February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) is the principal stock exchange of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, established in 2000 by a decree of the Abu Dhabi government. The exchange provides a regulated marketplace for the trading of equities, bonds, exchange-traded funds, and other securities. ADX operates under the oversight of the federal Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and serves as a critical component of the UAE’s broader capital markets infrastructure.

UAE Context

ADX has grown significantly in market capitalization, driven largely by the listing of major state-affiliated companies including ADNOC subsidiaries, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, and First Abu Dhabi Bank. The exchange has pursued modernization through technology upgrades, the introduction of derivatives trading, and efforts to attract international investors. ADX’s inclusion in MSCI and FTSE emerging market indices has brought substantial foreign institutional capital into Abu Dhabi’s equity markets.

Key Data

  • Established: 2000
  • Location: Abu Dhabi
  • Regulator: Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA)
  • Key listings: First Abu Dhabi Bank, ADNOC Distribution, ADNOC Drilling, ADCB, Aldar Properties
  • Index: ADX General Index (FADGI)
  • Trading hours: Sunday to Thursday

Significance for Vision 2031

ADX is central to Abu Dhabi’s strategy of deepening capital markets and attracting foreign investment. Continued IPOs of government-related entities and the expansion of tradable products support the national goal of building a world-class financial ecosystem. A liquid and well-regulated exchange strengthens investor confidence and channels domestic and international capital toward productive economic sectors aligned with Vision 2031 priorities.