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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a sizable population of crypto enthusiasts, which enables the country’s crypto market to flourish. Crypto, which began as a small alien concept to the general public, is quickly gaining traction in the UAE. And as further evidence that cryptocurrencies are now a significant component of the UAE’s financial market, one of the first deep “cold storage” cryptocurrency companies in the world is operating in Dubai.
Along with cryptocurrencies, the UAE also introduced its UAE Blockchain Strategy in 2021, with the goal of using blockchain technology for about 50% of all government transactions and establishing its policies on digital assets. Cryptocurrency has stabilized and is a reliable investment option for investors in the UAE as more regulations are implemented in the nation.
Let’s look at the laws, rules, and cryptocurrency transactions in the UAE.
Leading Crypto Exchanges for Emiratis customers
1. Coinbase
- A large number of cryptocurrencies and trading pairs
- Beginner-friendly interface and easy purchase process
- Supports over 100 cryptocurrencies and crypto pairs
- Also offers advanced trading platforms in addition to its beginner-friendly platform
- Lower fees with Coinbase Pro
FUNDING METHODS
CRYPTOCURRENCIES
40+
COUNTRIES
100+
2. Binance
- Relatively lower fees in comparison to other exchanges
- Wide range of cryptocurrencies with over 300 different assets to choose on
- Advanced trading tools for advanced traders
- Crypto-to-crypto or fiat-to-crypto trading
FUNDING METHODS
CRYPTOCURRENCIES
175+
COUNTRIES
100+
3. Crypto.com
- Supports over 250 crypto coins
- Wide variety of payment methods
- A Short verification process for fast trading
- Relatively low fees
FUNDING METHODS
Crypto, Credit Card, Bank Transfer, Debit Card
CRYPTOCURRENCIES
200+
COUNTRIES
80+
4. Kraken
- In all operating jurisdictions, Kraken is fully licensed and able to operate legally, including the US and UK
- Industry-leading security
- All personal information, such as Know Your Customer protocol information is securely encrypted and stored
- A large range of cryptocurrencies to choose from
FUNDING METHODS
CRYPTOCURRENCIES
20+
COUNTRIES
300+
5. Prime XBT
- It offers lower fees, maximum leverage, competitive trading conditions, and competitive trading fees
- Offers 100x leverage of up to 1:100
- Robust technical analysis tools and charting
- Trades can be executed instantly since the platform uses the latest liquidity resources
- Novel covesting feature and turbo trade
FUNDING METHODS
Crypto, Credit Card
CRYPTOCURRENCIES
7
Is it Allowed to Purchase Bitcoin in the UAE?
One of the first regulators in the UAE to issue guidelines and regulations on activities related to cryptocurrency is the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), the primary financial regulator of the Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM). After cryptocurrencies became accessible to the general public, the FSRA released additional guidance on the regulation of initial coin/token offerings (ICOs) and virtual currencies under the initial coin offerings (ICOs).
According to the FSRA, guides decide in each individual case whether a proposed coin token is a security or a commodity.
- If it’s a security token, the Financial Services and Market Regulations would apply to the ICO.
- In contrast, the ICO would be unregulated if it were a commodity token.
Additionally, in 2019, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) published the Regulation of Crypto Asset Activities in ADGM or ADGM regulations, which established the regulated activity of “operating a crypto asset business,” which includes operating crypto asset exchange houses but excludes the issuance of initial coin offerings (ICOs).
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), the UAE’s securities regulator, and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the center’s financial watchdog, both declared that no official rules governing initial coin offerings (ICOs) and the establishment of cryptocurrency exchanges in the UAE have been released.
Additionally, the Central Bank of the UAE has not yet authorized the use of cryptocurrencies as actual currencies or legal tender. However, it is not against the law to buy, sell, or trade cryptocurrencies. Only virtual asset services that have been granted licenses from VARA and have a business license from the Emirate of Dubai are permitted to conduct cryptocurrency trading or any other crypto-related business. You are also expected to refrain from engaging in any illegal activities related to cryptocurrencies and to be accountable for your tax obligations derived from your crypto assets.
In conclusion, it is acceptable to buy and use cryptocurrencies in the United Arab Emirates so long as you follow the appropriate laws and procedures.
How to Buy Bitcoin in the UAE?
As was already mentioned, the United Arab Emirates has lax regulations regarding crypto services and assets, making it simple to buy, trade, and sell cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin there. Here is a guide on where to buy cryptocurrency in the UAE if you’re a citizen of the UAE and are interested in doing so.
This guide focuses on buying Bitcoin in the UAE, but you can follow these instructions to buy other cryptocurrencies as well. At the moment, there are two ways to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies:
- through Bitcoin ATMs
- through a platform for crypto exchanges.
Bitcoin ATMs work similarly to regular automated teller machines. The only difference is that they are used to buy and sell cryptocurrency, more specifically Bitcoins. There are many Bitcoin ATMs spread across the nation, and even a beginner can use them easily because they are completely accessible.
Create a cryptocurrency wallet, go to one of the many BTC ATMs scattered throughout the United Arab Emirates, and follow these easy steps to buy cryptocurrency using a Bitcoin ATM:
To prove your identity, provide a valid ID and your phone number.
Scan your cryptocurrency wallet's QR code using the machine. This could be the public Bitcoin address from your paper wallet, an app, or any cryptocurrency exchange you may own.
Insert your cash into the machine. You can use this to pay for the cryptocurrency you are buying.
Verify the amount and the transaction.
You should anticipate seeing the specified amount of Bitcoin (BTC) or other cryptocurrency in your crypto wallet.
It is best to buy cryptocurrencies through cryptocurrency exchange platforms. Crypto exchanges are online marketplaces that allow users to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies as well as offer other cryptographic services to their customers using any internet-connected electronic device. Due to their lax regulations, UAE cryptocurrency exchanges like eToro, Crypto.com, and Binance are all well-liked places to use to buy digital assets like Bitcoin online.
Follow these easy steps to buy Bitcoin using a crypto exchange platform:
Visit the website of the cryptocurrency exchange to sign up and validate your account. A valid identification card and some personal information might be requested from you. You should then have access to the cryptocurrency services the exchange offers.
Add fiat money to your cryptocurrency exchange account or connect your bank, e-wallet, or debit card. Any cryptocurrency purchases you have in your account will be paid for using this.
Find the cryptocurrency you want to purchase in the market, such as Bitcoin (BTC), by going there. Select it, then select Buy.
Give the necessary details, such as the cost of the purchase and the method of payment. Examine the transaction, then approve it. Then you're done.
Where Can I Sell Crypto in the UAE?
Bitcoin ATMs, brokerages, peer-to-peer exchanges, and cryptocurrency exchanges are all places where you can sell cryptocurrency. However, using cryptocurrency exchanges is the simplest way to sell cryptocurrencies. When you sell your crypto assets, they can help with the transactions and offer a safer platform.
- Visit the website of the cryptocurrency exchange to sign up and validate your account. Some personal information, as well as a valid identification card, may be required. After that, you should have access to the exchange’s crypto services.
- Select the currency to sell, open its page, and click sell.
- Input the required information and review the transaction details.
- Confirm, and you’re done.