UAE capital markets stay resilient as licensed firms rise 43%

The number of firms licensed by the UAE Capital Market Authority (CMA) rose 43% year-on-year in the first nine months of 2026, Khaleej Times reported. The CMA announced the figures on Monday. It said UAE capital markets stayed resilient while oversight became tougher.

How did UAE capital markets perform in the first nine months of 2026?

UAE capital markets stayed resilient, the CMA said. Licensed firms rose 43% and accredited professionals rose 64%. Combined market capitalization of the ADX and DFM reached Dh3.7 trillion ($1 trillion) by the end of September, with traded value at Dh408 billion.

What happened to market capitalization and trading in the UAE?

The combined market capitalization of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM) stood at Dh3.7 trillion ($1 trillion) at the end of September. Total traded value reached Dh408 billion over the nine months. Foreign investors accounted for 49%.

Both the ADX and DFM general indices closed September higher than a year earlier. Market volatility eased in the third quarter, the CMA said.

Bond and sukuk issuances totaled Dh576 billion. Companies completed about Dh3.4 billion in capital increases.

How much did UAE investment funds grow?

The number of local funds rose 94% to 97. Their assets under management grew 30% to Dh28.6 billion.

The CMA said the rise in accredited professionals reflects the continued growth of the country’s regulated financial services sector.

How did the CMA step up enforcement and investor protection?

The CMA stepped up enforcement during the period. Financial penalties rose 246% year-on-year, and their total value increased 23% to Dh12.9 million. Warnings jumped 767%.

Complaints handled rose 192%. About Dh1.2 billion was refunded to clients, compared with Dh8 million in the same period of 2025.

What new laws and regulations did the CMA introduce?

Federal Decree-Laws No. 32 and 33 of 2025 took effect on Jan. 1, 2026. They strengthen the CMA’s regulatory independence, supervisory powers and mechanisms for investor protection and market stability.

The authority issued six regulatory instruments in the nine months. They include the Virtual Assets Regulatory Framework, Basel III-aligned capital requirements for licensed firms and more flexible use of collateral.

Seven more legislative proposals are in progress. The CMA has also issued a consultation paper on corporate governance disclosure.

Under the virtual assets framework, 102 virtual assets were registered for admission to trading through the CMA’s new digital service in the third quarter.

What did the CMA CEO say about UAE capital markets?

CMA CEO Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi said the UAE’s capital markets showed resilience and adaptability despite global challenges in 2026. He said strong regulation and advanced infrastructure underpinned this.

He added that growth in licensed firms and continued capital raising reflect the strength of the markets and their capacity to support economic activity.

“Looking ahead, we aim to further enhance their competitiveness and reinforce the UAE’s position as a trusted destination for long-term investment,” he said.

Al Awadhi said the CMA is focusing on a more proactive and efficient supervisory approach, stronger investor protection and market transparency, and the use of advanced technologies to support responsible innovation.