Crypto app downloads in the UAE surge by 41% in 2024

A recent research by AppsFlyer measuring installation and user trends for 49 of the most popular crypto apps found that the UAE saw a 41% year-on-year increase in crypto trading and management application installations.

In 2024, the UAE saw 15 million crypto app downloads, with the most happening in the second half of the year. Crypto app installations exceeded 1 million per month throughout the year. About 2.8 million downloads were recorded in December alone.

UAE crypto growth fueled by stablecoins and aggressive marketing

In a press release, Shani Rosenfelder, Director of Market Insights at AppsFlyer said, “The crypto market rebounded through 2024, and with Donald Trump having emphasized his pro-crypto stance on the campaign trail, the market surged further following the US election results. There has been a strong correlation between these market factors and the UAE’s crypto market momentum.”

He also added that for this growth to increase, strategic campaigning will be needed given that 60% of crypto application traffic in 2024 came after aggressive marketing efforts.

“It’s an extremely competitive space, and marketers have a tremendous role to play. First, they need to draw in prospects with compelling campaigns, delivered through the most effective ad networks. And as if this isn’t challenging enough in the crowded crypto space, they can’t rest on their laurels, as keeping their user base engaged can be equally challenging given how rapidly users are ready to nullify hard-earned downloads,” said Rosenfelder. 

In January of 2025, monthly crypto app installs in the United Arab Emirates totaled nearly 3.5 million, which is over half of all installations seen in 2023.

According to Chainalysis, the stablecoin market in the UAE grew significantly in 2024. Through the first half of the year, the value of stablecoins received by services (particularly CEXs and DEXs) in the UAE totaled over US$9.8 billion, a 55% spike over the US$6.3 billion received over H1 2023.

In addition, between July 2023 and June 2024, the United Arab Emirates received over $30 billion in crypto, ranking the country among the top 40 globally in this regard and making it MENA’s third largest crypto economy.

Cryptopolitan Academy: FREE Web3 Resume Cheat Sheet - Download Now