Is a Bitcoin Ban About to Rekt the UAE?

Bitcoin's value has dropped significantly, falling nearly 15% to around $90,300, marking a decline below the $100,000 and $95,000 thresholds. Michael Saylor's company, Strategy, recently purchased an additional 8,178 BTC for approximately $835.6 million at around $102,171 each, raising concerns as a portion of these holdings are now losing value. Overall, Strategy holds 649,870 BTC, valued at about $59.38 billion, reflecting a paper gain of 22% despite recent market volatility.

The crypto price chart today indicates that Bitcoin is stabilizing around $90,000, with most major altcoins showing resilience, except for ASTER, which is experiencing a surge. This stabilization follows a period of significant decline in the market, suggesting a calmer tone among investors despite the lack of major upward movement.

Dip-buying has enabled smaller tokens to recover more quickly than the broader cryptocurrency market following a recent flash crash. Falcon Finance (FF), Aster, and Plasma emerged as early movers, with FF trading at approximately $0.145, reflecting a nearly 14% increase over the past 24 hours. The trading volume for FF surpassed $86 million, and its market capitalization is around $340 million, indicating a positive sentiment among traders looking for short-term opportunities.

Kraken is reportedly in advanced discussions to secure a new round of funding that could elevate its valuation to $20 billion. A strategic investor is considering an investment ranging from $200 million to $300 million, which would significantly enhance the U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange's position as it approaches a public offering.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has issued new guidance permitting national banks to hold certain cryptocurrencies solely for the purpose of paying blockchain network fees. This decision, detailed in Interpretive Letter 1186 released on November 18, 2025, allows banks to manage crypto assets on their balance sheets, marking a significant step in the integration of cryptocurrencies into traditional banking systems.

The Trump Organization is set to open the Trump International Hotel Maldives, a luxury resort that allows investors to purchase tokenized shares. This innovative approach to real estate investment is a collaboration with Saudi developer Dar Global, marking a significant step in the integration of cryptocurrency into the hospitality sector. The hotel aims to attract both tourists and investors, enhancing the Maldives' appeal as a luxury destination.

Bitcoin's price has sharply declined this week, falling back toward the $90,000 mark. The drop has intensified the bear market for altcoins, with Ethereum, Solana, and mid-cap cryptocurrencies experiencing significant losses. The ongoing discussions in forums and social media reflect growing anxiety among investors, raising concerns about a potential bear market as the recent bull run failed to boost altcoin prices.