The Middle East’s financial services sector is set for a radical change in 2024.
Among the trends that will shape the transformation are cryptocurrencies, digital payments, and BaaS (Banking as a service).
Globally, the cryptocurrency market is expanding and is even expected to replace the traditional financial systems in the future.
Dubai, with its many policies that support blockchain technology, is emerging as one of the best markets for cryptocurrency trading.
What is Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is a digital currency designed for use over the internet.
It uses a decentralized system for transactions and does not have a central regulating authority.
Cryptocurrency is managed by peer to peer networks of systems allowing anyone from anywhere to participate in crypto transactions.
The first cryptocurrency, called Bitcoin, was introduced in 2008.
Today, there are over 10000 cryptocurrencies in the world, with the most popular among them being Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash.
How Does Cryptocurrency Work?
Cryptocurrency works on a technology called Blockchain which is an open, distributed ledger that holds details of all transactions in a code format.
Cryptocurrency is generated through mining, a process that solves complex mathematical problems using computer power to create coins.
You can buy cryptocurrency through crypto exchanges or brokers.
Using cryptocurrency, you can conduct transactions with others without involving a third party.
Many people also invest in cryptocurrency similar to investments in bonds, stocks, etc.
Is Cryptocurrency Legal in Dubai?
The Central Bank of UAE* has not licensed cryptocurrencies or recognized them as legal tenders.
However, there are no prohibitions against crypto assets and they can be traded on crypto exchange platforms.
UAE citizens can own cryptocurrencies, and deposit and trade them.
However, things might change now with Arabianchain Technology’s recent launch of DubaiCoin (DBIX) – a public blockchain-based cryptocurrency.
Since it is the region’s first mineable native cryptocurrency, the central bank may consider adopting it as their official digital currency in the coming days.
DBIX can be used to purchase goods and services both online and offline.
The price of DubaiCoin is now controlled by the city of Dubai.
*Note-The Central Bank of UAE is responsible for financial and monetary stability and protection of consumers in UAE.
The Relevance of VAL and VARA for Crypto Trading in Dubai
Dubai’s first crypto law – VAL (Virtual Assets Regulation Law) – was passed on February 28, 2022.
The emirate also formed an independent regulatory body – VARA (Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority) – to govern the crypto sector in the region.
The announcement was made by Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid who said that adopting these laws will establish UAE’s position in the sector.
The crypto law in Dubai came into effect on March 11, 2022.
The two main aims of VAL are:
- Protecting investors
- Regulating cryptocurrencies in Dubai
However, the VAL does not govern the DIFC financial-free zone.
This zone comes under the purview of DFSA, which already has its own regulation for the virtual asset market.
Additionally, the SCA (Securities and Commodities Authority), the securities regulator in the UAE, has stated that it will launch its own regulatory framework soon.
VARA will have the following responsibilities:
- Regulating the sale of the virtual asset and virtual tokens
- Regulating and authorizing virtual asset providers
- Ensure that the data of investors remains secure
VARA will also be linked to the DWTCA (Dubai World Trade Centre Authority).
The Benefits of Crypto Trading in the UAE
The UAE is the most crypto-friendly country.
The DFSA has stated that it is open to working with cryptocurrency businesses that operate in the DIFC.
Apart from this, those working in the sector can take advantage of the many cryptocurrency conferences that take place in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The cryptocurrency market has boomed in the last few years.
This naturally means that the investor ends up paying more taxes.
But the UAE offers you a chance to evade taxes imposed by the western countries.
If you move to Dubai, you are offered full exemption on your taxes.
The exemption includes all forms of cryptocurrency operations – sale, high-frequency or algorithm trading, mining or sale of NFTs, etc.
Most countries ask you to report profits using FIFO (First in First out) or LIFO (Last in First out) accounting or according to IFRS-IRS accounting regulations.
But if you are trading cryptocurrencies on a personal level, in the UAE, you do not need to worry about the costly and difficult calculations.
But, if you are cashing out, the traceability of the coins and their legal origin need to be proven.
Obtaining a Crypto License in Dubai
The procedures for obtaining a crypto license are essentially the same throughout the UAE.
Here is how you can obtain a cryptocurrency trading license in Dubai.
- Obtain the registration form from the free zone authority of your choice (DMCC, DAFZA or any other)
- Fill out the registration form and submit it along with your company’s legal documents and other required documents (which include passports, photographs and other details of the shareholders)
- Choose a suitable space for your business and prepare a rental agreement.
- Pay the crypto trading license fees and the space rent.
- After you have completed all of these steps, your license will be issued (usually within a week).
- You can now apply for a UAE residence visa and open a bank account in the UAE.
Cryptocurrency Tax in Dubai
Crypto investors can make a lot of money by moving into Dubai.
Unlike other jurisdictions that allow crypto trading, Dubai does not impose any capital gains or personal income taxes.
How To Buy Cryptocurrency in Dubai and UAE?
To buy cryptocurrency in UAE, you can follow the below steps:
1. Start a trading account
The first thing you need to do is register with a cryptocurrency exchange or broker and open a trading account.
Some of the best brokers for buying cryptocurrency in the UAE are eToro, AVAtrade, IQ option and Saxo Bank.
You can also open a trading account with cryptocurrency exchanges like Coinbase, Kraken, etc.
2. Deposit money
Once your trading account is verified, the next step is to deposit money into the account.
You can either do direct bank transfers or use credit cards, virtual cards or debit cards.
3. Buy cryptocurrency
The money you deposited into the account may take about three days to reflect.
When it’s done, you are ready to buy cryptocurrency.
You can buy cryptocurrencies depending on your purpose and what the broker or exchange is offering.
You can either buy a whole coin or portions of coins.
4. Store cryptocurrency
After buying cryptocurrency, you need to store it safely, protecting it from theft and loss.
By storing your cryptocurrency on an e-wallet, that can be hardware-based or web-based, with a private key, you can be assured of keeping your crypto purchase safe.
The Current Trends in Cryptocurrency Trading
According to the latest reports, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)* is developing a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency businesses operating in the DIFC (Dubai International Financial Center).
Although cryptocurrency trading is not illegal, the DFSA has clearly stated that it does not consider cryptocurrencies as legal tender.
Even with the risks of crypto trading, the DFSA has shown interest in working with crypto businesses operating in the DIFC.
At present, Bitcoin is the most popular cryptocurrency in the UAE.
Other popular altcoins include Ethereum, Ripple and Litecoin.
There are many ways in which you can trade in the crypto market but some of the current trends are as follows:
1. Day Trading
This involves buying and selling cryptocurrencies on the same day.
As the prices fluctuate, this type of trading is riskier but if done carefully, it can earn you good profits.
2. Margin Trading
In this type of trading, the trader borrows capital from a broker.
This also involves risk as you can end up losing more than you invest.
3. Arbitrage
Here the trader takes advantage of the price differences between exchanges.
For example, if the price of a crypto coin is $10,000 in one exchange and $10,200 in another, the trader can buy it in the first and trade it in the second.
*Note-The DFSA is an independent regulator responsible for financial services conducted in and from the DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)-a financial-free zone in Dubai, UAE.
Popular Exchanges to Buy & Sell Cryptocurrencies in UAE
An online exchange is the best way for investors to buy and sell cryptocurrency.
There are dozens of cryptocurrency exchanges operating here in the UAE, each having its own strengths and weaknesses.
Based on their fees, security, payment, and other factors, let’s look at some of the UAE’s most sought-after crypto exchanges for day trading and investing:
1. eToro
eToro is one of the most reputable and secure crypto currency exchanges in the UAE.
It is authorized and governed by multiple financial regulators, including ASIC, CySEC, and the FCA.
You can start trading at eToro with as little as $10. The platform supports a wide range of currencies.
From Bitcoin to Litecoin, you can find more than 40 cryptocurrencies here.
Additionally, you have the option of investing in stocks and bonds.
eToro is beginner-friendly as it has an advanced CopyTrader feature, which lets you easily imitate what the top traders do.
2. Crypto.com
For investors, Crypto.com provides a variety of services, including crypto debit cards, loans, the NFT marketplace, and interest accounts.
It has the most advanced security tools on the market which will help you buy currencies for a long term.
You can also put your tokens into a savings account and earn interest on them.
If you’re looking for a platform that allows you to conduct transactions using a debit or credit card, then Crypto.com is the right fit for you.
3. Alvexo
Alvexo is licensed by CySEC. It offers a commission-free trading platform for its investors.
Cryptocurrency is just one of the many investment options available here.
You can dabble in pretty much every kind of trading activity from Forex to Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Bonds, and CFDs.
Alvexo provides a wide range of services to its investors, which includes educational materials, news updates about the economy, trade courses, webinars, and even seminars.
4. Binance
Probably the biggest Bitcoin exchange in the UAE, Binance is known for its low-commision rates.
Traders have access to over 600 cryptocurrencies on this platform.
Binance was created with advanced traders in mind.
They offer cold storage, which they claim is difficult to steal.
They keep a large portion of their funds in this facility.
A variety of charting tools and technical indicators are also accessible on this platform.
5. Kraken
Kraken offers a basic interface as well as an advanced platform with a variety of tools and features for more experienced traders.
Founded in 2011, Kraken offers over 65 coins.
Kraken users have access to a variety of internal security tools as well.
If you are looking to trade digital currencies with leverage, Kraken is the best crypto exchange in the UAE.
Also, it is the first international crypto exchange to get a full license to run a regulated trading platform in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
Now, thanks to the collaboration between Kraken and RAKBANK, people will soon be able to trade in dirhams by using their own local bank accounts.
Use of Crypto in Various Verticals
Foreseeing the growing adoption of cryptocurrencies, various industries such as hotels, restaurants, and government agencies have started accepting crypto for payments.
Hotels in UAE Accepting Crypto
LucidPay, a big name in the UAE hospitality industry, uses a blockchain-based system to enrich the guest experience and widen payment processing offerings.
They have recently announced a proposal to launch stablecoin built on the Tezos blockchain network for the hospitality industry.
This move is expected to make transactions more secure, fast, and private.
Auctions Accepting Crypto
Recently, a billion-year-old black diamond was bought in an auction using cryptocurrency for $4.3 million.
The diamond known as “The Enigma” weighs 555.55 carats and was named as the world’s largest cut diamond as of 2006.
The entrepreneur Richard Hert is believed to have bought the diamond.
Restaurants in UAE Accepting Crypto
In 2014, the business bay Pizzeria initiated cryptocurrency transactions in Dubai by accepting bitcoins for payments.
However, it did not succeed since the cryptocurrency was not much known then.
In 2018, a restaurant in Abu Dhabi began accepting cryptocurrency as a form of payment, which again did not see much success.
Hospitals Accepting Crypto
To encourage the use of cryptocurrency in hospitals, several clinics in the US have begun to accept bitcoins as patient payments.
Some hospitals also accept cryptocurrency donations.
It is a work in progress as the hospitals are evaluating the risks associated with it.
Government Agencies in Dubai Accepting Crypto
Kiklabb, a government licensing organisation in UAE, has started accepting cryptocurrencies for payments.
The real estate sector is also encouraging the usage of cryptocurrency with a developer from UAE announcing the acceptance of Dogecoin as payment.
Virtuzone, a business management consultant in Dubai, has also announced that they will be accepting bitcoin payments for their business set-up services.
They hope that this move will make it easier for companies all over the world to set up their businesses in the UAE.
The Future of Cryptocurrency in the UAE
The central bank of UAE has announced that by 2026, they will be launching their first digital currency as a part of the 2023-2026 strategy.
With this move, they are expecting to position themselves among the world’s top 10 central banks.
The cryptocurrency regulations in Dubai are monitored by FRSA (Financial Services Regulatory Authority), SCA (Securities and Commodities Authority) and DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Agency).
A licence from SCA or FRSA is required to provide crypto services in Dubai.
The Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA) and the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority have created a plan to make the Dubai World Trade Centre a crypto zone and regulator for cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets.
It will attract new crypto prospects in Dubai and contribute to a competent future for UAE in the cryptocurrency industry.
GMI’s Research Team is a panel of knowledgeable experts from various fields such as digital marketing, social media, and web development, all united by a common goal—to educate. We enjoy exploring everything from the latest industry trends and emerging technologies to people and demographics, both in the UAE and beyond. Through our blog posts, we share valuable insights that help businesses and marketers stay informed and prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
