DUBAI: Dubai Financial Market (DFM) reported a stellar 212 per cent surge in net profit before tax for the first nine months of 2025, reaching AED 930.8 million. Consolidated revenue jumped 138 per cent year-on-year to AED 1.1 billion, reflecting the continued dynamism of Dubai’s capital markets ecosystem and rising investor activity, according to the latest company statement.
The DFM General Index climbed 13.2 per cent to close at 5,839.64 points during the period, underlining the sustained momentum and confidence sweeping the Emirate’s markets.
Total market capitalisation rose to AED 995 billion, up nearly 10 per cent compared to year-end 2024, as new issuers and investors from a broadening range of sectors propelled growth.
“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,” said Helal Saeed Al Marri, DFM Chairman.
He attributed DFM’s success to its strategy of deepening market liquidity, strengthening global participation, and expanding accessibility, all aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
Enhanced trading activity
DFM’s revenue comprises AED409.7 million in operating income, AED216.5 million from investment returns and other income, and a notable AED467.2 million from the sale of an investment property in line with prudent financial management.
Expenses remained controlled at AED 162.6 million, versus AED 161.6 million in the previous year, amid ongoing investments in technology and infrastructure.
Trading volumes also reached new highs. The average daily traded value soared 83 per cent to AED709 million, and total traded value hit AED133 billion—an increase of 82 per cent. The number of daily trades grew 48 per cent year-on-year to 13,600, reflecting deeper liquidity and broader institutional participation. The surge in activity was underpinned by resilient economic fundamentals and increased cross-border engagement.
New investors
By September 2025, DFM welcomed over 82,700 new investors, 84 per cent of whom were foreign nationals, helping maintain a total investor base exceeding 1.2 million.
Foreign investors accounted for a majority (51 per cent) of trading value, and institutional investors represented 70 per cent, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a regional and international investment hub. Foreign ownership stood firm at 20 per cent of total market capitalization, signaling sustained confidence from international investors.
Market diversity
A flurry of high-profile transactions highlighted the period. du’s secondary share sale—the first fully marketed secondary public offering in the UAE—drew robust demand from both retail and institutional investors, boosting market liquidity.
Meanwhile, ALEC Holding’s successful IPO in September showcased DFM’s expanding sectoral diversity and its role in attracting issuers from emerging industries.
DFM’s market capitalisation composition remains balanced: Financials represent 42 per cent, Real Estate 19 per cent, Utilities 16 per cent, Industrials 12 per cent, with Communication Services, Consumer Staples, and other sectors comprising the remainder.
This diversity reflects Dubai’s strategic approach to building a world-class marketplace, welcoming high-growth and underrepresented industries.
“DFM’s robust performance demonstrates the strong progress in our strategic priorities—deepening liquidity, expanding participation, and enhancing market access for both local and global investors,” said Hamed Ali, CEO of DFM and Nasdaq Dubai.
“With sustained IPO activity and investor appetite, we are committed to accelerating digital transformation, broadening our product offering, and advancing innovation.”
