Michael Saylor has once again captured attention by presenting Bitcoin (BTC) as a transformative financial asset to sovereign wealth funds and institutions in the Middle East during his recent tour of the region.
Saylor's remarks generated significant interest during his keynote address at the Bitcoin MENA conference held in Abu Dhabi on December 8, 2025.
His tour across the Middle East directly engages him with substantial investors from affluent petrodollar nations. This outreach occurs as Strategy's stock price is considerably below its historical peaks, while BTC gradually recovers from a significant price decline, now hovering around the $80,000 range.
Saylor's Vision for Bitcoin in the Middle East
Saylor articulated that Bitcoin should not be viewed merely as an investment but rather as the foundational element for a new era of "digital capital" and the development of yield-generating financial products.
In his keynote in Abu Dhabi, he discussed Strategy and its approach to asset accumulation. He characterized the market as a "$200 trillion opportunity," referencing the vast potential of global credit markets that could be accessed and transformed through Bitcoin-backed banking, custody, and lending services.
He drew a parallel between Bitcoin and "digital gold," acknowledging its current valuation and pointing to bullish projections anticipated within the next four to eight years. Saylor suggested that if the Middle East were to embrace Bitcoin now, it could position itself as a global center for BTC innovation, thereby attracting "trillions" in foreign capital seeking returns.
The collective assets managed by wealth funds in these regions amount to trillions, largely derived from oil revenues. These funds traditionally invest in assets such as U.S. Treasuries, real estate, and equities. However, Saylor aims to encourage a shift towards Bitcoin to secure the future of these economies amidst the evolving landscape of the petrodollar system.
"All the money will come to you," he stated.
Imminent MSCI Decision Poses a Challenge for Strategy
The firm is currently navigating one of the most complex phases in its history as a corporate Bitcoin treasury. Previously, the Tysons Corner-based company benefited from a distinct advantage that allowed its equity to trade at a substantial premium over the net asset value (NAV) of its Bitcoin holdings.
This premium served as the driving force behind the company's capital strategy, enabling management to secure billions in equity and convertible debt to acquire Bitcoin. This approach effectively leveraged regulatory arbitrage, primarily benefiting from the absence of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. market.
Despite criticism from figures like Peter Schiff, who has voiced concerns during Strategy's recent financial challenges, Saylor made a significant statement with the firm's latest Bitcoin purchase of nearly $1 billion on Monday, as reported by Cryptopolitan.
While the diminishing premium has impacted the company's growth trajectory, a crucial decision from MSCI Inc. has emerged as a more immediate structural threat. The index provider is presently conducting a consultation regarding the classification of digital asset treasury (DAT) companies. A decision is anticipated on January 15, 2026, following the review period that concludes on December 31.
If Strategy were to be reclassified as a DAT, it could be excluded from major equity benchmarks. This potential reclassification could trigger forced selling by passive funds, estimated to be between $2.8 billion and $8.8 billion.