ADX adds 30,000 new investors in H1, dividends hit Dh49.9 billion

Dubai: Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange added more than 30,000 new investors in the first half of 2026, while total dividends distributed through the market rose to Dh49.9 billion and foreign participation remained strong.

New investor registrations increased 7.1% year on year, with foreign investors accounting for 77% of those joining the exchange during the six-month period.

ADX’s market capitalisation stood at Dh2.8 trillion at the end of June, supported by Dh171 billion in trading value and increased activity across the market.

Total trading volume rose 3.7% from a year earlier to 50.3 billion shares, while average daily traded volume increased 9% to 423 million shares.

Nearly 3.3 million individual trades were completed during the period, representing a 12% year-on-year increase, while market makers increased their contribution by three percentage points to 15% of total traded value.

Foreign investors remain active

International investors accounted for 48% of total trading value during the first half, while UAE nationals increased their share of trading value by six percentage points to 52%.

Institutional investors accounted for 78% of total trading value, with net positive institutional inflows reaching Dh1.4 billion, up 13.7% from the same period last year.

The exchange continued to expand access for international institutions during the period, with HSBC becoming its first foreign General Clearing Member alongside First Abu Dhabi Bank.

Morgan Stanley also joined ADX as its first international remote trading participant, giving another global institution direct access to the Abu Dhabi market.

More investment options added

ADX welcomed four new listings during the first half, including two dual-listed exchange-traded funds from the New York Stock Exchange, expanding the investment products available through the Abu Dhabi market.

The exchange also supported rights issues for Sharjah Islamic Bank and Annan Investment Holding.

Cross-border links were expanded through investor roadshows in London and Hong Kong, a Letter of Intent with Borsa Italiana and further additions to the Tabadul network.

The Amman Stock Exchange was integrated into Tabadul, while ADIB Securities became the first UAE bank brokerage to join the network.

ADX also partnered with FINTECH.TV to establish what it said is the first international financial news studio within a stock exchange in the MENA region.