The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) has delivered strong financial results for the first quarter of 2025, supported by record trading activity and sustained investor engagement. This performance highlights DFM’s growing strength as a financial hub, despite global market volatility.
Record Trading Activity and Revenue Growth
In Q1 2025, DFM achieved its highest Average Daily Trading Value (ADTV) in over a decade, reaching AED 663 million. This marks a 67% increase compared to AED 398 million in the same period last year. Total traded value surged to AED 41 billion—up 61% year-on-year from AED 25.5 billion.
Meanwhile, total consolidated revenue climbed to AED 186.5 million, a significant rise from AED 148.1 million in Q1 2024. Operating income contributed AED 86 million, while investment returns and other income added AED 100.5 million. Net profit before tax reached AED 134.9 million, compared to AED 95.6 million in the prior year. Notably, total expenses excluding tax slightly decreased to AED 51.6 million from AED 52.5 million.
DFM Chairman Helal Saeed Al Marri noted that the exchange continues to demonstrate resilience and attract investor confidence. “Our dynamic market environment is reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global financial hub. We remain committed to innovation, transparency, and sustainable value creation for stakeholders,” he said.
Rising Investor Participation and Market Depth
Investor participation surged during the quarter, with DFM attracting 19,366 new investors—86% of whom were foreign nationals. Foreign investors contributed 53% of the total trading value, while foreign ownership of market capitalization held steady at 21%.
Institutional investor activity also increased, accounting for 72% of total trading value—up from 65% in Q1 2024. This trend reflects DFM’s growing appeal to international and diversified market participants.
Despite global uncertainties, liquidity remained strong. Average daily trades rose by 33% year-on-year to 13,400 per day. However, the total market capitalization of DFM-listed companies slightly declined by 1%, standing at AED 897 billion at the end of March 2025.
Hamed Ali, CEO of DFM and Nasdaq Dubai, emphasised that the results reflect growing depth and trust in the market. “DFM’s Q1 performance shows robust capital inflows and increased institutional participation. As we advance, we’ll focus on deepening market liquidity and creating more value for all participants,” he stated.
