Best Crypto Exchanges UAE
Due to the number of options, finding the best crypto exchange in the United Arab Emirates is a confusing process that can take a lot of time. However, the HedgeWithCrypto team has done the research to create this comparison article discussing the best options.
Throughout this guide, we'll explore each platform's regulatory compliance, security, features, and more to help our readers make an informed decision on which platform is the best crypto exchange in the UAE.
Top Cryptocurrency Exchanges in the UAE
Based on our research and testing, the following are the best cryptocurrency exchanges UAE:
- Binance (overall best crypto exchange in the UAE)
- Bybit (popular exchange with many advanced trading features)
- eToro (easy-to-use exchange with copy trading)
- OKX (cheapest crypto exchange for traders)
- Rain (local cryptocurrency exchange based in Bahrain)
- Uphold (trustworthy and licensed crypto exchange)
UAE Crypto Exchanges Compared
| Exchange | Crypto Assets | Trading Fees | Rating | Promotion | Website | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Binance | 385 | 0.1% (spot) and 0.02% / 0.04% (Futures) | Rating    | Up to $100 welcome bonus | Visit Binance | Binance Review |
 ByBit | 331 (608 trading pairs) | 0% (spot), 0.06% / 0.01% (futures) | Rating | 0% trading fees for 30 days (spot only) | Visit ByBit | ByBit Review |
 eToro | 79 | 1% | Rating | None available at this time | Visit eToro Cryptocurrency is offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk, and content is provided for educational purposes only, does not imply a recommendation, and is not a guarantee of future performance. [website domain name] is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB. | eToro Review |
 Rain | 70+ | No trading fees | Rating  | None available at this time | Visit Rain | |
 OKX | 349 | 0.08% (maker) / 0.10% (taker) | Rating | None available at this time | Visit OKX | OKX Review |
 Uphold | 237 | 1.5% (spread) | Rating | None available at this time | Visit Uphold | Uphold Review |
Best Crypto Exchanges for the UAE Reviewed
1. Binance - Overall Best Crypto Exchange UAE
Why we picked it
Binance is a world-famous crypto exchange that boasts unparalleled liquidity and the largest daily trading volume out of any crypto exchange. Binance tops our list as it offers AED support, a mixture of advanced features like crypto loans and staking, and simple features like easy crypto swaps, making it highly versatile and suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
Read our full Binance review and claim the Binance referral bonus.
Promotion:- Almost 400 Supported assets
- Many beginner and advanced features
- Low trading fees
- No direct AED support
- Could overwhelm beginners with features
It's important to understand that while some jurisdictions enforce their own crypto-centric policies, typically for companies operating within the space, crypto assets are not regulated in the UAE, meaning anyone can purchase them as an investment. That said, Binance has been granted a license by the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), meaning it can legally offer exchange services in the UAE.
Unfortunately, Binance does not directly support AED deposits or withdrawals. Instead, you must purchase cryptocurrency via Apple/Google Pay or a bank card. However, Binance also offers a zero-fee Peer-to-Peer exchange where you can purchase BTC and other cryptos in AED using local bank transfers with companies like Emirates NBD and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.
Buy BTC with AED on Binance.Binance is a highly versatile exchange with features designed to appeal to just about everyone. The platform offers up to 125x leverage on 264 derivatives trading pairs, perfect for day traders. Additionally, Binance offers many passive earning opportunities through staking and yield farming, which is useful for people trying to grow their portfolios over the long term.
Binance is one of the most completely priced exchanges in the world. Spot trading fees on Binance's 385 supported assets are 0.1%, while derivatives trading costs 0.04% (taker) and 0.02% (maker).
It's easy to see why Binance is the world's most popular crypto exchange. The platform truly offers something for everyone, with features for professional traders and those new to the space. While the lack of direct AED deposit support lets the exchange down slightly, its highly competitive trading fees cement its position on our list.
Read our Binance review for more details.
2. Bybit - Best Crypto Exchange for Active Trades
Why we picked it
Bybit is a popular Binance alternative that resonates with investors thanks to its impressive feature set and low trading fees that are on par with Binance in the spot market. With an impressive selection of 435 unique cryptocurrencies, advanced trading bots, and many derivatives trading pairs, Bybit is a great option for anyone looking for an all-in-one trading platform other than Binance.
Read our full Bybit review.
Promotion:- Low trading fees
- Good selection of crypto assets
- Many automation tools
- No AED deposit support
- It could be too complex for new traders
An authoritative body does not presently regulate Bybit. However, the exchange strives for regulatory compliance and has introduced mandatory Know-You-Customer (KYC) verification. That said, as cryptocurrency is federally unregulated in the UAE, Bybit can still operate in the region without issue. However, because the UAE is introducing regulatory frameworks, Bybit could face problems in the future.
Similarly to Binance, Bybit does not offer the ability to deposit United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) directly, which could cause problems if you want to load Bybit with fiat currency to wait for a change in market conditions. However, you can buy cryptocurrency with AED via bank card through Bybit's One-Click Buy tool. Additionally, while Bybit offers a P2P marketplace, it does not support AED transactions.
Buying USDT with AED Bybit.An area where Bybit shines above other crypto trading platforms is its selection of features. The exchange offers trading bots, a crypto debit card, and up to 125x leverage on USDC perpetual contracts. Recently, the company also launched its TradeGPT tool - a text prompt-based bot that can create detailed market reports or provide users with investment/trading advice or assistance.
Regarding fees, Bybit is tied alongside Binance as the second cheapest exchange on our list of the best crypto exchanges UAE. Spot trading fees are 0.1% per transaction, while derivates traders will be charged 0.02% (maker) and 0.055% (taker). For withdrawals, Bybit charges a variable flat fee to cover network costs.
Bybit is an industry-leading exchange for a reason. The company offers some of the most innovative features and lowest fees in the world, making it ideal for experienced traders looking to streamline their workflow or boost their profits. While the platform could be considered unsuitable for beginners due to its complexity, if you're a trader in the UAE, it's well worth getting familiar with Bybit.
Read our Bybit review for more details.
3. eToro - Best Platform for Copy Trading
Why we picked it
eToro is regarded as one of the best copy trading platforms in the world. The company lets users speculate on cryptocurrency and traditional financial markets like stocks or forex, making it extremely versatile and ideal for people looking to invest in a mixed bag of asset classes. With its versatility and beginner-friendly interface, eToro is a great one-stop portal to the financial market, even for novices.
Read our full eToro crypto review.
Promotion:- Support for multiple asset classes
- Highly active copy trading platform
- Trade CFDs and underlying assets
- High fees of 1%
- Limited number of cryptocurrencies
As eToro offers stocks, forex, and cryptocurrency, the platform is subject to different regulations from most institutions on our list. Thankfully, eToro has attained in-principle approval to operate as a securities, derivatives, and crypto broker within Abu Dhabi by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
No matter where you use the platform, eToro uses USD as its operational currency. Therefore, you'll be charged a small conversion fee if you deposit AED or any other supported fiat currency. Deposit methods vary from region to region but include credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets.
eToro differs from most platforms we've discussed as it's not solely an exchange but a multi-asset class broker. Therefore, you can spot-buy cryptocurrencies and own the underly asset or speculate on prices by trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs), making it ideal for people wishing to trade in multiple ways.
eToro also offers one of the world's most active copy trading platforms, enabling users to boost their earnings passively by mirroring the trades of other users. Furthermore, advanced traders can register as a leader and have followers copy their positions to earn a percentage of their earnings as commission, which could provide regular income for experienced users.
Trading fees on eToro are substantially higher than other platforms at a flat 1% and a variable spread fee. Furthermore, overnight financing fees are applicable on margin trading. Additionally, eToro imposes a $30 minimum withdrawal amount alongside a $5 fee.
eToro is a well-designed broker that will appeal to beginners due to its simplistic interface and highly active copy trading platform. However, while eToro lets users trade multiple asset classes and thousands of instruments (although only 85 cryptocurrencies are supported), its high fees and limited leverage capabilities hinder its overall performance.
4. OKX - Lowest Fee Crypto Trading Platform
Why we picked it
OKX is an all-in-one cryptocurrency trading platform that offers unparalleled value and many highly customizable trading bots, making the platform ideal for serious traders wishing to improve their workflow using automation or those looking to increase their profits by reducing fees. While OKX isn't as popular as Binance or Bybit, it offers strong competition against two of the best altcoin exchanges.
Read our full OKX review
Promotion:- Low trading fees
- Many automation tools
- Good selection of cryptocurrencies
- Not regulated or licensed
- No support for depositing AED directly
Although OKX states that it strives toward regulatory compliance in every region it operates, the platform isn't regulated or licensed by any authoritative body. However, customers can still purchase crypto using OKX, but they will not benefit from any consumer protection programs, which could be problematic if you value safety above all else.
Unfortunately, OKX does not support direct fiat currency deposits. Instead, you must deposit cryptocurrency or purchase digital assets to begin trading on OKX. The exchange has patterned with Simplex and Banxa to offer credit/debit card purchases. Additionally, you can buy crypto with a local bank transfer through the OKX P2P exchange, making the platform accessible for those without crypto holdings.
Buying USDT with AED on OKX.As we touched on earlier, OKX can compete with some of the world's largest exchanges when it comes to features. The platform provides access to the spot and derivatives markets with up to 125x leverage, but that's not all. OKX offers demo trading accounts, trading bots that can be customized based on technical indicators, and a copy trading platform, meaning users have many ways to automate their trading activities.
Compared to other UAE exchanges we've looked at, OKX offers the lowest spot trading fees by a notable margin. Transactions using OKXs 330 assets in the spot market cost 0.08% (maker) and 0.01% (taker), while derivatives trading costs 0.02% (maker) and 0.05% (taker).
While OKX might not be as popular as Binance or eToro, the platform is perfect for traders searching for the lowest-fee crypto exchange in the UAE. Although OKX could confuse those without trading experience due to its bustling interface, the minimal fees for trading and the treasure trove of automation tools make OKX worthy of checking out for just about anyone.
5. Rain - Local UAE Crypto Exchange
Why we picked it
For investors and traders who wish to conduct their activities on a platform based within the Middle East, Rain is often cited as the best choice. The Central Bank of Bahrain licenses the Bahrain-based exchange, which offers bank-level security, making it one of the safest places for UAE traders. In combination with its impressive feature set and rock-bottom fees on 60+ assets, it's clear why UAE traders choose Rain.
Promotion:- Direct AED support
- Licensed in Bahrain
- Low trading fees
- No advanced trading features
- Not as many assets as others
In contrast to all of the other crypto platforms we've reviewed on our list of the best crypto exchanges in the UAE, Rain offers direct support fiat AED deposits, making it one of the only platforms where UAE residents can deposit their local currency without having to worry about currency conversion fees. Users can deposit or withdraw to a bank card or bank account if registered in their name.
Buy Bitcoin on Rain Exchange with AED.Rain is not as comprehensive as other exchanges we've looked at. The platform offers several fiat currency accounts to let users deposit their local currency, but outside of this, the exchange is bare bones and only offers basic trading/investing functionality. Although a 'Pro Mode' was designed for experienced traders, it was unavailable pending an upgrade during our testing.
Another unique aspect of Rain is its commitment to having a zero trading fee platform. They don't charge fees for swaps, fiat/card purchases, or trading its 70+ supported assets. Additionally, Rain does not charge fees for asset storage or deposits. However, withdrawals to a local or international bank account will incur a 50 Saudi riyal fee, and a small spread fee is charged on all transactions.
If you want to trade on an exchange headquartered in the Middle East, Rain is the best option available. With direct AED deposit support, over 70 trading pairs, and no direct fees for buying and selling, Rain is an excellent choice for UAE investors. However, people looking for advanced trading tools or a wide selection of assets should consider an alternative.
6. Uphold - Highly Regulated Cryptocurrency Exchange
Why we picked it
Uphold is a well-known FinCen and FCA-regulated exchange that uses strict regulatory compliance to ensure its customers' safety. The bare-bones platform boasts a simplistic interface, making it easy for beginners to navigate. However, with the exchange offering several order types, repeat purchases, and staking support, it offers enough performance for new traders looking to improve their skills.
Read our full Uphold review.
Promotion:- Staking support
- Regulated by leading bodies
- Beginner-friendly
- High spread and deposit fees
- No direct AED support
Unfortunately, Uphold does not let users set AED as a default account currency, meaning that you'll need to do a conversion in your head to understand the value of your holdings in your local currency. Additionally, although you can deposit AED using a bank transfer or credit/debit card, the funds will be converted to USD after they're deposited, which could result in currency conversion charges.
The primary draw to Uphold is its simplicity. The exchange boasts an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, which will appeal to first-time investors and traders needing a streamlined way into the crypto space. Additionally, Uphold offers staking with up to 16% APY on 30 assets and the ability to set up reoccurring buys to make executing the popular Dollar-Cost-Averaging (DCA) strategy easier.
In contrast to exchanges like OKX, Uphold does not charge a flat trading fee on its 92 supported assets and instead takes a spread-based approach. You can view the spread fees when previewing a transaction. During our testing, we found Uphold's spread to be around 1.5%. Credit/debit card deposits will incur a 3.99% fee, but bank transfer deposits are free.
While Uphold is a highly secure trading platform that offers a beginner-friendly way to buy crypto, its high fees and lack of direct AED deposit support substantially impact the platform's usability within the UAE.
What Makes a Good Crypto Exchange?
Many factors contribute to an exchange being considered good, making it challenging to determine the most important. However, to ensure our readers can understand our methodology and select the best exchange in UAE for their individual needs, we've broken down a few things we look for in the top exchanges.
- Track Record - If a particular platform boasts a track record of delivering an excellent user experience while ensuring that its customers are satisfied with the service and not left in the dark, it's a signal that the company values its clients and will likely go the extra mile to offer assistance if it's needed.
- Security - The last thing any investor or trader wants is to log into their account to see that it has been compromised and drained of any funds held. Therefore, for a trading platform to be considered worth using, it must offer excellent security and account control to provide customers with the maximum possible security.
- Efficiency - Despite being hidden behind the scenes, efficiency is critical to any crypto exchange. Because trading effectively relies on making buys or sells at specific prices, orders must execute quickly, and the platform needs enough liquidity to ensure they get filled. Therefore, we've only selected platforms with strong trading engines and ample liquidity.
How to Select the Best Crypto Exchange UAE
Now that we've explored our top picks for the best crypto exchange in the United Arab Emirates and discussed what makes a good crypto exchange, we will explain how to select the best trading platform for your individual needs. Everyone is different, so it's important to think about what you need specifically, as it'll streamline the process of selecting the best crypto exchange in the United Arab Emirates.
Supported Assets
Ultimately, an exchange allows investors and traders to access the crypto market. Therefore, any well-designed platform must offer plenty of tradable crypto assets to cater to people who prefer to trade altcoins, which may have limited availability elsewhere. If you want to trade specific cryptocurrencies, you should always double-check which assets a platform supports before registering.
Local Currency Options
Naturally, residents of the United Arab Emirates will want a crypto trading platform that supports their local fiat currency. This is because transacting in your local currency can prevent expensive currency conversion fees and help speed up deposits. Furthermore, if a cryptocurrency trading platform supports your local currency, it will often let you sell your digital assets for fiat currency that can be withdrawn to bank accounts.
Trading Capabilities
Everyone has different trading preferences, meaning requirements will differ substantially from person to person. Therefore, it pays to consider how you want to trade and which exchanges can facilitate your preferred method. For example, people looking to buy or sell using leverage may like a crypto margin platform, while those wishing to speculate on the price of assets should consider a futures exchange.
Additional Features
Outside of an exchange's primary functionality, a trader may look for specific features like staking, zero-fee crypto trading, or crypto loans. If you require specific tools, checking what each exchange offers is good before deciding on a particular option, as it'll prevent any nasty surprises like someone having to move funds off a platform due to it lacking key features.
Frequently Asked Questions
During research for our review of the best crypto exchanges in the UAE, we found that Binance was the number one overall platform thanks to its low fees, wide selection of digital currencies, and abundant range of features. However, for those who prefer to trade on a local exchange, Rain is the best option.
While most of the exchanges on our list boast a similar fee structure, OKX is the cheapest by a reasonable margin. With a maker/taker structure priced at 0.08% and 0.1%, respectively, OKX is an average of 10% cheaper for trading than Binance or Bybit, who were the runners-up.
Cryptocurrency is not federally regulated within the United Arab Emirates. However, each of the jurisdictions within the UAE has its own rules and regulatory framework, making investing in crypto assets confusing. That said, investing in cryptocurrency is legal within the UAE. At present, the only crypto-based entities requiring a license to operate within the UAE are companies like exchanges.
Both Binance and Bybit are excellent platforms for traders around the UAE. While Binance offers deeper liquidity, more trading pairs, and better fiat-to-crypto support, Bybit boasts more unique assets and several advanced trading tools designed to improve the futures trading experience. Therefore, the best option will vary based on what matters most to you.
Final Verdict
If you're a crypto investor or trader in the United Arab Emirates, selecting the best exchange in the UAE is critical to your success. To ensure you're trading with a safe platform, it can be a good idea to stick with licensed or regulated exchanges that offer direct AED deposit support, or at least those offering a way to purchase crypto using AED without additional fees.
During our research, we found all of the platforms included in this list to be reputable and suitable for crypto enthusiasts, depending on their preferences. However, during our testing, we noted that Binance was the overall best cryptocurrency exchange in the UAE thanks to its wide selection of cryptocurrencies, abundant range of advanced features, and support for AED crypto purchases.
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