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Bahrain vs Qatar

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | Bahrain | Qatar
Bahrain

Bahrain

Qatar

Qatar

Legal
Restricted

Bahrain is one of the most crypto-friendly jurisdictions in the Middle East. The Central Bank of Bahrain introduced a comprehensive crypto-asset regulatory framework in 2019, and there is no personal income or capital gains tax. Several major exchanges including Binance have obtained licenses.

Qatar has a restrictive stance on cryptocurrency. The Qatar Central Bank banned crypto trading and services in 2018, and the QFC Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) prohibits virtual asset services within the Qatar Financial Centre. However, Qatar has shown interest in blockchain technology for non-crypto applications and is exploring a potential CBDC. The Qatar Financial Centre issued a Digital Assets Framework in 2024 focused on tokenized real-world assets, not cryptocurrencies.

Tax Type No tax
Tax Type None
Tax Rate 0%
Tax Rate 0%
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges No No
Mining Yes Yes
Mining No No
Regulator CBB (Central Bank of Bahrain)
Regulator QCB (Qatar Central Bank), QFCRA
Stablecoin Rules Regulated under CBB crypto-asset module; stablecoin issuance requires CBB licensing
Stablecoin Rules Not permitted under current QCB regulations
Key Points
  • CBB Crypto-Asset Module provides a full regulatory framework for exchanges, custodians, and brokers
  • No personal income tax or capital gains tax in Bahrain
  • Licensed exchanges include Binance (CoinMENA), Rain, and others
  • VASPs must meet AML/CFT requirements and obtain CBB licensing
  • Bahrain positions itself as a regional fintech and crypto hub
Key Points
  • QFCRA prohibited authorized firms from providing virtual asset services (2019 alert, reaffirmed 2024)
  • QFCRA prohibits virtual asset services within the Qatar Financial Centre
  • QFC introduced a 2024 Digital Assets Framework for tokenized securities (not crypto)
  • No personal income or capital gains tax in Qatar (but crypto trading is banned)
  • Qatar exploring blockchain and CBDC applications separate from crypto
Sources
Sources