Foreign investment has been one of the most significant drivers of trading activity at the Abu Dhabi Exchange (ADX), which surged to a four-year high during the first quarter of 2025. Foreigners traded an aggregate of Dhs70 billion worth of securities, reflecting heightened market participation and confidence.
The spike in foreign trading activity points to the increasing interest in the UAE’s financial markets due to a mix of favorable economic policies, robust market performance, and the strategic positioning of the UAE as a financial hub. The transactions signal the growing attractiveness of the ADX to international investors looking for opportunity in the Middle East.
The increase in trading volume is also regarded as a reflection of confidence in the UAE’s regulatory environment and its bid to draw capital on the global scale. With a solid economy, the drive towards diversification by the government, and efforts to develop the financial sector, the ADX has cemented its role as an integral part of the region’s financial structure.
Looking to the future, foreign interest is forecast to be maintained in the ADX by international investors searching for new investments in emerging economies. The performance of the first quarter is good augury for the remainder of the year, and most believe the trend toward heightened trading volumes will continue.
