The figures had been highlighted on the HSBC GCC Exchanges Convention in London this week, which introduced in combination greater than 300 institutional traders, over 100 Center East corporates and all seven GCC inventory exchanges throughout greater than 3,000 conferences, making it the most important version within the match’s five-year historical past.
UAE markets draw international capital
The convention centered at the resilience of GCC economies, the intensity of regional capital markets and the funding alternatives to be had throughout sectors and asset categories. Discussions additionally coated how companies and policymakers are adapting provide chains, investment constructions and marketplace get right of entry to right through a duration of marketplace volatility.
“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,” said Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Chief Executive Officer, UAE, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited. “While recent events have tested markets globally, we have seen investor confidence return as volatility has eased and risk premiums have normalised.”
ADX trading activity reaches Dh85bn
ADX recorded Dh85 billion in trading activity in the first quarter of 2026, up 22% year-on-year. The exchange’s market capitalisation stood at Dh2.8 trillion, while listed companies distributed Dh66.2 billion in dividends during the same period.
“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,” noted Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, Group Chief Executive Officer, ADX Group. “This resilience is seen in the performance of our market. With a market capitalisation of Dh2.8 trillion (about $770 billion), ADX recorded Dh85 billion (about $23.2 billion) in trading activity (representing a 22% year-on-year increase) and foreign investors accounting for 47.5% of total trading value in the first quarter of 2026. ADX-listed companies have distributed Dh66.2 billion (about $18 billion) in dividends in the same period and continued to deliver strong earnings, significant shareholder returns and sustained business growth. We will continue to connect more global investors with Abu Dhabi’s long-term growth story and expand investors’ access to the dynamic investment opportunities via ADX.”
HSBC lately was the primary global financial institution to function a Normal Clearing Member on ADX, a transfer geared toward widening international investor get right of entry to to Abu Dhabi’s capital markets.
DFM reasonable day-to-day buying and selling worth tops Dh1bn
Dubai Monetary Marketplace additionally reported upper process within the first quarter of 2026, with reasonable day-to-day buying and selling worth exceeding Dh1 billion, up 56% year-on-year.
“Dubai’s capital markets have persevered to show resilience, momentum and center of attention, and this 12 months’s HSBC GCC Exchanges Convention is a mirrored image of that sustained investor self assurance,” mentioned Hamed Ali, Leader Government Officer of DFM and Nasdaq Dubai. “In the first quarter of 2026, average daily trading value on DFM exceeded Dh1 billion, up 56% year-on-year, with foreign investors accounting for 54% of total trading value and 79% of new investor registrations coming from international markets.”
The numbers point to rising international interest in UAE-listed assets at a time when global funds are reassessing risk across emerging markets, with liquidity, dividend returns and market access becoming important factors in allocation decisions.
Technology and market access in focus
Technology and digital infrastructure were also part of the investor discussions, as companies and policymakers look at ways to strengthen market access and long-term funding options.
HSBC’s $550 million financing for Core42, part of G42 Group, was cited as part of its wider UAE activity, with the funding aimed at scaling global AI infrastructure and accelerating AI cloud and compute deployments across the US and Europe.
The bank is also serving as the preferred banking partner in Asia for Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Dubai Economic Development Corporation, supporting their efforts to attract investment into the UAE.
Nivetha Dayanand is Assistant Trade Editor at Gulf Information, the place she spends her days unpacking cash, markets, aviation, and the large shifts shaping lifestyles within the Gulf. Prior to returning to Gulf Information, she introduced Finance Center East, entire with a podcast and video sequence.
Her reporting has taken her from breaking spot information to long-form options and high-profile interviews. Nivetha has interviewed Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed Al Saud, Indian ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and N. Chandrababu Naidu, IMF’s Jihad Azour, and an extended record of CEOs, regulators, and founders who’re reshaping the area’s economic system.
An Erasmus Mundus journalism alum, Nivetha has shared school rooms and newsrooms with reporters from greater than 40 international locations, which most definitely explains her weak point for information, context, and a just right follow-up query.
When she is clear of her keyboard (AFK), you might be perhaps to search out her on the fitness center with an Eminem playlist, bingeing One Piece, or exploring video games on her PS5.
