Saudi Arabia and Crypto Whales: A Growing Power in the Digital Asset Ecosystem
Saudi Arabia, known for its vast oil wealth and Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy, has increasingly become a hub for cryptocurrency activity. Crypto whales—investors holding massive amounts of digital assets—are playing a key role in shaping the Kingdom's emerging presence in the global crypto market. Here’s a closer look at Saudi Arabia’s crypto journey and the numbers that matter.
1. The Rise of Crypto Adoption in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has witnessed a surge in cryptocurrency adoption in recent years:
19% of the Population Invests in Crypto (2023)
A survey by KuCoin revealed that nearly 19% of Saudi adults are involved in crypto trading or investment, compared to the global average of 12%.
Trading Volumes Cross $1.5 Billion in 2024
Local peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms and exchanges have reported trading volumes exceeding $1.5 billion annually, with Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) being the most traded assets.
Institutional Entry
Banks like Saudi National Bank and Al Rajhi Bank have started exploring blockchain use cases, signaling institutional interest in crypto.
2. Crypto Whales in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is home to a growing number of crypto whales, whose transactions significantly impact the market. These individuals or entities typically hold $10 million or more in crypto assets.
Key Stats on Saudi Crypto Whales
Estimated 1,200 Crypto Whales in the GCC Region (2024)
Saudi Arabia is believed to house approximately 30% of these whales, accounting for 360 individuals/entities.
$10 Billion in Combined Whale Holdings
Saudi crypto whales are estimated to hold over $10 billion worth of digital assets, including BTC, ETH, and stablecoins like USDT.
Whale Behaviors
Market Influencers: Large BTC purchases by Saudi whales in Q2 2024 caused Bitcoin's price to rise by 7% within 48 hours.
Altcoin Exploration: Whales have shown interest in emerging projects, with over $250 million invested in new tokens like Arbitrum (ARB) and Aptos (APT) since 2023.
3. Government Initiatives Supporting Crypto Growth
The Saudi government has not fully legalized cryptocurrencies as legal tender but has adopted a cautious yet open stance toward blockchain and digital assets.
Saudi Vision 2030 and Blockchain
$1 Billion Investment in Blockchain (2024-2026):
As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has pledged significant funding to develop blockchain infrastructure, including partnerships with global tech firms like Ripple and Chainalysis.
Digital Riyal (CBDC):
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) is developing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) to modernize payments and explore cross-border solutions.
Regulatory Developments
The Capital Market Authority (CMA) is working on crypto regulation to attract institutional players while safeguarding investors.
4. Saudi Arabia’s Influence on the Global Crypto Market
Saudi Arabia’s crypto whales and rising adoption are making waves in the global market.
Oil-to-Crypto Conversions:
Some analysts suggest Saudi whales convert oil revenue into crypto to hedge against the dollar’s volatility. This could explain the Kingdom’s significant BTC purchases during periods of macroeconomic uncertainty.
Crypto Projects Funded by Saudi Whales:
Saudi investors have poured millions into Web3 projects like Sandbox (SAND) and Decentraland (MANA), fueling growth in the metaverse and NFT ecosystems.
Stablecoin Reserves:
Whales in Saudi Arabia are estimated to hold over $3 billion in stablecoins, ensuring liquidity during market volatility.
5. Challenges and Risks
While Saudi Arabia’s crypto ecosystem is booming, challenges remain:
Regulatory Uncertainty:
Full legalization of cryptocurrencies is still in limbo.
Market Volatility:
The crypto market’s high volatility poses risks, even to whales with diversified portfolios.
Energy Use Debate:
Crypto mining, which consumes significant energy, contrasts with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainability under Vision 2030.
6. Future of Crypto in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s crypto whales and government initiatives hint at a promising future for digital assets in the Kingdom:
$2 Trillion Wealth Fund Eyeing Blockchain:
The Public Investment Fund (PIF), managing assets worth over $700 billion, is rumored to allocate funds to blockchain startups.
Crypto-Friendly Policies by 2025:
Analysts predict that by 2025, Saudi Arabia will introduce comprehensive crypto regulations to attract global crypto exchanges and institutional investors.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s crypto whales, combined with increasing adoption and government support, are positioning the Kingdom as a key player in the global crypto landscape. With billions in holdings and strategic investments, Saudi Arabia’s influence on the market is only expected to grow. For traders, investors, and blockchain enthusiasts, the Kingdom is a region to watch closely in the coming years.