Rain is one of the Middle East's pioneering regulated cryptocurrency exchanges. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Bahrain, Rain became the first crypto platform to receive a Crypto-Asset Module (CRA) licence from the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) in 2019 — a landmark for regulated crypto trading in the MENA region. It has since expanded its regulatory footprint across the Gulf.
About Rain
Rain targets retail and institutional clients across the Middle East with local-currency fiat on-ramps and Arabic-language support. Its early CBB licence gave it first-mover regulatory credibility, and the exchange has raised significant venture funding from regional and global investors. Rain offers spot trading, custody and OTC services for clients in the Gulf and beyond.
Key Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2017 |
| HQ | Bahrain |
| Licence | Central Bank of Bahrain (CRA) — first in MENA, 2019 |
| Region | Bahrain, UAE and wider GCC |
| Fiat | BHD, AED, USD and regional currencies |
| Services | Spot trading, custody, OTC |
Key Features
MENA Regulatory Pioneer
Rain's 2019 CBB licence made it the first regulated crypto exchange in the Middle East. For Gulf investors who prioritise dealing with a licensed, locally-regulated venue rather than an offshore platform, Rain remains a default trusted choice.
Local Fiat & Arabic Support
Rain supports regional fiat currencies and Arabic-language onboarding, making it far more accessible to Gulf retail users than global exchanges that only handle USD/USDT.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- First CBB-licensed exchange in MENA
- Regulated across multiple Gulf jurisdictions
- Local fiat on/off-ramps
- Arabic support and regional focus
- Custody and OTC for larger clients
Cons
- Smaller coin selection than global exchanges
- Primarily Gulf-focused availability
- Lower liquidity than top-tier venues
- No public market-data API for aggregation
Summary
Rain is the established, regulation-first gateway to crypto for the Gulf. Its pioneering CBB licence, regional fiat support and Arabic-first experience make it a trusted home base for MENA investors who value compliance over the breadth of a global exchange.