ADIC Triples Bitcoin ETF Holdings to $518M, Expanding UAE Crypto Footprint
The Abu Dhabi Investment Council (ADIC) made a significant play in Bitcoin investments in the final quarter of 2025...
Quick overview
- The Abu Dhabi Investment Council (ADIC) significantly increased its stake in BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) from 2.4 million to 7.96 million shares, valued at nearly $518 million.
- This 230-233% increase occurred during a period of high Bitcoin prices, despite a subsequent market downturn and record sell-offs in US-based spot Bitcoin ETFs.
- ADIC's strategy reflects a broader trend among UAE sovereign funds to view Bitcoin as a stable store of value and reduce reliance on oil income.
- By investing in both regulated ETFs and crypto-mining ventures, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a leading government investor in digital assets.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Council (ADIC) made a significant play in Bitcoin investments in the final quarter of 2025, virtually tripling its stake in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT). Documents filed on November 19 show the ADIC took its stake in IBIT from about 2.4 million shares at the end of Q2 to 7.96 million shares by the end of September, valued at just under $518 million.
This was a stunning 230-233% increase, depending on the specific details of the filings, that took place at a time when Bitcoin was riding high at almost $126,000 but then fell back 20-25% in Oct/Nov. Meanwhile, US-based spot Bitcoin ETFs were seeing huge amounts of money being pulled out – a record one-day sell-off of $523 million from IBIT – ADIC, however, seems to be taking the long view & holding out for a significant gain rather than trying to time the market.
UAE Sovereigns Leading The Charge On Bitcoin ETF Ownership
ADIC’s move to triple down on its stake in IBIT actually mirrors the broader strategy of the UAE’s sovereign funds. Mubadala Investment, Abu Dhabi’s main investment vehicle, held onto its 8.7 million IBIT shares throughout Q3. In total, the two entities now hold a staggering 16.7-16.96 million shares in regulated US-based Bitcoin ETFs worth just under $1.085 billion.
⚡️BREAKING: 🇦🇪UAE TRIPLES BITCOIN ETF STAKE
Abu Dhabi Investment Council (ADIC), a leading sovereign wealth fund raised its $IBIT position to $518 MILLION, tripling its allocation before the market drop. pic.twitter.com/dH3m71OItY
— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) November 19, 2025
Some key points about the UAE’s approach to investing in Bitcoin
- Views ADICs IBIT stake as a digital version of gold – a stable store of value
- Continues a long-term drive to reduce dependence on oil income
- Reaffirms the UAE’s position as one of the most prominent govt investors in Bitcoin through regulated ETFs
This move on the ETFs is to be paired with Abu Dhabi’s direct investments in crypto-mining ventures. Here are just a couple of examples: Citadel Mining and the joint venture with Marathon Digital & Zero Two, which will collectively add thousands of new Bitcoins to the emirate’s portfolio every year.
Strategic Significance In An Uncertain Marketplace
ADIC’s move in Q3 is a clear indication that the UAE is committed to investing in digital assets through all market ups & downs. A representative speaking to Bloomberg described Bitcoin as a small yet significant part of the emirate’s overall investment game plan. It’s a cautious but forward-looking approach to financial diversification.
By doubling down on its regulated ETF position while continuing to invest in mined Bitcoin, Abu Dhabi is showing its confidence in the value of digital assets. This move is also putting the UAE right at the forefront of global sovereign investors in the crypto space, making it clear that governments are starting to take a serious look at investing in more than just oil and commodities.
- Check out our free forex signals
- Follow the top economic events on FX Leaders economic calendar
- Trade better, discover more Forex Trading Strategies
- Open a FREE Trading Account
Save