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Abu Dhabi has recently become a focal point for cryptocurrency firms searching for fresh investment, as industry leaders descended on the UAE capital to engage with wealthy Middle Eastern backers who could help revive a struggling sector.
Executives from major digital asset companies flocked to the city, moving between high-profile conferences, invitation-only beach events, and luxury yacht gatherings. Conversations revolved around securing private meetings with influential figures and identifying potential connections to powerful investment circles, including royal-linked institutions.
There were reports that representatives from a UAE sovereign wealth fund valued at over $300 billion were present. However, many attendees admitted they were unable to confirm whether any officials from the fund were actually participating.
Crypto Leaders Pitch Big Visions
Michael Saylor, founder of Strategy—the world’s largest corporate bitcoin holder—appeared at the Bitcoin MENA conference. Despite his company’s aggressive bitcoin accumulation strategy, Strategy’s share price has fallen sharply since midyear.
Saylor said he had been traveling extensively across the Gulf, meeting hundreds of investors, including sovereign wealth funds, to present plans for expanding bitcoin holdings through innovative financial structures. During his presentation, he showcased slides portraying Strategy as a bitcoin-powered rocket aimed at what he described as a “$20 trillion opportunity.”
Another company seeking capital was Metaplanet, a Japanese hotel operator that shifted its focus to bitcoin accumulation. Its chief executive announced plans to raise money through a new initiative called “MARS,” even as the firm’s stock continued to struggle.
Additional capital seekers included Dominari Holdings—an investment bank linked to the Trump family—and the investment arm of South Korea’s Hanwha Group, which is positioning Abu Dhabi as a regional base for its expanding crypto services.
UAE’s Commitment to Crypto Grows Stronger
Despite challenges facing the global crypto market, the UAE continues to demonstrate strong enthusiasm for digital assets.
Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, recently secured full regulatory approval from Abu Dhabi authorities to operate its global trading platform from the capital. Earlier this year, a UAE-backed investment firm acquired a significant stake in Binance.
Meanwhile, a subsidiary of Mubadala disclosed that it had tripled its bitcoin holdings, bringing their value to more than $500 million. In the same period, the fund also reported a separate investment in a bitcoin exchange-traded fund worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Mubadala declined to comment on the disclosures.
The Abu Dhabi government is also actively attracting crypto startups by offering early-stage funding, free office space, and other incentives within the city’s financial district.
Two Distinct Conference Crowds
The week’s events divided attendees into two clear groups.
Dedicated bitcoin supporters gravitated toward the Bitcoin MENA conference, where Saylor attracted devoted followers eager for photos and conversations. Organizers even presented him with a bright orange jacket featuring a bitcoin logo.
Changpeng Zhao also made a headline appearance, wearing orange sneakers emblazoned with political slogans. Days earlier, Binance executives hosted guests aboard a multi-level yacht during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where hundreds attended an elaborate nighttime celebration complete with music, lights, and entertainment.
Another notable gathering took place at a luxury hotel, where Paul Manafort, a former U.S. presidential campaign manager, told attendees he had played a role in shaping political views on cryptocurrency.
The second group assembled at Abu Dhabi Finance Week, where executives from major U.S. crypto firms mixed with traditional finance leaders. High-profile investors and representatives from global banks were present, highlighting the convergence of digital assets and mainstream finance.
Long-Term Commitment Is Essential
Basil Al Askari, co-founder of Abu Dhabi-based crypto brokerage MidChains, noted that many newcomers expected fast investment decisions. He said some attendees wrongly assumed he represented major UAE investors simply because he is Emirati.
According to Al Askari, meaningful investment from sovereign wealth funds or large family offices typically requires years of relationship-building and a demonstrated commitment to establishing operations in the region.
A venture capital firm described the UAE as the “new Wall Street of digital finance” in a recent presentation. The firm, which manages nearly $2 billion in assets, was recently acquired by an Abu Dhabi-backed company.
“They are not interested in people who arrive briefly and leave with quick funding,” said the company’s growth executive. “You need to invest locally, commit long term, and prove you’re serious about staying.”
