UAE Bitcoin Reserves and Cryptocurrency Policies

The UAE is a global crypto hub with progressive regulations, no capital gains tax, and a Digital Dirham CBDC launch in Q4 2025, despite unconfirmed Bitcoin reserves.

Bitcoin Reserves

~1,000–2,000 BTC estimated
Valued at ~$100M–$200M (May 2025)

Regulatory Stance

Friendly
Progressive policies and hubs like RAK DAO drive adoption

Government Activity

Launches AE stablecoin; plans Digital Dirham CBDC
VAT exemptions since 2018

UAE Cryptocurrency Profile

Country	BTC Reserves	% of Global Holdings	Legal Status	Last Updated	Key Policies
United Arab Emirates	~1,000–2,000 BTC Estimated	~0.01%	Friendly	2025-05-10	Crypto not legal tender; legal for trading/investment via licensed exchanges (Binance, OKX, BitOasis); regulated by VARA, SCA, DFSA, ADGM VAT exemptions for crypto transactions (Nov 2024, retroactive to 2018); no capital gains tax, attracting investors CBUAE’s Jun 2024 rules mandate dirham-backed stablecoins; AE stablecoin launched Oct 2024; 12-month compliance period Digital Dirham CBDC launches Q4 2025, blockchain-based, for retail/wholesale use; aims for financial inclusion Aug 2024 Dubai court ruling allows crypto as bonus payments, not full salaries; clarifies contract terms Strict AML/KYC; FATF Travel Rule for transactions over AED 3,500; fines up to $2M for non-compliant marketing ~39.1% adoption (~3.78M users); $254.3M market revenue (2025); $25B in crypto transactions (2022); Bybit $1.4B hack under review

UAE Bitcoin Reserves and Cryptocurrency Policies

Bitcoin Reserves

Regulatory Stance

Government Activity

UAE Cryptocurrency Profile

Countries

Legal

Contact