A growing wave of investor confidence is sweeping through the cryptocurrency market, with a new report revealing that two-thirds of global investors plan to increase their digital asset holdings this year. The study by crypto exchange Bitget shows that first-time buyers and seasoned investors in the UAE and the wider Middle East are a significant part of this trend.
Global Investor Confidence on the Rise
According to Bitget’s Q3 2025 Crypto Confidence Report, 66% of surveyed investors across global markets intend to add more crypto to their portfolios. The data also indicates a shift in strategy, with half of the respondents planning to increase their trading activity, while 43% see digital assets as a long-term component of their savings and wealth plans.
While optimism is particularly high in emerging markets like Nigeria, China, and India, the MENA region is rapidly catching up. This growth is fuelled by improved regulation, easier access to digital wallets, and the UAE’s rising status as a global crypto hub.
UAE Emerges as a Key Crypto Hub
The United Arab Emirates has established one of the world’s most advanced regulatory frameworks for digital assets. Authorities like Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and Abu Dhabi’s ADGM provide clear guidelines for licensed exchanges, creating a secure environment for investors. This stable foundation has helped attract global platforms and a growing number of regional users, complementing a sophisticated financial sector where institutions like the Commercial Bank honoured with 9 Global Finance Awards in 2025 are gaining international recognition.
Vugar Usi Zade, Bitget’s Chief Operating Officer, noted that the findings demonstrate crypto’s move beyond speculation. “Confidence in crypto is no longer just a niche trend, it’s a global signal,” he said. “The appetite from emerging markets shows where the future will be built.”
Navigating the Crypto Market
For those new to crypto, experts advise starting with small investments in well-known assets such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). The Bitget report confirms these two remain the most popular choices worldwide. Newer projects, including Solana (SOL) and various Layer 2 platforms, are also gaining traction due to their high speeds and lower transaction costs.
Despite market volatility, belief in the long-term value of digital assets remains strong. Nearly half of the survey participants believe the next major Bitcoin rally could see its price reach between USD 150,000 and USD 200,000. To invest safely, it is recommended to use regulated exchanges, diversify portfolios, and prioritise security with tools like two-factor authentication and cold storage wallets.
With its strong digital infrastructure and pro-innovation government policies, the UAE is well-positioned to lead regional growth in the crypto sector. The increasing interest from young professionals suggests that digital assets are becoming a standard part of modern financial planning, moving from the fringes to the mainstream.
