Public Markets
Public markets in the UAE are a vital component of the nation’s financial ecosystem, offering a platform for capital raising, investment and economic growth. With a robust regulatory framework overseen by the Securities and Commodities Authority, the UAE has established itself as a regional hub for public markets, attracting local and international investors alike. Initiatives such as the introduction of dual listings, increased foreign ownership limits and the establishment of a regulatory framework for SPACs have made UAE exchanges more attractive to global investors.
Key Exchanges
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) is the largest market in the UAE and the second largest in the region, with more than 100 companies listed across the financial, energy, insurance, services, industrials and hospitality sectors, among others. These include the International Holding Company (the most valuable listed holding company in the Middle East and one of the world's largest investment firms), TAQA (a top 10 integrated utilities champion in the EMEA region) and First Abu Dhabi Bank (the largest bank in the UAE).
Dubai Financial Market and Nasdaq Dubai
The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) is a leading financial market in the region, operating as a thriving and powerful multi-platform marketplace for raising capital, listing and trading across a range of securities and asset classes.
Nasdaq Dubai is the international financial exchange in the Middle East and allows companies to benefit from a investor pool that combines regional and international wealth, making it a globally unique platform for companies to raise capital and for investors to find exciting opportunities.
DFM and Nasdaq Dubai are consolidated to provide a greater selection of asset classes and nearly 70 companies, facilitating seamless trading across the two exchanges. Companies include Emirates NBD (a leading financial services brand in the MENAT region), Emaar (a leading real estate development company) and Hikma Pharmaceuticals (a multinational pharmaceutical company).
Future Outlook
The combined value of the UAE’s stock market exceeded $1 trillion at the end of 2024, driven by successful IPO activities, increased foreign investment inflows and strong corporate earnings across key sectors. The UAE’s strong and sustained economic growth is projected to continue, underpinning the expansion of the country’s public markets through new listings and investments.
Sam Altman
Chief Executive Officer OpenAI
Sam Altman
Chief Executive Officer OpenAI