A fresh analysis by Arkham Intelligence sheds light on the burgeoning role of the United Arab Emirates in the global Bitcoin mining industry. Insights reveal that UAE-linked operations, notably under the auspices of the Royal Group, boast a Bitcoin reserve nearing 6,782 BTC, valued at approximately $453.6 million. These assets are held in wallets managed by entities tied to the emirate’s royal family, highlighting the country’s deepening immersion in the digital currency landscape. Arkham’s profit assessments emphasize earnings from the disparity between production costs and Bitcoin’s market rate while omitting operational expenditures.
How Extensive Are UAE Mining Operations?
Evidence indicates that UAE-based mining facilities maintain an average production rate of 4.2 BTC daily. Most Bitcoin generated remains static, with the last major transaction occurring four months prior. Unlike Western nations such as the US and UK, where Bitcoin is primarily government-seized, the UAE’s holdings arise mainly from local mining endeavors, distinguishing its digital asset strategy significantly.
What Boosts the UAE’s Crypto Infrastructure?
The UAE’s digital currency activities got a significant boost in 2022 when Citadel Mining launched a mining center in Abu Dhabi. In 2023, a partnership with Marathon Digital Holdings saw the establishment of high-capacity Bitcoin mining sites using immersive-cooling technologies. This collaborative effort signifies one of the largest undertakings in the region’s crypto mining sphere.
Updated assessments by Arkham Intelligence note a reevaluation of UAE’s Bitcoin reserves. Initially, August 2025 projections indicated about 9,300 BTC mined, with holdings of 6,300 BTC, equivalent to a notional value of $700 million. Currently, the UAE’s reserves stand at approximately 0.03% of Bitcoin’s global circulation, positioning it prominently in the global digital asset arena.
Though leading on its regional front, the UAE trails the United States. The latter holds significant volumes of Bitcoin, about 328,000 BTC, mainly accrued from legal actions against unlawful activities, aggregating to around $22 billion in value.
Are Abu Dhabi Funds Diversifying Beyond Bitcoin?
Abu Dhabi’s sovereign funds are broadening beyond direct Bitcoin investments. Notably, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) ETF was reported, as of December 31, to constitute 12.7 million shares by these protections, marking an increase from prior figures. This strategy, led by Mubadala, which manages assets over $330 billion, reflects a structured approach toward diverse economic interests.
In tandem, Al Warda Investments expanded its engagement with IBIT ETFs, totaling 8.22 million shares by the fourth quarter. Known for prioritizing private investments, this indicates a shift towards publicly accessible digital assets. Combined, these Abu Dhabi entities hold in excess of $1.1 billion in IBIT shares currently.
Bitcoin’s current market rate stands just shy of $66,000. Arkham’s spokesperson noted the UAE’s continuing strategy:
“Our focus is steady growth and strategic accumulation, leveraging both technology and capital to secure a leading position in the digital assets sector.”
