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5 Best Crypto Exchanges in the UAE
Looking to trade crypto in the UAE using AED? After testing 50+ platforms this year, we’ve identified the best crypto exchanges serving Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond. You’ll find pros, cons, and expert insights to help you choose with confidence.
By:
Reviewed By:
Updated: Jul 17, 2025
Built-in trading bots, copy trading, and 125x leverage, plus dual VARA and ADGM licenses.
Offers automated staking and investing tools, free AED deposits, and dual VARA and ADGM licenses.
Advanced AI-driven trading bots and TradingView automation with VARA and SCA licensing.
User-friendly trading, educational tools, and global regulation.
Supports copy and grid trading bots with VARA licensing and local AED P2P payments, combining DeFi and traditional trading.
How FXEmpire Chose the Best Crypto Platforms in the UAE?
- Licensing & Regulation: We focused on exchanges regulated by key financial authorities in the UAE, including the SCA, ADGM, or Dubai’s VARA. This guarantees compliance with local laws, financial stability, and better consumer protection.
- AED Deposit and Withdrawal Option: We evaluated whether the exchanges directly support AED funding via local bank transfers, bank cards, or UAE-based payment methods. Exchanges offering seamless and affordable AED payment methods stood out in our rankings.
- Security & Transparency: We reviewed each exchange’s approach to the safety and security of user assets and accounts, favoring exchanges that offer cold storage, two-factor authentication (2FA), anti-phishing codes, and transparent Proof of Reserves.
- Trading Tools & Interface: We assessed the overall trading experience across desktop and mobile platforms, highlighting intuitive navigation, charting tools, and advanced order types. Exchanges with dedicated Lite Modes for beginners also ranked highly in our review.
- Crypto Selection: We compared supported cryptos, including major coins, stablecoins, and trending altcoins. Platforms with a broader range ranked higher as they cater to more traders and trading strategies.
- Low Fees: We compared maker/taker fees, AED transfer fees, spreads, and conversion fees. Exchanges with transparent, competitive fee structures with no hidden costs offered the best value for users in the UAE.
- Liquidity: We evaluated daily trading volume and order book depth on each exchange. Higher liquidity ensures smooth order execution with minimal slippage, even during volatile periods.
- Customer Support: We analyzed support channels, response times, and helpfulness. Exchanges with quick, responsive support, especially with Arabic support, ranked highest.
- Local User Support: We examined UAE-specific features like Emirates ID verification, Arabic support, and regional payment methods. Exchanges tailored to the UAE market ranked highest.
Best Crypto Exchanges in UAE Comparison Table
| Exchange | Ranking | Taker/Maker | Available Crypto | Accepts Fiat | Payment Methods | KYC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Binance | 4.6 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 408 | Yes | +1 | Yes |
Crypto.com | 3.8 Read Review | 0.3% / 0.15% | 425 | Yes | +3 | Full KYC Required |
Bybit | 4.6 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 524 | Yes | +2 | Yes |
Coinbase Exchange | 4.0 Read Review | 1.2% / 0.6% | 302 | Yes | +6 | Yes |
OKX | 4.1 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.08% | 301 | Yes | +6 | YES |
Best Overall
- 408Available Crypto
- Payment Methods
- FeesLow
Why We Picked It
Binance is the world’s top exchange by daily trading volume and user count. It offers a wide range of crypto products, including trading and staking, and is known for stability, security, and transparency.
- Dual UAE Licenses: Binance holds VASP licenses from both the Abu Dhabi Global Market and Dubai VARA. This guarantees full compliance with regulatory frameworks across the UAE.
- Complete Crypto Ecosystem: Binance offers a full range of services, including spot, margin, futures, and options trading, staking, lending, borrowing, and Launchpad, serving all types of users.
- Industry Leading Liquidity: With the highest daily trading volume across both spot and futures markets, Binance has the deepest liquidity in the industry, ensuring stable, reliable order execution even during periods of added volatility.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Supports 500+ cryptos
- Offers spot, margin, futures & options trading
- Low trading fees (0.1% spot)
- Advanced security & $1bn insurance fund
- VARA & ADGM Licensed (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)
Cons
- Lack of free deposit options
Best for AED Deposits
- 425Available Crypto
- Payment Methods+1
- FeesLow
Why We Picked It
Crypto.com is a comprehensive crypto platform. It provides trading, investing, and staking options and directly supports AED bank transfers, so users don’t have to deal with the complications of P2P or the high fees associated with bank cards.
- Free AED Deposits: Crypto.com provides free, instant AED deposits and withdrawals via local bank transfers, making it one of the few major exchanges to directly support AED bank transfers.
- Dual UAE Licenses: Crypto.com is directly licensed by VARA in Dubai and acquired an ADGM-licensed firm, Orion, allowing the exchange to offer financial services across the UAE legally.
- User-Friendly Platform: Both the desktop and mobile platforms are intuitive and easy to navigate, making them suitable for beginners looking to start investing in crypto.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Supports 360+ cryptos
- Free AED deposits & withdrawals
- All-in-one crypto platform with DeFi, staking, NFTs, and rewards
- VARA & ADGM Licensed (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)
Cons
- Higher trading fees (0.25% maker/0.5% taker)
- Crypto.com was hacked in 2022
- Lower liquidity on certain assets
Best for Advanced Trading
- 524Available Crypto
- Payment Methods
- FeesHigh
Why We Picked It
Dubai-based Bybit is a popular derivative exchange with high leverage. Its focus on professional trading features makes it the preferred choice for advanced traders in the UAE.
- Professional-Grade Platform: Bybit’s desktop platform offers advanced order types, complex technical indicators, AI-driven analysis, and TradingView charting. This allows the exchange to support a wide range of advanced trading strategies used by professional traders.
- Range of Trading Instruments: Offers over 550 perpetual crypto markets with up to 100x leverage, plus forex, indices, stocks, and commodities with up to 500x leverage via MT5.
- Licensing: Bybit received provisional approval from VARA and SCA to offer advanced trading products to retail and institutional users, making it one of the few SCA-licensed exchanges.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Supports 700+ cryptos
- Offers spot, margin, futures & options trading
- Low trading fees (0.1% spot)
- Offers forex, stocks & commodities trading
- VARA & SCA Licensed (UAE & Dubai)
Cons
- No Lite Mode for beginners
Best for Beginners
- 302Available Crypto
- Payment Methods+4
- FeesHigh
Why We Picked It
Coinbase, a US-based exchange, was the first to go public with a NASDAQ listing in 2021. It offers easy onboarding and educational content, making it popular among beginners.
- Educational Content: Coinbase offers a wide range of educational resources that help beginners understand the basics of crypto and trading. Its comprehensive FAQ section also guides users through basics like making deposits, trades, and withdrawals.
- Reputation & Trust: Despite not holding a UAE license, Coinbase is the only publicly-traded exchange, meaning it operates under tight scrutiny from US regulators. It is also licensed by leading financial authorities across the US, UK, and European Union.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Supports 290+ cryptos
- Offers spot, margin & futures trading
- Beginner-friendly tools
- Regulatory licences in the US & Europe
Cons
- No UAE licensing
- Suffered security breaches in the past
Best for P2P
- 301Available Crypto
- Payment Methods+4
- FeesLow
Why We Picked It
OKX is a Seychelles-based exchange popular for derivatives (futures and options). Through its Middle East subsidiary, it offers regulated crypto services in the UAE – traditional trading, DeFi, NFTs, and P2P services.
- Local AED Payment Support: OKX’s P2P platform supports many local AED payment methods, including Bank Transfer, Careem Pay, Etisalat Wallet, and Revolut.
- Zero P2P Fees: OKX allows users to trade with each other without any platform fees, meaning the advertised price is the actual price they pay, helping users get more crypto for their money.
- VARA Licensed: OKX is fully licensed with a VASP license issued by VARA, which allows the exchange to offer exchange services legally.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Supports 350+ cryptos
- Offers spot, margin, futures, options, copy & bot trading
- P2P with local AED payment methods
- Low trading fees (0.8%/0.1% spot)
- VARA Licensed (Dubai)
Cons
- No Lite Mode for beginners
- No deposit insurance
How to Choose the Best Crypto Exchange for UAE Traders?
What is the Current State of Cryptocurrency Regulation in the UAE?
The UAE stands out as one of the most progressive jurisdictions for crypto regulation, offering a licensing framework, strong investor protections, and a favorable tax environment.
Its regulatory structure:
- Federal oversight via the Securities & Commodities Authority (SCA) and the Central Bank (CBUAE), under Cabinet Decision No. 111/2022.
- Dubai’s VARA (Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority), established in 2022, regulates VASPs operating in Dubai mainland and selected free zones.
- ADGM’s FSRA (Financial Services Regulatory Authority) oversees virtual assets in Abu Dhabi’s financial free zone under English common law.
- DIFC’s DFSA governs crypto within the Dubai International Financial Centre, parallel to VARA.
However, businesses must stay vigilant, as regulations continue to evolve and compliance across different zones can be complex.
Do Crypto Licensing Rules Differ Between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Other Parts of the UAE?
Yes, crypto licensing rules in the UAE vary depending on the region.
- In Dubai, two main regulators are in charge: the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) manages licenses inside the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), while the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) covers the rest of Dubai.
- In Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) handles licensing through its own financial regulator.
Even though different authorities handle the rules, the main requirements, like KYC or anti-money laundering rules, are mostly aligned across the country.
Are Crypto Gains or Trading Income Taxed in the UAE?
For individuals, the UAE offers a 0% tax rate.
However, businesses are subject to a 9% corporate tax on annual profits over 375,000 AED (about $102,000 USD). This applies to companies involved in crypto trading, brokerage, or mining operations. To stay compliant, businesses should register with the UAE’s Federal Tax Authority and keep proper financial records.
What Are the Safest and Most Compliant Ways to Buy Crypto in the UAE Using AED?
The safest way to buy crypto in the UAE with AED is to use a platform licensed by VARA (Dubai) or ADGM (Abu Dhabi). Your payment method also matters, as different exchanges support different options:
| Payment Method | Details |
| Bank Transfer | Regulated and supports AED deposits |
| Bank Card | Offers fast card-based purchases |
| Local Methods (P2P) | Peer-to-peer trades with local options |
How does P2P crypto trading work in the UAE?
Peer-to-peer (P2P) crypto trading allows users in the UAE to buy and sell crypto directly with each other. The exchange acts as a middleman by providing an escrow service to keep the transaction secure.
Here’s how it works:
- The buyer selects a seller on a P2P platform.
- The crypto is locked in escrow by the exchange.
- The buyer makes a bank transfer or local payment.
- Once the seller confirms receipt, the exchange releases the crypto to the buyer.
What Security Features Should I Look for When Choosing a Crypto Exchange in the UAE?
When choosing a crypto exchange in the UAE, security should be a top priority. Here are the key features to look for:
- Regulatory licensing from VARA (Dubai) or ADGM (Abu Dhabi)
- Bank-grade protection, including cold storage, two-factor authentication (2FA), and withdrawal whitelists
- Proof of Reserves and regular third-party security audits
- Support for AED payments and integration with local banks
- Strong reputation and responsive customer support
- Clean security record with no recent breaches or regulatory issues
Choosing an exchange with these features helps reduce the risk of hacks, scams, and blocked withdrawals.
What are the Typical Trading Fees on Major Platforms Used in the UAE?
| Fee Type | Description | Typical Range / Notes |
| Trading Fees | Maker and taker fees for placing or matching orders (spot, margin, futures) | 0.1%-0.2% (spot), often lower for futures or with VIP discounts |
| Interest / Funding Fees | Charged for margin loans or holding futures positions overnight | Varies by asset and platform |
| Spread Fees | Hidden costs in “Quick Buy/Sell” or instant trades | Less favorable exchange rates, around 1-5% |
| Deposit/Withdrawal Fees | Applies to AED or crypto transfers | Free to ~€3 for SEPA; crypto withdrawal fees vary by asset |
| Currency Conversion Fees | Fee for converting AED to other fiat or crypto assets | Up to 1.5% |
What is the Difference Between Spot, Margin, Futures, Options, and OTC Trading?
| Trading Type | Description | Availability |
| Spot | Buy/sell actual crypto at the current market price | Yes |
| Margin | Borrow funds to amplify trades (with interest/liquidation risk) | Yes |
| Futures | Contract to buy/sell crypto at a future date and price | Yes, requires a derivatives license |
| Options | Right (not obligation) to buy/sell crypto in the future | Yes, requires a derivatives license |
| OTC | Off-exchange trades for high-volume orders | Yes |
Are There Any Red Flags in the UAE Crypto Market to Watch Out For?
Yes, while the UAE has a strong regulatory framework, users should still watch for common crypto risks. Be cautious of:
- Unlicensed platforms operating without approval from VARA (Dubai) or ADGM (Abu Dhabi)
- Scams and rug pulls, especially involving low-cap or meme tokens promoted on social media
- Phishing attempts through fake emails, Google ads, or WhatsApp groups pretending to be official channels
FAQ
Is Crypto Trading Legal in the UAE?
Yes, crypto trading is legal and regulated in the UAE. Key regulators include VARA in Dubai, ADGM in Abu Dhabi, and DFSA in DIFC. The country embraces crypto but enforces strict AML/KYC rules to ensure the safety of consumers.
Is It Safe to Trade Crypto on UAE-Based Exchanges?
Yes, if you’re using a licensed exchange regulated by VARA or ADGM. These exchanges have to follow strict regulations, offer cold wallet storage, and implement 2FA and anti-phishing codes.
About the Author
Shennon Hewaauthor
Shennon Hewa is a crypto trader and crypto journalist based in London. Active in the crypto space since 2017, he specializes in scalping, derivatives day trading, and swing trading. At FXEmpire, he has reviewed dozens of crypto exchanges and has extensive knowledge of platform strengths and weaknesses.
Why you can trust FX Empire
At FXEmpire, we strive to provide unbiased, thorough, and accurate exchange reviews by industry experts to help our users make smarter financial decisions.
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