Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) reported a 7% increase in trading value in 2024, totalling Dh342 billion. Foreign investors contributed approximately 40% of this activity, with net foreign investment reaching Dh24 billion. Institutional investors accounted for 80% of the trading volume.
The exchange added 28 new securities, bringing the total to 187. ADX ranked among the top five globally for initial public offering (IPO) proceeds, raising approximately $3.35 billion. This represents 38% of the Middle East’s total IPO proceeds and 80% within the UAE.
In its digital transformation efforts, ADX launched a new website, mobile application, advanced customer relationship management system, systems integration platform, and a comprehensive data platform. Additionally, a state-of-the-art call centre was introduced to enhance the investor experience.
The exchange expanded its exchange-traded fund (ETF) offerings to 15, including five new listings in 2024, with total ETF trading value reaching Dh2 billion. ADX also became the first in the Gulf region to list a bond ETF.
Market indices showed significant growth, with the ADX General Index rising by 85% since January 2020, outperforming the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. The launch of the FTSE ADX 15 Index (FADX 15) catered to the growing demand for Sharia-compliant investments, with the market capitalization of such instruments exceeding Dh2.6 trillion.
Internationally, five new financial markets joined the Tabadul platform, enhancing ADX’s global presence. The platform now offers access to 490 listed companies and a network of over 6.5 million investors, facilitating IPO subscriptions across member markets.
By the end of 2024, the number of registered investors on ADX surpassed 1.16 million, indicating strong foreign investor interest.
In the broader UAE market, the combined market capitalization of ADX and the Dubai Financial Market reached Dh3.90 trillion by the end of 2024, up from Dh3.64 trillion at the end of 2023.
The UAE maintained its leading position in the GCC IPO market in 2024, raising $6.2 billion in proceeds.
