Arkham Reports UAE Quietly Accumulated $453 Million in Bitcoin Holdings

How the UAE Quietly Built a $453 Million Bitcoin Reserve

Arkham’s analysis of the chain shows that UAE’s Bitcoin assets were acquired by auto-mining processes instead of large-scale transactions or exchanges. In the last couple of decades, mining activity linked to the Royal Group in the UAE Royal Group has steadily increased, with an estimated 6.782 BTC being mined and reclaimed. The holdings were valued at $453.6 millions as of the date we conducted our analysis in accordance with the current Bitcoin price.

Strategic Mining Operations in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates’ Bitcoin mining activities are largely private which has allowed the country to accumulate large Bitcoin assets. Arkham’s study shows that the UAE has been able to maintain an enviable rate of mining output that has produced approximately 4.2 BTC per day in the last week. This continuous industrial-scale operation indicates the UAE is not just accumulating Bitcoin in a steady manner but is also conserving the bulk of the mined Bitcoin and the last outflow recorded around four months ago.

This is different from the strategy of a number of countries, such as that of the United States, where Bitcoin-related holdings typically result from confiscated assets by law enforcement agencies. The UAE’s Bitcoin accumulation strategy is based on the mining activities, with minimal to no purchases from outside.

The Significance of Quiet Accumulation

The decision to collect Bitcoin by mine operations instead of trading is a smart decision for a number of reasons:

• Preventing disruptions in the market: Public purchases of large scale can cause volatility in the Bitcoin market price. The steady and slow method of preventing significant price fluctuations.
• Value retention over the long term: by retaining the majority of its own self-mined Bitcoin The UAE is positioned to reap the benefits of Bitcoin’s future growth which could mean even more over the next few years.

The Role of Industrial-Scale Mining in the UAE’s Bitcoin Accumulation

By 2022 Citadel Mining, An entity that is closely tied in close relationship with Abu Dhabi’s Royal Family has established a massive Bitcoin mining plant in Al Reem Island. It was the start of a bigger regional effort to create a Bitcoin mining technology and draw in global cryptocurrency-related companies.

Industrial-Scale Operations and Collaboration Global Firms

The strategy for the UAE to grow its Bitcoin mining capabilities is in line with its long-term plan to become a world-class center in bitcoin mining as well as blockchain technologies. A number of key collaborations between 2023 further affirmed the concept:

• Marathon Digital Holdings and Abu Dhabi based Zero Two announced the formation of a joint partnership to create 250 megawatts worth of Immersion-cooled bitcoin mining power within the UAE. This project is among the biggest reported Bitcoin mining projects within the UAE, which indicates the UAE’s desire to increase the size of the operation.
• UAE’s determination to create a framework of regulation that regulates cryptocurrency mining as well as blockchain is a compelling location for digital asset infrastructure investment.

These mining operations, together with international partnerships have allowed the UAE to establish itself as a key player in the world Bitcoin mining industry.

Bitcoin Mining and Sovereign Wealth Funds: UAE’s Strategic Moves

In addition to being directly involved in Bitcoin mining as well, the UAE has also increased their exposure in Bitcoin via the sovereign wealth fund. The funds are diversifying their portfolios by adding Bitcoin-related investments like the BlackRock iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT).

Increased Exposure to Bitcoin ETFs

• Mubadala is one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest sovereign wealth funds, just revealed a substantial expansion of its Bitcoin ETF exposure. buying 12.7 million shares of the IBIT of BlackRock for $630.6 million. This is an increase of 46 percent from the previous investments.
• Al Warda Investments, part of the Abu Dhabi Investment Council, has also boosted its position in IBIT by acquiring 8.22 million shares during Q4 2025, thereby highlighting the increasing trend of institutional investments in Bitcoin.

This is a clear indication of the UAE’s faith in Bitcoin as an asset to be used as a storage of value as well as a method of conserving wealth for investors who are long-term. Through diversifying into Bitcoin risk the sovereign wealth funds aren’t only protecting assets that can be profitable but also preparing themselves to reap the benefits of the constant growth in the value of Bitcoin.

Examining United Arab Emirates’ Bitcoin Mining Holdings with Other Sovereign entities

Its Bitcoin reserves stand out to other countries with substantial reserves of cryptocurrency. Arkham Intelligence previously calculated in the past that UAE’s reserves in 2025 were around $750 million in the event of more expensive Bitcoin prices. Since then, the market has become more sluggish as well. The value of Bitcoin is fluctuating. Despite this however, there is no doubt that the UAE is still one of the most powerful sovereigns with a stake in bitcoin.

Examining UAE with Other sovereigns

Even though Bitcoin remains within the control of big organisations such as that of the US government, the UAE has been able to create a substantial reserve of Bitcoin through the mining process and continues to distinguish it in terms of its strategy.

The Future of Bitcoin Mining in the UAE: What’s Next?

Looking ahead, Bitcoin mining in the UAE is predicted to increase to an even greater extent. This country’s strategic investment together with its green energy policies will give it an edge within mining in the global mining sector.

The Future of UAE’s Mining Industry

• Large-Scale Mining projects: This Marathon Digital Holdings joint venture is just the beginning. While the UAE increases its Bitcoin mining capabilities it may become one of the most prominent Bitcoin mining centres worldwide, along with nations like China along with those in the US.
• Energy-efficient mining: The UAE’s dedication in the direction of sustainable energy sources used in mining will help maintain its competitive edge in a business that is constantly scrutinized for its energy use. With the growth in renewable energy-fueled mining The country is expected to continue to strengthen its position as an environmentally leading sustainable mining company.
• Bitcoin Reserves, and Economic Strategy: The UAE’s Bitcoin reserves will likely grow according to the long-term strategy for economic growth of the country. In the event of the cryptocurrency industry growing The UAE could further benefit from its Bitcoin reserves in its larger diversification of its economy.