Fuze, one of the fastest growing financial infrastructure providers, has released a new 2026 spotlight on Virtual Assets in the Middle East. Revealed in Fuze’s report, crypto transactions in the Middle East have now passed USD500 billion per year. Furthermore, the region is on the cusp of a digital renaissance, spurred forward by the tokenization of ‘real world assets’ – such as real estate and commodities. This market alone could be worth USD600 billion to the region by 2030.
Speaking about the findings, Fuze CEO Mo Ali Yusuf 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 tokenization. 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 also highlights how transformation is underway in the remittance sector, as stable coins provide a lower cost, faster method for cross-border transfers. Typically, global remittance averages are between 5 to 6% of transfers, however stable coins reduce costs down to 1% or lower. In addition, traditional remittance via fiat rails can take days, while stablecoin transfers can be done 24/7 in close to real-time.
Fuze analysis suggests, due to the advantages of stablecoin transfers, that between 7% to 15% of remittance from the Middle East will be through stablecoins by the end of the decade. To support this, PwC estimates stablecoin-linked financial services in the GCC will grow at 32% per year.
Fuze provides critical infrastructure for institutions and enterprises to implement a range of crypto, stablecoin and payments solutions within their organisations. As a fully licensed and regulated business, Fuze is supporting the rapidly changing digital economy.
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.”
