Best Crypto Exchanges in Dubai and the UAE (2023 Updated)
With numerous crypto companies and startups moving their headquarters to Dubai, this place and its rapid ascent as a crypto hub have caught the attention of crypto enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you’re already in the region or considering a move, our list of the best crypto exchanges in Dubai and the UAE is the best guide to navigating this dynamic crypto ecosystem.
How to Choose the Best Crypto Exchange in Dubai and the UAE?
It goes without saying but the “best” will always depend on your individual needs and goals. However, the following are some factors that you must consider when choosing the best crypto exchange in Dubai and the UAE.
Regulatory Compliance
When selecting the best crypto exchange in Dubai and the UAE, choose a platform that complies with local regulations. Look for exchanges that have obtained the necessary licenses and approvals from relevant authorities. This step ensures your investments are protected and that you’re operating within the legal framework.
Reputation and Security Measures
Your crypto assets deserve the utmost protection. Evaluate the security measures implemented by various exchanges. Look for features such as two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage for funds, and a track record of no major security breaches.
Trading Fee
Trading fees can significantly impact your profitability. Take the time to understand the fee structures of the exchanges you’re considering. Look for transparent pricing and consider how fees may affect your trading strategy over time.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
The best crypto exchanges in Dubai and the UAE should offer a range of cryptocurrencies that align with your trading goals. Diverse options can help you diversify your portfolio and explore various investment opportunities.
Trading Volume and Liquidity
Assess the liquidity and trading volume of the exchange. Higher liquidity generally means you can buy and sell assets with ease, potentially minimizing the impact of price fluctuations.
User-Friendly Interface
A user-friendly interface makes trading crypto a smoother experience. Opt for exchanges with intuitive interfaces that are easy to navigate, especially if you’re new to the crypto world. Clear charts, order placement options, and a straightforward layout can save time and reduce the learning curve.
Customer Support
In the crypto space, reliable customer support can make a significant difference. Quick and effective assistance can be crucial during times of need. Seek exchanges with responsive customer support available through email, live chat, or phone.
Additional Features
When looking for the best crypto exchanges in Dubai and the UAE, consider additional features, such as margin trading, lending, staking, or futures contracts, and how they can play a role in your overall investing and trading goals.
8 Best Crypto Exchanges in Dubai and the UAE
1. Binance
Launched in 2017 by founder Changpeng Zhao, Binance swiftly became a cryptocurrency giant. It’s not just one of the best crypto exchanges in Dubai and the UAE; it’s a global standout.
Known for its strong security and massive daily trading volume of $5.4 billion, Binance has a stellar industry reputation. The exchange offers a wide range of features: spot trading, margin trading, futures, options, staking, and even live chat for customer support.
What fees does Binance charge?
Binance charges a 0.1% maker/taker fee, but if you use their native token, BNB, you get a 25% discount (0.075%). VIP members enjoy lower fees, and withdrawal fees vary by coin. Check their fee structure here.
What cryptocurrencies does Binance support?
Binance supports over 150 cryptocurrencies, from popular to lesser-known coins. Explore their full list of supported assets.
Is Binance beginner-friendly?
Binance boasts an intuitive interface that is perfect for newcomers. Plus, there is the Binance Academy section, a great starting point for crypto beginners. But don’t be fooled; Binance offers plenty for advanced traders and investors too.
2. Bybit
Founded in 2018, ByBit has emerged as one of the best crypto exchanges in Dubai and the UAE.
ByBit handles a commendable $500 million in 24-hour trading activity and offers additional features, like spot trading, margin trading, futures, and options trading. But what truly distinguishes ByBit is its unique ‘Savings’ option, which allows users to earn passive income and yields on their crypto holdings.
What are ByBit’s trading fees?
ByBit follows a fee structure akin to Binance, with a 0.1% maker/taker fee on crypto trading pairs, offering reductions for VIP members. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of ByBit’s fee structure.
Which cryptocurrencies can you trade on ByBit?
ByBit supports 100+ cryptocurrencies on its platform, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as lesser-known tokens such as AAVE, Algorand, Dash, and more.
Is ByBit user-friendly?
Indeed, ByBit presents a sleek and straightforward interface. Similar to Binance, it provides a dedicated ‘Learn’ section designed to ease beginners into crypto. However, don’t be deceived by its simplicity; ByBit equips experienced traders with advanced tools and charts to suit their needs.
3. OKX
Founded by Star Xu in 2017, OKX has quickly become one of the most reputed trading platforms in the world and one of the best crypto exchanges in Dubai and the UAE.
What makes OKX stand out is the buffet of options it lays out for traders, from derivatives and margin trading to trading bots and copy trading. Like several other crypto exchanges, OKX also hosts an ‘Earn’ section, where users can put their idle crypto holdings to work, generating passive income.
What fees does OKX charge?
OKX imposes a 0.08% maker fee and a 0.1% taker fee, which gradually shrinks as your 30-day trading volume climbs. These fees become even more wallet-friendly if you become a VIP member on the platform. Check out their complete fee structure here.
What cryptocurrencies does OKX support?
OKX has a staggering lineup, supporting over 8000 crypto assets, practically spanning the entire crypto universe. Explore their complete list of supported assets here.
Is OKX user-friendly?
While OKX sports a user-friendly interface, it’s worth noting that its extensive features and advanced trading options, tailored for seasoned traders, might pose a bit of a learning curve for beginners.
4. Kraken
Kraken, one of the best crypto exchanges in Dubai and the UAE, began its journey in 2011 under the guidance of founder Jesse Powell. Over the years, it’s cultivated a global fan base thanks to its rock-solid security and sterling industry reputation.
Kraken boasts a 24-hour trading volume of $430 million. The exchange also has a Pro platform, which offers margin trading and the option to stake select coins.
What are Kraken’s trading fees?
Kraken’s fees vary based on your 30-day trading volume. If your monthly trading volume falls below $50,000, you’ll pay a 0.16% maker fee and a 0.26% taker fee. Check out their complete fee structure here.
Additionally, Kraken has a separate fee for their Instant Buy feature – a 0.9% fee for stablecoins and 1.5% for other coins, plus a 0.5% processing fee.
Which cryptocurrencies can you trade on Kraken?
Kraken’s crypto menu is extensive, offering more than 220 cryptocurrencies.
Is Kraken user-friendly?
Absolutely, Kraken is a breeze for beginners to navigate. However, for the more experienced traders, Kraken also offers an advanced platform called Kraken Pro, equipped with an array of powerful features and tools to satisfy veterans of the trade.
5. Coinbase
Coinbase, a global exchange powerhouse, was launched in 2012 by founders Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam. Coinbase’s popularity comes from a few key factors: user-friendliness, a diverse array of supported tokens, and top-notch security standards. What sets Coinbase apart is its unique offering of non-custodial crypto wallets, striking the right balance between security and user control.
With a substantial 24-hour trading volume of $700 million, Coinbase doesn’t just stop at trading. It also offers staking services, allowing users to earn rewards from their crypto holdings. This blend of reputation, security, and versatile features makes Coinbase one of the best crypto exchanges, even in Dubai and the UAE.
What are Coinbase’s fees?
Coinbase charges a 0.05%-0.60% taker fee and a 0-0.40% maker fee. But that is not all; there is a 1% transaction fee on every crypto transaction and a 1% withdrawal fee for crypto-to-fiat conversions.
Which cryptocurrencies does Coinbase support?
Coinbase offers 150+ cryptocurrencies spanning across 9 networks.
Is Coinbase user-friendly?
Coinbase has one of the most user-friendly interfaces out there, catering to both beginners and seasoned investors and traders.
6. BYDFi
Founded in 2020 by Michael Hung, BYDFi has become one of the best crypto exchanges in Dubai and the UAE, with proper licensing and regulatory compliance.
BYDFi has a daily trading volume clocking of $189 and offers many advanced trading features, including contracts for differences (CFDs), leveraged tokens, and margin trading.
What fees does BYDFi charge?
BYDFi keeps it competitive, with transaction fees ranging from 0.01% to 0.03% for makers and takers, while conversion fees fall between 0.1% to 0.15%. Check out their complete fee structure.
What cryptocurrencies does BYDFi support?
BYDFi supports over 600 cryptocurrencies.
Is BYDFi user-friendly?
BYDFi is extremely user-friendly, especially due to its two distinct trading platforms. The ‘Classic’ platform caters to beginners with simple yet effective features. Meanwhile, the ‘Advanced’ platform pulls out all the stops for veteran traders, supplying a wide array of advanced trading tools and features. Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned pro, BYDFi has you covered.
7. Margex
Mergex stands out as a unique crypto exchange, offering traders the opportunity to engage in Bitcoin trading with leverage of up to 100x. It’s a game-changer, particularly for intermediate traders looking to up their game.
What fees does Margex charge?
Mergex offers some of the lowest fees, with a 0.06% taker fee and a 0.019% maker fee. Additionally, there’s a funding fee in the mix, which varies depending on the trading pairs and funding period. Check out their complete fee structure.
What cryptocurrencies does Margex support?
While Mergex may support a select 30+ cryptocurrencies, it shines in other aspects, like its low fees. This makes it an ideal hub for traders focusing on major trading pairs. Check out their complete list of trading pairs.
Is Margex user-friendly?
Mergex is one of the best crypto exchanges in Dubai and the UAE for beginners. It boasts simple features, an intuitive design, and ample guidance to facilitate learning and kickstart even advanced trading strategies.
8. Gate.io
Launched in 2013 by Lin Han, Gate.io has solidified its position as one of the best crypto exchanges in Dubai and the UAE for advanced traders.
Gate.io has a robust $540 million 24-hour trading volume and its offerings extend beyond the standard exchange services. It boasts a parallel platform that covers wallets, trading, cross-chain capabilities, NFTs, and DApps.
What fees does Gate.io charge?
Gate.io levies a 0.15% maker/taker fee, with the cost diminishing as your 30-day trading volume escalates.
What cryptocurrencies does Gate.io support?
Gate.io supports over 1400 cryptocurrencies, giving plenty of options for everyone.
Is Gate.io user-friendly?
Gate.io is more suitable for advanced traders and might not be the easiest platform for beginners. Its wide array of features and somewhat complex interface can pose a challenge for those new to the crypto trading scene.
FAQ
Is buying crypto illegal in the UAE?
No, buying crypto is not illegal in the UAE. It’s perfectly legal to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies in the country. However, it’s important to be aware of local regulations and ensure compliance with the authorities.
Is Dubai tax free for crypto?
Yes, Dubai imposes no personal or capital gains taxes on tax residents. Therefore, crypto earnings are generally considered tax-free in the UAE, including Dubai. Check out this blog post where we discuss if Dubai is the tax haven that many claim it to be.
Which is the best crypto platform in UAE?
While Binance is often considered one of the best crypto platforms in the UAE due to its wide range of offerings and popularity, the “best” platform varies from person to person. We suggest you evaluate various platforms based on factors like security, fees, available cryptocurrencies, and the features that align with your trading objectives.
Which is the best trading platform in Dubai?
The best trading platform in Dubai depends on your experience level. For beginners, platforms like Kraken, ByBit, Coinbase, and Binance offer user-friendly interfaces and a range of features. On the other hand, more advanced traders may find platforms like OKX and Gate.io better suited due to their advanced tools and features.
What is the best crypto wallet in the UAE?
For online access and managing Ethereum-based assets, MetaMask is a popular choice. For enhanced security and storage of your assets, hardware wallets like Trezor are excellent. If you prefer a mobile wallet with a user-friendly interface, Trust Wallet is a good option. Ultimately, the best crypto wallet for you depends on your preferences, security concerns, and the types of cryptocurrencies you plan to store.
Check out our compilation of the best crypto wallet lists.