The UAE exchange-traded fund (ETF) market has matured into one of the most diverse in the Middle East, offering retail and institutional investors access to domestic equities, global thematics, Shariah-compliant strategies, fixed income, and commodities all from the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM). As of June 2026, 24 ETFs are listed in AED across these exchanges.
This guide distinguishes between two important categories: UAE-focused equity ETFs (funds that invest directly in UAE stocks) and best-performing UAE-listed ETFs by YTD return, which include thematic global funds listed on ADX. Both perspectives matter to profiles.
How Large Is the UAE ETF Market?
The UAE ETF market has expanded rapidly in recent years, evolving from a handful of domestic equity products into a diversified investment ecosystem spanning international equities, thematic strategies, fixed income, and alternative assets. As of June 2026, 24 ETFs are listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), providing investors access to both regional and global investment opportunities.
While domestic UAE equity ETFs remain the core of the market, recent launches in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and international equities have broadened the opportunity set for investors.
UAE ETF Market Snapshot (June 2026)
Best UAE-Focused Equity ETFs (June 2026)
For investors seeking direct exposure to UAE equities, ADX and DFM-listed stocks, the following three funds are the primary options. These are ranked by AUM.
Chimera FTSE ADX 15 ETF (CHADX15 UH)
The largest domestically-managed UAE equity ETF by AUM, CHADX15 tracks the FTSE ADX 15 Index, the 15 largest and most liquid companies on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. With a 12-month return of 10.85% and a 1.66% yield, it offers broad blue-chip UAE exposure at a 1.00% TER. Average daily volume of over 10,000 units makes it the most liquid UAE equity ETF on the exchange.
Chimera S&P UAE UCITS ETF (UAED UH)
UAED tracks the S&P UAE Domestic BMI and provides broader coverage of the UAE equity market beyond the ADX 15 blue chips, holding 31 constituents. Its 3.31% 12-month yield ranks among the highest among UAE equity ETFs, while the 1Y return of 15.30% reflects strong UAE equity performance over the prior year. A 0.60% TER makes it the most cost-efficient UAE equity option.
Chimera S&P UAE Shariah ETF (UAEA UH)
UAEA applies a Shariah screen to the same UAE equity universe, holding 31 Shariah-compliant constituents. Despite a modest negative YTD return, its 1Y return of 8.21% demonstrates resilience over a longer horizon. At 0.70% TER, it remains cost-competitive and is the go-to option for Shariah-conscious investors seeking UAE equity exposure.
Top-Performing UAE-Listed ETFs by YTD Returns (2026)
The following three funds are the top performers year-to-date among all UAE-listed ETFs with sufficient trading history. Note that these are global thematic ETFs listed on ADX, not UAE equity ETFs, and are therefore well-suited to investors seeking global thematic exposure through a GCC-regulated exchange.
Boreas Solactive Quantum Computing UCITS ETF (QUANTM UH)
Leading the GCC-listed market in 2026, QUANTM tracks a portfolio of 26 global companies involved in quantum technology. Its impressive 43.65% YTD gain is attributed to significant government funding initiatives and the rapid commercial progress of quantum hardware. With a TER of 0.49%, it stands as one of the most affordable thematic options on the ADX. Its liquidity is robust, evidenced by a 3-month average daily volume exceeding 90,000 units.
Chimera S&P Turkey Shariah ETF (TURKI UH)
With a YTD return of 26.59% and a 12-month gain of 50.03%, TURKI is currently the top single-country equity ETF in the GCC. The fund provides Shariah-compliant exposure to 22 Turkish companies. This strong performance has been fueled by currency stabilization and a resurgence in foreign investment interest in Turkey. Holding $88.17M in assets, it is the largest single-country equity ETF managed in the UAE.
Chimera S&P Japan UCITS ETF (JPANI UH)
JPANI holds the third spot with a YTD return of 24.67% and a remarkable 12-month return of 62.06%. Tracking 31 Japanese stocks, it features a 0.39% TER, the lowest among UAE equity-class ETFs. While AUM remains modest at $4.03M due to its recent listing, its daily trading volume is considered sufficient.
Top Thematic ETFs in the UAE
The UAE has emerged as the GCC's leading market for thematic ETFs, allowing investors to access global growth trends through locally listed products. Unlike traditional country ETFs, thematic funds focus on long-term structural themes such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, luxury consumption, and carbon markets. These ETFs provide diversification beyond domestic UAE equities while remaining accessible through the ADX.
QUANTM and AIPOWR have attracted considerable investor interest as artificial intelligence and advanced technologies continue to drive global equity markets. AGIX provides broader AI exposure, while KRBN offers diversification through environmental markets.
Which UAE ETFs Have the Lowest Fees?
Total Expense Ratio (TER) directly affects net returns. The table below ranks UAE-listed ETFs by TER from lowest to highest across key funds, helping cost-sensitive investors make informed comparisons.
The Chimera Solactive GCC Shariah Dividend ETF (Ticker: GCCDIV) has recently launched and has limited data.
Highest-Yielding Fixed Income and Dividend ETFs in the UAE
For income-oriented investors, the UAE ETF market now offers access to dividend, bond, sukuk, and treasury strategies. Unlike thematic or growth ETFs, these products are specifically designed to generate income or provide relatively stable cash flows. The following UAE-listed ETFs are ranked by their latest available distribution yields as of June 2026.
*KWIN seeks to generate alternative income through an option-income strategy rather than traditional bond coupons or equity dividends. The fund is included because of its income objective, although a trailing distribution yield is not yet available following its recent ADX listing.
Bond and sukuk ETFs have become an increasingly important segment of the UAE ETF market. BONDAE and SUKUK provide access to fixed-income markets, while USTBILL offers short-duration treasury exposure. Together with dividend-oriented equity ETFs such as GCCDIV and UAEA, these products provide investors with multiple sources of income through UAE-listed vehicles.
Top 10 UAE-Listed ETFs, Ranked by AUM
Bottom Line
The UAE ETF market in June 2026 offers something for nearly every investor profile, but the right choice depends heavily on what you are actually trying to own. For core UAE equity exposure, UAED UH remains the most balanced option, with the broadest market coverage, the lowest TER among UAE equity funds, and a competitive 3.31% dividend yield. Investors who prioritise liquidity and blue-chip quality over breadth will prefer CHADX15 UH, which is the most actively traded domestic equity ETF on the ADX. Shariah-conscious investors are best served by UAEA UH, which, despite a slightly negative YTD, has delivered 8.21% over twelve months.
For investors using the ADX as a gateway to global themes, the performance gap between UAE domestic and global thematic ETFs in 2026 has been stark. QUANTM UH at 43.65% and TURKI UH at 26.59% reflect genuine macro tailwinds quantum computing commercialisation and Turkish equity re-rating, respectively, rather than short-term noise. These are higher-risk, lower-AUM positions, and investors should take the bid-ask spread and thinner liquidity into account.
Income investors now have access to a growing range of UAE-listed fixed-income and dividend ETFs. BONDAE and SUKUK provide yields above 4%, while USTBILL offers short-duration treasury exposure. Dividend-oriented equity ETFs such as GCCDIV, UAEA, and UAED complement these fixed-income products, allowing investors to build diversified income portfolios entirely through UAE-listed ETFs.
