DFM Reports AED443.2 Million Net Profit Before Tax as Trading Activity Surges 40.4% in H1 2026
Dubai Financial Market (DFM) has released its consolidated financial results for the first half of 2026, revealing a net profit before tax of AED443.2 million. This marks a significant increase in trading activity, with total traded value rising by 40.4% to AED119.5 billion compared to the same period last year.
Increased Trading Activity
The first half of 2026 saw a notable uptick in trading activity on the DFM. Average daily traded value surged by 45.1% to AED1.004 billion, while the number of average daily trades increased by 35.4% to approximately 18,759. This increase in liquidity occurred despite a slight decline in market capitalization, which ended the period at AED981.6 billion, down 1.4% year-on-year.
The DFM General Index closed the first half at 5,955.58 points, reflecting the heightened trading intensity and investor engagement.
Financial Performance Overview
DFM’s total consolidated revenue for the first half of 2026 reached AED557 million, a decrease from AED888.9 million in H1 2025. The previous year’s figures included a one-off income of AED462.2 million from the sale of an investment property. The current revenue comprised AED384.8 million in operating income and AED172.2 million in investment returns and other income.
Expenses, excluding tax, were AED113.8 million, slightly up from AED111.8 million in H1 2025, highlighting ongoing investments in market infrastructure and technology.
Quarterly Insights
In the second quarter of 2026, DFM reported total consolidated revenue of AED303.9 million, down from AED702.5 million in Q2 2025. The net profit before tax for this quarter was AED249.9 million, compared to AED642.2 million in the same quarter last year.
Hamed Ali, CEO of DFM and Nasdaq Dubai, emphasized that the first-half performance reflects robust market activity supported by sustained liquidity and a diverse investor base. He noted the significant participation of institutional and international investors, which underscores confidence in the market’s opportunities and infrastructure.
Investor Engagement and Market Dynamics
DFM attracted 42,864 new investors in the first six months of 2026, with international investors accounting for 71.4% of these new registrations. Institutional investors represented 71.2% of the total traded value, a slight increase from 70.8% in H1 2025. Foreign investors contributed 51% of trading activity, maintaining their crucial role within DFM’s investor landscape.
Foreign ownership of market capitalization stood at 20.06%, up from 20.04% in H1 2025, while institutional ownership reached 86.5%. This sustained engagement from institutional and international investors highlights DFM’s attractiveness as a globally connected market that offers exposure to Dubai’s economic growth.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, DFM is committed to enhancing liquidity, broadening market access, and strengthening its infrastructure and product offerings. The focus remains on fostering a transparent and efficient market environment that supports the ongoing development of Dubai’s capital markets.
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Published on 2026-07-31 00:31:00 • By the Editorial Desk
