News

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.

Published

4 years ago

October 7, 2022

Nour Nasir

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.

News

New Disney+ Streaming App Has Officially Launched In The UAE

The app’s recommendations now factor in what’s popular in the UAE, and a dedicated Junior Mode gives kids their own corner of Disney+.

Published

1 day ago

October 9, 2026

Dana Saadeh

Disney

A new Disney+ app has officially launched in the UAE, and subscribers can now keep watching their favorite titles when they travel. Disney+ says access extends across supported markets in Europe, the United States and beyond.

The app is built around a dynamic homepage and simpler navigation, with recommendations drawn from each customer’s viewing habits and what’s popular in the UAE. Content from Hulu and ESPN is now easier to find alongside Disney+’s own library, the company says. Audio and subtitles come in up to 25 languages, and supported devices get high-quality video and sound.

For families, the app includes Junior Mode, a dedicated, simplified version of Disney+ for younger viewers, built around age-appropriate shows and movies. It sits alongside existing controls such as PIN-protected profiles, customizable content ratings and account notifications when a profile is changed.

The catalog still spans Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Hulu and FX. Returning series include Season 8 of “The Kardashians,” Season 23 of “Grey’s Anatomy” and Season 38 of “The Simpsons”. Also on the service are the second season of International Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning series “Rivals,” comedy “Only Murders in the Building,” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootropolis 2” and 20th Century Studios’ “Send Help”.

Also Read: Best Video Streaming Services In The Middle East

Marvel Television’s “VisionQuest” is on the way, and Disney’s live-action “Moana” is due later this autumn. Beyond Hollywood, the Turkish title “Halef” is coming to the platform alongside a lineup of Korean entertainment: Korean-Japanese romantic comedy “Merry Berry Love” is streaming now, and “The Remarried Empress” arrives November 4.

Existing subscribers will be prompted to download the new app and sign in with their current credentials, with on-screen steps covering account confirmation and profile setup. Subscriptions start at AED 49.99 per month and can be canceled at any time.

For UAE subscribers planning to travel, the update will likely be well received, but Disney has left one question open. It confirms Europe and the United States as supported markets but doesn’t yet say which others fall under and beyond.