UAE Embraces Bitcoin: Sharia-Compliant Trading and Surging Adoption

The UAE is positioning Bitcoin as a key pillar in its financial system, with supportive regulations, surging crypto adoption, and the first Sharia-compliant Bitcoin trading service launched by Islamic bank Ruya.

The UAE is rapidly embracing Bitcoin as a central element in its financial future, highlighted by statements at the Bitcoin MENA 2025 conference in Abu Dhabi, where it was described as a key pillar in modern finance. The country offers zero VAT and no capital gains tax on Bitcoin transactions, fostering a favorable environment for crypto investors. The UAE's crypto market is expanding, with over $34 billion in transactions recorded between July 2023 and June 2024, a 42% year-over-year increase. Dubai’s virtual-asset market reached $680 billion in 2025, contributing significantly to the GDP. More than 30% of UAE residents have invested in cryptocurrencies. The Abu Dhabi Investment Council has increased its Bitcoin holdings, viewing it as a strategic asset. In a landmark move, Islamic bank Ruya partnered with Fuze to offer Sharia-compliant Bitcoin trading within its app, making it the first Islamic bank in the UAE to do so. This initiative ensures secure, user-friendly, and ethical Bitcoin investments, reflecting the growing demand for digital assets and setting a precedent for other Gulf states.