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Where can you get Bitcoin in Dubai? In this post, I will review Bitcoin’s status in Dubai, its popularity, and the different exchanges you can use to get BTC in Dubai.
How to Buy Bitcoin in Dubai Summary
Buying, owning, selling, and trading Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies within Dubai is legal, though the Central Bank of the UAE does not consider virtual currencies to be legal tender.
In 2023, the UAE’s Central Bank introduced the Digital Dirham project, enabling the bank to create its own digital currency backed by central banks. The initial phase is set to be finished by mid-2024. As a person, you don’t need a license to own or use Bitcoin.
To buy bitcoins in Dubai, follow these four steps:
- Download or get a Bitcoin wallet
- Go to Coinmama
- Choose the amount of Bitcoin that you want to buy
- Enter your payment information and Bitcoin address
In addition to Coinmama, here are more exchanges for buying Bitcoin in Dubai:
1. Bitcoin Legal Status in Dubai
Bitcoin is not considered legal tender in Dubai, which means it’s not a legally enforceable means of payment like the dirham. Despite this, the country is actively working to incorporate blockchain technology as a staple of the economic system.
As mentioned earlier, in 2023, the Central Bank of the UAE began implementing its Digital Dirham strategy. Additionally, in 2023, the UAE Central Bank issued AML/CTF guidance for managing digital assets. This new guidance on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism is aimed at financial institutions that deal with virtual assets such as cryptocurrencies and NFTs.
Following the nation’s successful shift to a blockchain platform in 2021, more changes are starting to happen. While Bitcoin isn’t officially seen as money, it’s also not illegal. Currently, the legal framework for cryptocurrency is moving in a good direction, especially with the recent announcements and advancements in 2023.
2. How Popular is Bitcoin in Dubai?
The Google Trends graph below illustrates the level of interest in Bitcoin among people in Dubai. This graph links to live data that is updated directly from Google. By searching for ‘bitcoin,’ the graph shows how many users are looking for it on Google. A score of 100 indicates its peak popularity, whereas a score of 50 means it’s half as popular.
3. Main Dubai Bitcoin Communities
Dubai is a social hub, so it makes a lot of sense that the majority of Bitcoin communities would be meeting in person as opposed to online. To find people you can discuss Bitcoin with in Dubai, visit these pages:
- Local Meetup groups are a promising place to start if you are interested in meeting other Bitcoin and cryptocurrency enthusiasts. Some popular choices are:
- The Arabic BitcoinTalk thread is good if you can read Arabic and you’re looking to learn more about Bitcoin and the blockchain online.
4. Dubai-based Bitcoin Exchanges
BitOasis
BitOasis is among the first cryptocurrency exchanges in Dubai. It has grown to become one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the Middle East. Since 2015, this company has provided its clients with a cryptocurrency wallet and exchange services.
The fee structure for fiat-crypto pairs starts at 0.10% for makers and goes as low as 0.055% for high-volume trades. You can learn more about the entire fee structure.
5. International Exchanges Available in Dubai
The international cryptocurrency exchanges are welcoming Dubai-based investors and blockchain enthusiasts to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. With the healthy regulatory momentum, most cryptocurrency exchanges would be happy to incorporate you as their latest client.
Here are a few of the many international exchanges you can use safely:
Coinmama
Coinmama, founded in 2013, has proven itself to be a real bastion of cryptocurrency and especially Bitcoin, fostering a significant amount of interest in the technology. Coinmama currently satisfies the needs of crypto buyers in nearly 200 countries.
You can easily purchase Bitcoin from Coinmama with a credit or debit card, which makes getting your first Bitcoin simple and effective.
While secure and reputable, this exchange usually does have a steep transaction fee of between 4.5% and 6.5%, depending on the fiat currency chosen.
To learn more about this exchange, read our full review of Coinmama.
CEX.IO
CEX.IO, founded in 2013, is a UK-based cryptocurrency exchange that enables you to buy and sell a wide variety of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin.
You can use a debit card or a bank transfer to deposit funds into your account for free, with fees between 0.00% and 0.25%, depending on volume. Keep in mind that if you use the brokerage service (a simple service designed for beginners), fees are much higher.
To learn more, read our full CEX.IO review.
Changelly
Changelly is an instant crypto exchange that offers the buying, selling, and exchanging of numerous cryptocurrencies. You can buy Bitcoin with a Visa or Mastercard through third-party provider Banxa.
The fees vary depending on a number of factors, including how you pay, which currency, volume, and the third-party payment processor at the time of your transaction. Pay attention to the fees before accepting any deal.
To learn more, read our complete Changelly review.
6. Crypto Wallets
Best Wallet – The Best Non-Custodial Bitcoin Wallet in the Market
An alternative option to buying on exchanges is Best Wallet , which we regard as the best non-custodial crypto wallet for 2025. Best Wallet is an interesting option because it is essentially a one-stop option for all your Bitcoin and cryptocurrency needs. Not only can you store your Bitcoin and many other cryptocurrencies in the wallet, but you can also seamlessly buy new crypto right through the wallet.
Additionally, Best Wallet is non-custodial, which means nobody but the user has access to the private keys and backup passphrases. Users take full control of the crypto coins via a mobile app, browser extension, or desktop software.
Not only does Best Wallet allow you to hold and trade Bitcoin, but it is also compatible with many other cryptocurrencies, which means it could be an all in one stop for all of your crypto needs. Best Wallet features very liquid markets for thousands of tokens on over 60 blockchains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Sui, Dogecoin, Uniswap, and many others.
When it comes to trading fees, Best Wallet charges none. The only fees you may encounter are blockchain fees. It’s important to note that Best Wallet is a non-custodial wallet, meaning your crypto will remain safe and in your hands.
Pros
- Highly liquid markets for thousands of cryptocurrencies
- Non-custodial
- Large ecosystem that supports DeFi
- Early access to exclusive presales
- No inherent fees when buying or selling crypto
Cons
- No fiat deposits
7. How many Bitcoin ATMs are there in Dubai?
While there is acceptance of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency companies in general, this does not seem to translate for Bitcoin ATMs in Dubai. The first Bitcoin ATM in Dubai was installed in March 2019, but only two days later, it was removed by the authorities for non-compliance.
The expectation is that this situation will change, seeing the recent progress of cryptocurrency regulation in Dubai. But for now, according to CoinATMRadar, there are no Bitcoin ATMs in Dubai.
8. Conclusion
Dubai is promising to become one of the leading global communities in cryptocurrency and blockchain. Already, there is a significant amount of crypto companies and start-ups that are operating within the Free Trade Zone DMCC in Dubai.
There are cryptocurrency exchanges operating in Dubai, even without the support of the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates. These sorts of contradictions add to the confusion when trying to understand the status of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in Dubai.
However, the entire situation in the country is showcasing a pro-crypto attitude, even if Bitcoin ATMs are nowhere to be found. For now, however, the future for cryptocurrency and Bitcoin in Dubai looks promising.
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