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Why Nasdaq Dubai

Nasdaq Dubai is the international financial exchange in the Middle East. It allows companies to benefit from a unique investor pool that combines regional and international wealth, making it a globally unique platform for companies to raise money and for investors to find exciting opportunities.

Dubai bridges the east and west and excels in areas such as trade, transport, tourism and real estate as well as financial services. In Nasdaq Dubai, it brings together the best of international standards with regional knowledge and understanding, supporting the growth of listed companies in the region and beyond.

The exchange’s broad investor base sets it apart from others. As well as investors in the UAE and the region, those in the US, Europe, Asia and elsewhere can easily trade its securities. This gives its listed companies instant recognition and visibility around the world, supported by the international Nasdaq brand name.

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International best practice combines with easy access to investors to make Nasdaq Dubai the exchange of the future for the Middle East. For businesses of all types it is the perfect springboard for expanding to the international market, while maintaining a strong UAE and regional presence.
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Company owners have freedom to raise capital in the way that suits them. They can choose the price at which to sell shares in an IPO, and keep control of the company afterwards. Underpinning the exchange is a regulatory framework that is second to none, giving confidence to issuers and investors alike that their interests are being looked after.

As a leader in innovation, Nasdaq Dubai offers a wide product range. Companies can raise capital through shares, Sukuk and bonds. Exchange-traded funds, derivatives, exchange-traded commodities as well as Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) can be listed and traded too.

Nasdaq Dubai is ideal for many types of companies, from family businesses to conglomerates, government entities and high growth businesses. Your company no longer has to look overseas for an international listing. Nasdaq Dubai is here to offer that in the region, closer to your base.

The exchange is located in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which has an independent commercial legal system based on English law. The exchange is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), which operates to the highest international standards.

The majority shareholder of Nasdaq Dubai is Dubai Financial Market with a two-thirds stake. Borse Dubai owns one third of the shares.

Value Proposition


As the region’s international financial exchange, Nasdaq Dubai offers your business a unique set of advantages that will maximise the benefits it receives. Wherever in the world your business is based, and in whichever sectors it operates, Nasdaq Dubai welcomes you.

Access to investors everywhere

Unique mix of regional and international brokers
More than 500,000 regional individual investors and thousands of institutional investors around the world can trade together on the exchange.

Expand to other leading markets

Your international listing journey starts with us
Based on international practice, Nasdaq Dubai can open the door to an easy listing on other leading exchanges around the world.

Companies choose their IPO price

Nasdaq Dubai allows a ‘book build’ valuation
Issuers can price the IPO according to market demand, rather than a lower value imposed by an external authority as on many other exchanges.

Owners can keep control

Only 25% of a company’s shares need to be sold
Owners can retain a majority of the shares after IPO, whereas on many other exchanges they must give up more than 50%.

Leverage the Dubai advantage

List in the Middle East’s business capital
A Dubai listing puts you at the heart of the Middle East’s most dynamic economic and financial centre

Robust trading platform

The world’s leading trading technology in action
Trading takes place on the world-class X-Stream trading platform that powers the world’s leading exchanges.

Diverse product range

Unique choice of products beyond shares
The platform enables the listing of a diverse range of asset classes beyond shares, such as derivatives, ETFs, REITs, bonds and Sukuk.

Unique opportunity for high growth companies

The runway for companies with international vision
The reduced IPO minimum market capitalisation of USD 10 million opens the gate for rapidly expanding businesses.