Recent discussions on social media reignited attention on the issue after Changpeng Zhao remarked that the UAE has been involved in Bitcoin mining “for a while,” pushing back against the idea that the country is a new entrant to the space.

Reports indicate that the UAE has opted for a hands-on approach rather than leaving mining entirely to private players or attempting to curb it through heavy restrictions. Blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence revealed in August 2025 that the country had accumulated between 6,300 and 6,450 BTC through state-linked mining activities, holdings valued at roughly $700 million at the time. These operations were reportedly conducted through Citadel Mining and powered largely by the nation’s abundant natural gas reserves.

While the federal stance frames Bitcoin mining as critical national infrastructure—on par with data centers, telecommunications networks, and energy projects—the policy is not without limits. In September 2025, Abu Dhabi authorities banned cryptocurrency mining on agricultural land to protect energy efficiency and land-use priorities. Violators face fines of up to AED 100,000, signaling that state support operates within clearly defined boundaries.

UAE joins a growing list of state-backed Bitcoin miners

The UAE’s approach mirrors a broader global trend in which governments integrate Bitcoin mining into national energy and economic strategies. El Salvador, despite rescinding Bitcoin’s legal tender status in 2025, still holds 7,517 BTC and mined 474 BTC over three years using geothermal energy from volcanoes. Bhutan revealed in 2023 that it had quietly mined Bitcoin since 2018, tapping hydropower to generate between 55 and 75 BTC per week, with proceeds supporting public services and civil servant salaries.

Other countries are following similar paths. Ethiopia has partnered with international mining firms to use surplus hydroelectric power, while Iran legalized state-controlled mining in 2019 to generate revenue amid sanctions, even though it periodically halts operations during energy shortages. Japan has launched government-backed mining initiatives aimed at balancing grid load, and Russia’s regional governments and state-linked utilities in Siberia have run hydropower-based mining operations, despite regional bans tied to energy concerns.

France is also exploring the idea, with proposals to use excess nuclear power for Bitcoin mining. With more than 70% of its electricity generated from nuclear energy, estimates suggest that just 1 gigawatt of surplus capacity could generate $100 to $150 million annually, though these plans remain at a preliminary stage.

Taken together, the UAE’s involvement underscores a clear shift in how governments view Bitcoin mining. Rather than treating it solely as a private-sector activity or regulatory challenge, an increasing number of states are positioning mining as a strategic extension of energy policy, infrastructure development, and long-term economic planning.

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Filed under: Bitcoin - @ January 11, 2026 6:05 pm