Crypto Regulations in Saudi Arabia: What You Need to Know in 2025

When it comes to crypto regulations Saudi, the set of laws and policies governing cryptocurrency use, trading, and taxation in Saudi Arabia. Also known as Saudi crypto laws, these rules have shifted from total silence to one of the most active regulatory frameworks in the Middle East. Unlike countries that banned crypto outright, Saudi Arabia chose to control it—letting exchanges operate under strict licenses while blocking crypto payments in stores and online shops.

The Saudi Central Bank, the official monetary authority overseeing financial stability and currency policy in Saudi Arabia. Also known as SAMA, it works with the Capital Market Authority (CMA) to approve only licensed crypto platforms. That means if you’re trading on Binance or Bybit in Riyadh, you’re using a platform that passed their audit. Unlicensed exchanges? They’re blocked. The crypto tax Saudi, the system by which capital gains from cryptocurrency sales are taxed under Saudi income rules. Also known as crypto capital gains tax, it doesn’t have a separate rate—it’s treated like any other investment profit, meaning you pay tax if you sell for a gain. No one’s tracking your wallet addresses yet, but exchanges report large transactions to regulators.

Payments using Bitcoin or USDT? Still illegal. Even though you can buy and hold crypto legally, you can’t use it to pay for your groceries, phone bill, or Uber ride. That’s because the Saudi Central Bank wants to keep the Riyal as the only legal tender. But here’s the twist: the government is quietly building blockchain systems for land titles, visas, and government contracts. So while you can’t spend crypto at the mall, the state is using it behind the scenes.

What does this mean for you? If you’re trading crypto in Saudi Arabia, stick to licensed platforms. Keep records of your buys and sells. Don’t assume anonymity—you’re not breaking the law by holding crypto, but hiding gains could get you in trouble. And if you’re thinking of starting a crypto business? Get the license. The rules are clear, and the penalties for ignoring them are steep.

Below, you’ll find real reviews and breakdowns of exchanges, scams, and regulatory moves that matter in Saudi Arabia and beyond. From exchange shutdowns to KYC crackdowns and tax loopholes, these aren’t theoretical guides—they’re based on what actually happened to real users. Whether you’re holding Bitcoin, trading on TON, or wondering if your airdrop is taxable, the answers here are grounded in facts—not hype.