On August 25, Arkham Intelligence reported that the UAE government holds around 6,300 Bitcoin, valued between $700 million and $740 million. What makes this stash unique is that it wasn’t bought on the open market.
Instead, it was mined directly through Citadel Mining, a publicly listed company majority-owned by Abu Dhabi’s powerful Royal Group. By accumulating Bitcoin through mining rather than market purchases, the UAE has secured reserves while strengthening its role in the global crypto mining landscape.
UAE is now the Fourth-Largest Bitcoin Holder
This move puts the UAE in the spotlight as the fourth-largest holder of Bitcoin, a notable milestone for a nation positioning itself as a global hub for digital assets. The Gulf country has been ramping up efforts to attract crypto companies with favorable regulations, abundant energy resources for mining, and institutional capital eager to diversify into blockchain technology.
Alongside its mined Bitcoin reserves, Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund has invested $534 million in a Bitcoin ETF, signaling that the UAE’s embrace of cryptocurrency goes beyond mining into mainstream financial instruments. Together, these steps reflect a two-pronged strategy: securing mined reserves while also gaining exposure through regulated investment products.
A New Global Crypto Player
The UAE’s Bitcoin holdings and growing presence in digital assets could reshape the competitive landscape, especially as countries like the U.S. and El Salvador pursue their own Bitcoin strategies. By leveraging financial muscle and energy capacity, the Emirates is carving out a place as a serious global player in the digital asset economy.
For now, Arkham’s disclosure provides the first public confirmation of these sovereign Bitcoin reserves, putting the UAE in the same league as some of the world’s most proactive state adopters. It’s yet another signal that Bitcoin is no longer just a speculative asset; it’s becoming a strategic reserve for nations looking to future-proof their economies.
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FAQs
The UAE holds approximately 6,333 BTC, valued at around $740 million, making it the fourth-largest state Bitcoin holder globally.
These Bitcoins were mined directly using Citadel Mining, a publicly listed company majority-owned by Abu Dhabi’s Royal Group via the IHC investment arm, not bought on the open market.
Unlike many nations that purchase Bitcoin, the UAE built its reserve through state-backed mining operations. This enhances its strategic involvement in global crypto infrastructure rather than just financial exposure.
Yes. Dubai now allows real estate and flight bookings with cryptocurrencies. Developers such as Emaar, DAMAC, and Nakheel, along with Emirates Airline, are accepting crypto payments, though regulatory measures are being refined to address volatility and risk.
For individual investors, the UAE currently has no income or capital gains tax on crypto. However, goods/services purchased with crypto remain subject to the standard 5% VAT.
