Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) Group has reported robust growth in the first half of 2026, cementing its role as a pivotal force in Abu Dhabi's capital market landscape. This growth is aligned with the Exchange's strategy to create a more accessible and globally connected investment platform for both issuers and investors.
According to Emirates News Agency, the ADX's performance during this period underscores the continuous evolution of Abu Dhabi's market ecosystem. This advancement has been bolstered by infrastructure enhancements, the introduction of new products, improved market connectivity, and initiatives aimed at increasing investor participation across various asset classes and geographies. These efforts are integral to supporting Abu Dhabi's long-term economic vision and reinforcing its position as a prime gateway for global capital.
Despite a backdrop of heightened geopolitical uncertainty in the region, ADX demonstrated operational resilience in H1 2026. This was facilitated by significant infrastructure upgrades, such as the Core Platform Upgrade, the establishment of new subsidiaries AD Clear and AD CSD, and the integration of hybrid cloud capabilities. Resilience measures, including 24/7 operational readiness, revised circuit breaker floors, and updated short-selling protocols, ensured uninterrupted market functioning and settlement integrity.
The exchange's stability during stress periods and its ability to maintain orderly market operations underscore the deliberate design of its infrastructure. This design, along with effective measures to absorb market volatility, highlights ADX's capability to recover efficiently and maintain investor confidence.
Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, Group Chief Executive Officer of the ADX Group, emphasized the Exchange's commitment to building a deeper, more liquid, and internationally connected market. He noted that the focus remains on enabling local and international investors to participate more efficiently and timely, fostering a platform designed for resilience, sustainable growth, and long-term value creation.
As of June 2026, ADX's market capitalization stood at AED2.8 trillion, supported by a trading value of AED171 billion. Total trading volume increased by 3.7 percent year-on-year, reaching 50.3 billion shares, with the average daily traded volume rising by 9 percent to 423 million.
The trading activity was robust, with approximately 3.3 million individual trades-a 12 percent increase year-on-year. Market liquidity was enhanced, with market makers' contribution rising by 3 percentage points to constitute 15 percent of total traded value. Institutional investors played a significant role, accounting for 78 percent of total trading value, with net positive inflows reaching AED1.4 billion, marking a 13.7 percent increase year-on-year. International investors were active, contributing to 48 percent of total trading value, while UAE nationals increased their participation by 6 percentage points to 52 percent.
A key driver of this momentum was expanding investor participation, with over 30,000 new investors joining in H1 2026, a 7.1 percent increase year-on-year. Notably, 77 percent of these new registrations were foreign investors, reflecting the ADX's successful global outreach efforts. Investors benefited from significant value creation, with total dividends distributed rising to AED49.9 billion.
The ADX also advanced its global connectivity agenda, welcoming HSBC as the first foreign General Clearing Member and Morgan Stanley as the first international remote trading participant. These developments expanded access to Abu Dhabi's market infrastructure and facilitated more efficient participation by global institutions.
Cross-border market links were broadened through roadshows in London and Hong Kong, a Letter of Intent with Borsa Italiana, and the expansion of the Tabadul hub. The network's strength was further bolstered by integrating the Amman Stock Exchange and adding ADIB Securities as the first UAE bank to join the network.
The exchange also saw four new listings, including two dual-listed ETFs from the New York Stock Exchange, enhancing investor choice and access to international exposure. Additionally, the ADX supported capital raising through successful rights issues for Sharjah Islamic Bank and Annan Investment Holding.
In a bid to broaden access to Abu Dhabi's capital market, ADX partnered with FINTECH.TV to establish the first international financial news studio within a stock exchange in the MENA region.
To promote financial inclusion, ADX launched a 'Digital Loans against Investments' solution with Wio Bank and initiated a unique program with Zoud to promote investment education. Engagement was further enhanced by the Al Ramz Trading Competition and ADX Managed Services, integrating the trading platform solution for two market participants.