- UAE retail buyers are more and more centered on homegrown markets, with 85% presently 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 impression 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 presently 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 research, 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 presently invested in domestically listed equities, with 39% of respondents holding Abu Dhabi shares, 28% holding Dubai shares, and 18% holding each.
These investments replicate 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”. In relation to the long-term efficiency of domestically listed shares, 59% expressed that they’re “very assured”, with an extra 32% who’re “considerably assured”.
Wanting forward, 48% of buyers forecast vital positive factors within the UAE inventory market over the following 12 months, whereas 34% count on regular development. This conviction can also be evident in buyers’ long-term expectations. 58% consider that the Center East will ship probably the most substantial returns over the following 5 years, adopted intently by the U.S. (50%).
When requested which UAE sectors evoke probably the most optimism for investments over the following 12 months, actual property topped the checklist at 55%, adopted by know-how (48%), monetary providers (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 12 months, 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 providers, 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 surroundings.”
International tensions drive residence bias and commodity curiosity
Regardless of robust confidence of their native market, geopolitical danger is firmly on the minds of buyers: 90% say tariffs and commerce wars will considerably impression 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 growing publicity to UAE equities (53%), an in depth second is growing allocations to commodities (51%). This corresponds with respondents selecting gold or valuable metals as probably the most resilient sort of asset in a risky commerce surroundings (49%). Crypto (45%) was the second-most fashionable choice, and it’s already probably the most held asset class amongst UAE buyers presently with 54% invested.
George Naddaf added: “With 90% of buyers anticipating an impression from tariffs and commerce wars, and 89% adjusting their portfolios accordingly, UAE buyers present a formidable degree of adaptability. Apart from native shares, many are reallocating in direction of commodities similar to gold and oil, that are considered as dependable hedges in opposition to exterior volatility. This means a disciplined, dual-track method: reinforcing publicity to home markets which can be shielded from the impression of tariffs, whereas managing danger by way of defensive asset courses.”
Uncertainty shouldn’t be deterring buyers from persevering with to hunt alternatives available in the market. 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 following 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 performed from July 10, 2025 – July 21, 2025 and carried out by analysis firm Appinio. Retail buyers have 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 have to be eToro customers.
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