Dubai Financial Market (DFM) is governed and regulated by the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) which has the authority to impose laws and standards which DFM must comply.
Two main financial securities exchange markets operate in the UAE under the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA):
- Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange
- Dubai Financial Market
Both markets are linked to the Emirates Securities Market (ESM).
The UAE’s financial markets deal primarily in equities, securities, bonds, futures, mutual funds, commodities, currencies, metals, stones, derivatives, and Sukuk (Islamic bonds).
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)
ADX is a stock exchange in Abu Dhabi which started in 2000 with the purpose of providing funds investment opportunities in securities for the benefit of the national economy.
It aims at developing investment awareness to ensure that savings are invested in productive sectors, and to maintain financial and economic stability.
ADX deals in equities, funds and bonds.
Dubai Financial Market (DFM)
Dubai Financial Market (DFM) was established as a public institution in 2000. As decided by the Executive Council Decree of 2005, DFM was set up as a Public Joint Stock Company. 20 per cent of DFM’s shares offered for public subscription; and that was the first of its kind in the region. It is the first financial market in the world to comply with Islamic Sharia rules.
DFM deals in equity instruments, debt instruments, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and securities lending and borrowing.
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
DIFC is a free zone established in 2002 by Dubai Government to provide physical, market and financial infrastructure required to set up and operate a thriving commodities marketplace. Several leading banks, asset management companies, insurance companies, law services and consulting companies have set up offices in DIFC. DIFC aims to establish Dubai as the global financial hub.
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
DMCC started in 2002 as a part of Jumeirah Lakes Towers free zone and a strategic initiative of the Dubai Government with the purpose of providing physical, market and financial infrastructure required to set up and operate a thriving commodities marketplace.
DMCC trades in four main commodity groups: gold, diamond, pearl and tea.
Dubai Pearl Exchange (DPE)
DPE is an initiative of DMCC for supporting the global trade of both natural and farmed pearls.
Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE)
DDE is a DMCC platform and a Dubai Government initiative and the only bourse in the Middle East affiliated with the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB).
DDE has a unique market and platform for trading and exchange of diamonds and precious gems. Located in the Almas Tower in Jumeirah Lakes Towers free zone, it is home to many regional and international precious gems companies.
Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX)
Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX) commenced trading in November 2005 as the region’s first commodity derivatives exchange and has become today the leading derivatives exchange in the Middle East. It deals in metals, currencies, hydrocarbons and equities.
DGCX is a subsidiary of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). It is an electronic platform for trading commodity and currency derivatives and has 267 members from all around the world.
Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME)
DME was launched in June 2007 with the goal of bringing fair and transparent price discovery and efficient risk management to the East of Suez. It deals in energy futures and commodities. It lists the Oman Crude Oil Futures Contract (DME Oman) as its flagship contract, providing the most fair and transparent crude oil benchmark for the region.
It is located in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and regulated by Dubai Financial Services Authority.
NASDAQ Dubai
NASDAQ Dubai is the Middle East’s international financial exchange. It combines regional and international wealth, making it a globally unique platform for companies to raise money and for investors to find exciting opportunities.
NASDAQ Dubai listed companies may trade their securities globally which gives an instant recognition and visibility around the world.
NASDAQ deals in:
- equities
- Sukuk and Islamic products
- conventional bonds
- futures and derivatives
- exchange-traded funds
- exchange-traded commodities
- Real Estate Investment Trusts ( REITs).
NASDAQ Dubai is located in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and regulated by Dubai Financial Services Authority.
Dubai Financial Market holds two-thirds and Borse Dubai holds one-third of the shares in NASDAQ Dubai.