DFM Market Capitalisation Doubled Between 2021 and 2024

Outpacing all regional peers amidst global headwinds, Dubai Financial Market’s (DFM) market capitalisation has doubled from $111.9 billion three years ago to $246.94 billion by end of 2024 to further strengthen its position as a global financial and economic hub.

The DFM General Index’s also registered an exceptional growth of 27.1% during the past year, DFM Chairman Helal Al-Marri said on Thursday.

In the Integrated Report for 2024, which was filed with DFM, he said that the bourse has been a critical enabler of this vision, serving as a bridge between global investors and the Emirate’s thriving financial ecosystem.

Under the framework of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, a blueprint designed to double the Emirate’s economy over the next decade, Dubai continued to spearhead transformative initiatives that align with the evolving tides of global finance and trade, thus reinforcing investor confidence and advancing the emirate’s stature as a premier financial hub.

Driving Global Engagement

According to him, Dubai strengthened its position as a magnet for global talent, wealth, and investment. The emirate’s thriving financial ecosystem continues to attract unprecedented levels of international participation.

In fact, 50% of DFM’s trading volumes were generated by foreign investors, with net purchases by foreign investors totalling $570 million. The influx of over 138,262 new investors, of whom 85% were foreign, also underscored Dubai’s global appeal, he explained.

Beyond trading activity, Dubai’s leadership in capital markets is evident in its consistent performance as the busiest venue for IPOs across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). This achievement reflects a deliberate strategy to position the UAE as a global leader in financial innovation and investment opportunities.

IPO Milestones

He said that 2024 was a record-breaking Year for the bourse as far as public listings on the DFM were concerned, reflecting both the strength of Dubai’s economy and its attractiveness as a destination for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) with the listings of Spinneys, Parkin, and Talabat.

The $2.04 billion IPO by Talabat not only emerged as the largest public offering in the Middle East this year but also claimed the title of the biggest technology listing globally—a milestone that underscores Dubai’s potential as a hub for tech innovation.

Investor demand for these listings has been extraordinary, with substantial oversubscription levels demonstrating the depth of liquidity and investor interest in Dubai’s markets, he said.

Since the establishment of the Dubai Securities and Exchanges Higher Committee, DFM has hosted a total of 10 listings, raising over $11.71 billion and generating cumulative demand exceeding $340 billion. These accomplishments position Dubai as a premier global market for public offerings and a beacon of economic opportunity, he said.

Sustained Financial Momentum

The financial resilience of the DFM was evident in its 2024 performance, marked by a 15.5% increase in consolidated revenues to $172.15 million. Growth in trading activity, with trades rising by 33% to over 2.5 million, highlights the market’s ability to engage a broad spectrum of participants.

These outcomes reflect not just the strength of the exchange’s business model but also the impact of targeted initiatives to enhance market accessibility and liquidity.

Record Performance

DFM CEO Hamed Ali said that the market demonstrated remarkable resilience, driven by robust investor confidence and increased foreign participation.

Across 2024, the role of financial markets has evolved, with technology and connectivity reshaping the investor experience and enabling exchanges to remain competitive in a highly interconnected global economy amidst which DFM has emerged as a driving force of innovation and resilience.

He said that DFM has achieved notable milestones and these results underscores its commitment to fostering innovation, enhancing market access, and driving sustainable growth.

DFM continues to solidify Dubai’s status as a global financial hub, attracting an increasingly diverse and expanding base of investors seeking opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic economic environments.