According to blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence, the United Arab Emirates holds approximately 6,300 Bitcoin, valued near $700 million, in government-linked wallets. These reserves were acquired primarily through industrial-scale mining conducted by Citadel Mining, a public company majority-owned by the UAE-backed International Holding Company, itself affiliated with the UAE Royal Group. The UAE’s approach contrasts with other governments whose Bitcoin treasuries often originate from asset seizures or market purchases.
Satellite imagery and on-chain data indicate that Citadel Mining’s Abu Dhabi facility, built in 2022 in partnership with Phoenix Group, has produced roughly 9,300 BTC in total. About 6,300 BTC remain in state-linked wallets, while the remainder is held in associated entities.
This strategy underscores a production-driven model for sovereign crypto accumulation, reflecting the UAE’s broader diversification into blockchain infrastructure and digital finance.
Sovereign Crypto Positioning
The UAE’s mining-based Bitcoin reserves potentially rank it near sixth globally among publicly identified government holders. By directly generating assets rather than acquiring them on the open market, the UAE mitigates exposure to market volatility while building a strategic digital asset portfolio.
Analysts note this approach differs from countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, where governmental Bitcoin holdings largely originate from law enforcement seizures.
This production-focused strategy positions the UAE as a notable participant in the evolving digital asset ecosystem. As Bitcoin prices fluctuate, the value of these reserves will vary, but the model highlights how sovereign actors are leveraging industrial-scale mining to establish long-term crypto holdings.