A guide to the best crypto exchanges in the UAE and Dubai [2025]

_{Disclaimer: Crypto investing and trading involve a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Digital asset prices move fast and can fall sharply. You can lose all the money you invest, especially when using leverage or derivatives.}

The UAE's cryptocurrency market is projected to continue its boom in 2025, driven by a proactive regulatory framework and surging investor interest. 

Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and Abu Dhabi’s ADGM/FSRA have issued licenses to major global exchanges. 

By late 2024, VARA had fully licensed 23 crypto platforms, including Binance, OKX, and Crypto.com, and more.

Cryptocurrency marketing in the UAE is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2026) of 4.56%, resulting in a projected total amount of US$414.0 million by 2026.

In this guide, we review the best crypto exchanges in the UAE for 2025 - highlighting their licenses, features, fees, and who they’re best suited for. 

Whether you’re a beginner looking to make your first AED deposit or an advanced trader seeking low fees and a wide asset selection, this article will help you navigate the top options in the UAE’s crypto exchange market.

Best crypto exchange in the UAE: Summary

• eToro: Regulated multi-asset platform (ADGM license) ideal for beginners and social trading (following other investors). 
• Binance: World’s largest exchange by volume with lowest fees and hundreds of coins; licensed in Dubai.
• OKX: High-performance exchange offering spot, futures, and even options, now VARA-licensed. Supports direct AED transfers and easy on-chain withdrawals for serious crypto holders.
• Rain: Bahrain-based, Middle East-focused exchange. Fully regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain, offering a simple buy/sell experience with AED support and strong local customer service.
• Crypto.com: Globally popular crypto app and exchange, VARA licensed in Dubai. Provides a broad ecosystem with an easy UI and plans for local fiat ramps - in partnership with UAE banks.
• Gate.com: The international arm of Gate.io (now with a Dubai VARA license). Renowned for its altcoins variety and solid trading features, catering to altcoin enthusiasts and traders seeking niche coins.
• BitOasis: UAE’s homegrown crypto exchange, fully licensed by VARA. Supports AED and SAR trading pairs, providing a platform for local users with regional support and bank transfer funding.

Another top crypto exchange we’d like to mention is Coinbase; unfortunately, it doesn’t operate in the UAE yet.

Note: For safety, stick to licensed exchanges. The UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has made it illegal for unlicensed crypto exchanges to operate in the country. Always verify a platform’s status on the regulator's public registers, such as VARA, ADGM, or DFSA.

Our evaluation criteria

When shortlisting the top UAE crypto exchanges, we considered several factors, with special focus on local regulatory status, trust/safety measures, and fees:

1. Local license and regulatory compliance

We checked whether the exchange is licensed by a UAE authority like VARA in Dubai, FSRA (ADGM) in Abu Dhabi, or DFSA in DIFC. 

We also considered the scope of the license - does it cover exchange trading, brokerage, custody, or derivatives? 

A platform regulated as a broker-dealer or exchange in the UAE must segregate client assets and comply with UAE laws, offering stronger protections than unlicensed offshore platforms.

2. Trust, safety, and compliance

We prioritized exchanges with a strong record of security and transparency. First, we looked at how they safeguard client assets. 

The best platforms keep most funds in cold storage and hold client money in segregated accounts. 

Next, we check for proof-of-reserves reports that users can verify. We also review governance, independent audits, and any past security incidents. 

We also analyzed whether the exchange has been independently audited or has any history of hacks or regulatory issues. Platforms that operate in a regulated environment - UAE or other Tier 1 jurisdictions - and implement robust AML/KYC measures scored highest for trust and safety.

3. Fees and other costs associated

Let’s face it; fees and other costs significantly impact your returns over time. It’s important to look at the total cost of using a platform, not just the headline trading fees.

• Maker/Taker Fees: Most exchanges use a maker-taker model for spot trading. ‘Makers’ create liquidity by placing orders that are not immediately filled, while ‘takers’ remove liquidity by filling existing orders. Taker fees are typically higher than maker fees.  
• AED On/Off-Ramp Costs: For UAE residents, the cost of moving money from a local bank account to the exchange (on-ramp) and back (off-ramp) is a key factor. Check for fees on AED deposits and withdrawals via local bank transfers or debit/credit cards.
• Hidden Costs: Look past ‘zero commission’ marketing. Consider other potential costs, like currency conversion fees if the platform's base currency is USD, spreads on trades, and network fees for withdrawing crypto to an external wallet.  

Other factors we kept in mind include:

• The range of products the exchange offers - spot, futures, staking, etc.
• Platform user experience 
• Quality of customer support, especially local UAE support.

What are the best crypto exchanges in the UAE? (comparison)

Below is a comparison table of the top exchanges, summarizing key info at a glance. All data is current as of September 2025.

^{As of September 8, 2025}

If we talk about the fees and commissions these crypto exchanges charge, they are quite different from each other. 

The table below helps you understand the fee and commission structure of each of the platforms mentioned in this guide.

^{As of September 8, 2025}

Now, let’s dive into each platform in detail.

1. eToro

• Minimum deposit: $100 (~AED 367)
• Currency conversion fee: ~8.2% AED → USD (820 pips)
• Regulators: ADGM / FSRA
• Demo account: Yes (virtual portfolio with $100k)
• Deposit methods: Bank transfer, debit/credit card, e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller)
• Withdrawal methods: Bank transfer, card, e-wallets; flat $5 fee‍
• Withdraw to hardware wallet (Ledger/Trezor) and external wallets: Partial; you must first transfer to the eToro money wallet, then you can send out on-chain.

eToro is a well-known global trading platform that offers both traditional assets and cryptocurrencies. Founded in 2007, eToro gained popularity for its social trading features, which let you follow or copy the trades of experienced investors. 

In the UAE, eToro operates under a subsidiary licensed by ADGM, making it one of the few locally regulated platforms for crypto trading.

Features

• Trade 75+ cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, ADA, etc.) alongside stocks, ETFs, commodities, and more on one platform. Crypto can be bought as real assets, with the option to transfer to an eToro wallet, or traded as CFDs for leverage.
• eToro’s flagship feature lets you view other traders’ portfolios and performance. You can automatically copy top crypto traders’ strategies with a click, which makes it a great learning tool for beginners.
• Provides staking on select cryptos (Cardano, Ethereum 2.0, and more) where you can earn passive yield. Staking is automatic for eligible holdings, and rewards are paid out monthly.

Fees and commissions

• Crypto Trading: eToro charges a 1% fee on crypto buys and 1% on sells, which is incorporated into the spread (price) you see.
• Currency Conversion: AED deposits incur ~8.5% FX fee (850 pips) if converted to USD. This is a steep conversion cost - an alternative is to deposit USD directly via a USD wire or using a multi-currency account to avoid that fee. Withdrawals from USD accounts have a flat AED 18.6 (5 USD) fee.
• Other Fees: An inactivity fee of $10 per month kicks in after 12 months of no login.

Pros

• Locally regulated by ADGM/FSRA
• You can buy US stocks, ETFs, commodities, and crypto all in one account
• Earn staking rewards on certain coins automatically

Cons

• AED-to-USD conversion fee (~8.5%) is very costly
• While you can withdraw certain cryptos to the eToro Money wallet, not all coins are transferable off-platform

2. Binance

• Minimum deposit: AED 0
• Currency conversion fee: Varies; depends on funding method (bank/card)
• Regulators: VARA Dubai
• Demo account: No (offers ‘Binance Futures Testnet’ for practice)
• Deposit methods: P2P AED transfers, bank transfer, card, and wallets
• Withdrawal methods: P2P AED withdrawals, bank transfer, card, crypto withdrawals with network fee‍
• Withdraw to hardware wallet (Ledger/Trezor) and external wallets: Yes

Binance is the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, and it has a significant presence among UAE traders. In 2022, Binance received an MVP license in Dubai and by 2024 achieved a full VARA license to operate its exchange in the Emirates.

Features

• Over 350+ cryptocurrencies are listed on Binance, including major coins and an ever-growing list of altcoins. You’ll find everything from Bitcoin and Ethereum to small-cap DeFi and metaverse tokens.
• The platform extends far beyond simple spot trading. It includes staking, yield farming, Binance Launchpad for early access to new projects, and an integrated Binance Web3 Wallet for exploring decentralized applications.
• For regions that don’t have direct fiat channels, Binance’s Peer-to-Peer (P2P) platform lets you buy/sell crypto with AED directly with other users, using local bank transfers or wallets with zero trading fees on P2P.

Fees and commissions

• Spot Trading Fees: Binance uses a tiered maker/taker fee structure that starts at 0.1% for both makers and takers. These fees can be reduced by achieving higher 30-day trading volumes or by paying fees with the platform's native token, BNB.  
• Crypto Withdrawals: Standard network fees apply when withdrawing crypto to an external wallet. These fees are dynamic and depend on the specific cryptocurrency and current network congestion.  

Pros

• Hard to beat 0.1% standard fee
• If a coin is trading anywhere, chances are it’s on Binance
• Despite its size, Binance has a solid security record

Cons

• Binance’s interface can be overwhelming
• With millions of users, Binance support can sometimes be slow

3. OKX

• Minimum deposit: AED 0
• Currency conversion fee: 0.1% taker / 0.08% maker; ~0.4%-0.6% AED fiat fees
• Regulators: VARA Dubai
• Demo account: Yes 
• Deposit methods: AED bank transfer, crypto deposits
• Withdrawal methods: AED bank withdrawals; crypto withdrawals (dynamic network fees)‍
• Withdraw to hardware wallet (Ledger/Trezor) and external wallets: Yes

In the UAE, OKX has made strides by obtaining a VARA license in Dubai and specifically catering to the local market with AED trading pairs. If you want to hold and withdraw ‘real’ crypto, this exchange has got you covered.

Features

• You can spot trade on more than 300 cryptocurrencies with deep liquidity. For expert traders, OKX’s derivatives include USDT-margined and coin-margined futures, perpetual swaps on dozens of assets, and even options trading.
• OKX supports the BTC/AED direct trading pair and allows you to deposit and withdraw AED via bank transfers.
• OKX has set a high bar by publishing monthly Proof-of-Reserves (PoR) reports that anyone can verify, showing that customer assets are fully backed. You can log in and check that your individual balance is included in these reports, which adds a layer of personal verification.

Fees and commissions

• Trading Fees: OKX uses a tiered fee structure. For standard accounts with low volume, spot trading fees start at 0.1% taker / 0.08% maker. These fees can drop significantly with high 30-day volumes or if you hold OKB tokens (OKX’s utility token). High-volume traders might see maker fees as low as 0.02%.
• AED Conversion Fees: If you want to hold on-chain Bitcoin in your self-custody wallet like BlueWallet, and you're a UAE Resident, then OKX supports a native BTC/AED trading pair with instant bank deposits. Trading Fees are 0.4% for Maker and 0.6% for Taker.
• Other Fees: Crypto withdrawals from OKX have variable fees similar to industry norms, for example, 0.0005 BTC to withdraw Bitcoin. 

Pros

• You can deposit and withdraw AED directly, and trade crypto vs AED instantly
• Regular proof-of-reserves publications
• The built-in Web3 wallet and DApp access set OKX apart

Cons

• While global, OKX isn’t as universally used as Binance
• Limited educational resources for beginners

4. Rain

• Minimum deposit: AED 0
• Currency conversion fee: Built into spread (~1 to 2.5%)
• Regulators: Central Bank of Bahrain (licensed VASP)
• Demo account: No
• Deposit methods: AED bank transfer, debit/credit card, other GCC fiat (SAR, BHD, KWD, OMR, USD)
• Withdrawal methods: Bank transfers in AED and other supported currencies‍
• Withdraw to hardware wallet (Ledger/Trezor) and external wallets: Yes

Rain positions itself as the UAE's leading regional crypto exchange, specifically designed for Middle Eastern users. The crypto exchange provides a fully licensed, zero-fee option that focuses on simplicity and local market integration.

Features

• Rain’s primary offering is Rain Core, a brokerage-style platform where you can easily buy or sell crypto in AED at a quoted price. The interface is beginner-friendly; just select the coin, enter an amount in AED or crypto, and execute.
• For more experienced traders, Rain offers Rain Pro, a separate interface with an order book, advanced charting (TradingView), and limit/market orders. 
• Supports an array of fiat currencies - AED, SAR, BHD, KWD, OMR, USD - for deposits and withdrawals. You can deposit AED via bank transfer or credit card.

Fees and commissions

• Buy/Sell Fees (Rain Core): Rain charges a 1.5% fee on buys/sells via bank transfer and 4% for buys via card. However, Rain builds the fee into the price quote for simplicity; they often advertise “0% commission” because you’re quoted a slightly less favorable price. But if you look up close, the spread is about 1 to 2.5% on Rain Core trades in normal market conditions. For example, if Bitcoin’s market price is AED 100,000 (just an example, we know it's much more), Rain might quote ~AED 101,500 for a purchase (which includes their fee). The transparency is there; you see exactly what you’ll pay.
• Rain Pro Fees: On the Rain Pro exchange, fees are 0.10% maker / 0.25% taker for all trades. If you place a limit order that adds liquidity (maker), you pay 0.1%; if you take liquidity (market order), 0.25%. There are no tier levels; everyone gets that rate. 

Pros

• No fees on AED deposits
• Fully licensed exchange by the Central Bank of Bahrain
• Fast, bilingual support and a focus on Middle Eastern customers’ needs

Cons

• A 1.5% per-trade fee (or spread) is significantly higher than the 0.1% to 0.2% on international exchanges
• Only offers around 70 cryptocurrencies

5. Crypto.com

• Minimum deposit: AED 0
• Currency conversion fee: ~2.99% on card purchases (waived for 30 days for new users)
• Regulators: VARA Dubai
• Demo account: Yes (Crypto.com Testnet)
• Deposit methods: Bank transfer in USD/EUR/AED via Standard Chartered, card, and crypto
• Withdrawal methods: Bank transfer in USD/EUR/AED via Standard Chartered (availability by country), plus crypto withdrawals‍
• Withdraw to hardware wallet (Ledger/Trezor) and external wallets: Yes

Crypto.com is a global crypto platform that combines a powerful trading exchange with one of the most popular mobile crypto apps. For UAE users, Crypto.com provides a balanced mix of ease-of-use and sophisticated offerings, with the promise of local fiat integration thanks to its Dubai license.

Features

• The Crypto.com App is designed for simplicity; you can buy and sell 250+ coins with a few taps, track your portfolio, and even spend crypto via the app. It supports recurring buys (for DCA), price alerts, and an intuitive interface for newcomers. 
• For serious traders, the separate Crypto.com Exchange (web and app) offers spot trading, margin trading, and recently derivatives (perpetual futures) for various cryptocurrencies. 
• With its UAE entity (CRO DAX Middle East) licensed, Crypto.com is integrating fiat rails in the UAE. In 2024, it partnered with a local bank (Standard Chartered) to enable USD transfers, meaning you could deposit and withdraw USD to the exchange via local banking. It has also been signing MOUs (example, with Emarat to enable crypto payments at gas stations). In the coming years, you can expect AED trading pairs or at least easier AED conversions to be introduced.

Fees and commissions

• Trading Fees (Exchange): Crypto.com’s fee structure depends on 30-day volume and whether you stake their token, CRO. For new users with low volume and no CRO stake, spot trading fees are 0.25% maker / 0.5% taker. However, if you stake a significant amount of CRO (say, 5,000 CRO or more) and/or your volume increases, fees drop in tiers to 0.1% - 0.16% with a moderate CRO stake, and as low as 0.075% - 0.075% at the highest VIP tiers.
• App Purchase Fees: If you use the main Crypto.com App for instant buy and sell with a card or wallet funds, the fee is around 2.99% for credit card purchases (often waived for the first 30 days if you’re a new user).

Pros

• Complete crypto ecosystem, including cards and DeFi
• Significant fee reductions available through CRO staking
• Strong mobile app with an intuitive design

Cons

• Complicated and complex fee structure
• Some features are limited to institutional or are not yet live for the UAE retail

6. Gate.com

• Minimum deposit: AED 0
• Currency conversion fee: Varies by method; generally standard exchange rates
• Regulators: VARA Dubai (Gate Technology FZE)
• Demo account: Yes (Gate.io demo trading)
• Deposit methods: Crypto deposits, card, bank transfers
• Withdrawal methods: Crypto withdrawals, bank transfer (limited AED support)‍
• Withdraw to hardware wallet (Ledger/Trezor) and external wallets: Yes

Gate.com is the global platform of Gate.io, an exchange known for listing a massive variety of cryptocurrencies. Gate has been operating since 2013 and is especially popular among traders seeking new or obscure altcoins before they hit larger exchanges. 

In April 2025, Gate’s subsidiary Gate Technology FZE obtained a Full Virtual Asset Service Provider license from VARA Dubai.

Features

• Offers 3,500+ cryptocurrencies (one of the largest selections globally). From major coins to micro-cap tokens, Gate supports everything. They are often early to list emerging projects with categories like new listings, startup tokens, etc.
• You can trade spot markets or use margin on many pairs with up to 10x leverage on spot margin. Gate’s perpetual futures platform supports contracts for BTC, ETH, and many altcoins with competitive leverage and liquidity.
• Allows copy trading, where beginners can automatically replicate the trades of chosen strategy providers (especially in futures markets). There’s also a Quantitative Strategy Marketplace where you share trading bots and algos that others can subscribe to. 

Fees and commissions

• Trading Fees: Gate employs a ‘flat’ fee model for most users: 0.2% maker / 0.2% taker on spot trades. Gate also has a native token, GT (Gate Token), and holding GT or reaching volume tiers can reduce fees.
• Futures Fees: On perpetuals, Gate actually offers maker rebates for liquidity providers. A common futures fee at Gate is -0.025% maker (rebate) / 0.075% taker, though this can vary by product and your VIP level.

Pros

• A go-to crypto exchange for alt-coin hunters
• Come with top-notch features like copy trading, strategy marketplaces, and IEO participation
• There’s no strict minimum deposit for you to get started

Cons

• While liquidity for majors is fine, some of the very obscure altcoin pairs on Gate can have low liquidity
• Limited UAE-specific features and local support

7. BitOasis

• Minimum deposit: AED 10 (BOLT min)
• Currency conversion fee: ~1% for BOLT deposits; 3.99% card fee
• Regulators: VARA Dubai
• Demo account: No
• Deposit methods: UAE bank transfer (Easy Funding, BOLT), debit/credit card
• Withdrawal methods: UAE bank transfers (flat AED 10), crypto withdrawals‍
• Withdraw to hardware wallet (Ledger/Trezor) and external wallets: Yes

Headquartered in the UAE, BitOasis is the region's largest and one of its oldest homegrown crypto platforms. It holds a full VASP license from VARA and is dedicated to providing a secure, compliant, and simple trading experience designed specifically for the MENA region.  

Features

• Operates on a two-tier platform model. BitOasis Core is an app/web interface for instant buying and selling of crypto using AED or SAR. It’s tailored to beginners and long-term investors. BitOasis Pro is a full exchange interface with an order book, catering to traders who want to place limit orders and trade actively.
• Being a local exchange, BitOasis allows direct trading in UAE Dirhams and Saudi Riyals. You can deposit AED from a UAE bank and trade pairs like BTC/AED, ETH/AED, etc., up to more than 60 crypto assets. Withdrawals likewise can be made in AED to local bank accounts.
• The BitOasis mobile app (for Core) is designed to be user-friendly, showing your portfolio, prices, and letting you buy and sell in a few taps. It supports the Arabic and English languages. Account verification is done through the app with Emirates ID or passport upload, making onboarding fairly smooth for UAE residents.

Fees and commissions

• Trading Fees: The BitOasis Lite platform offers 0% commission on trades. The BitOasis Pro platform uses a maker-taker model with fees of 0.25% for makers and 0.5% for takers. The platform has announced upcoming fee changes effective from 18 September 2025, which you should be aware of.  
• AED Deposits & Withdrawals: ‘Easy Funding’ via a linked UAE bank account is free. The instant ‘BOLT’ deposit feature carries a fee of up to 1%. Direct deposits via credit or debit card have a fee of 3.99%. AED withdrawals within the UAE have a flat fee of AED 10.  

Pros

• Offers services and features tailored for UAE traders
• Offers one of the smoothest fiat onramps
• Free banking integration with major UAE financial institutions

Cons

• Limited cryptocurrency selection compared to global exchanges
• Higher trading fees than some international competitors

Which UAE crypto exchange should you use?

With so many excellent choices on the market, the best crypto exchange depends on what your personal needs are and which exchange fits your trading profile the best.

If you ask me, here are my recommendations for varying use cases:

• If you deposit money in USD, choose eToro, but avoid this platform if you deposit in AED. Why? That’s because eToro deducts ~8.5% of your investment amount when doing the conversion. So if you deposit 100 AED and convert it into USD, you get ~91.5 AED.
• If you want a platform that can do more than just buy and hold crypto, choose Binance. It comes with a huge coin list and high liquidity. Spot fees start at just 0.1%.
• OKX is a good choice if you want more control over your crypto. The platform lets you easily move your coins out to your own wallet whenever you like and supports AED deposits and trading pairs.
• Rain and BisOasis are best if you want something simple and local. They are both UAE-based exchanges, so you can deposit AED via bank transfer without any fee.
• Want an app-first experience? Crypto.com should be your pick.
• Gate.com is a great crypto exchange if you want to trade altcoins that other exchanges might not list. The catalog is huge, and the fees are low.

UAE residents are fortunate in terms of how the crypto exchange market has been growing safely and reliably in the country. You can even use a combination of exchanges as per your needs: for example, BitOasis or Rain as your fiat on-ramp, Binance/OKX for active trading, and eToro for long-term portfolio investing; whatever fits your objectives.

_{⚠️ Risk warning: Crypto exchanges give you access to digital assets and sometimes margin or derivatives. Digital assets are not guaranteed by any government, and platform incidents or regulatory changes can lead to loss of funds or loss of access. Only use exchanges licensed in the UAE and double-check fees, spreads, and on/off-ramp costs before you trade. Nothing in this guide is financial or legal advice.}