Dubai Financial Market trading surges 56% after high-profile investor event
Dubai Financial Market (DFM) has seen a sharp rise in trading activity in early 2026. The average daily trading value climbed to Dh1.03 billion, up 56 per cent from Dh663 million in the same period last year. The increase follows a recent investor event aimed at boosting market confidence and liquidity. The DFM Investor Day took place at Nasdaq Dubai, organised by EFG Hermes in partnership with DFM. The event brought together senior figures from 37 investment firms, giving participants direct access to company leaders and their strategic plans. Discussions centred on corporate performance, market access, and long-term investment potential in Dubai’s capital markets.
Hamed Ali, co-chief executive of DFM, linked the surge in trading value to sustained investor trust in Dubai’s financial sector. Institutional investors played a major role, accounting for 70 per cent of the total trading value on DFM. The combined market capitalisation of companies featured at the event exceeded Dh120 billion. EFG Hermes also highlighted its regional activity in 2025. The firm advised on 18 equity transactions, 16 debt deals, and 8 mergers and acquisitions across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Egypt. Mohamed Ebeid, co-chief executive of EFG Hermes, noted that UAE-listed companies had maintained strong fundamentals despite geopolitical and economic pressures.
The event aimed to strengthen liquidity and keep international institutional investors engaged in Dubai’s equity markets. With trading volumes rising and investor confidence holding firm, the market’s performance reflects ongoing resilience. The partnerships between DFM, EFG Hermes, and global firms are expected to support further growth.
