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 Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) is the first and largest derivatives exchange in the Middle East. Established in 2005 under the DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) free zone, DGCX provides a regulated marketplace for trading futures and options contracts on precious metals, base metals, energy products, currencies, and equity indices. The exchange operates an electronic trading platform with central counterparty clearing through the Dubai Commodities Clearing Corporation (DCCC).

UAE Context

DGCX leverages Dubai’s historic position as a global hub for gold and commodities trading. The exchange has become the benchmark pricing venue for the Indian Rupee-US Dollar futures contract and maintains significant volumes in gold, silver, and currency derivatives. DGCX connects traders across multiple time zones, benefiting from Dubai’s geographic position between Asian and European markets. The exchange plays a critical role in price discovery and risk management for commodities flowing through the UAE.

Key Data

  • Established: 2005
  • Location: DMCC Free Zone, Dubai
  • Clearing house: Dubai Commodities Clearing Corporation (DCCC)
  • Key products: Gold futures, Indian Rupee futures, currency pairs, hydrocarbons
  • Trading: Electronic platform, Sunday to Friday
  • Members: Banks, brokers, and proprietary trading firms globally

Significance for Vision 2031

DGCX supports the UAE’s ambition to be the leading global trading hub for commodities and financial derivatives. The exchange’s growth in product offerings and trading volumes adds depth to the national financial infrastructure, attracts international market participants, and generates service-sector employment. Expanding DGCX’s role in commodities price discovery aligns with Vision 2031 goals around non-oil economic diversification and financial sector competitiveness.

  • DMCC - Free zone authority hosting DGCX
  • Dubai Gold Souk - Historic gold market complementing exchange-traded products
  • Nasdaq Dubai - Fellow exchange in Dubai’s capital markets ecosystem
  • Non-Oil GDP - Diversification indicator supported by commodities trading