Dubai Financial Market Achieves AED 930.8 Million Net Profit Before Tax With 212% Year-on-Year Growth

Dubai Financial Market (DFM) has reported its financial results for the first nine months of 2025, showing a significant rise in net profit before tax to AED 930.8 million. This marks a 212% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Total consolidated revenue reached AED 1.1 billion, reflecting a 138% year-on-year growth due to increased trading activity and expansion of Dubai’s capital markets.

The DFM General Index (DFMGI) climbed by 13.2%, closing at 5,839.64 points, highlighting ongoing market momentum and investor confidence. Market capitalization grew by 9.7% from the end of 2024, reaching AED 995 billion, as DFM continues to attract new issuers and investors across various sectors.

Helal Saeed Al Marri, Chairman of DFM, stated: "DFM’s performance in the first nine months of 2025 reflects the strength and vitality of Dubai’s capital markets and the growing confidence of global investors. The sustained growth in trading activity and market capitalization highlights the continued success of DFM’s strategy to deepen liquidity, attract global participation, and enhance market accessibility."

Operating income contributed AED 409.7 million, while investment returns and other income added AED 216.5 million. Additionally, income from the sale of an investment property amounted to AED 467.2 million, supported by solid market performance and prudent financial management.

Total expenses (excluding tax) were AED 162.6 million compared to AED 161.6 million in the same period last year, indicating ongoing investment in technology and infrastructure. The average daily traded value reached AED 709 million, an increase of 83% from AED 387 million during the same period in 2024.

The total traded value rose by 82% to AED 133 billion, with the average number of daily trades increasing by 48% to reach 13,600. These figures demonstrate deepening liquidity and higher institutional participation in Dubai’s capital markets.

Investor Base Expansion

By September's end in 2025, DFM welcomed over 82,742 new investors this year; notably, foreign investors made up about 84%. This brought DFM's total investor base to over 1.2 million individuals. Foreign investors accounted for half of the total trading value while institutional investors represented a substantial portion at around seventy percent.

Foreign ownership remained strong at twenty percent of total market capitalization, showcasing sustained confidence in Dubai’s markets. Du’s secondary share sale marked a milestone as it was UAE's first fully marketed secondary public offering.

Diverse Sector Representation

ALEC Holding's IPO in September highlighted sector diversification within DFM listings. The variety of companies preparing to list reflects DFM’s role in broadening market representation and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a dynamic hub for issuers across industries.

DFM's total market capitalization stood at AED 995 billion with Financials accounting for approximately forty-two percent followed by Real Estate at nineteen percent; Utilities at sixteen percent; Industrials at twelve percent; Communication Services around four percent; Consumer Staples along with other sectors making up remaining portions.

Strategic Initiatives

This sectoral distribution underscores Dubai's diversified economic foundation while reinforcing strategic efforts aimed towards attracting listings from high-growth emerging industries aligning with broader vision enhancing depth competitiveness globally.

Hamed Ali CEO Nasdaq Dubai commented: "DFM’s robust performance for first nine months reflects steady progress executing strategic priorities deepening liquidity broadening participation enhancing access both local international investors."

The strong investor appetite sustained IPO activity highlight growing confidence Dubai capital markets strength platform preferred destination issuers looking ahead committed advancing digital transformation expanding product offering driving innovation support long-term growth reinforce position one region leading capital markets.

With inputs from WAM