Middle East Crypto Volume Hits $350 Billion as Tensions Rise

Crypto trading volume in the Middle East and North Africa has jumped to an estimated $350 billion annually. This marks a significant increase from $100 billion in 2022. Rather than leaving the region during recent geopolitical tension, many investors are moving capital into digital assets to safeguard their holdings.

Bitcoin is playing a major role in this shift. During the recent conflict involving Iran, Bitcoin dominance climbed to nearly 65 percent as traders moved away from riskier altcoins. While traditional stock exchanges faced closures during moments of instability, regional crypto exchanges remained fully operational, proving their reliability to local users.

Turkey continues to lead the region with roughly $200 billion in annual volume, followed by the UAE at $150 billion. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are seeing massive growth rates in activity. In Egypt, local demand for Bitcoin has surged by over 300 percent, likely driven by the devaluation of the local currency.

These patterns suggest that digital assets are maturing in the region. Regulated centers in the Gulf are successfully attracting institutional investors who prioritize liquidity and access during times of crisis. Market watchers should monitor how these regional trends continue to influence global Bitcoin demand.