TLDR

The United Arab Emirates now holds $740 million worth of Bitcoin through its government-backed operations.
The UAE has become the fourth-largest government holder of Bitcoin after the United States, China and the United Kingdom.
Citadel Mining, a public mining company overseen by the UAE, controls approximately 6,333 BTC.
The UAE BTC treasury was built through direct mining rather than purchases or legal seizures.
The mining activities were developed in partnership with Phoenix Group, a blockchain infrastructure firm.

The United Arab Emirates now holds $740 million worth of Bitcoin, making it the fourth-largest government holder globally. These assets are held through Citadel Mining, a company overseen by the UAE government. According to blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence, the UAE BTC treasury contains 6,333 BTC.

UAE BTC Treasury Grows Through Direct Mining Strategy

The UAE BTC treasury differs from others because it was built through mining rather than market purchases or legal seizures. Citadel Mining leads this effort and operates under the UAE’s public sector guidance. Arkham identified the Bitcoin addresses linked to the company and confirmed government oversight.

Citadel Mining is backed by Royal Group, which controls it via the International Holding Company. This structure clarifies sovereign involvement. The UAE’s strategic partner, Phoenix Group, supports mining operations through infrastructure and energy optimization.

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

This approach signals a broader national push toward digital asset independence. Unlike El Salvador, which made Bitcoin legal tender, the UAE focuses on building reserves. “The UAE is clearly aiming to lead in blockchain infrastructure,” Arkham stated.

Citadel Mining Drives UAE’s Digital Reserve Vision

Citadel Mining is central to the UAE BTC treasury, combining energy efficiency and scale in its operations. The company has accelerated mining efforts with government support and access to cost-effective energy. This structure helps secure long-term Bitcoin accumulation.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai now host multiple blockchain entities, strengthening the region’s crypto ecosystem. These hubs support financial innovation and promote favorable digital asset policies. The UAE’s digital asset strategy fits into its wider economic diversification goals.

This effort stands apart from traditional government Bitcoin acquisition paths. Most countries acquire BTC through law enforcement seizures, unlike the UAE. Its direct mining model sets a precedent for other resource-rich nations.

UAE Joins Global Bitcoin Treasury Leaders

With 6,333 BTC, the UAE BTC treasury places the country behind the United States, China, and the United Kingdom. The United States leads with approximately $20 billion in BTC, mostly seized during legal actions. China and the UK follow with reserves gained through similar enforcement activities.

In contrast, the UAE’s holdings result from deliberate mining activities. This move marks a different sovereign strategy for crypto asset accumulation. The method may inspire other countries in the Middle East and beyond.

Brazil recently announced intentions to evaluate Bitcoin reserve strategies. The UAE’s position may encourage similar plans globally. The UAE BTC treasury reflects a growing shift toward sovereign digital asset reserves.

The post UAE BTC Treasury Hits $740M, Ranking 4th Among Global Holders appeared first on CoinCentral.

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Filed under: News - @ August 25, 2025 8:28 pm