Saudi Arabia acquires 25,656 shares of Strategy, marking the first instance of exposure of Saudi Arabia’s state reserves to Bitcoin and demonstrating leading activity in the crypto economy of the Middle East.
More on Saudi Arabia’s Major Bitcoin Move and Crypto Activity in the Middle East
We’re used to hearing that Dubai takes the most proactive pro-crypto stance, launching systematic initiatives and favorable regulations. However, other players are stepping onto the stage – ones that may not yet be loudly declaring their ambitions to become the central Middle Eastern crypto hub but are steadily adapting to a shifting economic and technological landscape.
So, the Saudi Central Bank has made a large but cautious move. Yes, they didn’t buy Bitcoin directly but acquired a substantial 25,656 shares of Strategy. You likely already know this, but what used to be MicroStrategy, now called Strategy, is a strictly Bitcoin-focused company holding an impressive 576,230 BTC worth ~$60 billion.
The deal is confirmed by an SEC filing dated May 15, indicating that Saudi Arabia is making a significant priority on Bitcoin. Rather than announcing any de-dollarization or abandonment of gold, the Kingdom is pursuing a moderate and hybrid strategy. Moreover, it is already engaged in wide-ranging crypto initiatives as part of its Vision 2030, and the Saudi Central Bank joined the mBridge platform, a cross-border CBDC settlement project between China and Saudi Arabia in June 2024.
Even so, Ihsan Buhulaiga, a former member of the Saudi Shura Council and a noted economist, highlights the need to intensify efforts in this domain and argues that unified regulatory procedures and institutions are essential for the sustainable development of the crypto sector across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.
“Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region need to think about the rapid developments in this type of currency. They need a roadmap in this respect.”
Naturally, he also placed particular emphasis on Saudi Arabia, saying:
“What one GCC country does not allow can be done in another. If I cannot invest in cryptocurrencies in Saudi Arabia, I will take my money and go to the UAE or Bahrain.”
Conclusion
A major deal – above all beneficial for Strategy – but potentially of strategic significance for Saudi Arabia as well. Yes, this is not direct ownership or a sovereign reserve like we see in the U.S. or, more notably, in El Salvador. Still, it’s a significant pro-Bitcoin move that should not be underestimated.
