In 2025, the UAE’s financial markets delivered remarkable performance, highlighting the strength of the national economy and growing confidence among both local and international investors. Supported by a stable financial environment and pro-growth economic policies, this resilience was reflected in key indicators and market prices across the Dubai and Abu Dhabi exchanges, underscoring the UAE’s ability to absorb global fluctuations while continuing to attract investment.

Strong Gains

In 2025, the Dubai Financial Market index surged by 17.22%, gaining 888.42 points and climbing from 5,158.67 at the end of 2024 to 6,047.09 by year’s end.

This growth was accompanied by a rise in market capitalization, which increased from AED 906.9 billion to AED 992.1 billion - an annual gain of approximately AED 85.2 billion - reflecting stronger liquidity and greater market depth.

Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange also posted solid gains, with its general index rising 6.09% over the year to close at 9,992.72 points - an increase of approximately 574 points from the 9,419-point close at the end of 2024.

The exchange’s market capitalization grew from AED 3 trillion to AED 3.139 trillion, recording gains of approximately AED 139 billion.

This robust performance reflects a balance between the strength of the national economy and rising liquidity, alongside growing institutional demand and inflows of foreign investment, underscoring the markets’ resilience and capacity to absorb shocks while maintaining long-term stability.

Indicators also suggest that the markets are poised for a more active phase ahead, buoyed by a stable economic environment, strong capacity to attract foreign investment, and anticipated IPOs and performance results from leading companies.

Emirati capital markets (Archive)

Exceptional performance

Economist Ahmed Adel told Annahar that the UAE financial markets achieved exceptional performance in 2025, despite global and regional challenges, “driven by the strength of the national economy and growing confidence among both local and international investors.”

He added, “The supportive economic environment and the country’s financial stability have created a solid foundation for continued growth.” He expects this strong market performance to persist, bolstered by the UAE’s ability to attract foreign capital, rising IPO activity, and strong corporate results.

According to Adel, the UAE financial markets are well-positioned for sustained gains in the coming period, driven by robust macroeconomic fundamentals and a stable financial environment. He also anticipates gradual and sustainable growth, reflecting the country’s enduring investment appeal and reaffirming its status as a leading regional financial hub capable of attracting increased global investment.

As 2025 comes to a close, the performance of the UAE financial markets underscores the resilience of the national economy and the effectiveness of the country’s financial and economic policies. These measures have strengthened the confidence of both local and international investors, supporting market stability despite global and regional challenges. The robust performance of key market indicators throughout the year highlights the UAE’s capacity to absorb economic shocks while maintaining an attractive and stable investment environment.

Looking ahead, the UAE financial markets are well-positioned for continued, sustainable growth. This momentum is supported by rising institutional demand, ongoing inflows of foreign capital, and anticipated activity in public offerings, alongside strong results from leading companies. Coupled with a stable economic environment and strategic investment policies, the UAE is set to strengthen its role as a leading regional financial hub, attracting further capital and ensuring long-term growth and performance across its markets.