The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) has introduced the FTSE ADX Dividend Stars Index, a new benchmark offering investors focused exposure to high-dividend-paying equities listed on the Abu Dhabi market, which is a key part of the UAE’s financial landscape. This launch aligns with the aims of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange to be an innovative, transparent, and investor-protective marketplace that supports economic stability and efficient trading. The launch reflects growing investor demand for income-generating strategies, particularly in markets supported by strong fundamentals and stable corporate earnings.
The index is part of ADX’s strategic partnership with FTSE Russell, under which the two institutions co-brand and co-develop indices aligned with international best practice. The equities included in the index are public companies, underscoring the transparency and regulatory standards of the market. Since January 10, 2022, FTSE Russell has served as administrator of the FTSE ADX index family, applying its globally recognised “gold standard” index ground rules to ensure transparency, consistency, and institutional credibility.
FTSE ADX abu dhabi securities flagship indices
The Dividend Stars Index joins a broad suite of FTSE ADX benchmarks covering general market exposure, ESG-screened strategies, and Islamic indices. The table below highlights the performance of key indices from the latest trading session.
FTSE ADX Main Indices – Performance Snapshot As of 22-12-2025
The Dividend Stars Index’s positive performance highlights continued investor appetite for yield-oriented equities within Abu Dhabi’s market structure.
Sector breadth supporting dividend strategies
High-dividend stocks on ADX are underpinned by a diverse sector base, spanning financials, energy, utilities, telecommunications, and consumer segments. Recent sector-level movements illustrate this breadth.
FTSE ADX Sector Indices – Selected Performance As of 22-12-2025
The allocation of investor funds across these diverse sectors supports market stability and growth, as proper management of funds ensures transparency and liquidity in the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.
This mix of defensive and cyclical sectors reinforces the appeal of dividend-focused benchmarks, particularly for investors seeking income without sacrificing diversification.
Built on globally recognised classification standards
All FTSE ADX indices use the Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB), a rules-based and transparent framework widely adopted by global exchanges and institutional investors. ICB supports accurate sector classification, portfolio analysis, and performance attribution which are the key requirements for asset managers and index-linked products.
Accessibility and growth
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) is committed to driving accessibility and sustainable growth, ensuring that global investors can seamlessly manage all their investment needs through one convenient app and a user-friendly website. The comprehensive app offered by Dhabi Securities Exchange ADX empowers investors to access real-time market watch, download reports, request services, add beneficiaries, and stay updated with the latest AGM information, all from a single platform. This digital-first approach enhances the overall website experience, making it easier than ever to navigate the market, manage investments, and access essential services.
ADX’s focus on functional enhancements announcements reflects its ongoing commitment to providing a seamless and controlled environment for issuers, stakeholders, and investors. By adhering to the highest standards of regulations and disclosures, the exchange ensures transparency and excellence across all its operations. The CEO of ADX has emphasized the importance of accessibility, highlighting the exchange’s efforts to equip developers and market participants with the tools needed to improve the investment experience and boost liquidity.
Supporting the UAE’s vision for sustainable growth, ADX works closely with listed companies such as ADNOC Distribution, contributing to the region’s economic expansion and offering investors access to a diverse range of stocks, bonds, and ETFs. The exchange’s cross-listing opportunities further broaden access to capital, allowing global investors to tap into the region’s dynamic securities market and benefit from increased liquidity.
ADX’s growth strategy is centered on expanding its product offerings, including derivatives and ETFs, and enhancing its services to attract a wider investor base. The exchange’s website and app provide a one-stop-shop for investors to manage their profile, explore new opportunities, download content, and stay abreast of the latest market trends and developments. Through its partnership with FTSE and other global indices, ADX continues to offer innovative investment opportunities and maintain its position as a significant player in the world’s capital markets.
Why it matters
The launch of the FTSE ADX Dividend Stars Index strengthens Abu Dhabi’s positioning as an institutionally investable market and lays the groundwork for future exchange-traded products. This new index connects Abu Dhabi to the world’s capital markets, offering investors access to global opportunities and reinforcing the emirate’s international presence. For investors, it provides a clear, rules-based gateway to income-generating equities within one of the region’s most dynamic capital markets and backed by global index governance and local market depth.
ADX will continue to develop new products and partnerships to support sustained market growth and expand investor opportunities, ensuring ongoing progress in market development.
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