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AppsFlyer has recently released some key data points on crypto app usage trends among UAE consumers.

The UAE is fast becoming a key market for crypto companies looking to rapidly grow their user bases. Through 2024, the region saw an impressive 41% surge in year-on-year installs of apps used for the trading and management of cryptocurrency assets. This is according to research from AppsFlyer, which measured install and usage trends across 49 of the most popular crypto apps. 

Of the 15 million downloads that occurred in the Emirates last year, the majority took place in the second half of the year. In fact, each month in the last quarter of the year saw installs exceed 1 million, with the largest spike of 2.8 million taking place in December. 

Offering insight into these findings, Shani Rosenfelder, Director of Market Insights at AppsFlyer said, “The crypto market rebounded through 2024, and with Donald Trump having emphasized his pro-crypto stance on the campaign trail, the market surged further following the US election results. There has been a strong correlation between these market factors and the UAE’s crypto market momentum. Moreover, the outlook continues to be favourable, presenting an opportunity for crypto companies to rapidly grow their user bases during this period of market uptick.”

Rosenfelder however stated that fuelling this growth will require strategic campaigning, highlighting that 60% of crypto app traffic in 2024 was driven by aggressive marketing efforts.

Moreover, analysing engagement trends around crypto apps on Android devices, AppsFlyer’s researchers found that one in five apps is uninstalled within just 30 days — which means marketers must create a seamless journey and deliver a top notch onboarding experience, otherwise they risk churn.

“It’s an extremely competitive space, and marketers have a tremendous role to play. First, they need to draw in prospects with compelling campaigns, delivered through the most effective ad networks. And as if this isn’t challenging enough in the crowded crypto space, they can’t rest on their laurels, as keeping their user base engaged can be equally challenging given how rapidly users are ready to nullify hard-earned downloads,” said Rosenfelder. 

Challenging as this may be, AppsFlyer’s research suggests there is good reason for crypto app marketers to remain committed to aggressive campaigning. In January of this year, monthly crypto app installs in the UAE totaled nearly 3.5 million.

“Put in perspective, that’s over half of all installs seen in the country through all of 2023. Clearly there’s still tremendous potential to be had, and with 2025 on track to be a record-setting year, prudent crypto app marketers must use every tool in their arsenal to gain and retain market share,” added Rosenfelder.