As digital assets gain global momentum, an increasing number of nations are beginning to integrate cryptocurrency into their national economic strategies. Among them, the UAE is emerging as a frontrunner, backed by a $50 million investment initiative focused on blockchain, tokenisation, Bitcoin, and long-term digital infrastructure.
Abdullah Al Dhaheri, CEO of the Blockchain Centre in Abu Dhabi, shared insight into the vision driving this momentum.
“When we invest, we focus on stability and long-term impact — projects that will still matter 10 to 20 years from now,” he said. “Whether it’s remittances, tokenised assets, or Bitcoin in treasury reserves — we believe in the future of digital assets.”
With an estimated 30% of residents already using cryptocurrency, the UAE ranks among the world’s highest adopters. According to Abdullah, remittances will be one of the first major sectors disrupted by digital currency transfers.
“I’m curious to see when fiat begins to disappear and people start shifting to stablecoins,” he added.
His remarks came during the Bitcoin MENA Conference in Abu Dhabi, which brought together policy leaders, innovators, and investors shaping the future of the digital asset economy. Abdullah highlighted how proactive regulatory collaboration—not restrictions—has allowed the UAE to become one of the fastest-growing crypto hubs globally.
Bitcoin Bonds Gain Attention Worldwide
Prince Filip of Serbia, Chief Strategy Officer at Bitcoin technology company Jan3, noted that an increasing number of countries are considering Bitcoin-backed bonds as part of their national strategies. These instruments allow governments to build Bitcoin reserves and mining infrastructure without relying on public tax funding.
Pakistan’s Strategic Crypto Transition
One of the most noteworthy recent developments came from Pakistan, which announced the creation of a national Bitcoin reserve and committed 2,000 megawatts of surplus energy to Bitcoin mining — enough to power over two million homes.
Bilal Bin Saqib, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Crypto and Blockchain, described the move as a necessary response to economic pressure and currency depreciation.
“Our currency has weakened over the last decade. Why should ordinary citizens suffer because of global monetary policies created elsewhere?” he said. “Crypto offers an alternative — one not controlled by inflation, politics, or printing.”
With over 40 million crypto wallets and a rapidly expanding freelancer market earning in stablecoins, Pakistan’s younger population has embraced digital assets at a record pace.
“We want Pakistan to become a model for turning excess energy into digital assets,” he added, expressing only one regret: “If we had started earlier, our economic position today would be very different.”
Opportunities and Barriers Ahead
Prince Filip suggested that smaller, agile governments — especially monarchies and developing nations — will likely adopt Bitcoin faster than larger Western economies.
“I see the Global South leading this transition,” he said. “They have experienced the long-term consequences of unstable fiat currency more than anyone else.”
However, he warned that global institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) may resist large-scale Bitcoin adoption. El Salvador remains a clear example: despite pioneering Bitcoin as legal tender and announcing Bitcoin-backed infrastructure plans, international pressure has slowed implementation.
“It’s challenging to break free from a global financial system built on fiat dependence,” he noted.
A New Economic Era Emerging
As countries experiment with Bitcoin reserves, blockchain frameworks, Bitcoin bonds, and national mining strategies, the world is entering a new phase of financial transformation. Whether driven by technological innovation, economic necessity, or the pursuit of sovereignty, cryptocurrency is shifting from a speculative asset to a strategic national resource.
