UAE retail traders 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 corporations respectively
Nonetheless, 90% anticipate 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 traders are presently invested in native shares, and plenty of are shopping for much more in response to international commerce tensions, based mostly on the most recent 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 examine, which surveyed 1,000 retail traders throughout the United Arab Emirates, revealed that UAE-based traders 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 mirror their confidence within the UAE financial system. 63% of traders said they’re “very assured” in its present efficiency, and an additional 29% indicated they’re “considerably assured”. With regards to the long-term efficiency of domestically listed shares, 59% expressed that they’re “very assured”, with an additional 32% who’re “considerably assured”.
Trying forward, 48% of traders forecast important positive aspects within the UAE inventory market over the following 12 months, whereas 34% anticipate regular development. This conviction can be evident in traders’ long-term expectations. 58% imagine that the Center East will ship essentially the most substantial returns over the following 5 years, adopted carefully by the U.S. (50%).
When requested which UAE sectors evoke essentially the most optimism for investments over the following 12 months, actual property topped the record 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 yr, 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. Buyers are favouring actual property, know-how, monetary providers, and vitality, as these sectors proceed to profit from government-backed initiatives. The truth that 85% are already invested in UAE equities displays a transparent choice for native alternatives within the present setting.”
World tensions drive house bias and commodity curiosity
Regardless of robust confidence of their native market, geopolitical danger is firmly on the minds of traders: 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 commonest means traders are adjusting their portfolios in response to commerce tensions is by rising publicity to UAE equities (53%), an in depth second is rising allocations to commodities (51%). This corresponds with respondents selecting gold or treasured metals as essentially the most resilient kind of asset in a risky commerce setting (49%). Crypto (45%) was the second-most in style choice, and it’s already essentially the most held asset class amongst UAE traders presently with 54% invested.
George Naddaf added: “With 90% of traders anticipating an impression from tariffs and commerce wars, and 89% adjusting their portfolios accordingly, UAE traders present a formidable degree of adaptability. Apart from native shares, many are reallocating in direction of commodities equivalent to gold and oil, that are seen as dependable hedges towards exterior volatility. This implies a disciplined, dual-track method: reinforcing publicity to home markets which might be shielded from the impression of tariffs, whereas managing danger by means of defensive asset lessons.”
Uncertainty just isn’t deterring traders from persevering with to hunt alternatives out there. 65% of UAE retail traders have already elevated contributions to their funding portfolios over the earlier months, and 76% anticipate 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 traders residing within the UAE. The survey was performed from July 10, 2025 – July 21, 2025 and carried out by analysis firm Appinio. Retail traders had been outlined as self-directed or suggested and needed to maintain at the least one funding product together with shares, bonds, funds, funding or equal. They didn’t must be eToro customers.
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