85% of UAE retail investors back local stocks: eToro survey
The study, which surveyed 1,000 retail investors across the United Arab Emirates, revealed that UAE-based investors are strong supporters of their local market. 85 percent are currently invested in locally listed equities, with 39 percent of respondents holding Abu Dhabi stocks, 28 percent holding Dubai stocks, and 18 percent holding both.
These investments reflect their confidence in the UAE economy. 63 percent of investors stated they are 'very confident' in its current performance, and a further 29 percent indicated they are 'somewhat confident'. When it comes to the long-term performance of locally listed stocks, 59 percent expressed that they are 'very confident', with a further 32 percent who are 'somewhat confident'.
Looking ahead, 48 percent of investors forecast significant gains in the UAE stock market over the next 12 months, while 34 percent expect steady growth. This conviction is also evident in investors' long-term expectations. 58 percent believe that the Middle East will deliver the most substantial returns over the next five years, followed closely by the U.S. (50 percent).
When asked which UAE sectors evoke the most optimism for investments over the next 12 months, real estate topped the list at 55 percent, followed by technology (48 percent), financial services (37 percent), and energy (37 percent).
Commenting on the findings, George Naddaf, Managing Director at eToro MENA, shared, 'The DFM and ADX are among the best-performing stock exchanges in the world this year, outperforming the S&P 500 by a considerable margin. Against this backdrop, our research confirms that investor confidence in the UAE market remains strong, supported by resilient performance across local indices, solid macroeconomic indicators, and sustained earnings across key sectors. Investors are favouring real estate, technology, financial services, and energy, as these sectors continue to benefit from government-backed initiatives. The fact that 85 percent are already invested in UAE equities reflects a clear preference for local opportunities in the current environment.'
Despite strong confidence in their local market, geopolitical risk is firmly on the minds of investors: 90 percent say tariffs and trade wars will significantly impact their portfolios in the next six months, and 89 percent have already adjusted or plan to adjust their investments in response.
While the most common way investors are adjusting their portfolios in response to trade tensions is by increasing exposure to UAE equities (53 percent), a close second is increasing allocations to commodities (51 percent). This corresponds with respondents choosing gold or precious metals as the most resilient type of asset in a volatile trade environment (49 percent). Crypto (45 percent) was the second-most popular option, and it is already the most held asset class among UAE investors, currently with 54 percent invested.
George Naddaf added, 'With 90 percent of investors anticipating an impact from tariffs and trade wars, and 89 percent adjusting their portfolios accordingly, UAE investors show an impressive level of adaptability. Besides local stocks, many are reallocating towards commodities such as gold and oil, which are viewed as reliable hedges against external volatility. This suggests a disciplined, dual-track approach: reinforcing exposure to domestic markets that are shielded from the impact of tariffs, while managing risk through defensive asset classes.'
Uncertainty is not deterring investors from continuing to seek opportunities in the market. 65 percent of UAE retail investors have already increased contributions to their investment portfolios over the previous months, and 76 percent expect to increase contributions over the next three months.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
19 minutes ago
- Arabian Business
UAE gold reserve surges 25.9% in first five months of 2025 to $7.88bn
UAE's gold reserves increased by nearly 25.9 per cent during the first five months of the year. The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) said the value of gold held by the country increased to AED 28.933 billion (US$7.88 billion) at the end of May, up from AED 22.981 billion (US$6.26 billion) at the end of December 2024. According to the Central Bank's statistical bulletin issued on Thursday, the CBUAE's gold holdings rose by 0.49 per cent month-on-month in May. Demand deposits also grew, exceeding AED 1.166 trillion (US$320 billion) by the end of May, compared to AED 1.109 trillion (US$300 billion) at the end of December 2024. Of this total deposit, AED 892.577 billion (US$243.04 billion) were in local currency and AED 274.329 billion (US$74.7 billion) in foreign currencies. Savings deposits rose to AED 359.57 billion (US$97.91 billion) at the end of May, up from AED 317.48 billion (US$86.45 billion) at the end of last year. This included AED 305.508 billion (US$83.19 billion) in local currency and AED 54.062 billion (US$14.72 billion) in foreign currencies. Time deposits exceeded AED 1 trillion to AED 1.013 trillion (US$275.9 billion) for the first time by the end of May, including AED 614.854 billion (US$167.42 billion) in local currency and the rest in foreign currencies.
Khaleej Times
19 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Interfaith marriage, no-fault divorce: Why Abu Dhabi family court is popular globally
In an era where time is often of the essence, the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court has become a global destination for civil marriage and no-fault divorce proceedings, as well as wills and inheritance processing. Hesham Elrafei, solicitor and UAE legal expert, laid out to Khaleej Times the court's high-volume operations, accessible services, and factors behind its rising prominence among global citizens. Byron James, a foreign advocate at the court, underscored the 'sheer volume and consistency' of its cases, describing his own appearances there 'three or four times a week, almost without pause since its inception". 'So far the court has received around 48,000 applications, out of which 43,000 have been finalised,' Elrafei said. In average, the court receives 80 applications every day — around 80 couples a day. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. 'Most come from places where civil marriages are only available to non-Muslims, and many applications are made by tourists who travel specifically to Abu Dhabi to get married.' He noted that the procedures are simple. Applicants pay Dh300 and typically receive an appointment within two weeks. A same-day express service is also available for Dh2,500, which couples can even request directly at the court. 'The court doesn't require complicated marital status documents like other civil courts around the world. The bride and groom only need to declare they are single,' he explained. Ceremonies are inclusive and offered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian and Hebrew, which allows couples to recite vows in their own language. The court also provides non-judicial services such as wedding photography. Prenuptial agreements can be notarised using ready-made templates for Dh700, eliminating the need to hire a lawyer. The express option is proving increasingly popular, he added, with 20 per cent of couples choosing it. To make it easier, the court even introduced a 12-month interest-free instalment plan. Many opt for the service to secure symbolic dates: 'Valentine's Day has been the most popular, with 120 applications submitted for February 14, along with dates like August 8, April 4, as well as New Year's and Christmas,' Elrafei noted. Divorce: Fast, no-fault and equitable The Abu Dhabi Family Court has also gained recognition for its streamlined divorce system. 'Anyone can apply, even if they are not a resident, as long as they have ties to Abu Dhabi — like rented property, company links, or if they were married here but now live elsewhere,' Elrafei explained. Cases can be settled in a single session or within 30 days: 'This is the quickest divorce in the world.' This efficiency is possible because divorces are processed on a 'no-fault' basis, with neither party required to prove wrongdoing. 'Both men and women have equal rights to apply.' Unlike traditional laws where a woman must present evidence of the husband's incompetency, like mistreatment, financial irresponsibility or sexual dysfunction, 'here the process is straightforward". Filing a divorce case at the Civil Family Court costs Dh5,000. By default, joint custody is awarded to both parents. 'As opposed to the traditional court where custody is for the mother until 12 years and then transferred to the father, here they can co-parent from day one,' he said. Financial settlements are calculated on a formula that grants the wife 20–25 per cent of the husband's wealth, multiplied by the number of years of marriage. 'It's similar to the end-of-service concept,' Elrafei pointed. James noted that some families may still prefer the traditional personal status courts depending on their priorities. 'Some couples will continue to prefer the personal status courts because they reflect their traditions and provide outcomes aligned with their cultural and national expectations. "For example, a husband might favour proceedings under his national personal status law if he wishes to avoid the civil court's formula for spousal maintenance, which is set at not less than 25 per cent of the last month's income multiplied by the number of years of marriage — and other financial orders available in the court, like the 'sharing principle' lump sum payment. Equally, a mother may prefer the personal status courts where custody is determined differently from the joint custody model that applies in the civil court," he said. In the end, it comes down to values and priorities, James noted. The civil system often provides for equal sharing of assets in longer marriages, together with a structured approach to maintenance and custody, while personal status courts follow the norms of their own legal traditions. "The UAE's great strength lies in offering both options, giving families the freedom to select the framework that best suits their circumstances and beliefs," he added. He cited the landmark billion-dirham divorce claim filed last month — the highest figure in the Gulf. 'The couple had significant wealth, including stocks, assets, businesses, and they were married for a long time. That is why the massive figure was considered legit,' he said. James, who is involved in the matter, confirmed: 'The billion dirham divorce case remains ongoing and is still at a relatively early stage of proceedings. Whilst I cannot disclose particulars, what is remarkable is that such a case can now be litigated locally in Abu Dhabi, when only a short time ago that would not have been possible.' Global appeal The court has become a magnet for couples from across the world. Elrafei said interfaith couples from Lebanon, for instance, who previously travelled to Cyprus or Turkey, now find it easier to marry in Abu Dhabi. Even where civil marriages exist, couples from different countries often turn to Abu Dhabi to avoid bureaucratic hurdles. 'They see Abu Dhabi as a win-win — an easier legal process combined with a holiday.' James explained the surge in demand: 'The explanation is really quite straightforward: the efficiency and calibre of the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court are extraordinary. It offers a tremendous service to clients, with processes that are both swift and of the highest quality. People in the UAE are accustomed to excellence and results that match global best practice, and this court delivers that consistently. When compared with courts around the world, it is truly remarkable to see such a young institution establish itself as a leader in the field so quickly.' He also clarified that Muslims and residents of Muslim countries are eligible. 'The minimum marriage age is only 18, as opposed to 21 in other civil courts. All they need is their passport and to declare they are single. Residency is not required, which is why it is popular among tourists.' James added that the choice between the civil and personal status courts was itself a major strength of the UAE system. 'The court's jurisdiction is not determined by religion but by nationality. Its personal jurisdiction extends to all foreign nationals, known as 'ajanib', whether Muslim or not, with the exception of those from countries where Sharia is applied in personal status matters. For those nationals, their own personal status law remains applicable. "This approach provides clarity and choice, and I believe it reflects the inclusivity and progressive spirit of the UAE. Some families will naturally continue to prefer the Sharia courts, which remain highly respected, whilst others will find the civil court an attractive alternative, and the fact that such choice now exists is itself a remarkable advancement," he said. Wills and inheritance Beyond marriage and divorce, the court has processed 17,000 wills so far under a 'very affordable fee of Dh1,000". Applications are made online, and sessions are conducted virtually via Zoom, sparing applicants from attending in person. Inheritance cases are also handled swiftly. 'At the Abu Dhabi Family Court, the wife receives 50 per cent of the deceased husband's wealth, and the remaining 50 per cent is divided equally among sons and daughters,' Elrafei explained. Anyone with ties to Abu Dhabi, such as residency, assets, or a will filed locally, can apply.
Fintech News ME
an hour ago
- Fintech News ME
ASB Capital Launches Global Technology Fund with BlueBox Asset Management
ASB Capital, a Dubai-based asset and wealth management firm with assets under management of US$5.5 billion, has launched the ASB Global Technology Fund. The Fund, developed in partnership with BlueBox Asset Management, a Geneva- and UK-based specialist in technology-focused equity strategies, seeks to provide investors with access to long-term capital growth through global innovation. The ASB Global Technology Fund will invest in listed equity securities of technology-driven companies across developed and emerging markets. The portfolio will comprise 25–35 companies, each generally valued at US$1 billion or more, with a 10% exposure cap to any single issuer. The strategy covers the technology value chain, including infrastructure, enablers and platforms influencing the future economy. Hichem Djouhri, Senior Executive Officer at ASB Capital, said: 'The ASB Global Technology Fund unlocks access to global technology equities through a strategy designed to deliver superior returns. It responds directly to growing demand among GCC investors, who are increasingly shifting capital toward sectors like AI, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. By offering a transparent, regulated vehicle based in the DIFC, we're enabling regional investors to actively participate in innovation-led growth worldwide.' He added: 'Partnering with BlueBox Asset Management strengthens ASB Capital's role as a trusted wealth nexus, seamlessly connecting regional investors to leading global technology opportunities while also bringing innovative regional prospects to the world.' BlueBox Asset Management launched its flagship Global Technology Fund in 2018. Since inception, the strategy has delivered an annualised return of 19.8%, with a total return of 271.5% as of June 2025. The ASB Global Technology Fund's investment thesis is centred on the 'Direct Connection' theme, focusing on companies that operate at the interface between digital systems and other sectors. The strategy is led by William de Gale, Lead Portfolio Manager at BlueBox Asset Management, who previously spent 20 years at BlackRock managing listed technology portfolios. He said: 'Our philosophy is rooted in identifying not just technologies, but technology-driven businesses that create long-term shareholder value. As digital transformation reshapes every industry, the Direct Connection theme continues to unlock growth opportunities. This partnership with ASB Capital enables us to extend our Sharia-compliant strategy to a wider investor base through a regulated and regionally relevant structure.'
