Dubai Financial Market Achieves Total Revenues Of AED 632.3 Million In 2024 Amid Strong Investor Activity

Dubai Financial Market Company has reported a significant rise in its net profit for the fiscal year ending 31st December 2024. The pre-tax profit increased by 24% to AED 409.3 million, up from AED 329.6 million in 2023. This growth was attributed to strong trading volumes, increased capital inflows, and heightened activity from both retail and institutional investors.

The DFM General Index reached a decade-high level, closing at 5,158.67 points by the end of December 2024. This represents a remarkable increase of 27.1%, marking the largest annual gain in three years and continuing an upward trend for the fourth consecutive year. Dubai maintained its status as the GCC’s best-performing market for the second year running.

In 2024, DFM experienced a robust IPO market with three successful listings, including talabat's notable global tech IPO. These public offerings significantly boosted market activity, raising AED 10.48 billion compared to AED 1.97 billion in IPOs during 2023. The market capitalisation of DFM grew by 32% to AED 907 billion from AED 688 billion in the previous year.

The Board of Directors has reviewed and approved these results for ratification at the upcoming Annual General Assembly Meeting. They have proposed a cash dividend of AED 256 million, which represents 3.2% of the capital and accounts for 97% of total retained earnings available for distribution.

Retail investor participation on DFM saw substantial growth in 2024, contributing to 35% of total trading activity. This was particularly evident in recent IPOs where retail tranches were expanded due to high demand; Spinneys increased its tranche from 5% to 7%, while Parkin raised its tranche from 10% to 12%. Enhancements in digital platforms and streamlined subscription processes facilitated this growth.

DFM onboarded a significant number of new investors, with registrations increasing by over double compared to last year. A total of 138,262 new investors joined in 2024, with foreign investors making up a substantial portion at around 85%. Foreign investors contributed to half of the total trading value compared to their previous share of 47%.

Institutional Investor Influence

The influence of institutional investors also grew notably during this period. Their trading share rose sharply to account for 65% compared to just over half in the prior year. This shift highlights DFM’s growing appeal among diverse investor groups seeking opportunities within Dubai's financial markets.

Total revenues for DFM reached AED 632.3 million in 2024, reflecting an increase of approximately15.5% from the previous year’s figures. Operating income contributed AED353.1 million while investment returns and other income added another AED279.2 million.

Leadership Insights on Growth

Helal Al Marri, Chairman of DFM, stated that these results reinforce Dubai's position as a premier destination for global investors: "The strong results of DFM reinforce Dubai’s position as a premier destination for global investors and align with the leadership’s ambition to solidify the emirate as the leading international financial hub." He emphasised that consistent growth reflects Dubai's vision and infrastructure strength.

Hamed Ali, CEO of DFM and Nasdaq Dubai, noted that strategic initiatives have driven performance: "Our long-term focus on innovation and the success of our strategic initiatives have borne fruit, driving DFM’s strong performance in 2024." He highlighted how innovative infrastructure positions DFM as a leader in financial markets globally.

The overall expenses excluding tax amounted to AED223 million compared with AED217.9 million during last year's same period.

With inputs from WAM