UAE retail buyers are more and more centered on homegrown markets, with 85% at the moment invested in UAE-listed shares
Confidence runs excessive within the UAE’s financial system, with over 90% assured within the UAE financial system and efficiency of UAE-listed firms respectively
Nonetheless, 90% count on commerce tensions to considerably influence their portfolios within the subsequent six months, resulting in extra investments in native equities and commodities
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – August 19, 2025: A whopping 85% of UAE-based retail buyers are at the moment invested in native shares, and lots of are shopping for much more in response to international commerce tensions, primarily based on the newest version of the UAE Retail Investor Beat by buying and selling and investing platform eToro.
Sturdy perception within the UAE financial system and markets
The examine, which surveyed 1,000 retail buyers throughout the United Arab Emirates, revealed that UAE-based buyers are robust supporters of their native market. 85% are at the moment invested in domestically listed equities, with 39% of respondents holding Abu Dhabi shares, 28% holding Dubai shares, and 18% holding each.
These investments mirror their confidence within the UAE financial system. 63% of buyers said they’re “very assured” in its present efficiency, and an extra 29% indicated they’re “considerably assured”. On the subject of the long-term efficiency of domestically listed shares, 59% expressed that they’re “very assured”, with an extra 32% who’re “considerably assured”.
Trying forward, 48% of buyers forecast vital features within the UAE inventory market over the subsequent 12 months, whereas 34% count on regular progress. This conviction can also be evident in buyers’ long-term expectations. 58% consider that the Center East will ship essentially the most substantial returns over the subsequent 5 years, adopted intently by the U.S. (50%).
When requested which UAE sectors evoke essentially the most optimism for investments over the subsequent 12 months, actual property topped the record at 55%, adopted by know-how (48%), monetary companies (37%), and vitality (37%).
Commenting on the findings, George Naddaf, Managing Director at eToro MENA, shared: “The DFM and ADX are among the many best-performing inventory exchanges on the planet this yr, outperforming the S&P 500 by a substantial margin. Towards this backdrop, our analysis confirms that investor confidence within the UAE market stays robust, supported by resilient efficiency throughout native indices, strong macroeconomic indicators, and sustained earnings throughout key sectors. Traders are favouring actual property, know-how, monetary companies, and vitality, as these sectors proceed to learn from government-backed initiatives. The truth that 85% are already invested in UAE equities displays a transparent choice for native alternatives within the present atmosphere.”
World tensions drive house bias and commodity curiosity
Regardless of robust confidence of their native market, geopolitical threat is firmly on the minds of buyers: 90% say tariffs and commerce wars will considerably influence their portfolios within the subsequent six months, and 89% have already adjusted or plan to regulate their investments in response.
Whereas the most typical approach buyers are adjusting their portfolios in response to commerce tensions is by rising publicity to UAE equities (53%), an in depth second is rising allocations to commodities (51%). This corresponds with respondents selecting gold or treasured metals as essentially the most resilient kind of asset in a unstable commerce atmosphere (49%). Crypto (45%) was the second-most well-liked possibility, and it’s already essentially the most held asset class amongst UAE buyers at the moment with 54% invested.
George Naddaf added: “With 90% of buyers anticipating an influence from tariffs and commerce wars, and 89% adjusting their portfolios accordingly, UAE buyers present a powerful stage of adaptability. Apart from native shares, many are reallocating in direction of commodities equivalent to gold and oil, that are considered as dependable hedges towards exterior volatility. This implies a disciplined, dual-track strategy: reinforcing publicity to home markets which can be shielded from the influence of tariffs, whereas managing threat by means of defensive asset lessons.”
Uncertainty isn’t deterring buyers from persevering with to hunt alternatives out there. 65% of UAE retail buyers have already elevated contributions to their funding portfolios over the earlier months, and 76% count on to extend contributions over the subsequent three months.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editor:
The survey, commissioned by the buying and selling and investing platform eToro, sampled 1,000 retail buyers residing within the UAE. The survey was carried out from July 10, 2025 – July 21, 2025 and carried out by analysis firm Appinio. Retail buyers had been outlined as self-directed or suggested and needed to maintain at the very least one funding product together with shares, bonds, funds, funding or equal. They didn’t should be eToro customers.
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