It is fully licensed by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) in Dubai. This license allows Crypto.com to provide various services, such as buying, selling, and trading cryptocurrencies, as well as lending and borrowing digital assets. You can use local bank transfers to deposit AED seamlessly, and credit or debit cards like Visa and MasterCard are also supported. It uses advanced measures like cold storage and multi-factor authentication to protect your assets. Additionally, the platform has a mobile app available on iOS and Android. Rain is one of the top crypto trading platforms in the UAE, known for its secure and easy-to-use platform.
Binance (Binance Dubai / ADGM Licensed)
Both platforms are known for high-security features and are well-present as regional platforms. Also, many people are worried about hacks or insolvency on CEXs, but most of the platforms have strong security measures. If you are new to crypto trading or want simple payment methods such as credit cards or bank transfers, a trustworthy CEX is always a good choice. Bitget is one of the best Bitcoin exchanges in the UAE, offering a range of advanced trading features. So, whether you’re buying major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum or exploring smaller tokens, Bitget has plenty of options. OKX is one of the best UAE crypto exchanges, designed for all types of traders.
Buying bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in Dubai is a simple process and usually takes less than 10 minutes to get fully setup. However, the process is a little slower than centralized ones, since you will be waiting for someone who would accept your offer or agree on your terms to become either the buyer or the seller. But if you’re concerned about privacy and flexibility, a P2P exchange may be what you’re looking for. Prioritize exchanges registered under VARA (Dubai) or ADGM (Abu Dhabi) for top-tier protection and compliance (e.g., Binance, Rain, OKX, Gate.io). The things to look at are maker and taker fees, withdrawal charges and deposit fees.
Wallets
- In February 2019, Kraken announced that it had raised $100 million in a direct offering to its largest customers at a $4 billion valuation.
- That’s why I have done a lot of research and testing to find out the best crypto exchanges in Dubai.
- Its social trading features allow users in the UAE to learn from and interact with the global community of investors.
In the UAE, OKX allows you to deposit and withdraw AED directly using local bank accounts. Global exchanges with localized features, like Binance’s partnership with VARA, are also excellent choices. Just make sure the exchange you’re thinking of choosing has all these features packed in one. For traders in the UAE, it’s important to choose an exchange that offers services specifically to that region. As discussed before, Rain and CoinMENA are two of the best local exchanges that are regulated by the Binance cryptocurrency exchange Middle Eastern authorities. Additionally, if an exchange offers insurance for funds lost due to hacks is an added advantage that must always be considered.
Stablecoins and Payment Innovation
While not Dubai-based, it’s fully accessible in the UAE and offers unmatched security along with pro-level features. Whether you’re an investor, trader, or curious beginner, choosing the right Dubai crypto exchange is essential for security, liquidity, and convenience. Here’s our updated list of the top 10 exchanges dominating the UAE market in 2025.
Best Crypto Exchanges for the UAE Reviewed
Binance has margin trading, where you can borrow funds from its margin pool and trade with 10x leverage. You can earn interest on your idle crypto assets by lending them to Binance’s savings pool or subscribing to flexible or locked savings products. Binance is the biggest crypto exchange in the world and has secured a virtual asset license from VARA, Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority. Leaving your coins on an exchange poses a security risk as many exchanges are targets for hackers to steal user funds. Storing your own coins on your personal hardware wallet mitigates that risk. There are also several options available for buying and selling without verification on P2P exchanges, although they are much less user-friendly and are recommended for more advanced users.
- It also offers a private and secure way for individuals and institutions to make large trades via OTC trading desk.
- Recently, Bybit secured a Provisional (Non-Operational) Approval for a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai’s VARA.
- You can also enjoy zero fees on deposits and withdrawals, as well as competitive trading fees.
- The exchange also launched a referral program which allows users to earn rewards by inviting friends to join the platform.
- A safe exchange ensures your trading experience is hassle-free and your money is protected.
- Rain is licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) as a Crypto-Asset Brokerage and is subject to rigorous cybersecurity, capital reserve, and banking compliance standards.
Instead, you must deposit cryptocurrency or purchase digital assets to begin trading on OKX. The exchange has patterned with Simplex and Banxa to offer credit/debit card purchases. Additionally, you can buy crypto with a local bank transfer through the OKX P2P exchange, making the platform accessible for those without crypto holdings. Dubai has earned its reputation as the financial and technological capital of the Middle East—and when it comes to cryptocurrencies, the city is blazing ahead. An area where Bybit shines above other crypto trading platforms is its selection of features.
What Makes a Good Crypto Exchange?
The majority of cryptocurrency funds held by Rain are stored offline in a proprietary Cold Storage system. Rain uses bank-grade security, encryption, and meets all CCSS requirements. Rain is licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) as a Crypto-Asset Brokerage and is subject to rigorous cybersecurity, capital reserve, and banking compliance standards. Hedge With Crypto aims to publish information that is factual, accurate, and up-to-date.
These exchanges are known for regulatory compliance, robust security, and transparency. Look for proof-of-reserves and third-party audits as part of your due diligence. To reduce costs and increase transaction speed, many exchanges now support Layer 2 solutions like Arbitrum and Optimism, as well as Bitcoin’s Lightning Network. These integrations enable faster deposits, withdrawals, and microtransactions with reduced gas fees. So, if you want to trade specific coins or tokens, check the exchange’s list of coins and tokens before signing up. A platform with more cryptocurrencies gives you more trading opportunities and helps you diversify your portfolio.
Regulatory compliance should be your utmost priority whenever you’re looking for a crypto exchange. If the platform is licensed it means that it adheres to local and international laws and offers a secure, transparent trading ecosystem. This exchange is ideal for users in the Middle East looking for a regulated platform with local fiat support including AED and totally compliant with Islamic finance principles. Rain uses proprietary cold storage technology to keep the users’ funds safe.
Jay has been providing commentary on the cryptocurrency market and offering readers guidance for over three years. Binance’s mission is to enable a global, decentralised, and trustless digital exchange. This means that it creates a system where all kinds of transactions are available, regardless of whether they involve fiat money, cryptocurrencies, or the transfer of money through the Binance wallet. In 2020, the Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) released guidance on the regulation of digital securities.
At FXEmpire, we strive to provide unbiased, thorough, and accurate exchange reviews by industry experts to help our users make smarter financial decisions. With the VASP license, Binance said it will be able to extend its services to “retail investors,” defined by VARA as entities that are neither qualified nor institutional investors. Binance will therefore be able to now provide services to individual investors in Dubai who do not meet the aforementioned criteria.