Over the past three years, the Dubai financial markets have witnessed a remarkable transformation, attracting a staggering 368,000 new investors. This impressive growth underscores the city’s commitment to sustainable economic development and its increasing appeal on both regional and global fronts.
Market Resilience and Growth
Hamed Ali, the CEO of the Dubai Financial Market and Nasdaq Dubai, highlighted the pivotal shift in Dubai’s financial landscape during a recent interview with “Emirates Today.” He noted that the market capitalization of the Dubai Financial Market has surged to an impressive trillion dirhams, driven by the emirate’s strategic focus on sustainable growth.
For the third consecutive year, the Dubai Financial Market has maintained its position as the top-performing market among Gulf markets, exhibiting a growth rate of up to 20% in 2025 alone. “The influx of over 368,000 new investors in just three years is a clear indication of the market’s attractiveness, especially with 54,000 new investors joining this year, 84% of whom are from outside the UAE,” Ali stated.
New Listings and Investor Engagement
Ali emphasized the importance of liquidity as the cornerstone for enhancing the dynamism and effectiveness of financial markets. He acknowledged the current global challenges, including price volatility and changing interest rates, and expressed the necessity for a swift and effective response. Going forward, the primary focus will be on attracting new listings from various sectors while ensuring market transparency.
In the first half of 2025, the performance of the market reflected this vision, characterized by increased investor activity. Ali reported that foreign investors constituted a remarkable 84% of the total number of new investors, with institutional investors representing 71% of trading value. Notably, international trading surpassed local trading for the first time, accounting for 53% of total transactions, reinforcing Dubai’s strategic role as a gateway between East and West.
Innovation and Digital Transformation
Continuing his remarks, Ali pointed out the ongoing development of a comprehensive digital ecosystem aimed at meeting the diverse needs of investors worldwide. Enhanced through innovative solutions such as the comprehensive “iVester” app, this digital platform offers individuals a seamless experience, encompassing trading, financial transfers, and market monitoring.
“In today’s landscape, artificial intelligence has shifted from being a secondary option to a fundamental necessity,” Ali explained regarding the integration of AI tools designed to enhance the investor experience. He also unveiled the introduction of the “Arena” platform for initial public offering presentations, aimed at facilitating growth opportunities for family businesses and rapidly growing companies.
Commitment to Sustainability and Global Partnerships
As global investors increasingly prioritize sustainability, Ali acknowledged that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are now essential elements in investment decisions. The strategic sustainability plan for 2025 has been established as a clear roadmap to integrate sustainability standards across the market.
Through important global partnerships, such as with the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, Ali also mentioned ongoing efforts to develop joint products and facilitate dual listings, creating new avenues for issuers and investors alike. With Dubai being a leader in the issuance of green bonds and sustainable financial instruments, Nasdaq Dubai’s total value of such instruments has reached approximately 98.8 billion dirhams, reflecting a growing global interest in sustainable investing.
Overall, the trajectory of Dubai’s financial markets shows a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusion, as they continue to thrive and attract 368,000 new investors over three years, positioning the city as a global hub for financial activity.