In a remarkable demonstration of growth, the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) has reported a 22% increase in total trading value for the first nine months of 2026, reaching AED 162 billion. This surge follows the market’s strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing investor engagement and bolstering the financial ecosystem in Dubai.
The DFM’s average daily trading value saw a significant rise of 25% year-on-year, climbing to AED 883 million, while the number of average daily trades surged by 26%, totaling approximately 17,200. Such increases highlight a growing trend of frequent and higher-value transactions among investors, further underscoring Dubai’s position as an attractive investment hub.
Market capitalization at the end of September 2026 stood at AED 993 billion. Although this reflects a slight decrease from AED 995 billion recorded a year ago, it indicates that investor confidence and market fundamentals remain robust. As the DFM General Index closed the period at 5,960.54 points, it did represent a small decline of 1.4% since the beginning of the year, suggesting short-term fluctuations that are not uncommon in volatile markets.
Helal Saeed Al Marri, the Chairman of DFM, attributed this growth in trading value to strong investor engagement and the ongoing interest from international investors. With the strategic goals outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, there is a clear focus on advancing transparent and liquid financial markets. This aligns with the emirate’s vision to establish itself as a leading international financial center.
In the first nine months of 2026, DFM reported total consolidated revenue of AED 753.2 million, compared to AED 1.1 billion during the same period in 2025, the latter figure having been inflated by one-off income from the sale of an investment property. Operating income contributed AED 511.2 million while investment returns and other income amounted to AED 242 million. Notably, the company’s net profit before tax also fell to AED 586.4 million from AED 930.8 million a year earlier.
The DFM’s trading volume reflects a broader trend within the UAE’s financial landscape, where both institutional and foreign investors are playing increasingly pivotal roles. Institutional investors accounted for 73% of the total traded value in 9M 2026, up from 70% in the previous year. Moreover, foreign investors contributed to 51% of trading activity, reinforcing their critical position in the market.
Adding to the innovative landscape, the DFM has introduced new digital platforms that enable investors to access the market more conveniently. Recent platforms, such as the baraka investment app and the fully digital onboarding service from EFG Hermes, allow investors to operate entirely through mobile applications, enhancing accessibility to a tech-savvy investor base.
Looking ahead, the DFM is expected to prioritize further liquidity enhancement and broaden access to its markets. With over 1.3 million investors now participating, the momentum suggests positive long-term prospects for Dubai’s capital markets, especially as the DFM aims to introduce more investment opportunities, including ease of access to government-backed debt instruments like the recently launched Retail Sukuk.
As the DFM continues to expand its digital tools and improve market infrastructure, the outlook for investors in the UAE and beyond remains bright. The strategic focus on enhancing investor experience and market depth is expected to yield long-term benefits, positioning the DFM as a key player within the Gulf region and an attractive option for both local and international investors.
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