Bitcoin News Today: UAE Mines Path to Global Bitcoin Power House

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as one of the world’s top holders of Bitcoin, with on-chain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence revealing that the government holds approximately 6,300 Bitcoin (BTC), valued at around $700 million to $740 million. This Bitcoin was acquired through mining operations conducted by Citadel Mining, a publicly listed firm majority-owned by the UAE Royal Group via the International Holding Company (IHC), according to a public disclosure on X by Arkham on August 25, 2025 [1].

Unlike other major nations that have accumulated Bitcoin through law enforcement seizures, the UAE’s holdings were obtained through direct mining operations. Citadel Mining, which operates under IHC, has been instrumental in these efforts. The facility was built in 2022, and on-chain activity aligns with satellite imagery of the construction period, confirming the timeline of mining activity [1]. Arkham also noted that on-chain transactions between Citadel and its partner, the UAE mining firm Phoenix Group, matched disclosed transaction volumes from official reports [1]. Overall, Citadel is estimated to have mined approximately 9,300 BTC, with a portion held in government-controlled wallets [1].

This development positions the UAE as the fourth-largest state Bitcoin holder in the world, according to some reports, with holdings surpassing those of El Salvador, which owns around 6,246 BTC [1]. Bhutan holds the largest sovereign Bitcoin stash at 11,286 BTC, followed by the UAE, while the U.S. remains the largest holder with approximately 198,012 BTC—mostly from high-profile criminal seizures such as those related to the Silk Road marketplace and ransomware operations [1]. China ranks second with around 194,000 BTC, largely attributed to the 2019 takedown of the PlusToken Ponzi scheme [1]. The UK is third with 61,245 BTC [1].

The UAE’s Bitcoin strategy extends beyond mining. In a separate move, Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund has invested $534 million in a Bitcoin ETF, showcasing a dual approach that combines direct mining with exposure to regulated financial instruments [1]. This strategic diversification into both mining and institutional-grade crypto products reflects the UAE’s broader ambition to establish itself as a global hub for digital assets. These efforts are supported by favorable regulatory frameworks, abundant energy resources for mining, and a growing institutional appetite for blockchain-based investments [1].

In the global context, governments collectively own around 463,000 BTC, representing approximately 2.3% of the total Bitcoin supply. While many nations acquire their holdings through law enforcement actions, others, like the UAE, El Salvador, and Bhutan, have pursued more strategic, long-term plans [1]. El Salvador, for example, continues to purchase one BTC per day under its national initiative, while Bhutan leverages its hydroelectric resources to mine Bitcoin, with its holdings contributing 30% to 40% of its economy [1]. These approaches highlight the increasing normalization of Bitcoin as a sovereign asset rather than a speculative investment.

The UAE’s position as a top Bitcoin holder also places it in direct competition with the U.S. and other crypto-adopting nations. As countries like the U.S., El Salvador, and the UAE continue to refine their Bitcoin strategies, the role of sovereign actors in the digital asset economy is becoming more pronounced. For now, Arkham’s public labeling of the UAE’s Bitcoin stash marks a significant milestone, offering transparency to a sector long characterized by its pseudonymous nature [1].

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/)