UAE retail traders are more and more targeted on homegrown markets, with 85% at the moment invested in UAE-listed shares
Confidence runs excessive within the UAE’s economic system, with over 90% assured within the UAE economic system and efficiency of UAE-listed firms respectively
Nonetheless, 90% anticipate commerce tensions to considerably influence 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 at the moment invested in native shares, and lots of are shopping for much more in response to world commerce tensions, based mostly on the newest version of the UAE Retail Investor Beat by buying and selling and investing platform eToro.
Robust perception within the UAE economic system and markets
The research, which surveyed 1,000 retail traders throughout the United Arab Emirates, revealed that UAE-based traders are sturdy supporters of their native market. 85% are at the moment invested in regionally 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 economic system. 63% of traders said they’re “very assured” in its present efficiency, and an extra 29% indicated they’re “considerably assured”. In the case of the long-term efficiency of regionally listed shares, 59% expressed that they’re “very assured”, with an extra 32% who’re “considerably assured”.
Wanting forward, 48% of traders forecast vital positive aspects within the UAE inventory market over the subsequent 12 months, whereas 34% anticipate regular progress. This conviction can also be evident in traders’ long-term expectations. 58% imagine that the Center East will ship probably the most substantial returns over the subsequent 5 years, adopted carefully by the U.S. (50%).
When requested which UAE sectors evoke probably the most optimism for investments over the subsequent 12 months, actual property topped the listing at 55%, adopted by know-how (48%), monetary companies (37%), and power (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. In opposition to this backdrop, our analysis confirms that investor confidence within the UAE market stays sturdy, supported by resilient efficiency throughout native indices, stable macroeconomic indicators, and sustained earnings throughout key sectors. Traders are favouring actual property, know-how, monetary companies, and power, 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 surroundings.”
World tensions drive dwelling bias and commodity curiosity
Regardless of sturdy confidence of their native market, geopolitical threat is firmly on the minds of traders: 90% say tariffs and commerce wars will considerably influence their portfolios within the subsequent six months, and 89% have already adjusted or plan to regulate their investments in response.
Whereas the commonest manner traders are adjusting their portfolios in response to commerce tensions is by rising publicity to UAE equities (53%), a detailed second is rising allocations to commodities (51%). This corresponds with respondents selecting gold or valuable metals as probably the most resilient kind of asset in a unstable commerce surroundings (49%). Crypto (45%) was the second-most common choice, and it’s already probably the most held asset class amongst UAE traders at the moment with 54% invested.
George Naddaf added: “With 90% of traders anticipating an influence from tariffs and commerce wars, and 89% adjusting their portfolios accordingly, UAE traders present a powerful degree of adaptability. In addition to native shares, many are reallocating in direction of commodities equivalent to gold and oil, that are considered as dependable hedges in opposition to exterior volatility. This implies a disciplined, dual-track strategy: reinforcing publicity to home markets which are shielded from the influence of tariffs, whereas managing threat by way of defensive asset lessons.”
Uncertainty is just not 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 subsequent 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 carried out 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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