A senior representative from the UAE National Security sector has described Bitcoin as a fundamental element of tomorrow’s financial system, signaling growing institutional confidence in digital assets across the region.
Speaking at the Bitcoin MENA 2025 conference in Abu Dhabi, Mohammed Al Shamsi stated that Bitcoin is evolving beyond being merely a digital currency. According to him, global financial systems are undergoing rapid transformation, and Bitcoin has now emerged as “a key pillar in the future of financing.”
Bitcoin MENA 2025: A Landmark Regional Event
The Bitcoin MENA 2025 conference, now being held in Abu Dhabi for the second time, has drawn significant global attention. With more than 10,000 expected participants, around 300 international speakers, over 90 exhibitors, and major industry sponsors, the gathering marks one of the largest Bitcoin-focused events in the region.
Key speakers include well-known global industry figures such as Michael Saylor, Changpeng Zhao, and Paul Manafort, alongside influential regional leaders such as H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti and Ahmed Bin Sulayem. The conference agenda covers a range of topics, from technical advancement in blockchain development to institutional and governmental adoption.
UAE’s Rapidly Growing Crypto Landscape
The United Arab Emirates has become one of the strongest crypto markets in the Middle East and North Africa region. The digital asset sector in the UAE is expected to generate revenue exceeding $395 million in 2025, supported by growing transaction volumes and a diverse crypto ecosystem that includes both centralized and decentralized financial platforms.
Between mid-2023 and mid-2024, the UAE recorded more than $34 billion in cryptocurrency transactions — a 42% year-on-year increase. In 2025, Dubai’s virtual asset market reached approximately 2.5 trillion dirhams, contributing about 0.5% to the emirate’s GDP.
Overall, the crypto sector contributes around 100 billion dirhams to the UAE economy, representing roughly 4.3% of the country’s total GDP.
Strong Public Adoption and Regulatory Advantages
The UAE leads the Middle East region in Bitcoin usage and adoption. More than three million residents — over 30% of the population — reportedly hold or trade crypto assets. The country also sees more than half a million active cryptocurrency traders each day.
Regulatory support has played a key role in this growth. The UAE offers favorable conditions such as:
- Zero value-added tax on Bitcoin transactions
- No personal income tax
- No capital gains tax
- Dedicated regulatory bodies, including Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority and Abu Dhabi’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority
This framework has made the UAE one of the most attractive global hubs for digital asset entrepreneurs, investors, and institutions.
A Market with Strong Future Potential
The broader Middle East crypto sector was valued at over $110 billion in 2024 and is projected to more than double to around $234 billion by 2033, driven by increasing adoption, strong investment flows, and advancing financial innovation.
With statements like Al Shamsi’s and the expanding influence of events such as Bitcoin MENA, the UAE appears positioned to remain a leading force in the global digital-asset economy.
