012% / 0.1% – 0.024% | 359k |
| #4 | HTX | 4.8 | Most Secure Exchange | 0.07% – 0.2% / 0.07% – 0.2% | 35k |
| #5 | ByBit | 4.6 | Best Crypto Trading Platform Exchange | 0.02% – 0.1% / 0.02% – 0.1% | 46k |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Crypto Exchange in UAE and Dubai
As our experts regularly receive questions about the best crypto exchange in UAE and Dubai and we want our guides to be as inclusive as possible, we have decided to answer the most frequently asked questions below.
FAQ
What Is A Centralized Cryptocurrency Exchange?
Centralized exchanges are run by private companies and require users to register based on the KYC (Know Your Client) rules.
What Is A Decentralized Cryptocurrency Exchange?
Decentralized exchange does not have a central point of control and are not obliged to follow rules of regulatory bodies.
How To Buy Cryptocurrency Through an Exchange?
To buy cryptocurrency through an exchange users need to open an account, verify it through KYC, deposit funds and open a buy trade.
How To Open A Cryptocurrency Exchange Account?
The most common way to open a cryptocurrency exchange account is by applying online, filling out the required forms and submitting the KYC required documentation to prove identity.
How To Cash Out Cryptocurrency In UAE?
To cash out crypto in UAE, users have to use an exchange that supports withdrawals in their fiat currency. A Uquid debit card, a Bitcoin ATM, LocalBitcoins and other P2P exchanges can be used.
Is Cryptocurrency Trading in Compliance to the Sharia Law?
Trading cryptos is u0022halalu0022 and in compliance with the sharia law if the underlaying tokes is halal.
Which Is The Lowest Fees Crypto Platform in UAE?
The platform with the lowest fees in UAE is OKX.
Is eToro within the top 10 best crypto exchange in UAE?
Yes, eToro is within the top 10 best crypto exchanges in the UAE and it is considered to be the most beginner-friendly one.
Is there a Dubai crypto exchange office?
Yes, there are many crypto exchange offices in Dubai. Alternatively, you can convert crypto to fiat and vice versa through the exchanges mentioned in this guide.
What is the best UAE-regulated crypto exchange?
According to our research, the best UAE-regulated crypto exchange is eToro, which is regulated by the FCA, SEC, and ASIC, and is in the possession of a Dubai-issued VARA license.
Can I buy Tether in Dubai?
Yes, you can buy Tether (USDT) in Dubai, either with fiat or other cryptocurrencies via both peer-to-peer marketplaces and cryptocurrency exchanges.
What is 1 Bitcoin to AED or 1 BTC to AED?
As of writing this guide, 1 Bitcoin is about 200,000 AED.
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Braden Chase is an investor, trading specialist, and former research specialist for Forex.com who helps aspiring investors develop the confidence and habits they need to make an income from the market. Braden has served as a registered commodity futures representative for domestic and internationally-regulated brokerages and has also spoken & moderated numerous forex and finance industry panels across the globe.