Abdullah Salem Al-Nuaimi, the CEO of Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, confirmed that efforts are currently underway to develop trading mechanisms in the market. This initiative is part of its strategy aimed at expanding its services and products, enhancing liquidity, and providing innovative investment opportunities to meet the aspirations and needs of investors. In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al-Nuaimi mentioned that the exchange is currently communicating with market partners, including brokers, custodians, and banks, to improve and expedite trading operations, as well as to enhance the infrastructure for trading and settlement processes. He expects the development process to be completed within this year.
Al-Nuaimi added that Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange continues its development and investor empowerment efforts while striving to provide innovative and distinctive investment opportunities to meet the expectations and needs of its clients. This includes facilitating their access to investment opportunities and enhancing connectivity in the global financial market. Regarding the expected initial public offerings (IPOs) this year, the CEO of Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange predicts the continued momentum of IPOs in the market following strong performance over the past years. He explained that the Abu Dhabi market successfully raised 50% of the proceeds from public offerings in the Middle East last year, amounting to 75% of total IPOs in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. He noted that the market welcomed 6 public offerings totaling 21 billion dirhams in 2023, with 3 of them classified among the top 20 IPOs globally.
Al-Nuaimi pointed out that yesterday, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange witnessed the listing of the first exchange-traded bond fund in the Gulf region, which includes UAE bonds that comply with "EUSTIS" standards. He emphasized that this listing marks an important achievement in the bond trading market in the region and globally. He explained that the fund provides investors with a unique opportunity to access the fixed income market and benefit from a diversified portfolio with guaranteed returns and moderate risk, in addition to helping them broaden their reach to new markets. Furthermore, it serves as a strategically important addition to the investment tools available at the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. He mentioned that the new fund is a valuable addition to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange platform, reflecting the market's commitment to supporting the trading of exchange-traded funds, and allowing both individual and institutional investors access to a diversified investment portfolio that includes bonds from more than 100 UAE companies through a single investment tool.
