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What To Know
- The robust results underline Dubai’s strengthening position as a global financial hub, reflecting investor confidence, sustained trading momentum, and the success of strategic market reforms under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
- “DFM’s performance in the first nine months of 2025 reflects the vitality of Dubai’s financial ecosystem and the confidence of global investors.
- Our sustained growth in trading activity and market capitalization is a testament to our commitment to enhancing liquidity, global participation, and accessibility,” he said.
The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) has reported a remarkable performance for the first nine months of 2025, with net profit before tax surging 212% to AED 930.8 million, compared to AED 298.7 million during the same period in 2024. The robust results underline Dubai’s strengthening position as a global financial hub, reflecting investor confidence, sustained trading momentum, and the success of strategic market reforms under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
According to the DFM’s consolidated financial results, total revenue reached AED 1.1 billion, representing a 138% year-on-year increase from AED 460.3 million in 2024. The sharp rise in revenues was driven by a significant increase in trading activity, expanding listings, and prudent financial management across DFM’s operations.
Record Financial Results and Market Performance
DFM’s exceptional growth was underpinned by strong market dynamics and diversified income streams. Operating income contributed AED 409.7 million, while investment returns and other income added AED 216.5 million. Additionally, income from the sale of an investment property amounted to AED 467.2 million, highlighting effective portfolio management and a focus on asset optimization.
Total expenses, excluding tax, remained stable at AED 162.6 million, compared to AED 161.6 million in the same period last year — a sign of disciplined cost control despite continued investment in digital transformation and infrastructure upgrades.
During this period, the DFM General Index (DFMGI) climbed 13.2% to close at 5,839.64 points, reflecting the market’s resilience and positive investor sentiment. Total market capitalization reached AED 995 billion, marking a 9.7% increase compared to the end of 2024.
Trading Activity Hits New Highs
DFM witnessed a surge in trading activity during the first nine months of 2025. The average daily traded value soared 83% year-on-year to AED 709 million, up from AED 387 million in 2024. Total traded value for the period jumped 82% to AED 133 billion, while the average number of daily trades increased 48% to 13,600.
This growth reflects deeper market liquidity, rising institutional participation, and increased cross-border engagement, as international investors continue to view Dubai as a stable and attractive financial destination.
H.E. Helal Saeed Al Marri, Chairman of DFM, said the results demonstrate the continued strength of Dubai’s capital markets.
“DFM’s performance in the first nine months of 2025 reflects the vitality of Dubai’s financial ecosystem and the confidence of global investors. Our sustained growth in trading activity and market capitalization is a testament to our commitment to enhancing liquidity, global participation, and accessibility,” he said.
“As Dubai consolidates its position as a global financial centre, DFM will continue driving innovation, transparency, and sustainable growth, aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).”
Investor Participation and Market Depth
The DFM’s expanding investor base highlights its growing international appeal. By the end of September 2025, 82,742 new investors had joined the market, with 84% of them being foreign nationals. This brought the total investor base to over 1.2 million.
Foreign investors accounted for 51% of total trading value, while institutional investors represented 70%, underscoring DFM’s increasing depth and maturity. Foreign ownership remained strong at 20% of total market capitalization, reaffirming Dubai’s standing as a trusted market for global capital.
New Listings Strengthen Market Confidence
Several landmark transactions have shaped DFM’s performance this year. du’s secondary share sale marked the first-ever fully marketed secondary public offering in the UAE, attracting robust demand from retail and institutional investors across local and international markets. The success of this offering enhanced liquidity and highlighted investor confidence in the UAE’s capital market framework.
In addition, ALEC Holding’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) in September 2025 drew widespread participation, reflecting the growing diversification of sectors entering the market. These developments underscore DFM’s ongoing efforts to broaden its product portfolio and attract issuers from emerging industries such as infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy.
A Balanced and Diverse Market Ecosystem
As of September 2025, DFM’s total market capitalization of AED 995 billion represented a well-diversified mix across multiple sectors.
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Financials: 42%
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Real Estate: 19%
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Utilities: 16%
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Industrials: 12%
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Communication Services: 4%
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Consumer Staples & Others: Remaining share
This balance reflects Dubai’s diversified economic structure and aligns with the government’s long-term strategy to expand market depth and competitiveness across industries.
Hamed Ali, CEO of DFM and Nasdaq Dubai, said the strong results reaffirm the exchange’s growing importance in regional and global capital markets.
“Our performance in 2025 showcases steady progress in executing our strategic priorities — deepening liquidity, expanding participation, and improving accessibility for investors worldwide,” he stated.
“Sustained IPO activity and robust investor appetite highlight growing confidence in Dubai’s capital markets. We remain focused on accelerating digital transformation and innovation to drive long-term growth.”
Outlook: Sustained Growth and Global Ambitions
As Dubai advances its D33 agenda — which aims to double the city’s economy over the next decade — DFM is expected to play a crucial role in supporting business growth, attracting listings, and facilitating access to global investors.
With strong financial fundamentals, high investor confidence, and a diverse pipeline of upcoming listings, Dubai Financial Market is on track to close 2025 as one of the best-performing exchanges in the region, reinforcing the emirate’s reputation as a world-class hub for investment and capital market innovation.
