UAE official: Bitcoin is redefining global finance at “unprecedented speed”

“Bitcoin has become the key pillar in the future of financing,” says Mohammed Al Shamsi, a UAE National Security official. 

The senior official from the UAE National Security made the declaration at the Bitcoin MENA 2025 conference in Abu Dhabi, a convention taking place between December 8 and 9, 2025, at the ADNEC Centre with over 10,000 expected attendees and 300 speakers from around the world.

What did Mohammed Al Shamsi say about Bitcoin? 

Mohammed Al Shamsi declared Bitcoin to be an important part of future finance systems at Bitcoin MENA 2025, which is taking place from December 8-9 at the ADNEC Centre.

Al Shamsi described the current financial innovations as historical. He stated that the world economy is changing at unprecedented speed and that Bitcoin is “no longer just a digital asset.” According to the senior official, Bitcoin has now become a key pillar in the future of financing.

This is the second time the Bitcoin MENA conference has been held in Abu Dhabi. The gathering is expected to draw over 10,000 attendees from around the world and features approximately 300 speakers, over 90 exhibitors, and sponsors.

The event features prominent speakers, including Michael Saylor, Changpeng Zhao, and Paul Manafort. 

Regional leaders such as H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti and Ahmed Bin Sulayem are also participating. Throughout the conference, there will be multiple stages focusing on different aspects of Bitcoin, from technical development to institutional adoption.

Is the UAE’s position in the crypto market strong?  

The UAE has the third-largest crypto economy in the Middle East and North Africa region. The cryptocurrency market revenue in the UAE is projected to reach $395.9 million in 2025. 

The UAE has a diversified crypto ecosystem that records significant activity from both centralized and decentralized exchanges and finance platforms.

Between July 2023 and June 2024, the country received over $34 billion in cryptocurrency transactions, indicating a 42% YoY growth. Dubai’s virtual-asset market reached 2.5 trillion dirhams, approximately $680 billion, in 2025. This contributes 0.5% to Dubai’s GDP. 

The crypto industry as a whole contributes approximately 100 billion dirhams, about $27.25 billion, to Dubai, making up 4.3% of the UAE’s GDP.

The UAE leads the Middle East region in Bitcoin adoption, specifically. More than 30% of UAE residents, roughly three million people, have invested in cryptocurrencies. The country recorded over 500,000 daily active crypto traders. The global crypto millionaire population reached 241,700 individuals worldwide, a 40% increase from the previous year.

The country has implemented several favorable regulations, such as offering zero value-added tax on Bitcoin transactions. The UAE also has no personal income tax or capital gains tax. Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority oversees crypto operations in the Emirate, while Abu Dhabi has its own Financial Services Regulatory Authority framework.

The Middle East crypto market was valued at approximately $110.3 billion in 2024. The region is projected to reach $234.3 billion by 2033, with an expected compound annual growth rate of 8.74%.

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