In 2023, the UAE witnessed a significant $204 million gain in crypto investments, securing the second rank among GCC countries and 38th globally. Bitcoin dominated as the preferred cryptocurrency, accounting for 70% of gains, while the global crypto market experienced a $37.6 billion upswing, marking a positive recovery after previous market turbulence.
UAE's Crypto Sector Booms with $204 Million Gain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - A recent report by Chainalysis reveals a significant surge in cryptocurrency investments within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The report indicates a capital gain of $204 million in crypto investments for 2023.
While the UAE ranks 38th among the top 50 countries with notable crypto investment gains, it secures the second position among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Saudi Arabia leads the GCC region with a gain of $351 million, securing the 26th position globally. Notably, no other GCC countries appear on the list of the top 50 countries.
Globally, the United States dominates the cryptocurrency market with a $9.36 billion gain. The United Kingdom follows closely with a $1.39 billion gain. Upper and lower middle-income countries such as Vietnam, China, Indonesia, and India also demonstrate strong gains, amounting to $1.18 billion, $1.15 billion, $1.96 billion, and $1.05 billion, respectively.
The Chainalysis report emphasizes Bitcoin as the most popular cryptocurrency among UAE investors. "This asset class has yielded substantial returns, representing 70 percent of the total gains achieved by UAE investors last year," the report states. Ethereum and Ripple's XRP occupy the second and third positions as preferred cryptocurrencies within the UAE.
Kim Grauer, Director of Research at Chainalysis, attributes the popularity of Bitcoin and Ethereum to the maturity of UAE investors. "The community is prioritizing established digital assets with proven performance rather than speculative cryptocurrencies," Grauer observes.
Furthermore, Chainalysis estimates that global crypto investors collectively gained $37.6 billion in 2023. "2023 witnessed a robust recovery for global crypto markets, with asset prices and market sentiment rebounding after the turbulence experienced the previous year," the report notes.
These findings underscore the growing significance of cryptocurrency within the UAE and the wider global economy. As the crypto sector continues to evolve, it will be essential to monitor emerging trends and developments closely.
