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Foreign investors accounted for 47.5 per cent of trading value on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and 54 per cent on the Dubai Financial Market in the first quarter of 2026, data presented at the HSBC GCC Exchanges Conference in London showed earlier this month. The ADX recorded Dh85 billion in total trading activity during the period, a 22 per cent increase year on year, while average daily trading on the DFM exceeded Dh1 billion, up 56 per cent, according to figures from the two exchanges. The conference, which attracted more than 300 institutional investors and representatives from all seven GCC bourses, highlighted sustained international demand for UAE-listed assets despite wider market volatility.
The HSBC GCC Exchanges Conference brought together over 100 Middle East corporates for more than 3,000 meetings, marking its largest edition in five years, Gulf News reported. Discussions examined the resilience of GCC economies, capital market depth and adaptation of supply chains amid global uncertainty. Mohamed Al Marzooqi, chief executive officer for the UAE at HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, stated, “The UAE’s capital markets continue to demonstrate resilience and structural depth, supported by strong economic fundamentals, a diversified investor base and a clear long-term growth agenda.” He added that investor confidence had returned as volatility eased and risk premiums normalised.
The ADX Group reported a market capitalisation of Dh2.8 trillion, equivalent to about $770 billion, at the end of the first quarter. Listed companies on the exchange distributed Dh66.2 billion in dividends during those three months while delivering strong earnings and shareholder returns. Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, group chief executive officer of the ADX Group, noted, “Periods of uncertainty reveal the true strength of a market. Abu Dhabi’s capital markets and listed companies have continued to deliver with strength and discipline, reflected in solid corporate results, sustained business continuity, and an ability to secure meaningful commercial opportunities regardless of the varying global environment.”
HSBC became the first international bank to serve as a general clearing member on the ADX, a step designed to broaden access for global investors to Abu Dhabi’s capital markets, according to the conference presentations. This development aligns with ongoing efforts to connect international capital with long-term growth opportunities in the emirate. A separate 2025 analysis by Dar Al Tharwa found net foreign capital inflows into UAE stock exchanges had exceeded Dh19 billion in 2024, providing momentum that carried into this year’s gains.
The Dubai Financial Market reported total traded value of Dh61 billion for the first quarter, with 79 per cent of new investor registrations originating from international markets. Hamed Ali, chief executive officer of DFM and Nasdaq Dubai, said, “Dubai’s capital markets have continued to demonstrate resilience, momentum and focus, and this year’s HSBC GCC Exchanges Conference is a reflection of that sustained investor confidence.” He added that the first-quarter performance, with foreign investors accounting for 54 per cent of total trading value, underscored rising international interest in UAE-listed assets.
Technology and infrastructure formed a key part of conference talks, with HSBC citing its $550 million financing for Core42, part of G42 Group, to scale AI infrastructure globally. The bank also acts as the preferred banking partner in Asia for the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Dubai Economic Development Corporation to support inward investment. Recent data from the exchanges placed combined market capitalisation above Dh2.9 trillion by mid-June, reflecting continued resilience even as regional conditions evolved.
