Saudi Central Bank Gains 568,840 Bitcoin Through MicroStrategy Investment

The Saudi Central Bank has made a significant move by gaining exposure to Bitcoin through an investment in MicroStrategy. This strategic decision marks a notable shift for the bank, which traditionally relies on oil revenues. By acquiring shares in MicroStrategy, the Saudi Central Bank indirectly holds a substantial amount of Bitcoin, valued at approximately 68 billion USD. This investment mirrors the approach taken by Norway's sovereign wealth fund, which also seeks crypto exposure through similar strategies.

The Saudi Central Bank's stake in MicroStrategy grants it indirect exposure to 568,840 Bitcoin, a move that represents a deviation from its conventional investment strategies. This investment was disclosed through posts on X, claiming a purchase of 25,656 shares in MicroStrategy. The bank's decision to invest in MicroStrategy aligns with a broader trend among Gulf institutions, including Mubadala, which are increasingly ramping up their Bitcoin investments.

This investment effectively ties a portion of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth to the crypto market. The Saudi Central Bank’s recent investment in MicroStrategy was interpreted by the crypto community as a quiet but powerful endorsement of Bitcoin’s long-term potential. MicroStrategy recently made headlines with its Q1 2025 earnings report by announcing a bold expansion of its Bitcoin acquisition plan, doubling its capital allocation to a staggering 84 billion USD. The firm now holds 568,840 BTC, valued at around 68 billion USD, further cementing its position as the largest institutional holder of Bitcoin.

Traditionally, central banks have leaned on gold and U.S. dollars to safeguard long-term value, but a subtle shift is emerging. A growing number of nations now, including the United States, the United Kingdom, El Salvador, Iran, and Bhutan, have started to add Bitcoin to their national treasuries. Following suit, the Saudi Central Bank has now entered the digital asset arena, marking a significant move toward crypto exposure. This follows its 2024 involvement in a China-led digital currency trial, which many view as a strategic signal toward diversifying away from dollar-dominated oil trade systems and possibly laying the groundwork for broader crypto adoption within the Kingdom.

Well, the Saudi Central Bank isn’t alone in expanding its crypto footprint; Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, Mubadala, has also made a decisive move. In its latest SEC filing, Mubadala revealed a 408.5 million USD investment in BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF, marking a notable uptick from its prior holdings. This rising institutional interest from the Gulf region underscores a broader strategic shift as influential financial entities reallocate capital toward Bitcoin exposure.

Al Abraaj Restaurants Group, a publicly listed company on the Bahrain Bourse, has also made a historic move by adopting a Bitcoin Treasury strategy. This initiative makes Al Abraaj the first publicly listed company in the Middle East to acquire Bitcoin as a treasury asset. The company has partnered with 10X Capital, an investment firm focused on the Bitcoin Treasury space, to raise capital and buy additional Bitcoin for its treasury. Al Abraaj aims to innovate by creating a Sharia’a compliant vehicle to give the Islamic world broader exposure to Bitcoin.

The decision by Al Abraaj to purchase Bitcoin follows comprehensive due diligence and aligns with the innovative regulatory framework established by the Central Bank of Bahrain. The company plans to allocate a significant portion of its corporate treasury into Bitcoin, considering it a reserve treasury asset. This move is designed to enhance the company's asset portfolio and capitalize on emerging opportunities within the capital markets. Al Abraaj's strategic initiative underscores its commitment to innovation, diversification, and long-term growth. The company looks forward to contributing to the development of Bahrain's digital economy and establishing its position as a leader in the region's financial sector. This move by Al Abraaj, along with the Saudi Central Bank's investment in MicroStrategy, highlights the growing institutional interest in Bitcoin and the potential for further adoption in the Middle East.