Bitcoin News Today: UAE Mines Its Way into Bitcoin's Top Four with $700M Stash

Arkham Intelligence has identified the United Arab Emirates as the holder of approximately 6,300 Bitcoin (BTC), valued between $700 million and $740 million, according to several reports. These holdings, accumulated through mining operations, are attributed to Citadel Mining, a publicly listed Bitcoin miner majority-owned by Abu Dhabi-based Royal Group via its investment arm, International Holding Company (IHC) [1]. This represents a strategic move by the UAE to secure reserves through direct mining rather than open market purchases, a departure from the approaches of countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, which have largely obtained their Bitcoin through law enforcement seizures [8].

The UAE’s position as a significant state holder of Bitcoin has elevated it to the fourth-largest in the world, behind the U.S., China, and the U.K. [1]. Unlike many other nations that obtain Bitcoin through seizures or confiscations, the UAE has focused on state-backed mining operations. This approach aligns with broader efforts to diversify the UAE’s economy and establish itself as a digital asset hub. The country’s favorable regulatory environment, abundant energy resources, and institutional capital have facilitated the growth of its mining industry [2].

In addition to its mined Bitcoin reserves, the UAE has also demonstrated institutional adoption by investing $534 million in a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) through its sovereign wealth fund [1]. This dual approach—holding mined reserves while also gaining exposure through regulated financial instruments—reflects the UAE’s broader digital asset strategy. The country is also expanding its presence in the global crypto ecosystem by attracting blockchain companies and facilitating crypto-based transactions, such as real estate and flight bookings in Dubai [1].

The recent identification of the UAE’s Bitcoin holdings marks a significant milestone in the country’s digital asset journey. With its government-backed mining initiatives and institutional investments, the UAE is positioning itself as a serious player in the global digital economy. This move is part of a broader trend of institutional and sovereign interest in Bitcoin, with governments increasingly viewing the cryptocurrency as a strategic asset.

The reported holdings also highlight the UAE’s competitive positioning in the global digital asset landscape, particularly in the Middle East. The country’s efforts in Bitcoin mining and treasury operations may encourage other Middle Eastern states to explore similar strategies, further solidifying the region’s role in blockchain innovation. The UAE’s growing Bitcoin reserves and strategic investments could influence the global perception of sovereign digital asset holdings and reshape the competitive landscape among nations [4].

Source:

[1] UAE Now Holds 6300 Bitcoin, 4th-Largest in the World (https://coinpedia.org/news/uae-now-holds-6300-bitcoin4th-largest-in-the-world/)

[2] UAE Becomes Fourth-Largest Government Bitcoin Reserve (https://coingape.com/uae-becomes-fourth-largest-government-bitcoin-reserve/)

[3] Arkham Says UAE Holds About $700 Million in Bitcoin Via ... (https://thedefiant.io/news/blockchains/arkham-says-uae-holds-700-million-bitcoin-via-citadel-mining-2bcb143c)

[4] UAE owns $700M Bitcoin through mining firm Citadel ... (https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1067834-20250826)

[5] Arkham Says UAE Holds About $740 Million in Bitcoin via ... (https://thedefiant.io/news/blockchains/arkham-says-uae-holds-740-million-bitcoin-via-citadel-mining-be33c445)

[6] UAE reportedly holds $700M in mined Bitcoin: Arkham (https://cointelegraph.com/news/uae-ranks-sixth-in-bitcoin-holdings-with-700m-stash)