The Middle East has officially moved from being crypto-curious to crypto-committed, with the UAE leading a generational financial transformation and positioning the region as a major digital asset powerhouse.
According to a new report by leading blockchain and Bitcoin solutions provider, Mining Grid, the UAE received US$34 billion in crypto inflows between July 2023 and June 2024 — marking a 42% year-on-year growth rate. This surge cements the UAE’s standing as a key player within the global crypto ecosystem, with more than 500,000 daily crypto traders now active across the country. The wider Middle East attracted US$338.7 billion in crypto inflows over the same period, reflecting an 11.73% annual increase and ranking as the seventh-largest crypto market globally. Notably, over 93% of this activity came from institutional-sized transfers, highlighting a maturing, strategy-led market beyond pure speculation.
Youth adoption remains a defining feature of the UAE’s crypto economy. More than 74% of young adults aged 25–34 express active interest in cryptocurrency, with 21% planning to trade digital assets within the next 12 months — placing the country at the forefront of regional participation in youth-driven digital finance. Social media platforms such as TikTok, WhatsApp, and YouTube have emerged as primary discovery channels, fostering a connected generation eager to pursue financial independence through digital assets.
However, with rapid growth come challenges. Nearly half of young crypto users have expressed concerns about misinformation — opening opportunities for trusted platforms to lead on education and responsible adoption.
Solaiman AlRifai, Founder and Board Member at Mining Grid, stated: “The UAE’s clear regulations and zero capital gains tax have created the perfect environment for crypto growth. With an engaged and forward-looking population, it’s no surprise the country is now seen as the crypto capital of the Arab world.”
Across the region, neighbouring countries are developing their own strategies. Saudi Arabia posted a remarkable 153% growth in crypto inflows and leads GCC nations in youth adoption rates. Meanwhile, Oman has taken a sustainability-led approach, investing over US$1.1 billion in green mining infrastructure to establish itself as a hub for environmentally responsible crypto operations.
Rami Alsridi, Founder and CEO of Mining Grid, commented: “The UAE has created the ideal environment where curiosity meets clarity. We’re seeing a new generation that doesn’t just want to invest in crypto but wants to understand it, build with it, and lead its next chapter. We’re also witnessing a significant rise in Bitcoin mining, driven by demand for decentralisation, transparency, and energy-conscious innovation.”
Bitcoin continues to dominate market activity, while Ethereum’s resilience keeps digital assets firmly in focus. Stablecoins have emerged as a cornerstone of value transfer across the region, now accounting for 66% of all on-chain transactions. The tokenisation of real-world assets — including real estate and bonds — is attracting new institutional interest from across the Middle East.
Mining Grid, which supports over 60,000 users globally and maintains a physical presence in the UAE, has played a pivotal role in advancing regional crypto adoption through its accessible, energy-efficient mining solutions. The firm’s approach tackles longstanding concerns about Bitcoin mining’s energy footprint by reframing it as a strategic infrastructure opportunity aligned with national sustainability ambitions.
Looking ahead to 2026, analysts at Mining Grid forecast that youth-led crypto accounts will form the largest onboarding segment in the region by Q4 2025, while Gulf nations continue to pursue sustainable crypto mining practices. The report anticipates sustained growth in mobile-first, gamified crypto platforms, rising institutional participation in tokenised assets, and an accelerated shift towards clean-energy-backed mining models across the Middle East.
