Middle East crypto transactions pass $500bn a year as tokenisation boom gathers pace

Crypto activity in the Middle East has crossed a major milestone, with annual transaction volumes now exceeding $500bn, according to new analysis from Fuze.

The region is also approaching what the firm describes as a digital renaissance, driven by the tokenisation of real-world assets such as real estate and commodities.

In its 2026 spotlight on virtual assets, Fuze estimates that tokenised real-world assets alone could be worth $600bn to the region by 2030, underlining the growing strategic importance of digital finance across the Middle East.

Crypto transactions pass $500bn annually

Revealed in Fuze’s report, crypto transactions in the Middle East have now passed $500bn per year, highlighting the region’s rapid adoption of digital assets across institutional and consumer markets.

Speaking about the findings, Mo Ali Yusuf, CEO, Fuze, said: “The region is now responsible for half a trillion dollars in crypto transactions. The UAE is spearheading the digital assets ecosystem and Saudi Arabia is poised to become one of the world’s leading hubs for tokenisation.

“Regulations are developing at pace, the infrastructure is ready and mass adoption amongst enterprises and consumers is imminent. We’re no longer at the countdown phase to what is possible, the rocket has left the launchpad.”

The spotlight report points to tokenisation of real-world assets as a key driver of the next phase of growth. Assets such as real estate and commodities are increasingly being brought onto blockchain-based platforms, improving liquidity, accessibility and efficiency.

Fuze estimates this segment alone could be worth $600bn to the Middle East by 2030, as regulatory frameworks mature and institutional participation deepens across major regional markets.

Stablecoins reshape remittance market

The report also highlights accelerating transformation in the remittance sector, driven by the adoption of stablecoins as a lower-cost and faster alternative for cross-border transfers.

Global remittance costs typically average between 5 to 6 per cent of transfers. By contrast, stablecoins can reduce costs to 1 per cent or lower.

Traditional remittance via fiat rails can also take several days, while stablecoin transfers operate 24/7 and can be completed in close to real time.

According to Fuze analysis, between 7 per cent to 15 per cent of remittance flows from the Middle East could be conducted through stablecoins by the end of the decade.

Supporting this outlook, PwC estimates that stablecoin-linked financial services in the GCC will grow at 32 per cent per year.

Yusuf added: “With any new system or product, safety and security are paramount to establish trust. It is why the proactive approaches to regulation that are being taken by central banks and licensing authorities across the Middle East, are so crucial in paving the way for enhanced digital financial services and inclusion.

“Over 2026, businesses and consumers will experience a transformation in the way they move money, propelled by virtual assets. These systems will be faster, cheaper and more convenient than ever before. It is why we are so bullish about the future of finance in the region.”

Fuze provides regulated financial infrastructure enabling institutions and enterprises to deploy crypto, stablecoin and payments solutions within their organisations.

As a fully licensed and regulated business, the company positions itself as a key enabler of the region’s rapidly evolving digital economy.