UAE retail buyers 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% count on commerce tensions to considerably affect 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 at the moment invested in native shares, and lots of are shopping for much more in response to world commerce tensions, primarily based on the most recent version of the UAE Retail Investor Beat by buying and selling and investing platform eToro.
Sturdy perception within the UAE economic system and markets
The research, which surveyed 1,000 retail buyers throughout the United Arab Emirates, revealed that UAE-based buyers are sturdy supporters of their native market. 85% are at the moment 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 economic system. 63% of buyers acknowledged they’re “very assured” in its present efficiency, and an extra 29% indicated they’re “considerably assured”. On the subject of 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 important good points within the UAE inventory market over the subsequent 12 months, whereas 34% count on regular development. This conviction can also be evident in buyers’ long-term expectations. 58% imagine that the Center East will ship essentially the most substantial returns over the subsequent 5 years, adopted carefully by the U.S. (50%).
When requested which UAE sectors evoke essentially the most optimism for investments over the subsequent 12 months, actual property topped the checklist at 55%, adopted by expertise (48%), monetary providers (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 earth 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. Buyers are favouring actual property, expertise, monetary providers, and power, 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 setting.”
World tensions drive dwelling bias and commodity curiosity
Regardless of sturdy confidence of their native market, geopolitical threat is firmly on the minds of buyers: 90% say tariffs and commerce wars will considerably affect their portfolios within the subsequent six months, and 89% have already adjusted or plan to regulate their investments in response.
Whereas the commonest manner 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 essentially the most resilient kind of asset in a risky commerce setting (49%). Crypto (45%) was the second-most standard choice, and it’s already essentially the most held asset class amongst UAE buyers at the moment with 54% invested.
George Naddaf added: “With 90% of buyers anticipating an affect from tariffs and commerce wars, and 89% adjusting their portfolios accordingly, UAE buyers present a powerful degree of adaptability. In addition to native shares, many are reallocating in the direction of commodities resembling gold and oil, that are seen as dependable hedges in opposition to exterior volatility. This means a disciplined, dual-track strategy: reinforcing publicity to home markets which are shielded from the affect of tariffs, whereas managing threat by means of defensive asset lessons.”
Uncertainty is just not 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 subsequent 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 no less than one funding product together with shares, bonds, funds, funding or equal. They didn’t must be eToro customers.
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