UAE financial markets see 24% average daily trading increase in 2025, CMA reports

06/05/2026 04:46 AST

Average daily trading across the UAE's financial markets grew by 24.16 percent in 2025 to reach 2.21 billion dirhams ($601.7 million), according to the UAE's Capital Market Authority.

Market capitalization also climbed, with Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange rising 4.7 percent to 3.14 trillion dirhams, while Dubai Financial Market grew 7.6 percent to reach 980 billion dirhams, the Emirates News Agency reported.

The UAE's results stand out against a mixed picture across Gulf capital markets in 2025. Saudi Arabia's Tadawul remained the region's dominant bourse with its market capitalization reaching $2.35 trillion at the end of 2025.

Assets under management in Saudi Arabia's private funds sector increased by 27 percent annually. Qatar's financial center recorded strong institutional growth, with 828 new firms registered in the first half of 2025 alone, bringing the total to 3,300 by June, while corporate and investment banks posted a 19 percent year-on-year increase in AUM.

"The UAE's financial sector is undergoing a qualitative transformation where national vision intersects with the dynamism of global markets," CMA Chairman Mohamed Ali Al-Shorafa said, according to WAM.

The top official noted that the authority is developing an advanced regulatory environment that balances economic growth, financial stability and institutional confidence.

Net foreign investment inflows totalled 18.7 billion dirhams, with 14.1 billion dirhams flowing into Abu Dhabi and 4.6 billion dirhams into Dubai, while net institutional investment stood at 1.17 billion dirhams.

CEO Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi called 2025 "an advanced milestone" in the CMA's journey, citing progress across legislative development, supervisory efficiency and support for innovation as key drivers of sustainable market growth.

Total equity listings in the UAE reached 14.53 billion dirhams, along with 6.12 billion dirhams in capital increases. Listed bonds and sukuk were valued at 27.6 billion dirhams, while private placement issuances totalled 638 billion dirhams. Green bonds and sukuk accounted for 8.6 billion dirhams of the total.

Four companies were listed during the year, and five public joint-stock companies registered, with three mergers and acquisitions approved, bringing the total number of companies on record to 199 by year-end.

Arab News