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MENA Region Is World’s Fastest-Growing Crypto Market

According to a newly released report, cryptocurrency adoption is surging in the MENA region, with Egypt now home to the largest cryptocurrency industry.

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mena region is world's fastest-growing crypto market
Chainalysis

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have adopted cryptocurrency at a staggering rate, according to a new report by Chainalysis, with the MENA region as a whole accounting for 9.2% of global crypto transactions over the last year.

According to the research, although the MENA region is one of the smallest crypto markets, cryptocurrency growth of over $550 billion happened between July 2021 and June 2022, with three of the world’s “Top 30” countries coming from the MENA zone:

  • Turkey (12/30)
  • Egypt (14/30)
  • Morocco (24/30)

In the case of both Egypt and Turkey, unstable and rapidly devaluing fiat currencies have strengthened the appeal of crypto. Turkey made $192 billion in transactions, making it the region’s biggest player, though at a growth rate of 10.5%, the country’s crypto market didn’t expand as quickly as others.

So, which countries seem to be adopting crypto at breakneck speeds? Chainalysis found that Egypt was the MENA region’s fastest-growing, with transaction volumes leaping by over 220%. Saudi Arabia saw similar progress, with volumes increasing by 195%.

mena region yoy growth in crypto transaction volume

“Digital currencies are being used in Egypt as a way to preserve savings. Using cryptocurrencies to hedge against currency devaluation is appealing,” says Kim Grauer, Director of Research, Chainalysis.

Also Read: 3 Best Cold Storage Wallets For Crypto In 2023

In other significant news, unlike many countries, Egypt’s national bank has enthusiastically embraced crypto. It is currently in the process of building a crypto-based remittance corridor between Egypt and the UAE, as many Egyptians are based there for work.

One of the reasons crypto is surging in the MENA is down to demographics: Populations in MENA countries are young, and growth is being fueled by a class of tech-savvy early adopters with high disposable incomes. Overall though, it’s clear that with financial institutions and retail adopting the technology at a rapid pace, the future looks bright for cryptocurrency in North Africa and the Middle East.

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A Line-Up Of Over 100 Shows Comes To Snapchat This Ramadan

Snapchatters can watch a wide range of content, including entertainment, drama, and comedy.

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a line-up of over 100 shows comes to snapchat this ramadan

As people across the Middle East celebrate the beginning of Ramadan this week, Snapchat has announced a new line-up of over 100 Ramadan shows to be added to the Discover platform, bringing drama, comedy, and more for the holy month. Snapchatters can also browse Spotlight to discover fresh creators and content from across the MENA region and beyond.

snapchat ramadan 2023 discover slate

Snapchat partners on the Discover line-up include the Saudi Broadcasting Authority, Augustus Media, MBC Group, Rotana Media Group, Dubai Media Inc, 7awi Group, Alfan Group, and more. Snap Inc. has revealed that shows will include “Netflorex, THAT, and Marahel, as well as MBC’s highly anticipated show Tash Returns, Studio 23, and prank show Ramez Never End”.

Snapchat’s Discover and Spotlight will also feature creator content from Saudi legacy Creator Bader Saleh, Ahmad Alzahabi’s cooking show “The Golden Balance”, and Muslim Girl, a US-based award-winning creator empowering Muslim women worldwide.

Also Read: ChatGPT Is Accelerating The AI Revolution In The Middle East

“This Ramadan, we are partnering with some of the region’s most trusted media partners and fan-favorite creators to showcase engaging content on Discover and Spotlight. Snapchatters spent 31 percent more time watching Ramadan content than the year prior. We are excited to help our community discover new creators and content in a personalized way, allowing them to watch and share their favorite content that captures the spirit of the holy month,” says Hussein Freijeh, General Manager at Snap Inc. in MENA.

To view Snapchat’s Discover shows, simply swipe right on the app, search for the show you want to watch, and then subscribe!

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