Dubai Financial Market Records Strong Q1 2026 Performance

-Dubai Financial Market Records Strong Q1 2026 Performance, with ADTV Exceeding AED 1 Billion

• 56% increase year-on-year in average daily trading value (ADTV), exceeding AED 1 billion to AED 1.03 billion
• 48% increase year-on-year in total traded value to AED 61 billion
• 43% increase in net profit before tax to AED 193.3 million in Q1 2026, 
• 36% increase in total consolidated revenue increased to AED 253.1 million during Q1 2026, supported by higher trading activity and liquidity level
• DFM attracted 20,702 new investors during the quarter, with international investors representing 79% of new registrations
• Institutional investors accounted for 70% of total trading value, while foreign investors contributed 54%
• Market capitalization stood at AED 897 billion at the end of March 2026

Dubai Financial Market (PJSC) today announced its consolidated financial results for the first quarter ending 31 March 2026, reporting a strong start to the year supported by robust trading activity, increased liquidity and active investor participation. The performance underscores DFM’s continued appeal as a destination for international capital and reflects the depth and resilience of Dubai’s capital markets.

During the quarter, Average Daily Trading Value (ADTV) exceeded the AED 1 billion mark, reaching AED 1.03 billion compared to AED 663 million in the same period last year, representing a 56% increase year-on-year.  Total traded value rose by 48% to AED 61 billion, compared to AED 41.12 billion last year, reflecting continued depth and breadth of activity across the market. 

DFM attracted 20,702 new investors during the quarter compared to 19,366 investors for the same period last year, 79% of whom were from overseas. Foreign investors contributed 54% of total trading value, while institutional investors accounted for 70%, underscoring DFM’s continued appeal to a diversified and sophisticated investor base. Market capitalization stood at AED 897 billion at the end of March 2026. 

DFM’s total consolidated revenue reached AED 253.1 million in Q1 2026, compared to AED 186.5 million in the same period of 2025. Revenue included AED 171.9 million in operating income and AED 81.2 million in investment returns and other income. Net profit before tax stood at AED 193.3 million, compared to AED 134.9 million in the prior-year period. Total expenses excluding tax were AED 59.8 million, versus AED 51.6 million in Q1 2025.

Commenting on DFM’s performance, H.E. Helal Saeed Al Marri, Chairman of DFM, said:
“DFM delivered a strong first quarter, with trading activity and investor participation reflecting continued confidence in Dubai’s capital markets. Exceeding AED 1 billion in average daily trading value is an important milestone and demonstrates the growing depth, liquidity and international relevance of the market.

This performance is underpinned by Dubai’s strong economic fundamentals, its position as a global financial hub, and the continued development of a transparent and efficient market infrastructure. The sustained participation of institutional and international investors reflects the confidence in DFM’s platform and the long-term vision for Dubai’s capital markets.

We remain focused on advancing DFM’s role within Dubai’s financial ecosystem by broadening access, deepening liquidity and supporting the continued development of globally connected capital markets.”

Market Performance
DFM recorded strong trading momentum during January and February, with the DFM General Index reaching 6,774 points on 9 February 2026. The index closed the quarter lower by 10.1%, reflecting softer market conditions in the latter part of March. However, trading activity remained strong throughout the period, supported by continued participation across investor segments and healthy levels of liquidity.

Hamed Ali, CEO of DFM and Nasdaq Dubai, said: “Q1 2026 demonstrated the resilience and depth of activity across DFM. Liquidity increased significantly year-on-year, with average daily trading value rising to AED 1.03 billion and total traded value reaching AED 61 billion. This was supported by strong participation from institutional, retail, local and international investors.

DFM continued to operate with stability and efficiency, supported by a diversified investor base and sustained international participation. 

Our priority remains to enhance market accessibility, strengthen infrastructure, and broaden the range of opportunities available to issuers and investors. The performance of the first quarter reinforces the strong foundations of Dubai’s capital markets and DFM’s ability to continue supporting long-term market development.”

DFM remains focused on deepening market access, expanding its investor base, and enhancing the infrastructure that supports Dubai’s position as a leading international financial centre. The fundamentals supporting growth in liquidity, trading activity and international participation remain strong, positioning DFM to build on the momentum achieved during the first quarter.