9 Best Crypto Exchanges in UAE for 2025: Fully Approved

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Last updated: 

November 19, 2025

Based on our research, OKX is the best crypto exchange in the UAE. This centralized exchange holds a VARA license, supports direct AED deposits and withdrawals via local banks, and its native wallet is fully available in the UAE. You can also use AED to buy and sell 350+ cryptocurrencies and trade crypto-AED trading pairs.

Crypto exchanges can legally operate in the UAE if they hold a VARA, FSRA, or SCA license and if they adhere to AML and KYC compliance standards. The UAE currently ranks fifth on the list of the most crypto-friendly countries in the world, thanks to its favorable tax policy and multiple crypto-friendly zones.

This prompted us to seek out exchanges that offer the best conditions for UAE traders. We tested and analyzed over 30 crypto platforms, basing our criteria on their legal status, available markets, support for direct AED deposits/withdrawals, ease of use, security features, and trading tools. Here’s what we discovered.

9 Best Dubai Crypto Exchanges: Full Reviews

In this segment, we’ll review each platform in more detail to help you find a perfect fit.

1. OKX – The Best Crypto Exchange in Dubai Overall

OKX is a centralized crypto exchange licensed and regulated by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). UAE customers can trade 350+ cryptocurrencies, including BTC/AED, ETH/AED, SOL/AED, XRP/AED, and USDT/AED trading pairs, and make direct AED deposits/withdrawals. The platform also supports spot and margin trading and derivatives (perpetual swaps, futures, and options). Due to UAE regulation compliance, you need to provide proof of at least 500,000 AED in liquid assets to trade derivatives.

UAE traders can buy and sell crypto using local and simple bank transfers for zero fees (you may be charged by your local bank). Cash deposits via linked bank accounts require a minimum deposit of 10 AED. We noticed that OKX processes deposits below 50,000 AED quite fast – usually within five minutes.

OKX also offers a native non-custodial wallet that lets you trade thousands of assets, access decentralized applications, and participate in various events and promotions. On the downside, its P2P trading service doesn’t support AED, which means you’ll need to use the main exchange to convert your fiat to crypto.

2. Rain – The Best Crypto Exchange in UAE for Beginners

Rain is a Bahrain-based crypto exchange licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain. This is also an ADGM-registered entity, with an FSRA license. The platform is suitable for beginners as it offers basic functions, such as buying, selling, and swapping crypto. However, experienced traders will also be able to benefit from its advanced trading platform (Rain Pro).

Rain lets you buy and swap 79 coins and tokens using bank transfers and credit/debit cards. UAE customers won’t have to pay deposit and withdrawal fees. You can also link your bank account directly to your Rain account to speed up the funding process. Rain is partnered with multiple UAE banks, like ADCB, Commercial Bank of Dubai, and RAK Bank.

We noticed that the exchange initiates high weekly deposit, withdrawal, buy, and sell limits, amounting to 3,700,000,000 AED, which is more than sufficient for beginners. On the other hand, credit/debit card transfers are subject to a minimum deposit limit of 150 AED and a weekly purchase limit of 19,000 AED.

3. Best Wallet – Best Crypto Exchange in Dubai for No-KYC Trading

Best Wallet is a multi-chain software wallet with an integrated DEX that aggregates prices from multiple liquidity pool providers in real time. This allows users to swap crypto at the best trading rates. You can also conduct cross-chain swaps using fiat currencies like USD and GBP. Best Wallet supports credit card and e-wallet purchases without requiring KYC verification. This is one of the reasons it lacks an SCA license (at the time of writing).

Best Wallet’s in-built crypto launchpad lets you trade hot presale tokens, like Bitcoin Hyper, Maxi Doge, and SUBBD, in addition to 1,000 popular coins and tokens, like BTC, SOL, and ETH. Moreover, you can connect to dApps, such as Rocketpool and Lido.

Best Wallet is available as a mobile app (for Android and iOS) and will soon be available as a browser extension. On the downside, Best Wallet doesn’t support direct AED deposits and withdrawals. Moreover, its sell/offramp feature was recently removed.

4. Binance – The Best Crypto Exchange in UAE for Advanced Users

Binance is currently the largest crypto exchange in terms of trading volume. This CEX holds a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license issued by VARA, which allows it to provide crypto trading services in the UAE. Binance supports 80+ fiat currencies, including AED. You can buy 600+ cryptocurrencies using bank transfers, third-party providers (Roma), credit/debit cards, and its P2P service. Binance doesn’t charge fees for AED deposits. However, we noticed that AED withdrawals are not supported at the moment.

The platform supports spot, margin, futures, options, copy trading, staking, trading bots, and advanced order types, making it suitable for experienced traders. Binance also provides some of the lowest trading fees. The spot fees stand at 0.1000% for both makers and takers, while maker and taker fees for futures start at 0.0200% and 0.0500%, respectively.

Like OKX, Binance requires UAE users to provide proof of wealth to become qualified investors. They must have an annual salary of at least 700,000 AED or net assets totaling at least 3.5 million AED.

5. BitOasis – The Best Crypto Exchange in Dubai for OTC Trading

BitOasis is a Dubai-based crypto exchange that supports buying, selling, and swapping crypto with AED. You can trade 73 coins and tokens and over 200 trading pairs via its Lite and Pro platforms. The former is tailored for beginners, while the latter is suitable for advanced traders. BitOasis also offers lucrative campaigns and promotions for new and existing users.

What sets this platform apart is its OTC trading service. On that note, you can execute large orders with a minimum amount of $100,000. Plus, there’s no fixed maximum limit. However, you’ll have to complete Tier 3 verification. BitOasis supports direct AED deposits via online wire transfers, bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and Apple Pay. You can also use the Easy Funding feature to connect your bank account to your BitOasis account for zero fees.

On the downside, credit/debit card deposits come with relatively high fees, 3.99%, while withdrawal fees stand at 25 AED (for withdrawals up to 25k AED) and 65 AED (for withdrawals over 25k AED).

6. MEXC – The Best Dubai Crypto Exchange To Trade Futures

MEXC is recognized as one of the best crypto futures trading platforms due to its low fees, which amount to 0.000% for makers and 0.020% for takers, and high leverage. You can trade over 800 perpetual futures settled in USDT, USDC, and crypto with up to 500x leverage. However, we noticed that unlike its main competitor, OKX, MEXC doesn’t support trading pairs denominated in AED, which is a bit of a letdown.

On a positive note, MEXC supports direct AED deposits via credit/debit cards, P2P (bank transfers, Aani, Payby), and third-party providers. We’ve noticed that credit/debit cards are subject to a maximum deposit limit of 18,000 AED per transaction and a maximum daily limit of 36,000 AED, which is quite high, especially compared to Rain, whose credit/debit card limits are 19,000 AED per week.

Besides futures, UAE users can trade over 2,800 spot pairs, swap crypto via its DEX service, and take advantage of its Futures Earn service to earn daily interest by holding USDT, USDC, and USDE in their futures account. On the downside, AED bank transfers are only available via its P2P service.

7. Bybit – The Best UAE Crypto Exchange for P2P Trading

Bybit is one of the best P2P crypto exchanges for UAE traders. Its P2P service supports over 50 fiat currencies, including AED, and more than 600 payment methods, such as Aani, Payby, Careem Pay, and Pyypl. Moreover, you won’t have to pay fees on crypto transactions. You can also buy crypto using Apple Pay, Google Pay, bank cards, and bank transfers. However, we noticed that Apple Pay is only compatible with iOS devices and the Safari browser.

Bybit is the first exchange to secure the SCA license, which enables it to offer trading, brokerage, custody, and fiat conversion services to institutional and retail customers across the UAE.

The platform supports a wide range of trading products and services, including spot and margin trading, futures, options, staking, and copy trading, making it convenient for various types of traders. You can also use its Web3 wallet to store your digital assets offline.

8. Kraken – The Best Crypto Exchange in the UAE for Staking

Kraken is a centralized crypto exchange that, in 2022, received an FSRA license from the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to operate in the UAE. However, in 2023, Kraken closed its office in Abu Dhabi and suspended support for AED deposits and withdrawals. UAE users can still access the platform. However, AED deposits will be automatically converted to US dollars. Kraken is currently preparing to re-enter the UAE market by obtaining a VARA license.

Kraken supports spot and margin trading, derivatives, and staking. UAE users can stake 20+ tokens, such as TAO, BNB, ADA, and ATOM, as well as BTC via the Babylon protocol. This means that in exchange for staked BTC, you’ll receive Babylon’s native token, $BABY. You can stake a maximum of 40 BTC if you use the auto-earn option, while flexible and bonded staking come with no caps. The APR for BTC staking ranges from 0.1% to 0.5%.

Since Kraken doesn’t support AED deposits, to buy crypto, you must first convert AED to one of the following currencies: USD, EUR, CAD, GBP, CHF, or AUD using the Krak app.

9. Crypto.com – The Best Crypto Exchange in Dubai for Diversification

Crypto.com is a centralized exchange that supports 400+ cryptocurrencies, spot and margin trading, futures, options, and staking. What sets it apart from the competition is its crypto baskets, which enable building diversified portfolios. You can create your own basket or choose between thematic baskets, such as meme, DeFi, BTC-ETH duo, and Solana.

UAE customers can make AED deposits and withdrawals via Crypto.com’s fiat wallet, which is available as both a mobile app and a browser extension. Crypto.com doesn’t charge deposit fees; however, we noticed that it only accepts local bank transfers. The minimum deposit requirement stands at 10 AED. You can deposit up to 4,000,000 AED per day and up to 40,000,000 AED per month.

When it comes to withdrawal limits, you can cash out a minimum of 100 AED and a maximum of 400,000 AED per transaction. The monthly limit amounts to 2,000,000 AED. Keep in mind that Crypto.com charges a withdrawal fee of 10 AED. However, if you’re a Prime user, you’ll pay zero withdrawal fees and have higher withdrawal limits (4 million AED daily and 110 million AED monthly).

What is a Cryptocurrency Exchange?

Crypto exchanges are digital platforms that allow you to buy, sell, swap, and trade cryptocurrencies. They can also support multiple products and services, such as spot and margin trading, futures, options, and staking. The providers also let you buy crypto with your local fiat currency, such as AED, and withdraw profits to your bank account, card, or e-wallet, serving as fiat on- and off-ramps.

Types of Crypto Exchanges in the UAE

A crypto exchange in Dubai can be categorized as centralized or decentralized. You can also make AED deposits via P2P platforms or in-wallet trading apps.

Centralized Exchanges (CEX)

Centralized exchanges are owned by a centralized authority, meaning they’ll have full control over your transactions, funds, and private keys. Their role is to connect buyers and sellers by acting as a middleman. CEXs like OKX, Binance, and MEXC generally offer high liquidity, which reduces price slippage when executing large trades.

Fiat integrations are the biggest advantage of using CEXs in the UAE. This means that you can deposit AED via bank transfers and debit/credit cards. For example, Rain is partnered with multiple UAE banks, such as ADCB, Commercial Bank of Dubai, and RAK Bank. CEXs also comply with KYC/AML regulations, which are crucial for obtaining a VARA, FSRA, and SCA license.

However, this also means that some services, such as derivatives and margin trading, may be restricted. Furthermore, CEXs are often victims of cyberattacks since they store a large amount of cryptocurrencies in hot wallets. For example, on Feb. 21, 2025, hackers stole $1.5 billion worth of ETH from Bybit. This happened while Bybit was transferring ETH from its cold wallet to a hot wallet.

Decentralized Exchanges (DEX)

Decentralized exchanges enable users to trade crypto without the need for an intermediary. I.e., you’ll have full control over your funds and private keys. Instead of connecting buyers and sellers, DEXs use an automated market maker (AMM) to execute buy and sell orders. They can also aggregate prices from multiple liquidity pools to provide the best swap rates, as is the case with Best Wallet.

Unlike CEXs, DEXs do not require KYC verification, meaning you can trade crypto anonymously. However, this also means that they may lack a VARA license. DEXs are more suitable for diversification as they support both popular and small-cap tokens. Keep in mind that DEXs generally don’t support fiat-to-crypto trading pairs. Instead, they are focused on crypto-to-crypto trading pairs. For example, centralized exchanges like OKX support BTC/AED, ETH/AED, SOL/AED, XRP/AED, and USDT/AED trading pairs, while most DEXs lack support for AED-crypto pairs.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Marketplaces

A Dubai crypto exchange can offer P2P services. P2P services enable direct transactions between two individuals, without the need to connect to centralized exchanges – the exchange acts as an escrow agent. P2P platforms support fiat currencies, like AED, meaning you can use local payment methods to buy crypto. For example, Bybit’s P2P service enables buying and selling cryptocurrencies via 600 payment methods, including bank transfers, Aani, Payby, Careem Pay, and Pyypl.

The main disadvantages of using P2P platforms include fake payment confirmations, lower liquidity, and slower transactions.

In-Wallet Trading Apps

Some crypto exchanges allow UAE traders to make AED deposits and withdrawals via their native wallets. For example, Crypto.com offers a fiat wallet that supports AED deposits and withdrawals via local bank transfers, while Best Wallet supports credit card and e-wallet purchases. In-wallet trading apps are not suitable for beginners as they require understanding private keys and seed phrases.

Is The UAE Crypto-Friendly?

According to the Crypto Wealth Report 2025 by Henley & Partners, the UAE took fifth place on the list of the most crypto-friendly countries in the world. It scored 10/10 for tax-friendliness, since individuals won’t have to pay taxes for crypto trading, staking, and mining.

Moreover, the UAE has established multiple crypto-friendly zones, like the ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market), DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre), and DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre), meaning that businesses can pick a zone that matches their services the most.

In addition to that, the Central Bank of the UAE has launched its own digital currency, Digital Dirham (CBDC), which will serve as a digital version of the UAE’s national currency.

Who Regulates Crypto Exchanges in the UAE?

The best crypto exchange in the UAE will be regulated by one of the following bodies:

To obtain one of the above-mentioned licenses, crypto exchanges must comply with KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations. They must also conduct regular audits and adhere to robust security standards.

How to Use a Dubai Crypto Exchange: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how to create an account on our number one pick, OKX.

Step 1: Visit OKX’s Official Website

Visit the OKX website, tap the Sign up button, select your country, check the terms of service box, and click on the Create an account button.

Step 2: Create an Account

Enter your email address and tap the Sign up button. Go to your email and copy/paste a six-digit verification code into the email code field. Tap Next to continue. Enter your phone number and tap the Verify now button to receive a six-digit verification code via SMS. Enter the code into the required field and tap Next. Create a password and tap Next.

Step 3: Verify Your Account

Log in to your account and click on your profile icon. Enter the Verification page, select Individual account, and tap the Continue button. Next, scan a photo of your ID (front and back) and take a selfie. Finally, upload a document that contains your current residential address.

Step 4: Fund Your Account

Log in to your account, go to Assets, and tap the Deposit button. Select United Arab Emirates Dirham and click on the bank transfer button to add your bank account. Keep in mind that OKX supports only local UAE banks.

How Is Crypto Taxed in The UAE?

Individual traders from the UAE are not required to pay taxes for holding, trading, staking, and mining crypto. However, businesses that offer crypto trading services may be subject to 9% corporate tax if their income exceeds 375,000 AED. This rule doesn’t apply to businesses operating in Dubai Free Zones like DMCC, DIFC, and DWTC, although some crypto-related activities, like consulting or selling goods and services with crypto, may be subject to 5% VAT.

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