The UAE is cementing its status as a global crypto capital as Coinbase and Ripple align publicly on its regulatory clarity, innovation-first mindset and growing influence over the future of digital assets.
Coinbase and Ripple Align on the UAE’s Growing Crypto Power
Coinbase and Ripple have both pointed to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a global capital for crypto, reflecting a shared assessment from two of the industry’s most prominent companies on the country’s expanding role in digital assets.
Brian Armstrong, the CEO of Coinbase, said on social media platform X on Dec. 12:
The UAE is all-in on crypto, it’s become the second crypto capital of the world, along with the U.S.
Armstrong shared the comments after returning from a regional trip that included Abu Dhabi Finance Week, where global financial institutions, regulators, and technology firms gathered to discuss innovation and markets. He emphasized the broader mindset he encountered during the visit, saying: “Super energizing to spend time there, as they are techno-optimists, and believe in economic freedom.”
The Coinbase executive also pointed followers to his company’s upcoming system update product event, linking his observations in the UAE to the company’s ongoing product development and international strategy. His remarks suggest Coinbase views the country not only as an active market, but as a jurisdiction whose regulatory engagement and pro-innovation stance are shaping how major crypto platforms think about long-term global expansion.
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Ripple Senior Executive Officer and Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa Reece Merrick publicly aligned with that view in an X post shared on Dec. 14, reinforcing that Ripple has long considered the UAE central to its operations. Merrick said: “I’ve been saying (to anyone who will listen) that the UAE is serious about becoming the crypto capital of the world,” welcoming Armstrong’s comments and underscoring a point he has repeatedly made about the region’s direction.
He highlighted Ripple’s established footprint in the market, noting the company’s multi-year presence and continued investment. In a separate post earlier this month reflecting on the country more broadly, Merrick stated:
I’m incredibly proud to call the UAE home and to be building the future of finance here with Ripple.
The convergence of views from Coinbase and Ripple underscores a growing industry consensus that the UAE is not merely competing to attract digital asset firms but is increasingly recognized as one of the world’s leading crypto capitals, supported by policy clarity, infrastructure, and sustained executive commitment.
FAQ ⏰
- Why do Coinbase and Ripple see the UAE as a crypto capital? Both companies cite regulatory clarity, innovation-friendly policies, and strong institutional engagement.
- What did Brian Armstrong say about crypto in the UAE? The Coinbase CEO said the UAE is all-in on crypto and ranks alongside the U.S. globally.
- How long has Ripple operated in the UAE? Ripple has maintained a multi-year presence and continues to invest in the region.
- What role does Abu Dhabi Finance Week play in crypto adoption? It brings regulators, financial institutions, and tech firms together to shape crypto policy and markets.
Author: Kevin Helms
Source: Bitcoin
Reviewed By: Editorial Team
