Emirates NBD Calls Bitcoin Digital Gold and Explores Direct Allocation in 2026

On 24 February 2026, Emirates NBD, the UAE’s second-largest bank, described Bitcoin as "digital gold" and a long-term store of value while enabling in-app crypto trading and institutional custody. The bank is evaluating whether to add Bitcoin to its own portfolio, aligning with the UAE’s broader regulatory and tax framework that supports digital asset adoption. This shift comes as the country records tens of billions of dollars in annual crypto inflows and strengthens its position as a regional hub for virtual assets.