The Dubai Financial Market profit rose 43% in the first quarter of 2026, as the exchange reported net profit before tax of AED 193.3 million, up from AED 134.9 million in the same period last year. The results, announced on May 1, reflect stronger trading activity, higher liquidity, and increased investor participation.
The earnings growth underscores sustained confidence in Dubai’s capital markets, supported by expanding international participation and improving market depth. According to the exchange, revenues climbed significantly during the quarter, driven by both operational performance and investment returns.
Dubai Financial Market profit driven by revenue growth
The Dubai Financial Market profit increase was supported by consolidated revenues of AED 253.1 million, compared with AED 186.5 million a year earlier. Operating income contributed AED 171.9 million, while AED 81.2 million came from investment returns and other income streams.
Meanwhile, total expenses excluding tax rose to AED 59.8 million from AED 51.6 million in the first quarter of 2025. Despite the increase in costs, revenue growth outpaced expenses, supporting the overall profitability improvement.
Trading activity and liquidity surge
Trading metrics showed strong momentum throughout the quarter. Average daily traded value exceeded AED 1 billion, reaching AED 1.03 billion, compared with AED 663 million in the same period last year, a 56% increase.
In addition, total trading value rose 48% to AED 61 billion, up from AED 41 billion a year earlier. These figures highlight deeper market activity and sustained liquidity across investor segments.
Investor participation expands globally
Investor activity continued to broaden, with 20,702 new investors joining during the quarter, compared with 19,366 in the previous year. Notably, 79% of new investors came from outside the United Arab Emirates.
Foreign investors accounted for 54% of total trading value, while institutional investors contributed 70%. As a result, the market maintained a diverse investor base, reinforcing its global appeal. Market capitalisation stood at AED 897 billion at the end of March 2026.
Leadership commentary on Dubai Financial Market profit
Helal Saeed Al Marri, Chairman of DFM, said the performance reflected strong confidence in Dubai’s capital markets. He noted that surpassing the AED 1 billion average daily trading threshold marked a key milestone for market liquidity and depth.
He added that the results highlight Dubai’s economic strength and its position as a global financial centre, supported by transparent and efficient market infrastructure.
Hamed Ali, Chief Executive Officer of DFM and Nasdaq Dubai, also pointed to rising liquidity and strong participation from institutional and retail investors. He said the market’s performance demonstrated resilience and operational stability.
Market performance and index movement
DFM recorded strong trading activity in January and February, with the general index reaching 6,774 points on February 9, 2026. However, the index closed the quarter down 10.1%, reflecting market conditions in late March.
Despite the decline, trading volumes remained robust, supported by continued investor engagement and steady liquidity levels across the market.
Read Also: Importing Goods from Dubai to Kenya: A Complete Guide
Outlook for Dubai Financial Market profit
Looking ahead, DFM said it will continue to focus on expanding its investor base, enhancing market access, and developing infrastructure. The exchange emphasized that strong fundamentals, including liquidity growth and international participation, remain in place.
As a result, the Dubai Financial Market profit trajectory will likely depend on sustained trading activity and broader economic conditions. The first-quarter performance, however, indicates a solid foundation for continued growth.
Read Also: Legal Requirements for New Business Setup in Dubai
