Dubai Financial Market Reports Record Trading Growth And Revenue In Q1 2025

The Dubai Financial Market (PJSC) has released its financial results for the first quarter ending 31 March 2025, showcasing impressive trading activity and strong investor interest. The market achieved an Average Daily Trading Value (ADTV) of AED 663 million, marking a 67% increase from the previous year. Total traded value also rose by 61% to AED 41 billion compared to AED 25.5 billion in Q1 2024.

DFM's consolidated revenue for Q1 2025 reached AED 186.5 million, up from AED 148.1 million in the same period last year. This revenue included AED 86 million from operating income and AED 100.5 million from investment returns and other income. Net profit before tax was AED 134.9 million, compared to AED 95.6 million in Q1 2024, while total expenses excluding tax were slightly lower at AED 51.6 million compared to AED 52.5 million previously.

Helal Saeed Al Marri, Chairman of DFM, commented on the market's performance: "DFM has maintained strong performance and high investor confidence, as reflected in record trading activity levels, despite evolving global market conditions. Our resilient and dynamic market environment continues to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global financial hub." He emphasised their commitment to transparency and innovation.

In Q1 2025, DFM's ADTV reached its highest level in over ten years at AED 663 million, a significant rise from AED 398 million in Q1 2024. This growth was driven by increased trading volumes and capital inflows despite global uncertainties affecting investor sentiment.

The total market capitalisation of companies listed on DFM was AED 897 billion at the end of March 2025, showing a slight decrease of 1% compared to the end of the previous year. Average daily trades increased by 33% year-on-year to reach approximately 13,400 trades per day, highlighting enhanced liquidity and active investor participation.

Hamed Ali, CEO of DFM and Nasdaq Dubai, stated: "DFM’s record trading performance in the first quarter of 2025 is a clear reflection of the strength and growing depth of our market." He noted that sustained trading activity and increased participation from institutional investors demonstrate continued trust in DFM.

Investor interest remained robust with DFM attracting 19,366 new investors during Q1 2025; notably, foreign nationals made up 86% of these new investors. Foreign investors contributed significantly to trading value with a share of 53%, while foreign ownership of market capitalisation stayed stable at around 21%.

Institutional investors showed increased confidence by accounting for a larger portion of total trading value at 72%, up from last year's figure of 65%. This trend underscores DFM’s growing appeal among a diverse global investor base.

The Dubai Financial Market continues to build on its momentum by enhancing liquidity and creating value for all participants as it solidifies its status as a global financial hub.

With inputs from WAM