The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) recorded a sharp increase in trading activity during the first half of 2026, with total trading value rising 40% year-on-year as stronger investor participation improved market liquidity. According to DFM's latest market update, the exchange reported AED 81.3 billion in total trading value between January and June, compared with AED 58.1 billion during the same period last year.
DFM added more than 45,000 new investor accounts during the first six months of the year, with international investors accounting for a significant share of new registrations. Foreign investors remained key contributors to market activity, while institutional participation also increased across several sectors.
“The increase in trading activity during the first half of 2026, with total traded value rising by 40% and average daily traded value exceeding Dh1 billion, reflects sustained investor engagement and the growing depth of Dubai’s capital markets,” said Helal Saeed Al Marri, chairman of DFM.
He added that the strong participation on the exchange was supported by Dubai’s economic fundamentals, expanding financial ecosystem and continued international investor interest. “DFM will continue to advance transparent, liquid and globally connected capital markets, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading international financial centre in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33,” Al Marri said.
The exchange attributed part of the increase in activity to ongoing market reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, improving accessibility, and attracting long-term investment. Recent listings and a steady pipeline of new investment opportunities helped sustain trading momentum throughout the first half of the year.
“The participation of institutional and international investors demonstrates continued confidence in the quality of opportunities available and the efficiency of our market infrastructure,” said Hamed Ali, chief executive of DFM and Nasdaq Dubai. “We remain focused on broadening investment opportunities, strengthening our market infrastructure and delivering innovative services,” Ali added.
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The strong first-half performance reflects growing confidence in the UAE's economic outlook, supported by stable corporate earnings, government-led reforms, and continued foreign investment. However, market participants are expected to remain attentive to global interest rate trends, geopolitical developments, and upcoming corporate results, all of which could influence investor sentiment in the second half of 2026.