Dubai Financial Market posts AED 557m H1 2026 revenues as trading value surges
Dubai Financial Market reports consolidated revenues of AED 557m for H1 2026; trading value rises 40% and daily turnover exceeds AED 1bn.
The Dubai Financial Market reported consolidated revenues of AED 557 million in the first half of 2026, while trading activity recorded a marked uptick that pushed daily turnover past AED 1 billion. The year-on-year revenue decline compared with H1 2025 reflects the absence of a one-off property sale recorded in the prior period, even as market liquidity and participation strengthened. Profit before tax for the six months stood at AED 443.2 million, underscoring resilient operational performance amid higher trading volumes.
Half-Year Revenue and Profit
The bourse’s consolidated revenues for H1 2026 amounted to AED 557 million, comprised of AED 384.8 million from operating income and AED 172.2 million from investment returns and other sources. This compares with AED 888.9 million in H1 2025, a figure that was inflated by a non-recurring AED 462.2 million gain from the sale of an investment property. Profit before tax declined to AED 443.2 million from AED 777.1 million a year earlier, reflecting the different revenue mix between periods.
Operating expenses excluding taxes were effectively controlled at AED 113.8 million, slightly up from AED 111.8 million in H1 2025. Management described the cost profile as consistent with continued investment in market infrastructure and technology while maintaining spending discipline. The second quarter contributed AED 303.9 million of consolidated revenues and a pre-tax profit of AED 249.9 million.
Trading Activity and Liquidity Gains
Trading activity was the dominant story of the period, with total trading value for the first half rising 40.4% to AED 119.5 billion. Market participants accelerated their trading cadence, helping the exchange register one of its most active halves in recent years. The surge in liquidity is being cited by officials as evidence of growing depth in Dubai’s capital markets and increasing investor confidence.
The Dubai Financial Market index closed the half at 5,955.58 points, reflecting the combination of heavier trading and mixed stock price movements across sectors. The market recorded 119 trading days in H1 2026 versus 123 in the comparable 2025 period, indicating that the increase in overall activity was driven by higher daily turnover rather than more trading sessions.
Daily Trading Metrics and Volume
Average daily value of trading climbed 45.1% to AED 1.004 billion, reversing a decline from the previous year and pushing the exchange above the AED 1 billion threshold on average. Average daily trades rose 35.4% to about 18,759 transactions, while total number of trades for the half increased 31% to 2.23 million. These gains point to both larger trade sizes and more frequent participation by retail and institutional players.
Institutional investors dominated activity, accounting for 71.2% of total trading value, up marginally from 70.8% in H1 2025. Foreign investors were responsible for 51% of trading activity, maintaining their significant role in market turnover and liquidity provision.
Investor Base Expansion and Foreign Ownership
The exchange attracted 42,864 new investors in the first six months of 2026, with international investors comprising 71.4% of this inflow. This expansion of the investor base is credited with diversifying demand and supporting higher volumes across listed securities. Foreign ownership of market capitalisation edged slightly higher to 20.06% from 20.04% a year earlier, signaling steady international participation.
Institutional ownership across listed companies stood at 86.5%, reflecting the prominent role of funds, asset managers and large-scale investors in Dubai’s equity landscape. Market officials noted that the balance between institutional and retail flows has helped sustain liquidity while encouraging more strategic, long-term investment into the market.
Market Capitalisation and Quarterly Comparison
Total market capitalisation at the end of June 2026 was AED 981.6 billion, a modest decline from AED 995.6 billion at the end of H1 2025. The dip reflects market value fluctuations rather than a meaningful contraction in listings or investor interest. Quarterly comparisons show that Q2 2026 revenues amounted to AED 303.9 million versus AED 702.5 million in Q2 2025, a difference largely attributable to the prior-year one-off property sale.
Despite lower headline revenues versus the exceptional prior period, the exchange’s business metrics point to healthier core activity, driven by sustained liquidity and a broader investor base. The concentration of trading by institutional and foreign participants has supported sizable daily turnover and contributed to the improved trading environment.
Leadership Statements and Strategic Priorities
Chairman Hilal Saeed Al Marri said the rise in trading activity and the breach of AED 1 billion in average daily turnover reflect strong investor engagement and deeper capital markets in Dubai. He linked the performance to Dubai’s solid economic fundamentals, expansion of its financial ecosystem and continued international investor interest. Al Marri reiterated the exchange’s commitment to developing transparent, liquid markets aligned with Dubai’s economic agenda.
Chief Executive Officer Hamid Ali emphasised the market’s resilience and the sustainability of liquidity levels, citing diversification of the investor base and ongoing infrastructure upgrades. He outlined priorities including widening access to the market, enhancing product offerings, and deploying technology to support efficient trading and post-trade services. Management said efforts will continue to focus on strengthening Dubai’s position as a global financial hub.
The exchange indicated it will sustain investments in infrastructure and market access while pursuing initiatives to further deepen liquidity and attract complementary capital flows.
Looking ahead, the Dubai Financial Market plans to build on the first-half momentum by expanding investor reach, refining its product suite and continuing infrastructure upgrades to support long-term market development. The combination of higher trading activity, growing international participation and targeted strategic investments positions the exchange to support Dubai’s broader financial ambitions in the months ahead.