Dubai Financial Market (DFM)
The market in H1 2026
| Measure | H1 2026 |
|---|---|
| Market value | AED 981.6 billion, down 1.4% in a year |
| Traded value | AED 119 billion |
| Average daily traded value | AED 1,004 million |
| New investors | 42,864 |
| Bonds and sukuk on DFM and Nasdaq Dubai | 177 issues worth over USD 144 billion |
Source: DFM: Investor presentation, H1 2026; DFM: H1 2026 financial results1,2
DFM's own trading activity rose 40.4% compared with the first half of 2025. DFM PJSC is itself listed, and Borse Dubai owns 80.66% of it.2,1
How to start trading
- Get a National Investor Number (NIN). It is free and open to any nationality: instantly through the DFM app or at the Dubai CSD desk, or within one working day through eServices or a broker.
- Open a trading account with a broker licensed for DFM.
- Place orders through the broker's platform. The same NIN also covers Nasdaq Dubai.
- Investors under 18 need a guardian to apply for them.
Who regulates DFM
DFM is supervised by the federal Capital Market Authority, which oversees ADX, DFM and the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange. It was called the Securities and Commodities Authority until Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2025 renamed it.5,6
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners buy shares on the Dubai Financial Market?
Yes. The investor number (NIN) is free and open to any nationality. You also need a trading account with a licensed broker. The same NIN works on Nasdaq Dubai.
Sources
- DFM: Investor presentation, H1 2026
- DFM: H1 2026 financial results
- DFM: Investor number FAQ
- DFM: How to trade
- UAE Government Portal: Financial markets
- WAM: UAE issues federal decree laws on the Capital Market Authority, 1 January 2026
Figures checked 21 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.