DFM achieves total revenues of Dhs632.3 million last year

Dubai Financial Market Company announced its consolidated results for the fiscal year ending on December 31st, 2024, highlighting a 24 per cent increase in net profit (pre-tax) to Dhs409.3 million, compared to Dhs329.6 million in 2023.

The growth was driven by robust trading volumes, strong capital inflows, a surge in both retail and institutional investor activity and sustained market performance in addition to investment returns performance.

DFM delivered a strong result for the period ending December 31st, 2024, underscoring its position as the leading financial exchange in the region.

DFM reported total revenues of Dhs632.3 million for the full year of 2024, marking a15.5 per cent increase from the previous year. This revenue includes Dhs353.1 million in operating income and Dhs279.2 million in investment returns and other income.

The year witnessed three highly successful IPOs, including talabat’s listing, which stood out as the largest global tech IPO of the year.

The DFM General Index surged by 27.1 per cent, closing at 5,158.67 on year end its highest level since September 2014 – marking a remarkable decade-high milestone.

Dubai also maintained its distinction as the GCC’s best-performing market for the second consecutive year. This impressive index growth represents the largest annual gain in three years and continues DFM’s upward trajectory for the fourth consecutive year.

2024 also saw DFM’s market capitalisation grow to Dhs 907 billion, a 32 per cent rise from AED688 billion in 2023. Average Daily Trading Value (ADTV) increased by 5 per cent, reaching Dhs423 million, while total traded value grew by 5.5 per cent to Dhs107 billion.

The Board of Directors reviewed and approved the annual results today for ratification at the upcoming Annual General Assembly Meeting. The Board also proposed a cash dividend of Dhs256 million, representing 3.2 per cent of the capital and 97 per cent of the total retained earnings available for distribution.

Helal Al Marri, Chairman of DFM, said, “The strong results of DFM reinforce Dubai’s position as a premier destination for global investors and align with the leadership’s ambition to solidify the emirate as the leading international financial hub. As the region’s best performing capital market, DFM’s consistent growth reflects the strength of Dubai’s vision, its world-class infrastructure, and commitment to creating opportunities for businesses and individuals alike. From record-breaking IPOs to strong trading activity, innovative product launches and influx of foreign investor participation, we will continue to focus on attracting and retaining global capital and creating long-term value for all our stakeholders.”

Meanwhile, overall expenses excluding tax amounted to Dhs223 million, compared to Dhs217.9 million during the same period in 2023.

Hamed Ali, Chief Executive Officer of DFM and Nasdaq Dubai, said, “Our long-term focus on innovation and the success of our strategic initiatives have borne fruit, driving DFM’s strong performance in 2024. This year has been transformative for our business, significantly expanding opportunities for a diverse range of investors and issuers alike.”

He added, “DFM’s innovative infrastructure, market initiatives and forward-looking approach position us as a leader in financial markets, strengthening Dubai’s role as a prominent global hub for financial activity.”

Retail investor participation on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) has grown substantially in 2024, Retail segment contributed 35 per cent of total trading activity last year, highlighting the influence of retail investors, which was more evident in the recent IPOs, where retail tranches were expanded to meet strong demand: Spinneys increased its retail tranche from 5 per cent to 7 per cent while Parkin raised its tranche from 10 per cent to 12 per cent. A major contributing factor has been DFM’s accessibility enhancements for retail investors through digital platforms and streamlined subscription processes.

Performing at its highest level in a decade, DFM General Index recorded a 27.1 per cent increase by the end of December 2024, reflecting the largest annual gain in three years. It further marks the fourth consecutive year of increase, reflecting strong investor confidence regionally as well as globally and the and steady market dynamics.

DFM onboarded 138,262 new investors, marking a significant increase of 120.5 per cent compared to the 62,676 new investors registered in 2023, of this, 85 per cent were foreign investors. Foreign investors contributed to 50 per cent of the total trading value in 2024 compared to 47 per cent in 2023 with market capitalisation share at 21 per cent at the close of the year.

Additionally, the exchange witnessed a notable surge in interest from institutional investors, with their trading share rising sharply to 65 per cent compared to 58 per cent in 2023 reflecting the market’s strong appeal for a broadening and increasingly diverse investor base.