Dubai, UAE–Dubai Financial Market (DFM) posted a 124% in net profit to $89.69 million in 2023, compared to $40.03 million in 2022.
DFM concluded 2023 on a high note, driven by a significant uptick in trading activities, capital inflow and a notable influx of new investors. This was complemented by the introduction of an enhanced digital platform, the launch of an IPO accelerator program and the implementation of various innovative market initiatives.
During the Board meeting, the Directors endorsed the annual results, which will be presented for ratification at the upcoming Annual General Assembly Meeting.
The Board has proposed a cash dividend of $76.24 million, representing 3.5% of the capital and 95% of the total retained earnings available for distribution.
Following the Board meeting, Helal Al Marri, Chairman of DFM said, “In 2023, Dubai Financial Market marked a series of noteworthy accomplishments, underscoring its intrinsic strengths in adaptability, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to excellence.”
Al Marri added: “These achievements align seamlessly with the objectives outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda “D33” showcasing the market’s pivotal role in fostering economic growth and solidifying Dubai’s stature as a key player on the global financial stage. The Board is pleased to witness the robust outcomes stemming from our proactive initiatives and the substantial progress that DFM has made towards redefining our capital market and business landscape.”
As one of the best performing exchanges globally, DFM General Index reported a growth of 21.7% while DFM PJSC reported total revenues of $147.58 million for the full year of 2023, marking a 54% increase from last year’s $95.57 million.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, the company recorded a net profit of $39 million, demonstrating its sustained strong performance compared to $16 million in the corresponding period of 2022.
Reflecting on the accomplishments of 2023, Hamed Ali, CEO of DFM and Nasdaq Dubai, stated, “The year 2023 stands as a pivotal chapter in DFM’s journey. Our fiscal results not only highlight the robustness of our operational framework but also underscore the significant strides we are making in transforming our business, exploring new horizons, and expediting the advancement of UAE capital markets.”
He continued, “DFM’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, market initiatives, and our drive to innovate and evolve, positions us strategically for continuous growth, solidifying Dubai’s status as a global epicenter for financial activities.”
In 2023, DFM solidified its status as a premier market for IPOs, boasting two highly successful offerings from Dubai Taxi Company and Al Ansari Financial Services, the first family – owned company. This achievement propelled DFM to the forefront of the MENA markets, establishing itself as the benchmark for index performance. The two offerings raised $544 million in 2023, marking an outstanding achievement. The overwhelming investor demand led to an oversubscribed value of $44.38 billion, underscoring the market’s attraction and resilience.
Beyond listing successes, 2023 witnessed significant milestones for DFM. The success of the MENA IPO Summit and launch of the IPO Accelerator Program marked pivotal moments in DFM’s journey as one of the leading global exchanges, aligning the entire IPO value chain and providing invaluable insights into the intricate IPO process.
Responsible financing remained a key focus for DFM this year as it ventured into sustainable financing initiatives, launching the Carbon Credit Trading Pilot program at COP28. This initiative aims to propel issuers toward achieving the 2050 sustainability goals, showcasing DFM’s commitment to driving positive environmental impact through innovative programs.
Furthermore, in collaboration with xCube, DFM has taken steps to enhance market accessibility by introducing a digital account opening platform. This innovative solution offers seamless accessibility, straightforward IPO subscription, and advanced tools for real-time market monitoring, providing investors with an efficient and streamlined investment journey.
In 2023, against the backdrop of the increasing interest of international investors in Dubai’s capital markets, DFM placed significant focus on investor engagements to reinforce our standing as a leading global exchange.
DFM successfully executed four international investor roadshows spanning across prominent financial hubs such as London, Singapore, and two editions in New York, which garnered widespread participation and facilitated numerous meetings with esteemed global institutional investors and funds.
Notably, the most recent New York roadshow, held in November 2023, concluded with an impressive tally of 82 one-to-one meetings involving senior representatives from 45 international funds. Such collaborative forums provide invaluable insights, contributing directly to increased investor participation on the exchange.
Foreign investors maintained a strong presence, contributing to 47% of DFM’s trading value with net purchases totaling $1.36 billion. Their market capitalisation share stood at 20% at the close of the year. Additionally, institutional investors accounted for 58% of the trading value.
DFM’s success story continued with an impressive influx of 62,676 new investors, including 73% of which were foreign investors, expanding the current investor base, which includes over a million individuals from over 200 nationalities, serves as a testament to the success of DFM’s digital onboarding journey.