The HSBC GCC Exchanges Conference recently took place in London, bringing together over 300 institutional investors and more than 100 companies from the Middle East. This year’s edition has become the largest in the event’s five-year history, with participants engaging in over 3,000 meetings.

UAE Capital Markets Attract Worldwide Investment

The conference highlighted the resilience of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies, emphasizing the depth and dynamism of regional capital markets. Discussions steered toward the myriad of investment opportunities across various sectors and asset classes. Additionally, panelists focused on how businesses and policymakers are recalibrating supply chains, funding structures, and market access amid ongoing market fluctuations.

Mohamed Al Marzooqi, CEO of HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, remarked, “The UAE’s capital markets showcase enduring resilience and substantial depth, bolstered by robust economic fundamentals and a diverse investor base.” He noted that although global markets faced challenges recently, investor confidence is rebounding as volatility diminishes and risk premiums stabilize.

Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange Sees Remarkable Performance

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) reported impressive gains, with trading activity reaching Dh85 billion in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 22% increase compared to the previous year. With a market capitalization of Dh2.8 trillion, the exchange has been effective in distributing Dh66.2 billion in dividends during the same timeframe.

Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, CEO of ADX Group, stated, “The true resilience of a market becomes evident during uncertain periods. The performance of Abu Dhabi’s capital markets reflects solid corporate results and business continuity while capturing significant commercial opportunities.” He highlighted that foreign investors comprised 47.5% of the total trading value in Q1 2026, further affirming international interest in ADX’s offerings.

In a significant development, HSBC became the first international bank to act as a General Clearing Member on ADX, enhancing global access to Abu Dhabi’s financial markets.

Dubai Financial Market Shows Increased Activity

The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) also reported a robust performance in early 2026, with an average daily trading value exceeding Dh1 billion—an impressive 56% year-on-year growth. Hamed Ali, CEO of DFM and Nasdaq Dubai, noted the sustained investor confidence reflected in this year’s HSBC GCC Exchanges Conference.

“During the first quarter of 2026, the average daily trading value exceeded Dh1 billion, with foreign investors participating significantly, contributing to 54% of total trading value,” he added. The surge in trading activity signals rising international interest in UAE-listed assets as global funds reassess risk in emerging markets.

Focus on Technology and Market Access

The conversations at the conference also centered around enhancing technology and digital infrastructure to improve market access and long-term funding. HSBC’s recent $550 million financing for Core42, part of the G42 Group, exemplifies this trend. This investment aims to enhance global AI infrastructure and accelerate deployments of AI cloud and compute solutions across the US and Europe.

Furthermore, HSBC continues to serve as the preferred banking partner in Asia for the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, supporting their objectives in attracting investments to the UAE.

Overall, the HSBC GCC Exchanges Conference not only showcased the resilience of UAE markets but also highlighted significant opportunities for investors looking to engage with this vibrant economic landscape.