Dubai has once again proven itself as a global powerhouse for economic growth, investment, and innovation. Hamed Ali, CEO of the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and Nasdaq Dubai, spoke with optimism and pride at the Capital Markets Summit 2025, emphasizing the city’s exceptional achievements and its ambitious vision for the future.

Ali underscored Dubai’s transformation into a top destination for long-term investment, powered by strong macroeconomic fundamentals, a forward-thinking leadership, and an unmatched global reputation. “Dubai is not just a financial center — it’s an engine of opportunity,” Ali said, pointing to the emirate’s ability to consistently attract international investors and companies alike.

A major goal for DFM is to expand the diversity of companies listed on the exchange. Ali highlighted sectors such as tourism, hospitality, shipping, and logistics as promising opportunities, noting that even a handful of key brands in these industries could significantly enhance the market’s depth and vibrancy. This reflects Dubai’s broader economic diversity and its commitment to creating a balanced, resilient marketplace.

The establishment of the Dubai Markets and Exchanges Development Committee in 2021, Ali explained, was a pivotal moment that set the stage for today’s success. Looking ahead, the focus is on bringing high-quality private companies to the market — especially those that have chosen Dubai as their home because of its world-class infrastructure, business-friendly environment, and exceptional talent pool.

Among the most exciting upcoming listings is Talabat, one of the region’s most dynamic tech companies. Ali described its listing as a milestone that highlights Dubai’s leadership in both technology and consumer services. “This is a game-changer that will add tremendous value to our market and reflect the city’s vibrant innovation ecosystem,” he said.

Investor appetite for Dubai’s IPOs has been nothing short of extraordinary. According to Ali, demand has exceeded AED 1.2 trillion compared to AED 45 billion in actual listings — a clear sign of the enormous potential that lies ahead.

Ali also highlighted how Dubai is embracing technological advancement, with artificial intelligence (AI) now playing a key role in enhancing the market’s transparency and efficiency. The iVestor app, equipped with cutting-edge AI features, gives investors instant insights and analysis, empowering smarter decision-making and reinforcing Dubai’s status as a leader in financial technology.

The DFM’s performance speaks for itself: in 2024, its main index surged by 27.1%, following a remarkable 21.7% rise in 2023, making it the top-performing market in the region. The exchange also welcomed over 138,000 new investors last year, with 86% coming from outside the UAE — a powerful vote of confidence from the global investment community.

This momentum has carried into 2025, with foreign trading increasing to 53% and institutional participation climbing to 72%. Trading volumes have soared by 67%, driving positive results across the board and reinforcing Dubai’s appeal as a top-tier investment destination.

Ali noted that this year’s Capital Markets Summit focused on strengthening the UAE’s investment landscape and providing companies with the right tools and incentives to go public. He also announced the upcoming listing of Dubai’s first Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) in 2025 — another groundbreaking development that promises to elevate the market’s profile even further.

With its unmatched combination of economic strength, innovation, and global appeal, Dubai is not only setting the standard in the region — it’s raising the bar worldwide. Investors, businesses, and entrepreneurs alike can look to Dubai as a beacon of opportunity, stability, and success.