UAE Joins List of Governments Sponsoring Bitcoin Mining Operations.
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.
