- UAE now holds 6,300 Bitcoin, valued between $700–$740 million, through mined reserves.
- Citadel Mining leads state-backed Bitcoin mining operations in partnership with Phoenix Group.
- UAE becomes the fourth-largest government Bitcoin holder globally, following U.S., China, and U.K.
This move highlights the UAE’s unique approach to cryptocurrency accumulation and signals its commitment to transparent state-owned digital asset reserves, potentially influencing global crypto policy frameworks.
The UAE government has commenced a significant venture by holding approximately 6,300 Bitcoin (BTC) from state-backed mining operations via Citadel Mining. The value of these holdings ranges from $700–$740 million as of August 2025. Citadel Mining, publicly listed and supported by the Royal Group through the International Holding Company (IHC), is at the forefront. The Abu Dhabi Royal Group, helmed by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, primarily owns the IHC.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Majority Owner, Royal Group/IHC, – “The UAE’s significant investment in Bitcoin through mining represents a strategic move towards digital sovereignty and institutional legitimacy.”
The UAE now ranks as the fourth-largest government Bitcoin holder after the U.S., China, and the U.K. This rising transparency is set by Arkham Intelligence, which publicly labeled the UAE’s government wallets. Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund also invested $534 million in a Bitcoin ETF, demonstrating a dual strategy in mined reserves and market exposure.
Currently, the impact of these holdings is primarily on BTC and related infrastructure operations. UAE’s method of obtaining Bitcoin through direct mining marks a divergence from other governments that mostly rely on law enforcement seizures. This strategic approach, aligning with robust KYC/AML frameworks, signals strengthened commitment to digital asset management. The on-chain transparency and institutional legitimacy underpin the nation’s regulatory stance, potentially influencing global standards in state-backed cryptocurrency holdings.
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