UAE Tops Global Crypto Adoption with Surging Investor Interest
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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become the most crypto-focused country in the world, according to a recent study by Atmos. The UAE scored 98.4, surpassing other leading crypto countries like Singapore (97.5) and the United States (85.4).
However, the main reason for this ranking is the UAE’s high crypto ownership, with 25.3% of people owning cryptocurrency. Moreover, the country has a remarkable adoption rate of 210%, meaning that the number of crypto users has more than doubled in recent years.
Therefore, the UAE’s position as the world’s most crypto-obsessed country is expected to positively impact investor sentiment. The high adoption rate and government support signal a strong commitment to digital assets, making the region an attractive destination for institutional and retail investors.
This development could lead to increased liquidity and demand in the market, further reinforcing the UAE’s status as a global crypto hub.
UAE Leads in Crypto Adoption Despite Minimal Bitcoin ATMs
Despite having only one Bitcoin ATM, the UAE has shown impressive growth in cryptocurrency adoption. In contrast, the United States, with 29,834 Bitcoin ATMs, ranked lower in the study. Similarly, Canada, which has the second-highest number of Bitcoin ATMs (3,561), secured fourth place with a score of 72.
Canada’s ranking is based on its 10.1% crypto ownership rate and a high 225% adoption rate. Meanwhile, Turkey ranked fifth, even though 19.3% of its population owns cryptocurrency. This is because its adoption rate is lower, and it has only seven Bitcoin ATMs.
Commenting on the study’s findings, Nick Cooke, the CEO of Atmos, said:
Cryptocurrency adoption is not just about investment trends. It is reshaping financial systems worldwide. In some regions, it is a hedge against inflation and currency instability, while in others, it is a step toward a more digitized economy. What truly drives adoption is not just interest but accessibility. When regulatory clarity, payment integration, and real-world utility align, crypto moves from speculation to a fundamental part of everyday transactions.
These findings suggest that the number of Bitcoin ATMs does not necessarily indicate a country’s crypto adoption level. The UAE’s strong ranking highlights its rapid embrace of digital currencies, proving that factors like ownership rate and adoption growth play a bigger role in a country’s crypto success than physical infrastructure.
UAE Emerges as a Global Leader in Crypto, Surpassing Switzerland and South Korea
On the other side, Switzerland, known for its strong financial system, ranked seventh with a score of 58.1. However, the country’s adoption rate of 90% indicates that its crypto market is more mature than emerging. South Korea, despite being a tech-savvy nation, scored the lowest among the top-ranked countries with a score of 52.2. This is mainly due to its limited physical infrastructure for cryptocurrencies.
Looking ahead, the UAE’s strong approach to crypto regulation and fast-growing adoption rates make it a global leader in digital assets. As regulations improve, the UAE is likely to attract more investment and innovation, shaping the future of digital finance.
