# The UAE's financial markets and their regulator

> Shares are traded on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and the Dubai Financial Market, both overseen by the Capital Market Authority.

- Section: Investment › Financial markets
- Last updated: 2026-11-12
- Source: https://staging.nuzan.ai/en-ae/knowledge/financial-markets

## The exchanges

- **Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX):** a stock exchange in Abu Dhabi, started in 2000. It aims at developing
  investment awareness so that savings are invested in productive sectors. \[1]
- **Dubai Financial Market (DFM):** established as a public institution in 2000, and set up as a public joint stock
  company. \[1]
- **Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange:** overseen by the Capital Market Authority. \[1]
- **Gulf Mercantile Exchange:** located in the Dubai International Financial Centre and regulated by the Dubai
  Financial Services Authority. \[1]

## The regulator

The Capital Market Authority (CMA), previously called the Securities and Commodities Authority, was established in 2000
with the regulatory, supervisory and executive powers it needs. One of its objectives is to protect investors by
establishing the bases for sound and just dealings between investors. \[1]

Before you deal with a firm, check it is licensed: see "Check that an investment firm is licensed". \[2]

## Sources

1. UAE Government portal, "Financial markets" (updated 4 September 2026):
   <https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/finance-and-investment/Finance/financial-markets>
2. Capital Market Authority, "Licensed Companies": <https://www.uaecma.gov.ae/en/open-data/licensed-companies.aspx>

Arabic version: https://staging.nuzan.ai/ar-ae/knowledge/financial-markets