UAE emerges as major Bitcoin holder through mining operations
Enforcement actions and strategic investments have enabled the UAE to become a key player in the global cryptocurrency market.
The UAE has emerged as a major player in the global crypto landscape, with recent data revealing Bitcoin holdings worth $700 million linked to Citadel’s mining operations. Citadel, owned mainly by the UAE Royal Group via IHC, has boosted the country’s influence in digital assets.
These holdings reflect the UAE’s strategic efforts to establish a robust crypto ecosystem, particularly in Dubai.
Enforcement actions against fraudulent investment schemes and high-profile Ponzi operations have helped the UAE accumulate approximately 420,000 BTC. Governments worldwide own roughly 463,000 BTC, equivalent to around 2.3% of Bitcoin’s total supply.
While some nations maintain secrecy over their holdings, others openly report their Bitcoin accumulation.
Several countries have obtained BTC through mining initiatives. El Salvador continues to expand its reserve with daily purchases under the ‘1 Bitcoin per day’ programme. At the same time, Bhutan has used hydroelectric resources to mine between 12,000 and 13,000 BTC, representing up to 40% of its economy.
Iran has recognised Bitcoin mining as a government-controlled enterprise, requiring licensed miners to sell directly to the Central Bank.
Other nations have acquired BTC primarily through seizures. The US leads with nearly 200,000 BTC from high-profile cases like Silk Road and ransomware takedowns.
China, the UK, and Bulgaria also hold significant amounts from fraud and cybercrime investigations, while smaller nations such as Finland, Georgia, and Venezuela maintain modest reserves.
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