UAE

A list of ways to purchase bitcoin in the United Arab Emirates.





Frequently Asked Questions



If I Bought Bitcoin

See how much you would have made if you bought Bitcoin in the past.






Transaction Fees

A look at the transaction fees for each exchange, both spread and commission.

  • Spread fee: Exchanges may charge a higher price than the actual price of Bitcoin.
  • Fee: Exchange fee for the transaction.
  • Total fees: The sum of the spread fee and the fee.
Exchange Spread Fee Fee Total Fees
UpholdUphold 1.5% 0.0% 1.5%
RainRain 1.5% 0.0% 1.5%
CoinCornerCoinCorner 1.0% 1.0% 2.0%

Actual fees may vary. Fees are subject to change. Fee estimates based on our research and testing. Some exchanges may charge less depending on volume.


Estimated Fees on د.إ100

An estimate of the fees for buying د.إ100 worth of Bitcoin using a bank account.

Exchange Total Cost on د.إ100
UpholdUphold 1.5
RainRain 1.5
CoinCornerCoinCorner 2.0


History of Bitcoin in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a significant player in cryptocurrency adoption. In 2017, Dubai-based Emaar Properties announced it would accept Bitcoin as payment for real estate. In 2018, the UAE government launched the Emirates Blockchain Strategy 2021, aiming to conduct 50% of government transactions using blockchain technology.

In 2021, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) established a crypto centre to foster the growth and development of crypto and blockchain businesses. That same year, 3iQ launched the Middle East's first listed Bitcoin fund on Nasdaq Dubai. In 2022, Dubai created the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and enacted its first law specifically regulating virtual assets.



Financial & Regulatory Licenses

Exchange Licenses & Regulation
UpholdUphold FinCEN (USA), FCA (UK), FINTRAC (Canada), FCIS (EU)
CoinCornerCoinCorner Registered Designated Business with the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority
RainRain Licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB).


Deposit Fees

These are fees exchanges may charge for deposits. Fees are subject to change.

Exchange Deposit Fees
CoinCornerCoinCorner SEPA: Free
FPS: Free
RainRain Wire: $0
UpholdUphold ACH: Free
Wire: $0 - $20
SEPA: Free
FPS: Free



Bitcoin Scams in the UAE

In 2021, Dubai Police arrested a gang that had scammed victims of AED 4 million ($1.1 million) in a fake cryptocurrency trading scheme. The same year, authorities warned about the 'Dubai Coin' cryptocurrency scam, which falsely claimed to be the official digital currency of Dubai.

In 2022, UAE authorities arrested 10 members of the 'DubaiCoin' criminal gang who had defrauded victims of over AED 6.5 million through fake cryptocurrency investments. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market regularly issues warnings about unauthorized crypto trading platforms targeting UAE residents.



Mobile App Support

Exchange iOS App Android App
UpholdUphold
CoinCornerCoinCorner
RainRain




Exchange snapshots

Uphold

Visit Exchange
Uphold snapshot
Minimum Deposit $1
iOS app score 4.6
Official rating from the iOS App Store as of November 18, 2024.
Android app score 4.7
Official rating from the Android Play Store as of November 18, 2024.
Deposit Methods ACH, Bank Account, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Credit Card, Debit Card, SEPA, Interac e-Transfer

CoinCorner

Visit Exchange
CoinCorner snapshot
Minimum Deposit $1
iOS app score 4.2
Official rating from the iOS App Store as of November 18, 2024.
Android app score 2.2
Official rating from the Android Play Store as of November 18, 2024.
Deposit Methods Bank Account, Debit Card

Rain

Visit Exchange
Rain snapshot
Minimum Deposit $1
iOS app score 4.6
Official rating from the iOS App Store as of November 18, 2024.
Android app score 3.0
Official rating from the Android Play Store as of November 18, 2024.
Deposit Methods Bank Account, BenefitPay, SWIFT, Wire Transfer, Fawri
Review Read our review