Cryptocurrency adoption in the UAE is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, and within two years, digital assets will surpass traditional currencies in daily use, according to Mohammed Al Hakim, the newly appointed President of Crypto.com UAE.
“In the next two years in the UAE, you will be able to do more with cryptocurrency than with the dirham and dollar,” Al Hakim predicted, underscoring the rapid shift towards a digital financial ecosystem in the region.
Al Hakim’s appointment marks a historic milestone for the crypto currency industry, making him the first GCC and Emirati national to assume such a senior role within a global crypto exchange.
His leadership signals Crypto.com’s growing commitment to regional expansion and the broader adoption of blockchain technologies in the UAE and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.
Al Hakim’s vision for Crypto.com in the UAE
As President ofCrypto.com UAE, Al Hakim will oversee the company’s expansion across the GCC region, working closely with UAE government entities, blockchain startups, and financial technology initiatives. His mandate includes strengthening partnerships with regulatory authorities, fintech firms, and investment bodies to drive digital transformation.
“We’re really excited to welcome Mohammed Al Hakim to Crypto.com, and appreciate the knowledge, experience, and background he will bring to our expanding UAE team,” said Eric Anziani, President and Chief Operating Officer of Crypto.com. “We have a number of growth initiatives and exciting product launches in the pipeline for 2025 in the UAE and wider GCC region, and we’re delighted to have Mohammed onboard to spearhead these.”
Al Hakim brings over a decade of leadership experience, having played a pivotal role in securing over $800 million in foreign investments for Dubai and launching programs aimed at empowering Emirati talent. He is also a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD), reflecting his deep engagement in national development initiatives.
Expanding the crypto economy in the Gulf
Al Hakim’s appointment comes at a crucial time when Gulf nations are accelerating their shift toward blockchain technology and digital finance. The GCC region, led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, has seen a significant rise in cryptocurrency investments, blockchain startups, and regulatory frameworks aimed at integrating digital assets into mainstream financial systems.
Crypto.com is positioning itself at the center of this transformation, aiming to expand access to crypto payments, decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions, and blockchain-based financial services in the region.
“The UAE’s leadership in fostering a forward-thinking regulatory framework has set the stage for exponential growth,” said Al Hakim. “I look forward to contributing to Crypto.com’s mission by driving innovation and delivering exceptional value to our users across the UAE and GCC. This role is an opportunity to give back to my country and region, and I am committed to making a meaningful impact.”
Future of cryptocurrency in the UAE
With increasing regulatory clarity, rising institutional investments, and growing consumer adoption, the UAE is on track to become a global cryptocurrency powerhouse. As Al Hakim takes charge of Crypto.com’s regional operations, his bold prediction of crypto surpassing traditional currencies within two years may not be far from reality.
