Financial markets
The Capital Market Authority (CMA) (previously called the Securities and Commodities Authority) was established in 2000 and possesses all the necessary regulatory, supervisory, and executive powers to carry out its duties in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations. The CMA works continuously on developing the securities market and the commodities market on legislative, regulatory, and supervisory levels, and oversees the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, the Dubai Financial Market, and the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange.
Capital Market Authority
The UAE established the Capital Market Authority (previously called Securities and Commodities Authority) in 2000 to achieve the following objectives:
- To provide the opportunity to invest savings and funds in Securities and Commodities in a manner that serves the interest of the national economy, secures the integrity and accuracy of transactions, ensures interaction of the forces of supply and demand in order to determine prices and protection of investors by establishing the bases for sound and just dealings between the various investors
- To develop investment awareness by conducting studies and presenting recommendations
- To work to secure financial and economic stability.
The UAE’s financial markets mainly trade in stocks, bonds, investment funds, commodities, currencies, metals, derivatives and sukuk.
Refer to Federal Decree‑Law No. 32 of 2025 regarding the Capital Market Authority for more information about the role and responsibilities of the Capital Market Authority.
The UAE's financial markets
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)
ADX is a stock exchange in Abu Dhabi, 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.
Dubai Financial Market (DFM)
Dubai Financial Market (DFM) was established as a public institution in 2000. It was set up as a Public Joint Stock Company. 20 per cent of DFM's shares were 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 the Islamic Sharia rules.
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 a 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.
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 members from all around the world.
Gulf Mercantile Exchange (GME)
GME 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 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.
Laws and regulations
Updated on:
10 Mar 2026
