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 corporations respectively
Nonetheless, 90% anticipate 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 plenty 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.
Robust perception within the UAE economic system and markets
The examine, 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 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 mirror their confidence within the UAE economic system. 63% of buyers said they’re “very assured” in its present efficiency, and an extra 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 extra 32% who’re “considerably assured”.
Trying forward, 48% of buyers forecast important good points within the UAE inventory market over the following 12 months, whereas 34% anticipate regular development. This conviction can be evident in buyers’ long-term expectations. 58% consider that the Center East will ship essentially the most substantial returns over the following 5 years, adopted intently 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 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 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 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 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 setting.”
World tensions drive house bias and commodity curiosity
Regardless of robust 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 approach buyers are adjusting their portfolios in response to commerce tensions is by growing publicity to UAE equities (53%), a detailed second is growing allocations to commodities (51%). This corresponds with respondents selecting gold or treasured metals as essentially the most resilient kind of asset in a unstable commerce setting (49%). Crypto (45%) was the second-most fashionable 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 formidable degree of adaptability. Moreover native shares, many are reallocating in the direction of commodities reminiscent of gold and oil, that are seen as dependable hedges in opposition to exterior volatility. This implies a disciplined, dual-track strategy: reinforcing publicity to home markets which might be shielded from the affect of tariffs, whereas managing threat via defensive asset courses.”
Uncertainty just isn’t 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% 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 buyers residing within the UAE. The survey was carried out 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 a minimum of one funding product together with shares, bonds, funds, funding or equal. They didn’t should be eToro customers.
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