Rain stands as a premier cryptocurrency exchange in the Middle East, serving over a quarter of a million users across seven key nations in the region. It is fully licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), providing a secure and regulated environment for trading more than 70 different cryptocurrencies.
A strong emphasis on security is evident through Rain's use of cold storage for safeguarding funds. The platform also offers round-the-clock bilingual customer support in Arabic, English, and Turkish. Users can typically complete account verification in under 24 hours, gaining swift access to its full suite of trading and investment services.
Primarily serving the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Rain operates in countries including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, and Oman. It is also one of the few exchanges globally that offers fee-free trading on its retail platform.
What Is Rain?
Established in 2017 and headquartered in Bahrain, Rain has grown to become one of the most prominent digital asset exchanges in the Middle East. It boasts a user base of over 250,000 individuals across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, the UAE, and Jordan.
The exchange holds a full Category 3 license from the Central Bank of Bahrain, allowing it to offer a straightforward and secure platform for trading leading cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, alongside numerous other digital assets.
Security is a cornerstone of its service. Rain employs a proprietary cold storage system to protect user funds and guarantees that all client assets are fully backed 1:1 and are accessible at all times. The platform is also known for its efficient onboarding, with most accounts verified within 24 hours. For large-volume traders, it provides access to an over-the-counter (OTC) trading desk.
As a trusted entity, Rain has received backing from major venture capital firms in Silicon Valley and is regulated within the Dubai International Financial Centre.
Key Features of Rain
Rain provides a variety of tools and services designed to cater to a wide spectrum of traders, from beginners to sophisticated institutions.
Trading Options
The exchange supports multiple methods for engaging with the crypto market.
- Spot Trading: Users can easily buy and sell over 70 cryptocurrencies, including popular tokens like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), and Solana (SOL).
- Rain Pro: Aimed at advanced traders, Rain Pro offers a platform equipped with professional-grade charts, a variety of order types (limit, market, stop-loss), and faster execution speeds for precise trading.
- OTC Services: For large trades, Rain's Over-The-Counter service allows individuals and institutions to execute sizable orders with greater privacy, lower effective costs, and minimal market slippage.
Accessibility and Support
Rain is built to serve its regional audience with a high degree of accessibility.
- 24/7 Bilingual Support: Customer service is available around the clock in Turkish, English, and Arabic. Users can get timely assistance via instant chat or email.
- Mobile App: The Rain mobile application, available for both iOS and Android devices, enables users to trade and monitor their portfolios on the go. The app features a user-friendly interface that simplifies cryptocurrency investment management.
- Multi-Country Support: The platform primarily serves clients in the MENA region, including Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, and Jordan.
Additional Products and Services
Beyond core trading, Rain offers several features to enhance user experience and security.
- Cold Storage: The vast majority of user assets are secured using Rain's proprietary cold storage solution, ensuring robust protection against theft and hacking attempts.
- Sharia Compliance: As a regulated exchange in Bahrain, Rain adheres to Sharia standards. This compliance makes it a viable option for users who require their investments to align with Islamic financial principles.
- Institutional Services: Tailored services for institutional clients include dedicated OTC brokerage, API access for algorithmic trading, and solutions for those requiring deep liquidity and advanced tools.
- Rain Learn: An educational resource hub designed to help users begin their cryptocurrency journey. It provides articles, guides, and updates on the latest market news and trends.
Is Rain Secure?
Security and regulatory compliance are central to Rain's value proposition. The platform employs industry-standard security measures, including multi-factor authentication (MFA) and its proprietary cold storage system, to protect user assets and personal data.
Crucially, Rain is regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain. This means it operates under a strict financial regulatory framework, which provides users with an additional layer of assurance and fund protection. The exchange, operating under the entity Rain Management W.L.L., holds a Category 3 Crypto-Asset Service Provider License.
Furthermore, Rain enforces rigorous Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures to maintain the integrity and safety of its platform. While its services are focused on users in specific countries, it ensures adherence to all local regulations in its jurisdictions. This combination of oversight and security infrastructure creates a trusted environment for cryptocurrency trading in the region.
Understanding Rain's Fee Structure
Rain offers a transparent fee schedule for trading, deposits, and withdrawals. Here’s a breakdown of the main costs users should be aware of:
Trading and Swap Costs
Rain does not charge a separate commission or fee on standard buy/sell transactions. Instead, the cost to the user is incorporated into the spread—the difference between the buy and sell price of an asset. This spread typically ranges from 1% to 2.5% and is included in the quoted price you see on the platform, ensuring upfront transparency.
Deposit Fees
Depositing local currency (fiat) into your Rain account is free. The platform does not charge any deposit fees. However, for international wire transfers, your bank or an intermediary bank may levy its own transaction fees. Local transfers within Bahrain (via Fawri or Fawri+) are fee-free, and the exact amount you send will be credited to your Rain account.
Withdrawal Fees
Rain charges a small, fixed fee for fiat currency withdrawals, which varies depending on the currency:
- Saudi Riyal (SAR): 50 SAR
- Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD): 5 KWD
- UAE Dirham (AED): 50 AED
- Omani Rial (OMR): 5 OMR
- US Dollar (USD): 15 USD
- Bahraini Dinar (BHD): Free
All fees are clearly displayed before you confirm any transaction, ensuring you have a complete understanding of the costs involved. For a deeper dive into advanced trading tools that can help maximize your strategy, explore more strategies available on leading platforms.
Rain OTC Desk
Rain's Over-The-Counter (OTC) desk is tailored for high-net-worth individuals and institutions looking to execute large trades without causing significant market impact. As the first regulated OTC platform of its kind in the Middle East, it provides a secure and private venue for transactions.
The desk facilitates trades starting from $250,000 for major cryptocurrencies and $100,000 for other supported assets. By connecting clients with a private broker network, the OTC service minimizes slippage and offers more favorable pricing.
Benefits of using the OTC desk extend beyond privacy. Clients gain access to deeper liquidity, faster settlement times for deposits and withdrawals, and personalized VIP support. For institutional clients managing substantial assets, Rain can also provide additional services like liquidity management and bespoke custody solutions.
The Bottom Line
In summary, Rain has established itself as a trustworthy and regulated cryptocurrency exchange for the Middle East and North Africa region. It successfully serves a growing base of retail and institutional investors with a platform that balances simplicity with powerful features.
From straightforward spot trading of major cryptocurrencies to secure cold storage and a sophisticated OTC desk for large transactions, Rain provides a comprehensive suite of services. Its commitment to Sharia compliance also makes it a unique and valuable gateway for investors seeking financial products that align with Islamic principles. For those ready to engage with the market, view real-time tools that can provide live data and execution capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rain available to users outside the Middle East?
Currently, Rain's services are primarily focused on residents of specific countries in the Middle East and North Africa, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and others. You must be a resident of a supported country and complete the KYC verification process to use the platform.
How long does it take to verify a Rain account?
Rain is known for its efficient verification process. Most users report that their accounts are fully verified and ready for trading within 24 hours of submitting all required documents.
What makes Rain different from other global exchanges?
Rain's key differentiators are its specific focus on the MENA region, its regulatory licenses from authorities in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, and its dedication to Sharia-compliance. These factors make it a uniquely tailored and trusted option for its target audience.
Does Rain charge any trading fees?
Rain does not charge a separate commission. Instead, a spread of approximately 1% to 2.5% is built into the price of each asset during a trade. This means the cost is included in the quoted buy or sell price you see.
How does Rain protect user funds?
User funds are primarily protected through the use of cold storage, which keeps the vast majority of digital assets offline and inaccessible to hackers. Furthermore, the platform is regulated and adheres to strict financial standards, providing an additional layer of security.
What is the minimum deposit for the Rain OTC desk?
The minimum trade size for the OTC desk is typically $250,000 for major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, and $100,000 for other supported altcoins.