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

Nasdaq Dubai is an international financial exchange situated within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Originally launched as the Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX) in 2005, it was rebranded to Nasdaq Dubai in 2008 through a strategic partnership with the Nasdaq group. The exchange operates under DIFC’s independent common-law regulatory framework and is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). Nasdaq Dubai is majority-owned by Borse Dubai, which also holds a stake in the Dubai Financial Market.

UAE Context

Nasdaq Dubai has established itself as the leading global venue for sukuk (Islamic bond) listings by total value, attracting issuers from across the Gulf, Asia, and emerging markets. The exchange also lists equities from regional companies seeking an international investor base, as well as derivatives, ETFs, and real estate investment trusts (REITs). Its location within DIFC provides issuers and investors with the legal certainty of an English common-law jurisdiction, a key differentiator from mainland exchanges.

Key Data

  • Established: 2005 (as DIFX); rebranded 2008
  • Location: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
  • Regulator: Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)
  • Ownership: Borse Dubai (majority)
  • Strengths: Global leader in sukuk listings by value
  • Products: Equities, sukuk, bonds, derivatives, ETFs, REITs

Significance for Vision 2031

Nasdaq Dubai positions the UAE as a bridge between global capital markets and emerging market issuers. Its sukuk platform directly supports the growth of Islamic finance, while its derivatives and REIT offerings add depth to the UAE’s financial ecosystem. Under Vision 2031, expanding Nasdaq Dubai’s product range and international issuer base reinforces the national objective of making the UAE a top-five global financial centre.

  • DIFC - Financial free zone hosting Nasdaq Dubai
  • Sukuk - Islamic bonds representing the exchange’s core listing strength
  • Dubai Financial Market - Complementary exchange under Borse Dubai ownership
  • Islamic Banking - Broader financial ecosystem Nasdaq Dubai serves