30% of the UAE population trades in digital currencies

The CEO of the Blockchain Center Abu Dhabi, Abdullah Al Dhaheri, said: “The UAE is a pioneer in developing legislation and laws for global companies, platforms, and investors in the field of digital currencies, which has made the country occupy an advanced position in the region, and qualifies it over the next five years to be (Wall Street 2.0).”

Al Dhaheri revealed that about 30% of the population in the Emirates trade and deal in digital currencies, pointing out that it is a large percentage compared to the size of the local market, which indicates people’s eagerness to learn and keep pace with development and innovation.

Al Dhaheri added to Emirates Today, on the sidelines of the Middle East and North Africa Bitcoin Conference “Bitcoin MENA”, the second session of which began in Abu Dhabi yesterday: “We aspire, through our advanced technical infrastructure and keeping pace with legislation, for the UAE to become a center for all global companies working in the field of (Blockchain) and digital platforms.”

He continued: “There are currently no payments made using (Bitcoin), and from my point of view, digital payments will be made using the digital dirham only and not (Bitcoin).”

Al Dhaheri stressed that the frameworks and regulations in the UAE are clear, and that there is cooperation and integration by the concerned bodies and authorities represented by the Central Bank, the Securities and Commodities Authority and other regulatory authorities in the free zones, to ensure confrontation of any negative practices regarding the movement of funds into and from the country.

He said that the laws and regulations also protect the rights of investors, pointing out that all trading platforms and companies operating in digital currency trading are subject to the supervision and control of the competent authorities, and have permits and licenses to operate in the local market.

He added: “The local market has almost all digital platforms, and (Bitcoin) is considered the gold of the future, and within the next five years it will be equivalent to gold, and there will be a desire from central banks around the world to acquire (Bitcoin).”

In response to a question regarding the comparison between gold and “Bitcoin,” and whether a person wants to invest currently, should he buy gold or “Bitcoin,” Al Dhaheri said: “Bitcoin.”

The activities of the second edition of the “Bitcoin Middle East and North Africa 2025” conference were launched at the “ADNEC Abu Dhabi Center” yesterday, jointly organized by the “ADNEC Group” and the “BTC” company, with an events program that includes more than 234 speakers, an increase of 95% over last year.

The Chairman of the Cybersecurity Council of the UAE Government, Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, said that the Middle East and North Africa region, led by the UAE, continues to consolidate its position as one of the most prominent global markets in adopting digital assets and “Bitcoin,” pointing to the rapid expansion of mining capabilities for digital currencies, thanks to the development of energy infrastructure, sustainable investments, and the great steps taken by the UAE in this field.

He added that the conference attracts elite founders, experts and global investors to exchange visions about the future of Bitcoin, as it is a pioneering platform that brings together technology leaders and developers through dialogue sessions, workshops, exhibitions and interactive activities that contribute to strengthening the region’s position in the digital assets economy.

For his part, ADNEC Group CEO, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, said: “The return of the Bitcoin Middle East and North Africa Conference 2025 reflects the growing influence of ADNEC Group’s continued commitment to supporting dialogue and innovation in the field of digital assets.” He added: “This event is in line with ADNEC Group’s strategy to support emerging industries, and embodies the UAE’s vision for the next fifty years. It also represents a strategic addition to our vital agenda, enhancing the group’s role in launching advanced dialogues and building meaningful partnerships across future sectors.”

In the same context, BTC Inc. CEO, Brandon Green, said: “The UAE, especially Abu Dhabi, has become the vital center for the development of Bitcoin in the Middle East and North Africa region.”

He added that the clarity of regulatory frameworks, advanced infrastructure, and future vision for innovation make Abu Dhabi a global model that paves the way for the adoption of Bitcoin at the sovereign level.