logo
DGCX joins Arab Federation of Capital Markets committee to strengthen regional capital markets

DGCX joins Arab Federation of Capital Markets committee to strengthen regional capital markets

Zawya28-05-2025
DGCX to contribute to key initiatives that strengthen regional capital markets
Dubai, UAE: The Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) has announced its acceptance into the Arab Federation of Capital Market's (AFCM) Business Development Committee. The appointment reflects DGCX's expertise in regulatory oversight, risk management and product innovation, reinforcing its position as a leading regional player in derivatives trading and financial market infrastructure.
The AFCM, established in 1978 as the principal body for Arab stock exchanges, plays a critical role in enhancing collaboration and standardising best practices across the region. By joining the Business Development Committee, DGCX will contribute to key initiatives that strengthen regional capital markets, including:
Coordinating operational rules and regulations governing trading across Arab exchanges.
Proposing legislative reforms to support market activity.
Developing strategies to boost trading volumes and liquidity.
Setting strategy to develop business of brokerage and exchange companies.
Encouraging knowledge exchange among Arab exchanges.
Engaging external experts to enhance market development.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DGCX, commented: 'DGCX's appointment to the Business Development Committee of the Arab Federation of Capital Markets underscores our pivotal role in the region's financial and commodities landscape. As the largest and most diversified derivatives exchange in the Middle East, DGCX brings deep expertise in market innovation, risk management and regulatory alignment. This recognition not only reinforces our commitment to advancing capital markets across the Arab world but also strengthens Dubai's position as a leading global centre for commodities and financial services.'
DGCX has been an active member of the AFCM and is serving on its Audit & Governance Committee. Already underway with its participation at the AFCM annual conference in Tunisia, the Exchange's contribution to the Business Development Committee underscores its ongoing commitment to enhancing regional market structures, expanding product offerings and fostering greater collaboration across the region.
This development also elevates the profile of the Dubai Commodities Clearing Corporation (DCCC), DGCX's clearing house, which plays a crucial role in ensuring financial stability and risk mitigation in derivatives trading.
With this strategic step, DGCX reaffirms its leadership in financial markets across the Arab world, contributing to an integrated, transparent and globally competitive regional trading environment.
About DGCX
The Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX) is the Middle East's largest digital marketplace where traders manage risk, protect value and grow portfolios. We drive liquidity in the market by offering a broad range of futures and options contracts covering base and precious metals, hydrocarbons, equities and currencies. Our members get the assurance of a highly regulated derivatives trading and clearing platform, which has global credibility and a proven settlement track record.
The DGCX owns and operates the region's largest and only multi-asset Clearing House –. It is recognised as a licensed Central Clearing-Counterparty (CCP) by SCA, and a 'Recognized Clearing House' (RCH) by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Additionally, the exchange and clearing house is also regulated by the Securities & Commodities Authority (SCA) in the UAE.
Our unique location at the convergence of trade flows, time zones and commerce allow us to seamlessly fill a vital position in the global derivatives landscape, working across any market and geography and providing uninterrupted service with simple and transparent fees, benefitting from the UAE's progressive regulatory framework.
For more information, please visit: www.dgcx.ae
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

China's BRI investments hit $124bln in H1 2025, with Middle East in strategic focus
China's BRI investments hit $124bln in H1 2025, with Middle East in strategic focus

Zawya

timean hour ago

  • Zawya

China's BRI investments hit $124bln in H1 2025, with Middle East in strategic focus

Chinese investments under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) reached a record $124 billion in the first half of 2025, with the Middle East playing a leading role in deals tied to energy transition and digital infrastructure, even as construction activity in the region saw a sharp pullback. According to the 'China Belt and Road Initiative Investment Report 2025,' produced by the Griffith Asia Institute (GAI) at Griffith University in collaboration with the Green Finance & Development Centre (GFDC) of FISF, People's Republic of China, total construction activity in the Middle East declined from the previous year. Yet, Saudi Arabia and the UAE still ranked among the top five global recipients for construction volume, securing $7.2 billion and $7 billion, respectively. 'This is a short-term shift and does not explain any trends,' said Christoph Nedopil, GFDC director and author of the report, adding that the Gulf continues to remain strategically relevant for Chinese companies, particularly as BRI investments pivot toward green energy, metals processing, and high-tech manufacturing. Record surge China's BRI activity in the first half of 2025 included $66.2 billion in construction contracts and $57.1 billion in non-financial investments — nearly matching the initiative's total for all of 2024. The surge was powered by big-ticket projects in Nigeria, Kazakhstan, and Thailand across energy, mining, and technology. 'The extreme surge in H1 2025 might be explained by a few very large deals, which might have just happened in this time,' Nedopil said. 'Overall, we have seen a growing engagement trend by China in the BRI countries over the past years.' Among the drivers, he pointed to three strategic motivations: 'A stronger desire by Chinese companies to be closer to their customers and thus invest closer to the markets where they sell their goods; a desire to de-risk trade and reduce reliance on exports from China; and a need to invest in local markets to meet local content requirements (e.g., for minerals processing).' A notable development was the growing role of private Chinese enterprises in BRI deals — a marked shift from the earlier dominance of state-led megaprojects. Companies such as Longi Green Energy, East Hope Group, and Xinfa Group led outbound investment activity, including in key Gulf economies. 'The engagement by privately owned Chinese companies in BRI countries has been rising over the past years due to their stronger global positioning as technology leaders,' Nedopil explained. 'At the same time, a number of Chinese private companies have gained relevant experience to work in more difficult economic and governance environments, which is also particularly relevant in the mining sector.' Middle East's strategic fit Despite a drop in construction activity overall, the Middle East's strategic alignment with China's BRI priorities—particularly around clean energy, resource processing, and digital infrastructure—remains strong. In Saudi Arabia, Harbin Electric signed a $1.6 billion deal to construct a gas-fired power plant. Meanwhile, Egypt secured a $700 million investment from Xinyi Glass Holding to build a solar PV glass manufacturing facility, signaling expanded cooperation in clean tech manufacturing. Energy continued to dominate Chinese BRI engagement, accounting for 35 percent of the total. While green energy investments hit a new high of $9.7 billion in H1 2025, oil and gas still outpaced renewables with over $30 billion in fossil-fuel-backed deals. One of the largest was the $20 billion Ogidigbon Gas Park in Nigeria. 'Host countries need to take their responsibility on sustainable development as seriously as Chinese investors,' Nedopil said. 'Without clear agency from host countries to attract sustainable investments, Chinese partners will likely also provide non-green engagement as long as it is legal.' Beyond construction Transport-related BRI activity continued its decline, falling to just 7.2 percent of total engagement, the lowest since the initiative's launch in 2013. In contrast, sectors like technology, manufacturing, and mining gained momentum. Chinese investments in these areas more than doubled to $23.2 billion in H1 2025, fueled by demand for electric vehicles, batteries, and green hydrogen. Among the standout deals were Longi's €7.6 billion hydrogen project in Nigeria and China Aviation Lithium Battery's $2.1 billion EV battery facility in Portugal. Metals and mining also saw record engagement. China invested $24.9 billion in the sector in H1 2025, with Kazakhstan receiving the lion's share—$12 billion for aluminium and $7.5 billion for copper. IMEC vs. BRI With the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) gathering momentum, questions remain over whether it will challenge or complement BRI's footprint in the Gulf. 'Currently, China's engagement in most countries has become less focused on transportation compared to earlier years,' said Nedopil. 'India itself is also not a BRI country. Meanwhile, over the years, many transport corridors have been worked on in this region, not least through CAREC. While IMEC was announced in 2023, the implementation of IMEC projects will strongly depend on the ability of regional players and the US to collaborate, which at this point carries some uncertainty.' Outlook: steady and strategic Looking ahead, the report forecasts a moderation in Chinese BRI engagement in the second half of 2025. Fewer megadeals are expected, but the number of deals is likely to remain strong - especially in strategic sectors. 'For the rest of 2025, we see stabilisation of Chinese BRI engagement with a focus on BRI engagement in renewable energy, mining and new technologies,' Nedopil noted in the report. He added that 'potential future engagements remain in six project types: manufacturing in new technologies (example, batteries), renewable energy, trade-enabling infrastructure (including pipelines, roads), ICT (example, data centres), resource-backed deals (example, mining, oil, gas), and high visibility or strategic projects (example, railway, ports).' With rising geopolitical and trade uncertainties, Chinese firms are expected to further diversify and deepen their overseas footprint—particularly through the so-called 'New Three' industries: EVs, batteries, and renewable energy. 'The ability of Chinese companies to expand abroad has been shifting to more private sector companies that are engaging in investment,' said Nedopil. 'They have, over the past years, acquired the capital and the know-how how to invest in overseas markets.' (Reporting by SA Kader; Editing by Anoop Menon) (

New licensing options, FDI surge power DMCC's growth
New licensing options, FDI surge power DMCC's growth

Khaleej Times

time2 hours ago

  • Khaleej Times

New licensing options, FDI surge power DMCC's growth

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) delivered a strong performance in the first half of 2025, adding more than 1,100 new companies to its global business district as it capitalised on rising foreign direct investment (FDI) flows and the launch of new licensing structures tailored to global investors. The new additions lift DMCC's total membership close to 26,000, reinforcing its status as a leading hub for trade, technology and investment. The growth was fuelled by heightened demand from overseas markets such as the United Kingdom, Türkiye and China, which together accounted for some of the highest registration gains in recent years. The UK saw a 23 per cent increase in company numbers to nearly 2,200, Türkiye registered a 22 per cent rise to about 700 firms, and Chinese membership climbed almost 10 per cent to nearly 1,000. These gains align with Dubai's position as one of the world's top destinations for FDI inflows, with DMCC contributing 15 per cent of the emirate's annual total. Two new licensing categories — Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and Holding Company licences — have emerged as a major draw for investment firms, family offices and multinational corporations. The SPV licence offers a flexible vehicle for asset holding, capital raising and cross-border structuring, while the Holding Company licence enables centralised oversight of regional operations and portfolio companies. Both are designed to accommodate a broad range of investment strategies, from private equity to high-growth venture capital, making DMCC a preferred jurisdiction for structuring international investments. Ahmed bin Sulayem, executive chairman and chief executive officer of DMCC, said the results reaffirm the appeal of its business model. 'With more than 1,100 new companies joining in the first half of the year — driven by robust growth from China, Türkiye, and the UK — DMCC is now rapidly approaching 26,000 member companies. We are intensifying our focus on high-growth sectors while expanding our ecosystems, service offering, and physical infrastructure to support the next wave of innovation-led investment,' says Ahmed bin Sulayem The licensing reforms have also strengthened DMCC's role as a hub for high-growth industries. The DMCC Crypto Centre saw a 38 per cent year-on-year increase to more than 700 companies, bringing the total number of technology firms in the district to over 3,300. Notable entrants include and Animoca Brands, which set up their first regional offices in the free zone. DMCC also announced the construction of Crypto Tower, a 17-storey landmark in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) that will house blockchain incubators, an AI innovation floor and specialised financial services. In addition, DMCC is developing a new quantum technology ecosystem — DMCC Quantum — aimed at positioning Dubai as a gateway for advanced computing investment. These moves build on the free zone's expanding role in Web3, artificial intelligence, gaming and blockchain applications. Beyond technology, DMCC remains a key player in commodities trade. The Dubai Diamond Exchange, which now hosts over 1,350 companies, marked the milestone of one billion carats traded through the UAE over the past five years. The launch of the DMCC Water Centre and a strategic partnership with AQUA-INDEX to create the world's first water-backed digital asset token illustrate DMCC's push into emerging commodities and sustainability-linked investment. The free zone's international expansion strategy is also delivering results. In Southeast Asia, DMCC appointed Hawksford as its international sales partner in Singapore to enhance market penetration. In China, partnerships with Beijing Innovation Service Hub and Beijing Chaoyang CCPIT are expected to deepen trade and investment flows. Real estate development underpins DMCC's ability to accommodate FDI-driven growth. In Uptown Dubai, the free zone broke ground on two new Grade A commercial towers offering 62,000 square metres of office space, as well as Mercer House, a luxury twin-tower residential project featuring Dubai's first private urban beach club. In JLT, DMCC and Signature Developers began construction of W Residences by Marriott International, further enhancing the district's mixed-use appeal. Deputy CEO and chief operating officer Feryal Ahmadi said the results stem from DMCC's long-term planning. 'From real estate to technology and trade, every layer of our district is designed to meet global demand. As we move into the second half of the year, we will continue to expand our services, accelerate infrastructure delivery and unlock new opportunities for growth across all sectors, ' says Ahmadi. With a growing global footprint, sectoral diversification, and infrastructure pipeline, DMCC is positioning itself to capture the next wave of FDI across emerging and established industries, while reinforcing Dubai's role as a magnet for global capital, investment experts said. The strong first-half results follow a record-breaking 2024, when DMCC attracted over 2,000 new companies and launched initiatives such as the DMCC Sustainability Hub.

Kuwait Grants Visa-on-Arrival Access to All GCC Foreign Residents
Kuwait Grants Visa-on-Arrival Access to All GCC Foreign Residents

UAE Moments

time3 hours ago

  • UAE Moments

Kuwait Grants Visa-on-Arrival Access to All GCC Foreign Residents

In a major policy shift aimed at boosting tourism and regional mobility, Kuwait has announced that all foreigners residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are now eligible for a tourist visa on arrival at all entry points. The decision, issued Sunday by Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah and published in the official gazette Kuwait Al-Youm, takes immediate effect. The new visa will be valid for 90 days and is open to residents of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain, provided their GCC residency permit is valid for at least six months. This move replaces 2008 regulations that limited visa-on-arrival eligibility to specific professional categories such as doctors, engineers, judges, and executives. With the change, more than 25 million foreign residents in the GCC can now visit Kuwait with ease. Kuwait has long allowed nationals from many European, North American, select Latin American, and major Asian countries—including China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore—to obtain visas on arrival. The announcement is part of a wider effort over the past 15 months to ease visa restrictions for foreigners. The country has relaxed family visit rules, enabling expatriates to bring close relatives such as spouses, children, and parents for up to one month. It has also simplified procedures for hotels to sponsor visitors and for companies to secure business visas for foreign partners. The reform is expected to significantly boost tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange within the Gulf, positioning Kuwait as a more open and accessible destination in the region.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store