Is cryptocurrency legal in Dubai?
This is a question many people are asking themselves.
Cryptocurrency is a type of currency that is created using computer encryption techniques.
It is decentralized, meaning it is not regulated or controlled by any bank or government.
Cryptocurrency is also anonymous, which means crypto transactions are difficult to track and identify the parties involved in the transaction.
We hope that this blog post helps with your decision-making process and provides you with the information needed to make an informed decision about whether or not cryptocurrency is right for you in Dubai.
Is Cryptocurrency Legal in the Dubai?
Cryptocurrency is legal in Dubai, but only to the extent that it complies with KYC/AML regulations and reporting obligations.
The local Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has yet to come out with an official ruling on the subject.
It’s also necessary for crypto institutions to register as registered financial institutions (RFI), or face penalties associated with activities that are not approved by regulatory authorities.
The Government of Dubai has established the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), which strives to support businesses and individuals who utilize technology within the Emirate, such as cryptocurrency.
Correlated with this, there is a section below where we discuss how to buy and sell Bitcoin in UAE legally.
The DESC helps companies explore emerging technologies like smart contracts, artificial intelligence (AI), and the blockchain.
However, like most countries around the world that haven’t yet made their rulings on cryptocurrency 100% clear – it is not illegal in Dubai as of 2018; but is certainly yet to be regulated.
The Government is optimistic regarding the future of blockchain, which is why they are supportive of its study and implementation into Dubai’s economy.
Though not yet allowed in major sectors like banking – companies such as IBM who have partnered with Dubai to develop a ‘smart city project using blockchain technology is one example.
With all these been said, let’s look at a few good cryptos to invest in Dubai.
Top 20 Cryptocurrencies to invest in Dubai
Cryptocurrency has become a major point of interest for many investors.
Investing in cryptocurrencies is becoming more and more popular. The cryptocurrency industry has seen exponential growth since 2017.
One country that is seeing an increasing number of cryptocurrency investments is Dubai, and investors are looking for the next big thing.
From my research and findings, we will list the top 20 cryptocurrencies that you can invest in right now.
These coins have proven themselves time and again, with some of them increasing by over 1,000% since last year.
Here is the top 20 cryptocurrencies for anyone living in Dubai can invest in today:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Ripple (XRP)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Monero (XMR)
- Dash
- Stellar
- Dogecoin (Doge)
- Binance Coin (BNB)
- Cardano (ADA)
- Polkadot (DOT)
- ChainLink (Link)
- Tether (USDT)
- Solana (Sol)
- VeChain (VET)
- Nano (NANO)
- Basic Attention Token (BAT)
- Tron (TRX)
- Neo (NEO)
- Zilliqa (ZIL)
However, if you are looking for a way to buy or invest in the following cryptocurrencies listed above, you can buy them in the following crypto exchange:
- Binance
- Coinmama
- OkCoin
- Etoro
Is Cryptocurrency regulated in Dubai?
Cryptocurrency is unregulated in Dubai.
Cryptocurrency is not regulated or controlled by any central authority and is not subject to regulation, supervision, or regulation of any type.
This means you won’t need to worry about such things as annual reports, tax reporting (though still may be liable if capital gains), limitations on shares or management controlling decisions for your business, etc.
Another factor is that in Dubai, there is no cap on the amount of cryptocurrency you can own.
Do Dubai banks accept Bitcoin or any type of Crypto?
Dubai banks do not accept Bitcoin or any other type of cryptocurrency.
Dubai doesn’t recognize Bitcoin as a legal form of tender, but it’s not banned either.
If you try to deposit bitcoin into a bank account on the territory of Dubai, it will likely be rejected and returned to the sender.
The penalties for using or dealing with cryptocurrencies are also harsh – intentionally using or dealing with cryptocurrencies can result in fines under the UAE federal law.
How can I buy Bitcoin legally in Dubai?
You can buy Bitcoin legally from the comfort of your own home in Dubai.
If you are looking to buy, sell or hold bitcoins in Dubai then an exchange is perfect for your needs.
However there has been some controversy regarding cryptocurrency as United Arab Emirate citizens cannot use their own currency Dirham, when buying cryptocurrencies with other currencies like USDT (US dollars) because of strict laws put into place by The Central Bank Of Uae which restrict what type coins count towards personal finances.
The most common way to buy Bitcoin in Dubai is to open a trading account with one of the crypto Exchanges (BitOasis, Kraken, Binance) or a brokerage account at one of the brokers offering BTC trading (eToro).
Can you buy crypto with a credit card in Dubai?
Dubai has banned the trading of any digital currencies. That being said, credit cards are still accepted to buy items in Dubai.
Credit card transactions may be used to purchase select goods or services, but cannot be exchanged for cash or other cryptocurrencies under penalty of criminal prosecution according to regulations released by the Department of Economic Development (DED).
However, there are exchanges services in the United Arab Emirates that will allow you to buy crypto using a credit card.
One of these is what essentially amounts to an app store for crypto where you can pay in USD or the equivalent amount in AED.
Is Coinbase legal in Dubai?
Coinbase is not available in the United Arab Emirates.
Coinbase does not support customers in Dubai as of September of 2020.
Is Binance legal in Dubai?
Binance is legal in Dubai.
The UAE Ministry of Economy published a list of companies registered to operate in Dubai without specifying if each company was licensed by the government, meaning even the government doesn’t know which are legitimate.
So there’s no way for investors or traders to be certain that they’re participating in legitimate activity when trading on any exchange in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE, including Binance. With this risk, it would be wise to only use established exchanges with well-known brands and names – ones who have spent years building up goodwill with regulators and consumers alike.
How can I sell my Bitcoin in Dubai in 2021?
The best way to sell your bitcoin in Dubai is probably at the cryptocurrency exchange.
It’s a quick, simple, and easy process that can be done once you have an account registered with your desired exchange.
Can I convert Bitcoin to cash in Dubai?
Yes, you can convert your bitcoin to cash in Dubai.
One of the best ways is through a cryptocurrency exchange, where you will be able to trade your Bitcoin for fiat money (such as USD or AED).
What is the future of cryptocurrencies In Dubai?
It is amazing how quickly our world changed.
The future of cryptocurrencies in Dubai is unfortunately unclear, with no clear-cut answer due to their lack of regulatory law and business framework.
As a result, this makes trading cryptocurrencies a riskier investment though it worth it for life itself is a risk.
The future of cryptocurrencies is becoming more and more popular, with a few countries already accepting it as valid currency while others are still indecisive about its legality.
The UAE has been a welcoming region for cryptocurrency trading agencies, and blockchain technology companies have enjoyed success there since the beginning of 2021.
In July 2021 The Central Bank announced their first digital currency by 2026 as part its “2023-2026 strategy” which aims to position it among one world’s top 10 central banks within 5 years; this announcement came just 2 months after they hosted an international competition focused on innovating with distributed ledger technologies (DLT).
Cryptocurrency regulations are still in flux and many changes will surely come about in the future.
Is Bitcoin or Cryptocurrency taxable in Dubai?
In Dubai, any income from investing is taxable.
In the United Arab Emirates, bitcoin and all other cryptocurrencies are considered a commodity rather than an asset for capital gain purposes.
As such, it’s not necessary to pay taxes in Dubai on profits in UAE Dirhams when converting cryptocurrency to fiat in order to buy goods or services.
However, Arabian Tax Authority (ATA) thinks otherwise because virtual currencies are not recognized as legal tender so there would be no corresponding chargeable event under Sharia law.
Is Cryptocurrency banned in Dubai?
No, cryptocurrency is not banned in Dubai.
In the past, the UAE Central Bank assured residents and companies they will not stop any foreign trade using virtual currencies.
In fact, interest rates on transactions with Dubai’s city finance department are going up as a move to attract business from the field of digital currency.
Is trading in cryptocurrency legal in Dubai?
Trading in cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum is legal in Dubai.
Dubai has become a popular choice for crypto enthusiasts who are looking to purchase cryptocurrency because if offers familiarity with Islam, which accounts for around 13% of the world’s population.
The government of Dubai has no intention on banning cryptocurrency trading.
Authorities have announced that the UAE is looking to become a hub for digital currencies in 2020, with many new licenses and committees established in the past few years.
Lately there has been an increase in blockchain-related investment opportunities like Faqra Terminals (a crypto ATM) and Emirates Digital Focusing which offer services like bitcoin mining equipment, unlike traditional ATMS or service providers where you can directly purchase or sell bitcoins.
Is investing in cryptocurrency legal in Dubai?
It is not illegal to invest in cryptocurrency in Dubai, but it does come with risks that you should be aware of before investing.
The Government of Dubai has not issued any warnings on cryptocurrencies, but the UAE Central Bank is warning against trading in them.
Therefore both trade and investment are legal in Dubai. However, make sure to do your research first before making an investment or trade as some countries have banned cryptocurrencies altogether.
Is mining cryptocurrency legal in Dubai?
Mining cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin is not illegal.
So there’s no need to worry about breaking any law or regulation.
Mining for cryptocurrency is legal in Dubai, but the practice is only allowed by firms registered with the Dubai Department of Economic Development.
Mining cryptocurrency can be done with an internet connection and a computer (a mining rig).
However, there are other costs to take into consideration such as electricity and storage space that can be prohibitively expensive for some people.
Is buying and selling cryptocurrency legal in Dubai?
Selling is not illegal. Buying cryptocurrency is not regulated in Dubai since it isn’t considered money, but exchanging cryptocurrencies for sovereign currencies are regulated.
There are no laws preventing citizens from buying or selling cryptocurrency within the UAE.
However, when trading cryptocurrencies for sovereign national currencies, there is regulation in place to require exchanges register with the regulator and comply with Anti-Money Laundering rules in order to prevent corruption of national finances by criminal groups operating in the region.
Is Cryptocurrency Legal in Dubai – Final Thoughts
Cryptocurrency is legal in Dubai.
The government has been reportedly considering ways to regulate the industry, but have yet to announce any detailed plans or date.
The United Arab Emirates Central Bank has reaffirmed a position against all dealings with cryptocurrency including “the process,” activating a warning that was released in 2016 and reiterated in 2017.
It risks running afoul of Sharia law by being based on speculation and gambling, which are prohibited.
First off, bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are not recognized as legally binding tender in any country or even recognized by world trade organizations such as the World Trade Organization.
Cryptocurrency is legal in Dubai, but not regulated.
Unfortunately, the volatility of cryptocurrencies make them difficult to regulate.
Until then, if you’re trading or mining cryptocurrencies there are some risks involved that your government may not be able to help you with.
In conclusion, please always do your own research before investing any money into cryptos.
