The Abu Dhabi Investment Council (ADIC) has made a significant move in the cryptocurrency space by tripling its holdings in BlackRock”s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) during the third quarter of 2025. According to regulatory filings published on November 19, 2025, ADIC boosted its position from approximately 2.4 million shares to nearly 8 million shares by September 30, 2025. This substantial increase in holdings is valued at around $520 million based on the trust”s closing price at the end of the quarter.
ADIC perceives Bitcoin as a digital alternative to gold, viewing it as a reliable store of value. The increase in their Bitcoin ETF stake signifies a remarkable growth of approximately 230% from their previous holdings. This strategic investment aligns with ADIC”s long-term goal of diversifying its portfolio beyond traditional oil revenue.
The timing of this acquisition is noteworthy, as it came shortly before Bitcoin achieved an all-time high of $125,100 on October 5, 2025. By the end of the third quarter, IBIT shares were priced at $65, and they briefly reached $71 the following day. However, Bitcoin has since experienced a decline, trading below $90,000 after the quarterly filings were revealed.
Market conditions have been challenging for Bitcoin ETFs, with IBIT experiencing its largest single-day outflow since its launch in January 2024, totaling $523.2 million in November 2025. ETF analyst Eric Balchunas characterized this period as an “ugly stretch” for IBIT, which had year-to-date inflows of $25 billion. Over the past month, total outflows from Bitcoin ETFs have reached $3.3 billion, representing 3.5% of assets under management.
Despite the recent volatility affecting the crypto market, IBIT has recorded net inflows of approximately $63.12 million since its inception. The fund ranks sixth overall in total inflows among Bitcoin ETFs. This investment surge by ADIC, combined with the existing position of Mubadala Investment Company, which held 8.7 million shares of IBIT during the same period, indicates a robust commitment to cryptocurrency from Abu Dhabi”s sovereign wealth entities.
The combined holdings of ADIC and Mubadala amount to approximately 16.7 million shares, translating to an estimated $1.085 billion exposure at third quarter prices. Furthermore, these investments complement Abu Dhabi”s direct involvement in Bitcoin mining operations, including collaborations with Citadel Mining and the Marathon Digital-Zero Two joint venture. These initiatives have reportedly added thousands of mined Bitcoin to the emirate”s assets.
Crypto investment platform M2 treasury manager Zayed Aleem emphasized that ADIC”s increased investment reflects institutional confidence in Bitcoin. This move also reinforces the UAE”s position as a prominent hub for digital assets. The allocation made by ADIC represents a strategic commitment to Bitcoin”s future as a viable store of value, aligning with the broader economic transition plans of Abu Dhabi.
