Best Crypto Exchanges in UAE and Dubai in 2025

Binance cemented its position as one of the best crypto exchanges in the UAE after receiving full regulatory approval in mid-2024.

In June of that year, Binance FZE secured a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), officially launching a dedicated and compliant platform for UAE residents. The move marked a shift from the global Binance.com site to a locally governed exchange focused on user protection and regulatory clarity.

As part of the license rollout, Binance initiated a mandatory migration process for Dubai residents starting April 25, 2025. Verified users were automatically migrated to the Dubai-based platform, retaining their login credentials and account data without needing to register again.

Key Features

Binance tailors its services to meet the needs of crypto users in Dubai and across the UAE, then expands those options through its global infrastructure:

• Licensed under Dubai VARA. Binance FZE holds a full VASP license to offer exchange, broker-dealer, and asset management services, allowing Dubai residents to trade under a clear regulatory framework.
• Support for AED and Arabic Language. While non-AED fiat support is limited, the platform enables AED-based trading and provides Arabic language support across the app and website.
• Access to 350+ Cryptocurrencies. Users can buy, sell, and manage a wide range of tokens, from Bitcoin and Ethereum to lesser-known altcoins.
• Quick Buy and P2P Options. The platform offers simple ways for purchasing crypto through cards, bank transfers, or peer-to-peer trades.

• Low Trading Fees. Standard maker/taker fees begin at 0.1%, with added discounts for using BNB to cover transaction costs.
• Advanced Tools for Pro Traders. Features like margin, futures, and auto-trading bots give experienced users more control over their strategies.
• Binance Web3 Wallet. Built-in wallet functionality allows users to interact with dApps, bridges, and decentralized exchanges without external tools.

Binance blends UAE-specific regulation with international liquidity and feature depth, giving Dubai-based traders a uniquely localized crypto experience backed by a global engine.

Since moving its global headquarters to Dubai in April 2022, Bybit has steadily expanded its presence across the UAE with a headquarter in Dubai. Its deep liquidity, high-leverage derivatives markets, and advanced automation tools make it a practical fit for serious crypto traders based in the Emirates.

In March 2025, Bybit received the "Best Crypto Exchange UAE 2025" award from Global Business & Finance Magazine. That same month, it secured In-Principle Approval from the UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority to build a Virtual Asset Platform, alongside Provisional Approval from Dubai’s VARA for Virtual Asset Exchange services.

Bybit’s dedication to innovation in the region is reinforced by Joan Han, Sales and Marketing Director, who said:

This recognition, coupled with our recent regulatory advancements, affirms our strategic vision for the UAE. We are committed to driving innovation and fostering a secure, accessible trading environment for our users across Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Bybit further expanded its community focus in Dubai with the third ByBUIDLERs launch in May 2024. The program links students to Web3 through training, engagement, and leadership.

Key Features

This platform is built for active traders who want speed, control, and variety across crypto markets, as evident from the following features:

• Fast Fiat On-Ramp. Buy crypto directly using AED through card payments and local bank transfers.
• Leverage Up to 125x. Trade perpetual contracts, futures, and options with deep order books and minimal slippage.
• Spot and Derivatives Access. Diversify across BTC, ETH, altcoins, and stablecoins using advanced market types and risk controls.

• Automated Trading Suite. Access strategy builders, split orders, grid bots, and copy trading features in one go for tactical flexibility.
• Tailored User Interface. Customize dashboards and trading layouts to match your strategy, with full Arabic language support.

Bybit delivers the technical edge and trading depth required by experienced users. At the same time, it keeps things accessible for newcomers entering the UAE crypto space. Its presence in Dubai continues to grow in scope and influence, reinforcing its position as a leading platform in the region.

OKX has firmly planted its roots in the UAE, becoming one of the best cryptocurrency exchange platforms in the region following its licensed launch in October 2024. The platform provides local investors with access to advanced trading tools and local AED-based markets.

As global interest in secure and compliant digital asset platforms intensifies, OKX has gained recognition as one of the best cryptocurrency exchanges in UAE circles. Its smooth onboarding process and broad range of trading services tailored to the region’s residents show a clear intent to lead in this fast-growing market.

As a side note, individuals seeking to access advanced trading features as 'qualified' investors must complete a knowledge test, pass a suitability check, and provide proof of AED 500,000 in liquid assets. Institutional participants must also complete enhanced Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures and meet specific financial benchmarks to gain full access.

Key Features

OKX’s expansion into Dubai comes with a suite of features that reflect both regulatory awareness and user-first design. These features are particularly relevant to traders in the UAE and those comparing Dubai crypto exchanges for serious investing:

• AED On-Ramp and Off-Ramp. Buy and sell crypto directly using AED through local bank transfers. Trading pairs like BTC/AED and ETH/AED support a seamless experience catering to local preferences.
• Comprehensive Asset Selection. Over 280 cryptocurrencies and 480 trading pairs are available, providing traders in the UAE with exposure to both global and regional assets.
• Access to Derivatives for Qualified Users. Institutional and qualified investors can access futures, perpetuals, and options after meeting asset and knowledge requirements set by local regulators.

• Secure Infrastructure and Proof of Reserves. Cold wallet custody, 1:1 reserve ratios, and regular audits help reinforce trust and meet high security standards.
• Advanced Trading Suite. Tools include spot, margin, perpetual swaps, DeFi access, and strategy-rich investment products built for both day traders and long-term planners.
• P2P and Local Fiat Options. Buy and sell cryptocurrency through the peer-to-peer platform, utilizing region-friendly payment methods for added convenience and flexibility.

OKX continues to raise the bar among Dubai crypto exchanges by merging regulatory clarity with deep liquidity and tech-focused trading features.

MEXC continues to build momentum in the region by embracing local documentation standards. As of April 2025, the exchange now supports UAE residence permits as part of its identity verification process, making the onboarding journey more seamless for traders based in Dubai.

The said update signals a strong commitment to compliance and risk control while helping residents gain easier access to crypto markets. Its practical features and user-centric interface position it as a strong candidate for anyone searching for the best crypto exchange in the UAE.

By combining a wide variety of altcoins with local payment options and OTC services, it caters to the needs of both beginners and experienced traders. The platform’s extensive token range and advanced trading tools elevate MEXC into the conversation when discussing the best crypto trading platform in Dubai.

Key Features

To understand why MEXC keeps gaining traction across the UAE, it's worth taking a closer look at the tools and functions that cater to both local and global needs:

• Local Payment Compatibility. Bank transfers, cards, and P2P payment methods frequently used in the UAE are fully integrated into MEXC’s fiat gateways.
• Regulatory Compliance Focus. Built-in AML and CTF protocols help support a safe trading environment, especially within jurisdictions like Dubai.
• OTC Services for Large Transactions. UAE users managing bigger trades can access MEXC’s OTC desk for high-volume crypto purchases or liquidations.
• Massive Token Catalog. Over 3,000 trading pairs, including trending and low-cap tokens that aren’t widely available elsewhere.

• Robust Futures & Copy Trading. More than 1,100 futures pairs are supported, along with tools to mirror strategies of successful traders.
• Demo Accounts for Risk-Free Practice. Test strategies freely without committing real funds.
• Zero Spot Maker Fees. MEXC’s spot market begins with a 0% fee for makers, appealing to both high-frequency and long-term traders.
• Multilingual Interface. Full global access with 40+ supported languages, including Arabic.

Overall, the exchange's mix of regional support and expansive token access makes it one of the most versatile platforms active in the UAE today.

Crypto.com has made serious inroads into the UAE crypto market by securing multiple layers of regulatory approval. Its Dubai entity, CRO DAX Middle East FZE, received full operational clearance from VARA in April 2024.

These developments signal a deep alignment with local compliance standards and showcase Crypto.com's ambitions to support a fully licensed, globally connected hub in Dubai. That regulatory momentum gives it a compelling case as one of the best crypto exchanges in the UAE.

Its growing service suite is now supported by partnerships with major banks such as Standard Chartered, streamlining access to USD deposit and withdrawal rails across the UAE. For everyday users, the platform continues to deliver core features, including spot trading, OTC desks, and asset management tools, all backed by its well-established global infrastructure.

Key Features

The following features reflect Crypto.com's expanding role in the Dubai crypto ecosystem and its broader trading capabilities:

• Banking Access via Standard Chartered. Retail users in the UAE can deposit and withdraw USD directly using fiat rails powered by Standard Chartered.
• Spot and OTC Trading. Access both traditional spot markets and over-the-counter services directly through the Crypto.com Exchange (UAE).
• Trading Bots and Sub-Accounts. Automate strategies or manage client portfolios using built-in tools, available under institutional or advanced retail accounts.

• CRO Lockup and Supercharger. Engage in rewards-based systems tied to the CRO token through local or global staking programs.
• Multi-Chain Wallet. Utilize Crypto.com Onchain for secure asset management across various ecosystems, including Ethereum, Cronos, and Solana.

Crypto.com continues to evolve rapidly across both retail and institutional layers, and Dubai’s regulatory framework has only sharpened its focus on long-term growth in the UAE.

CEX.IO continues to gain traction among Dubai's crypto exchanges, particularly for users who prioritize simplicity and legal peace of mind.

While the Central Bank of the UAE hasn’t formally licensed cryptocurrency as legal tender, platforms like CEX.IO remain fully accessible to residents, allowing them to safely own and trade digital assets.

Its growing reputation among users searching for the best crypto exchange in the UAE has a lot to do with its locally friendly onboarding methods. Residents in the region can buy crypto through familiar payment channels and use tools like Instant Buy to acquire coins directly from their devices.

Key Features

Let’s walk through the tools and services that make CEX.IO a reliable option among Dubai crypto exchanges and broader UAE users:

• Instant Buy. UAE-based traders can quickly purchase crypto via credit or debit cards using AED-converted funds, processed in a few clicks.
• Over 200 Curated Crypto Assets. Every crypto listed on CEX.IO undergoes a vetting process, helping users in the UAE avoid less reputable tokens.
• User-Friendly Multi-Platform Experience. Newcomers in Dubai often favor CEX.IO’s simple layout, which shortens the learning curve without sacrificing features.

• Spot Trading With Flexible Fee Tiers. CEX.IO’s spot market supports more advanced trading strategies, and trading costs decrease with higher trading volumes.
• CEX.IO Earn. Users can put idle crypto to work through yield-generating tools directly on the platform.
• Educational Resources. New users can tap into guides and tutorials covering everything from wallets to market behavior.

Put simply, UAE-based traders seeking to balance convenience with regulatory confidence may find CEX.IO a suitable fit for their cryptocurrency journey.

HTX (formerly Huobi) has carved out a strong presence in the UAE market, emerging as a major player among Dubai’s regulated exchanges. The platform recorded impressive growth in Q1 2025, becoming the only top 10 global exchange to boost its spot trading volume, while surpassing 50 million registered users and seeing a 210% increase in net deposits.

Security, transparency, and market responsiveness continue to shape HTX’s identity, alongside deeper DAO integration that brings users into the decision-making process. Justin Sun, Advisor to HTX and Founder of TRON, even stated:

We are completely focused on the Middle East and are also targeting clients from the CIS region and Europe

Its momentum in the Emirates received a further boost when HTX received initial approval for a Full Market Product license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

This recognition strengthens HTX’s foothold among those searching for the best cryptocurrency exchange in UAE, especially for traders looking to explore both centralized tools and decentralized governance through HTX DAO.

Key Features

Several tools and services support HTX’s rise in Dubai and across the UAE:

• DAO-Powered Governance. Users can participate in exchange decision-making by voting on listings and changes through the HTX DAO.
• Over 700 Supported Cryptocurrencies. UAE-based traders gain access to a wide variety of vetted digital assets, including trending altcoins and legacy tokens.
• Spot, Margin, and Futures Trading. HTX accommodates different trading strategies, from basic buy-and-hold to complex leveraged positions.

• Automated Trading Tools. Built-in bots and strategy support help streamline trading even while on the move.
• HTX Mobile App. UAE users can monitor prices, manage portfolios, and execute trades anytime via their preferred device.
• Tiered Fee Structure. Traders can lower fees, starting at 0.1%, by increasing their volume or paying fees using HTX’s native token.

HTX’s regulatory progress, growing traction in the UAE, and high-volume support make it a powerful choice for crypto traders who want a secure and feature-rich platform within Dubai’s expanding digital economy.