UAE Rumored to Hold $40 Billion in Bitcoin

Rumors are swirling in the cryptocurrency world that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may possess over $40 billion in Bitcoin. If true, this would make the UAE one of the largest holders of the cryptocurrency globally. However, these claims remain unverified.

The speculation started after a vague tweet by Binance’s former CEO, Changpeng Zhao, on December 22. Zhao referenced an unconfirmed report suggesting the UAE has accumulated approximately 411,978 BTC, worth around $40 billion. This news ignited debate within the crypto community, with opinions ranging from excitement to skepticism. Crypto analyst Trader T highlighted that, if accurate, the UAE could rank among the top three Bitcoin holders globally and potentially hold the largest Bitcoin reserves of any national government.

Despite the buzz, many in the crypto space have urged caution. Bitcoin Archive, a prominent source in the field, emphasized that there is no solid evidence backing these claims. They stated, “People are treating the UAE’s $40 billion Bitcoin purchase as a fact, but all available information suggests this is just a rumor circulating on social media.”

This speculation follows a pattern of rumors suggesting that wealthy nations in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, might also be increasing their Bitcoin holdings. These rumors have gained traction as Bitcoin’s price recently surged past the $90,000 mark. However, much like the UAE claims, these reports are also unconfirmed.

While the UAE’s alleged Bitcoin stash remains speculative, the idea of nation-states acquiring Bitcoin has been gaining momentum. One notable example is El Salvador, which has openly embraced Bitcoin as part of its national strategy. Recently, the country purchased an additional 11 BTC, bringing its total holdings to 5,993.77 BTC, valued at approximately $575 million. El Salvador’s decision to increase its Bitcoin reserves defies recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which had previously advised against such policies.

Furthermore, Max Keiser, an advisor to El Salvador’s President, disclosed plans for the country to acquire an additional 20,000 BTC. He stated, “El Salvador is transitioning to a peaceful Bitcoin standard, with a goal to significantly boost its reserves.”

Although concrete evidence regarding the UAE’s Bitcoin holdings is lacking, these discussions highlight a growing trend where countries are exploring Bitcoin as a strategic asset. For now, these claims about the UAE remain part of the broader speculation surrounding state-level interest in cryptocurrency.