Bitcoin Updates Today: Abu Dhabi's Bold Move on Bitcoin: Digital Gold Approach Challenges Market Fluctuations

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Bitcoin Updates Today: Abu Dhabi's Bold Move on Bitcoin: Digital Gold Approach Challenges Market Fluctuations

Bitget-RWA2025/11/20 02:26

By:Bitget-RWA

- Abu Dhabi's ADIC tripled its IBIT stake to $518M in Q3 2025, viewing Bitcoin as "digital gold." - The move aligns with global SWFs' trend, as UAE advances crypto-friendly regulations and economic strategy. - Despite 23% BTC price drop post-purchase, ADIC's position signals institutional resilience amid volatility.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Council (ADIC), which operates under the Mubadala Investment Company,

has increased its holdings in BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) by more than threefold

during the third quarter of 2025, reflecting a rising level of institutional trust in

Bitcoin

as a long-term investment.

Based on regulatory disclosures and industry reports

, ADIC boosted its share count from 2.4 million to almost 8 million by September 30, with the stake valued at about $518 million. This action took place just before

Bitcoin reached a record high of $126,251

in early October, before dropping below $92,000 due to a broad market selloff caused by leveraged positions being liquidated.

ADIC's move to broaden its Bitcoin investments is consistent with its wider goal of diversifying its assets, viewing Bitcoin as a "digital version of gold"

as noted in financial analyses

. A spokesperson for the fund stated that both Bitcoin and gold act as value reserves and are intended to supplement traditional investments in its long-term strategy.

This approach reflects a worldwide pattern

among sovereign wealth funds, with countries like El Salvador and Kazakhstan also considering Bitcoin as a strategic reserve.

The timing of ADIC's acquisition has caught the eye of market experts. Although Bitcoin's value has fallen nearly 23% since the end of the third quarter, the council's larger stake is interpreted as evidence of

institutional strength amid market swings

Mubadala, ADIC's parent company, also revealed

that it held 8.7 million

IBIT

shares worth $567 million as of September 30, maintaining its investment despite the later market decline.

Other major institutions, such as Harvard Management Co.

, also increased their IBIT positions during this timeframe.

Bitcoin Updates Today: Abu Dhabi's Bold Move on Bitcoin: Digital Gold Approach Challenges Market Fluctuations image 0

This development highlights the UAE's goal to establish itself as a leading center for cryptocurrency.

Regulatory bodies like the Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA)

and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) have provided a clear framework for digital asset integration, while tax benefits and the absence of capital gains tax continue to draw institutional investors. The UAE's digital economy initiative seeks to double its GDP contribution by 2031, with over 30% of residents already involved in crypto activities.

Nonetheless, the recent downturn in the market has exposed certain risks. U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs experienced $3.1 billion in withdrawals in November alone, with IBIT seeing a record $523 million in redemptions after Bitcoin dropped below key price points. Despite these challenges, ADIC's investment is regarded as a calculated wager on Bitcoin's future in a digital economy. Crypto analyst MartyParty described the move as reflecting a "store-of-value" mindset, while Zayed Aleem from M2 Treasury called it a "clear indication" of the UAE's expanding role in the digital asset space.

The UAE's stance on cryptocurrency is in step with global regulatory changes, including its recent removal from the European Parliament's high-risk list for anti-money laundering. As sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors continue to adapt to market volatility and evolving regulations, ADIC's actions may signal a broader shift toward digital assets in mainstream portfolios.

Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.

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