UAE
ETF and capital markets coverage focused on the United Arab Emirates.
Coinbase license in UAE offers first international tokenized securities product
Coinbase has obtained a license from Abu Dhabi's ADGM to arrange investment deals and offer custody for tokenized securities, positioning the UAE as its international tokenization hub. The move aims to provide capital market access to billions globally through blockchain technology.
UAE Economy Grows 3% as Non-Oil Sectors Lead
The UAE economy grew 3.0% year-on-year in Q1 2026, with non-oil sectors expanding 4.8% and now representing 79.4% of total output. Finance and construction led growth, while foreign investment remained resilient despite regional disruption.
ADX Outperforms the Region as GCC Markets Post a Third Straight Monthly Decline
Abu Dhabi's ADX index rose 1.1% in July, bucking a regional trend as the MSCI GCC Index fell 0.7% for a third consecutive month. Kuwait's Premier Market also gained 1.53%, while most other GCC markets declined amid softer oil prices.
UAE Banks Defy Regional Shock as Lending and Profits Keep Growing
Three major UAE banks reported stronger H1 2026 earnings with combined pre-tax profits of AED37 billion, driven by robust lending growth and fee income despite regional security challenges.
Alphabet's First Negative Free Cash Flow Shakes Tech Stocks and ETFs
Alphabet's negative free cash flow in Q2 2026 sparked a tech selloff, with investor concerns over accelerating AI infrastructure costs outweighing strong operating results. The QQQ ETF remained highly liquid despite the downturn.
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ADGM in UAE approves Tether Gold as spot traded commodity
Abu Dhabi's Global Market (ADGM) has approved Tether Gold (XAU₮) as an Accepted Spot Commodity, enabling regulated firms to offer blockchain-backed physical gold tokens. Each XAU₮ represents one troy ounce of London Good Delivery gold.
Renewed US-Iran Tensions Reshape GCC ETF Performance
Renewed US-Iran tensions have reshaped GCC ETF performance, with UAE broad-market funds leading at +2.45% MTD while Qatar's QE Index ETF fell 9.0%, reflecting investor repositioning toward diversified equity and defensive fixed-income strategies.
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UAE and Saudi Arabia Lead Arab FDI Rankings in 2025
The UAE and Saudi Arabia accounted for 67.7 percent of Arab FDI inflows in 2025, reinforcing the structural case for GCC capital markets and ETFs tracking them despite a 10 percent regional decline.
A Guide to ADX Cross-Listed ETFs from the US versus Locally Listed ETFs
Cross-listing is about access rather than compromise.
ADX Adds Six Single Stock Futures as Abu Dhabi Deepens Market Access
New Contracts Expand ADX Derivatives Suite
Ghaf Benefits and UAE Pension Schemes to Boost GCC Capital Markets and ETFs
Ghaf Benefits, launched by Abu Dhabi-based Lunate, introduces the UAE's Alternative End-of-Service Benefits Scheme, replacing traditional lump-sum gratuity with monthly contributions to regulated investment funds offering six diversified strategies.
A Guide to the Best SUKUK ETFs
The UAE launched a Retail Sukuk Initiative in October 2025, making government-backed Treasury Sukuk accessible to retail investors from AED 1,000. Discover the best sukuk ETFs for GCC investors as the global sukuk market expands from $1.38 trillion in 2025 to projected $4.19 trillion by 2034.