Nasdaq Dubai reported a strong start to 2026, recording 18 fixed income listings during the first quarter with a combined value of more than USD 8 billion. The latest activity lifted the total value of outstanding listings on the exchange to USD 149 billion, underlining continued issuer activity and stable investor demand across debt capital markets.

The performance reflects Nasdaq Dubai’s growing strength as a reliable platform connecting regional and international issuers with global pools of capital. Activity during the quarter was driven largely by transactions completed in the first two months of the year, alongside continued momentum from established funding programmes.

The exchange’s outstanding listings now total USD 149 billion, including USD 105 billion in sukuk and USD 44 billion in bonds. This continues to position Nasdaq Dubai among the world’s leading venues for sukuk listings and highlights the depth of its fixed income market.

First-quarter activity also showed a healthy mix of domestic and international issuers. UAE-based issuers accounted for 67 percent of total listings during the period, while international issuers made up the remaining 33 percent. The listings included issuances from the Federal Government of the UAE, multilateral institutions such as the New Development Bank, major financial institutions, and companies operating in sectors including aviation and real estate.

With more than USD 8 billion raised through 18 listings, the first-quarter total points to steady issuer engagement and sustained appetite from investors for fixed income instruments listed in Dubai.

The quarter featured a broad range of issuers, currencies, and structures, with notable deals denominated in US dollars, euros, and UAE dirhams. Among financial institutions, Emirates NBD listed instruments across several categories, including green bonds, blue bonds, and native digital bonds. Mashreq also accessed the market through Additional Tier 1 capital instruments, while Arab Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade continued its issuance activity during the quarter.

On the supranational side, the New Development Bank marked a notable milestone with its first-ever listing on Nasdaq Dubai, valued at USD 2 billion. The move further highlights the exchange’s appeal to both regional and international issuers. The Arab Energy Fund also listed issuances on Nasdaq Dubai to support its funding activities, including initiatives linked to the energy sector across the region.

Corporate activity remained diverse as well. Listings included issuances from companies such as Dubai Aerospace Enterprise and United Terra Enterprises, alongside real estate developers including Binghatti and OMNIYAT. The range of issuers reflects the ability of companies across key sectors to continue accessing capital through the market.

Another important feature of the quarter was the continued listing of UAE Government Treasury Sukuk and Treasury Bonds programmes, through both new issuances and tap issuances. These listings are helping to support the development of the UAE dirham yield curve and strengthen the broader domestic debt market.

Sustainable finance remained a central theme during the first quarter. Green and blue bond activity reflected the continued integration of sustainability and governance considerations into funding strategies, as well as growing interest in financing linked to marine and environmental initiatives.

The market infrastructure also saw an important development with the listing of Emirates NBD’s first native digital bond, a step that supports greater efficiency in the issuance process and marks further progress in the evolution of digital debt instruments.

At the same time, financial institutions continued to access funding through more sophisticated structures, including Additional Tier 1 capital instruments and programme-based issuances under Euro Medium Term Note frameworks. This points to a market that is becoming increasingly flexible and responsive to evolving financing needs.

Abdul Wahed Al Fahim, Chairman of Nasdaq Dubai, said Dubai’s capital markets continue to demonstrate strong levels of resilience, stability, and maturity, supported by a well-established ecosystem and growing international participation. He added that, following the record achievements of 2025, Nasdaq Dubai remains well positioned to support a broad range of issuers while providing efficient and secure access to regional and global capital.

Hamed Ali, Chief Executive of Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Financial Market, said the first quarter of 2026 saw continued participation from a diverse group of issuers, reaffirming the depth and reliability of Dubai’s debt capital markets. He noted that the mix of sovereign, supranational, and corporate issuances reflects the market’s ability to meet evolving financing requirements while connecting regional opportunities with international investor demand.

Building on its resilient first-quarter performance, Nasdaq Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a stable and effective platform for fixed income listings. With a market structure designed to support a wide range of funding needs and connect issuers to global liquidity, the exchange remains on course to expand its role in innovative and sustainable finance in the months ahead.