UAE’s Crypto Adoption Surges by 42%: Embrace Digital Eidiya This Ramadan

What if your Eidiya this year didn’t just disappear into a toy store run or a snack splurge—but grew in value over time?

As the UAE continues to lead the MENA region in cryptocurrency adoption, a fresh twist on a cherished tradition is emerging digital Eidiya. Rooted in generosity and symbolic of blessings and prosperity, Eidiya—the tradition of gifting money to younger family members during Eid—is being reimagined for the digital era.

And there’s never been a better time to consider it.

Recent figures show that downloads of the top 49 crypto apps in the UAE surged to 15 million in 2024, marking a 41% year-on-year increase. In January 2025 alone, the country recorded 3.55 million crypto app installations, highlighting a clear appetite for digital assets. With user penetration expected to hit 39.1% by the end of 2025, crypto is no longer a fringe trend—it’s becoming a household norm.

So, what if, instead of the usual cash envelope, you gifted your niece a fraction of Bitcoin, or set up a savings plan in Ethereum for your nephew? A thoughtful, forward-looking gesture that celebrates tradition and introduces your loved ones to the digital economy.

“The UAE’s proactive regulatory environment has positioned it as a global leader in digital finance,” said Nadeem Ladki, Global Head of Bitpanda Technology Solutions. “Gifting digital assets this Eid not only honors tradition but also empowers recipients with a stake in the burgeoning digital economy. In fact, if you had gifted your loved ones 100 AED of BTC for Eid last year, it would now be worth 124 AED, reflecting a 24% growth overall, highlighting the potential of digital assets as a meaningful and forward-thinking gift.”

This movement is backed by a strong foundation. The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) continues to expand its recognized crypto tokens list, and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has rolled out the world’s first DLT Foundations Framework, enabling legal structures for blockchain-based organizations. On top of that, the Central Bank of the UAE recently approved AE Coin, the country’s first dirham-pegged stablecoin, unlocking faster and more affordable digital transactions.

The numbers speak for themselves. In 2024 alone, the UAE attracted over $30 billion in crypto investments, securing its spot among the top 10 countries globally for crypto adoption. The MENA region clinched 7.5% of the world’s total crypto transaction volume, reflecting its fast-growing role in the global digital finance arena. Platforms like Bitpanda are making it easier than ever to explore this space.

This Ramadan, why not turn a heartfelt gesture into a long-term opportunity?

Start a crypto savings plan for a sibling, gift a slice of gold token to a parent, or help a cousin begin their investment journey. From Bitcoin to Ethereum—and even precious metals—there’s a digital asset out there with their name on it. After all, what could be a more modern form of barakah than the gift of financial growth?

This Eid, give the gift that could keep on giving.