UAE Now Fourth in Government Bitcoin Holdings with $740M in Reserves

TLDR

UAE now holds 6,333 BTC mined through state-backed Citadel Mining.
UAE’s $740M BTC reserve ranks fourth among global government holders.
UAE mined its Bitcoin instead of acquiring it via seizures or purchases.
UAE joins the U.S., China, and UK in the top four government Bitcoin holders.

The United Arab Emirates has officially become the fourth-largest government holder of Bitcoin. Backed by $740 million worth of mined Bitcoin, the UAE now joins the ranks of the U.S., China, and the UK in terms of national BTC reserves. Unlike other nations, the UAE’s holdings come from direct mining activities, positioning the country as a key player in sovereign digital asset accumulation.

UAE Mines Over 6,000 BTC Through Citadel Mining

Table of Contents

The UAE government now holds around 6,333 Bitcoin, according to data released by blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence. These reserves are held through Citadel Mining, a public mining firm owned by the state. Most shares in Citadel Mining are controlled by the UAE Royal Group via the International Holding Company (IHC).

Arkham Intelligence was the first to publicly trace and identify the addresses linked to the country’s Bitcoin holdings. These addresses are confirmed to be tied to Citadel Mining’s operations. This mining-focused approach marks a key difference from other major holders like the U.S. and China, who acquired most of their Bitcoin through legal seizures.

BREAKING: THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES IS NOW ON ARKHAM
The UAE’s $700M BTC holdings are now labeled on Arkham. These holdings come from Bitcoin mining operations carried out by Citadel, a public mining company majority owned by UAE Royal Group through IHC.
Arkham is the first to… pic.twitter.com/eIGut5pJXN
— Arkham (@arkham) August 25, 2025

The UAE government’s involvement in direct mining reflects a long-term strategy. By holding Bitcoin mined under its control, the country aims to maintain ownership from source to reserve. This route gives more autonomy over digital asset accumulation and reduces reliance on external markets.

Strategic Partnerships and Regulatory Support Drive Growth

Citadel Mining has expanded its operations in partnership with Phoenix Group, a major blockchain and mining infrastructure company. This collaboration has helped improve energy efficiency and mining scale across several sites in the UAE. Both companies operate under favorable national regulations that encourage blockchain adoption.

The UAE has built a crypto-friendly environment, with key jurisdictions like Dubai and Abu Dhabi supporting crypto firms and exchanges. These regulatory efforts have laid the foundation for large-scale digital asset projects. As a result, the UAE has grown into a regional center for blockchain-based development.

Unlike El Salvador, which adopted Bitcoin as legal tender, the UAE has focused on infrastructure and mining. The government’s efforts center on building a national reserve of self-mined Bitcoin. This shows a different approach in the global digital asset landscape.

UAE’s Bitcoin Reserve Strengthens Sovereign Digital Asset Position

The UAE’s position as the fourth-largest government Bitcoin holder adds weight to its broader economic diversification plans. With around $740 million in Bitcoin reserves, the country now holds more than most governments globally, except the U.S., China, and the UK.

The United States remains the largest with over 200,000 BTC, most of which came through law enforcement seizures. China also retains a large amount of Bitcoin, despite having strict bans on crypto trading. The UK follows as the third-largest holder through confiscated BTC from criminal cases.

The UAE’s reserve, built through mining, contrasts with these approaches. As more governments explore Bitcoin reserves, the UAE’s model may attract interest, especially in regions like the Middle East and South America. Brazil has also announced similar plans to examine Bitcoin as part of its national reserve.

By building its Bitcoin holdings through mining and infrastructure, the UAE is shaping its digital asset role. The move places the country in a stronger position within the evolving digital economy and reflects a long-term focus on technology-led assets.

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