Nasdaq Dubai Strengthens Market with 18 Fixed Income Listings, Raising Over US$8 Billion in Q1 2026
Dubai’s Nasdaq Dubai has reported a robust start to 2026, with 18 fixed income listings in the first quarter, generating over US$8 billion. This surge has elevated the total outstanding debt listings to US$149 billion, a significant milestone driven by strong Sukuk issuances and active participation from both UAE and international issuers.
Strong Performance in Fixed Income Markets
The performance in Q1 2026 underscores sustained issuer activity and a steady demand from investors across global fixed income markets. The total outstanding listings now comprise US$105 billion in Sukuk and US$44 billion in bonds, solidifying Nasdaq Dubai’s status as a leading venue for Sukuk listings worldwide.
In this quarter, UAE issuers represented 67% of the total listings, while international issuers contributed 33%. This blend of domestic and international participation highlights the exchange’s appeal and its role in facilitating diverse funding opportunities.
Diverse Issuer Participation
The activity in the first quarter included significant issuances from the UAE Federal Government and supranational entities such as the New Development Bank. Leading financial institutions and corporations from sectors like aviation and real estate also participated actively.
The total of over US$8 billion raised across 18 listings reflects a consistent appetite from issuers and investors alike within the fixed income markets. The diversity in issuer types, currencies, and structures was notable, with transactions occurring across USD, EUR, and AED markets.
Financial Institutions
Prominent banks, including Emirates NBD, issued bonds in Green, Blue, and digitally native formats. Mashreq Bank accessed Additional Tier 1 (AT1) capital, while Al Masraf also remained active during this period. These developments indicate a growing trend towards innovative financing solutions among financial institutions.
Supranational Entities
The New Development Bank and The Arab Energy Fund (TAEF) made significant contributions by listing issuances on Nasdaq Dubai. These efforts are aimed at supporting funding activities linked to the regional energy sector, reflecting a commitment to sustainable development.
Corporate Sector Dynamics
Issuances from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), United Terra Enterprises, and real estate developers such as Binghatti and OMNIYAT demonstrate the ongoing access to capital across key sectors of the regional economy. This activity underscores the resilience and adaptability of the corporate sector in navigating the evolving financial landscape.
Key Highlights of Q1 2026
A standout moment in the quarter was the New Development Bank’s US$2 billion debut issuance, which emphasizes Nasdaq Dubai’s attractiveness to both regional and international issuers. Additionally, the issuance under the UAE Federal Government’s Treasury Sukuk and Bond programmes progressed through new and tap transactions, aiding the development of the UAE’s dirham-denominated yield curve.
Sustainable finance emerged as a prominent theme in Q1, with Green and Blue bond tranches reflecting the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles and ocean-related financing initiatives.
The quarter also marked advancements in market infrastructure, including Emirates NBD’s introduction of a Digitally Native Note. This innovation supports greater efficiency in issuance and signifies progress in the development of digital debt instruments.
Statements from Leadership
Abdul Wahed Al Fahim, Chairman of Nasdaq Dubai, remarked on the resilience and maturity of Dubai’s capital markets, attributing this to a well-established ecosystem and increasing international participation. He noted that following the record achievements of 2025, Nasdaq Dubai is well-positioned to support a diverse range of issuers, ensuring secure and efficient access to capital.
Hamed Ali, CEO of Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Financial Market (DFM), highlighted the sustained participation from a variety of issuers in the first quarter. He emphasized the depth and reliability of the debt capital markets, reflecting the exchange’s capability to meet evolving financing needs while connecting regional opportunities with global investor demand.
Future Outlook
Building on the strong performance in Q1, Nasdaq Dubai is committed to providing a reliable and transparent platform for capital formation. The exchange remains open to a wide array of funding requirements, offering the necessary structural depth to connect issuers with international liquidity. Nasdaq Dubai aims to expand its leadership as a premier global center for innovative and sustainable finance.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-04-16 17:26:00 • By the Editorial Desk
