The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) recorded a 40% increase in total traded value during the first half of 2026, with the number of trades rising 31% to 2.23 million and average daily traded value climbing 45% year-on-year to exceed AED 1 billion.
International investors were the dominant force behind the growth, accounting for 71% of 42,864 new investor registrations during the period, reflecting sustained offshore confidence in Dubai's equity market infrastructure. Average daily trades rose 35% year-on-year.
Despite the volume surge, DFM's revenue fell 37% and net profit dropped 43% compared to H1 2025, a period whose results were inflated by a one-off gain from the sale of an investment property. DFM shares closed down 1.4% at AED 1.41, reflecting a near 15% year-to-date decline. The exchange is 80.66% owned by Borse Dubai Limited, which is jointly held by the Investment Corporation of Dubai, Dubai Group, and DIFC Investments.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer