Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, or ADX, commands a dominant position in Arab finance from its location in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As the UAE’s largest and the Arab region’s second-largest stock market, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange brokers provide a hub for investment in listed public companies on the main general index, and a platform for trading securities in private joint-stock companies through the parallel second market.
This guide will help you compare and choose ADX brokers, and covers the most important things to know before you start trading on the UAE’s leading stock exchange. We also list the top brokers with access to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange in 2023.
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange Brokers
These are the 10 best brokers for trading on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange:
#1 - Forex.com
Forex.com boasts a global reputation with multiple awards and 20+ years experience. Regulated in the US, EU, UK and Canada they provide a huge range of markets, not just forex, and offer competitive fees on a cutting-edge platform. The brand also provides a suite of additional tools, from performance analytics and SMART Signals to advanced charts and strategy builders.
"Forex.com is an excellent broker for forex traders with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads, low commissions and powerful platforms. The brand is also heavily regulated while its parent company is listed on the NASDAQ, giving it a high trust score."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Forex, Spot Metals
- Regulator: NFA, CFTC
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
- Min. Deposit: $100
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:50
Stock Exchanges
Forex.com offers trading on 13 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange
- Borsa Italiana
- CAC 40 Index France
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- FTSE UK Index
- Hang Seng
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- Nasdaq
- S&P 500
- SIX Swiss Exchange
Forex Trading
Forex.com is a leading FX broker. The brand offers a wide range of currency pairs and some of the lowest fees in the industry. Spreads on the EUR/USD come in as low as 0.0 with a $7 commission per $100k.
Stocks Trading
Forex.com offers access to thousands of US, EU and UK stocks, with spreads of just 1 point. Speculate on household names as well as new IPOs. US stocks are available from just 1.8 cents per share.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly web platform and mobile app
- Low minimum deposit of $100
- Respected and trusted broker overseen by tier-one regulators including the US SEC
Cons
- $15 monthly inactivity fee
- Investment offering varies between countries
- No copy trading platform
#2 - eToro USA
eToro is a social investing platform that offers stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto. The broker is well-known for its user-friendly community-centred platform and competitive fees. With FINRA and SIPC oversight and millions of users across the world, this brand is highly respected. eToro securities trading is offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc.
"eToro is a top pick for users looking for social investing and copy trading. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer traders."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto
- Regulator: SEC, FINRA
- Platforms: Own
- Min. Deposit: $10
- Min. Trade: $10
Stock Exchanges
eToro USA offers trading on 3 stock exchanges:
- Dow Jones
- New York Stock Exchange
- S&P 500
Stocks Trading
Trade popular US stocks and ETFs with zero commissions while fractional shares and options are also available. The eToro Academy and excellent market research are also huge bonuses for newer investors.
Crypto Trading
eToro US leads the way in cryptocurrency trading. 1% fee for buying or selling crypto added to the spread (from 0.75% for BTC), with their own wallet service and the largest number of cryptos to trade in the market. eToro copy trading is only for cryptos. Crypto asset investing is highly volatile and unregulated. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply.
Pros
- The online broker offers an intuitive social investment network with straightforward copy trading on cryptos
- The $10 minimum deposit and straightforward account opening process means beginners can get started quickly
- eToro USA Securities is a trustworthy, SEC-regulated broker that is a member of FINRA and SIPC
Cons
- Narrower range of instruments than some competitors
- No MetaTrader 4 platform integration
#3 - NinjaTrader
NinjaTrader is a US-headquartered and regulated brokerage that specializes in futures trading. There are three pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets, as well as ultra-low margins on popular contracts. The brand's award-winning charting software and trading platform also offers a high-degree of customization and superb technical analysis features.
"We recommend NinjaTrader for high-volume futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
- Regulator: NFA, CFTC
- Platforms: eSignal
- Min. Deposit: $50
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:50
Stock Exchanges
NinjaTrader offers trading on 2 stock exchanges:
- Chicago Mercantile Exchange
- New York Stock Exchange
Forex Trading
NinjaTrader supports the trading of popular currencies including the EUR/USD. The trading software also offers unique features tailored to forex trading, including specific order and market windows.
Stocks Trading
Stocks can be traded by connecting the NinjaTrader platform to supporting brokers. You can then take positions on large public companies and household names via advanced trading software.
Crypto Trading
Trade micro Bitcoin futures with low fees and leading charting tools. Get exposure to Bitcoin through CME Group's centralized exchange with robust risk management tools.
Pros
- Industry-leading futures broker with multiple awards
- Thousands of add-ons and applications from developers in 150+ countries
- Free platform access and trade simulation capabilities
Cons
- Premium platform tools come with an extra charge
- Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
- Withdrawal fee on some funding methods
#4 - AvaTrade
Leading forex and CFD broker since 2006, regulated in Ireland, Australia, Canada, Japan, Abu Dhabi, and South Africa. AvaTrade offers multiple trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, Web Trader, Mobile App, Vanilla Options and Social Trading. 1250+ financial instruments, educational content and multi-language customer support active 24/7. 20% welcome bonus available in allowed countries.
"AvaTrade is an excellent broker for traders of all experience levels. Beginners benefit from high-quality education, social trading and a low minimum deposit. 1000+ tradable instruments and powerful proprietary software also make AvaTrade suitable for seasoned traders."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting
- Regulator: ASIC, CBoI, FSA, FSCA, FSB
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
- Min. Deposit: $100
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
Stock Exchanges
AvaTrade offers trading on 15 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange
- Borsa Italiana
- Deutsche Boerse
- Euronext
- Hang Seng
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- London Stock Exchange
- Nasdaq
- Russell 2000
- SIX Swiss Exchange
- Shanghai Stock Exchange
- Shenzhen Stock Exchange
- Taiwan Stock Exchange
- Toronto Stock Exchange
CFD Trading
AvaTrade offers leveraged CFD trading on a range of asset classes spanning stocks, indices, commodities, bonds, crypto, and ETFs. Traders can speculate on rising and falling prices with low fees and stable platforms in a highly regulated trading environment.
Forex Trading
AvaTrade offers 50+ currency pairs and their spreads are some of the best among any broker. You can trade majors, minors and exotics around the clock with zero commissions.
Stocks Trading
AvaTrade is a top-rated broker with access to leading exchanges including NYSE & FTSE. Take positions on leading tech firms like Tesla, Apple and Microsoft with no restrictions and reliable support.
Crypto Trading
Regulated in five continents, AvaTrade offers a secure way to access crypto markets. They offer a great range of digital currencies, very tight spreads, and 1:2 leverage. [Not available in Canada]
Pros
- Expert Advisors (EAs) supported
- AvaSocial app for copy trading
- Excellent customer support
Cons
- Some withdrawal methods are slow
- Inactivity fee after three months
#5 - OANDA US
OANDA is a popular brand offering exceptional execution, low deposit requirements and advanced charting and trading platform features. The top-rated brand has over 25 years of experience and is regulated by trusted agencies, including the NFA/CFTC. Around the clock support is available, alongside flexible contract sizes and automated trade executions.
"We recommend OANDA for US traders seeking a user-friendly platform with premium market research and a straightforward joining process. OANDA is a particularly good pick if you want a heavily regulated broker with a secure trading environment."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Forex, Crypto
- Regulator: NFA, CFTC
- Platforms: MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist
- Min. Deposit: $0
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:50
Stock Exchanges
OANDA US offers trading on 0 stock exchanges:
Forex Trading
OANDA offers 68 forex pairs, more than many alternatives. The broker's in-house platform also offers impressive execution speeds and a suite of advanced charting and analysis tools.
Crypto Trading
Speculate on the world's biggest cryptos by market cap. Commissions are lower than many peers starting at 0.25%. Clients can spot trade cryptocurrencies on Paxos's itBit exchange through the OANDA platform via OANDA’s partnership with Paxos. Users can trade digital currencies in a few taps through the iOS and Android mobile app.
Pros
- Wide selection of instruments including 68 forex pairs
- Feature-rich app with 50 indicators, 11 drawing tools and 9 charting styles
- Reliable, trustworthy and secure brand with authorization from tier-one regulators
Cons
- Customer support not available on the weekend
#6 - Deriv.com
Deriv.com is a multi-asset broker with over 2.5 million global clients. The firm offers CFDs and multipliers, alongside proprietary synthetic products which can't be found elsewhere. Deriv provides both its own in-house trading software and the hugely popular MetaTrader 5.
"Deriv.com will suit traders looking for CFDs and multipliers with high leverage up to 1:1000. The broker is also the industry leader in synthetic indices, which simulate real market movements and are available around the clock."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: CFDs, Multipliers, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
- Regulator: MFSA, LFSA, VFSC, BFSC
- Platforms: MT5
- Min. Deposit: $5
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:1000
Stock Exchanges
Deriv.com offers trading on 5 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange
- Dow Jones
- Japan Exchange Group
- Nasdaq
- New York Stock Exchange
CFD Trading
Trade CFDs on popular markets, including the broker's exclusive synthetic indices which are available 24/7. New users can open an account and start trading CFDs instantly.
Forex Trading
Clients can go long or short on a string of major, minor and exotic currency pairs. Spreads are competitive vs alternatives starting at 0.5 pips. Forex CFDs are available via MT5 and multipliers on the broker's beginner-friendly DTrader.
Stocks Trading
Speculate on big stocks like IBM, Netflix and BMW, along with equity indices like the S&P 500. Deriv also offers extended hours trading up to 18 hours a day on shares with support 7 days a week.
Crypto Trading
Deriv.com offers a modest selection of 25+ crypto pairs with tight spreads and zero commissions. 1:2 leverage is also available so you can magnify potential returns.
Pros
- Multi-regulated online brokerage
- Live 24/7, including the weekends
- Choice of investing platforms
Cons
- Limited social and copy trading functionality
- No sign-up bonuses and on-going promotions
#7 - Pepperstone
Pepperstone is a leading online broker with over 400,000 clients in more than 175 countries. The top-rated firm offers excellent market access, industry-leading platforms in MT4, MT5, TradingView and cTrader, plus low fees with no hidden charges. Pepperstone is also heavily regulated with a high trust score, holding licenses with reputable bodies, including the FCA, ASIC, DFSA, and CySEC.
"Pepperstone is a best-in-class broker. Experienced traders benefit from razor sharp spreads with sophisticated automation tools and over 1000 instruments. Newer traders get user-friendly platforms, rich education materials and 24/7 support."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting
- Regulator: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade
- Min. Deposit: $0
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
Stock Exchanges
Pepperstone offers trading on 20 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange
- CAC 40 Index France
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Deutsche Boerse
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- FTSE UK Index
- Hang Seng
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- Japan Exchange Group
- Korean Stock Exchange
- London Stock Exchange
- Nasdaq
- New York Stock Exchange
- S&P 500
- SIX Swiss Exchange
- Shanghai Stock Exchange
- Shenzhen Stock Exchange
- Taiwan Stock Exchange
- Toronto Stock Exchange
CFD Trading
Pepperstone is a fast and reliable CFD broker with 1200+ assets covering forex, commodities, shares, indices, and ETFs. You can also trade currency indices, which aren't available at many alternatives. CFDs can be traded on four leading platforms with a choice of accounts and base currencies. Expert Advisors (EAs) are also supported for automated trading strategies.
Forex Trading
Pepperstone offers ultra-low spreads from 0.0 pips on the Razor account and has an excellent selection of 60+ pairs. The broker boasts an impressive 99.94% fill rate with no requotes or dealing desk intervention. Forex lots start at 0.01.
Stocks Trading
Pepperstone offers hundreds of shares covering US, UK, Australian and German stock markets. Traders can go long or short on big names like Tesla with deep liquidity and competitive commissions.
Crypto Trading
Take positions on cryptos like Bitcoin with up to 1:10 leverage. Pepperstone also offers popular altcoins, as well as crypto indices, which offer a holistic view on the digital currency market.
Pros
- Competitive Razor account with tight spreads averaging 0.12 pips for EUR/USD
- Multiple leading platforms including MT4, cTrader and TradingView
- Excellent suite of automated trading tools including Capitalise.ai, Smart Trader and API trading
Cons
- Limited payment methods for UK clients
- Cryptos only available for professional clients in some jurisdictions
- Traders from the US not accepted
#8 - IC Markets
IC Markets is a respected multi-asset broker offering premium trading technology, highly competitive pricing and 24/7 customer support. The broker provides various social trading features for beginners whilst experienced traders can enjoy advanced charting and analysis tools. Over 180,000 clients from more than 200 countries have signed up with the heavily regulated and trustworthy brand.
"IC Markets offers a top-class environment for traders of all experience levels and strategies. Industry-leading platforms, superior pricing and flexible accounts will meet the needs of both beginners and active day traders."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
- Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, FSA
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, DupliTrade
- Min. Deposit: $200
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
Stock Exchanges
IC Markets offers trading on 0 stock exchanges:
CFD Trading
Trade CFDs 24/5 on popular markets including forex, commodities, indices, stocks and bonds. IC Markets offers deep liquidity, raw spreads and high leverage.
Forex Trading
Trade currencies with 0.0 pip spreads at one of the world's leading forex brokers. IC Markets is a great choice for serious traders with superior execution and low fees.
Crypto Trading
IC Markets offer a diverse range of cryptos, with super small spreads. They also offer many cryptocurrencies not available elsewhere, without the need of a virtual wallet.
Pros
- Premium educational resources and trading tools including podcasts, forex calculators and tick charts
- Beginner-friendly social trading features including IC Social, Myfxbook and Zulutrade
- Fast order execution speed of under 40ms
Cons
- Traders from the US not accepted
- No bonus deals for new traders
- Two-factor authentication not available for extra account security
#9 - XM
XM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker with 10+ million clients in 190+ countries. Since 2009, this trusted FSC-regulated broker has been well-known for its low spreads and competitive fees on 1000+ instruments. XM offers both the MT4 and MT5 platforms.
"XM will suit traders looking for a trustworthy broker with low fees, access to the reliable MetaTrader platforms, plus excellent market research and education."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Forex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto
- Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC
- Platforms: MT4, MT5
- Min. Deposit: $5
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:1000
Stock Exchanges
XM offers trading on 13 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange
- Borsa Italiana
- CAC 40 Index France
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- FTSE UK Index
- Hang Seng
- IBEX 35
- Japan Exchange Group
- Nasdaq
- S&P 500
- SIX Swiss Exchange
CFD Trading
Speculate on rising and falling prices with leveraged CFDs spanning popular financial markets. Users get low spreads and high-quality market insights to support CFD trading.
Forex Trading
XM offers ultra low spreads across a range of forex markets with no re-quotes or hidden charges. Forex can be traded 24/5 on desktop, web and mobile. Over 50 currency pairs are available including all majors.
Stocks Trading
Trade hundreds of shares in major markets, including the US, UK, Europe and Asia. Traders can go long or short on stocks with commissions as low as $1 per transaction.
Crypto Trading
XM offers crypto trading through CFDs. This means you can speculate on rising and falling prices with leverage. XM offers a good range of cryptocurrencies, including major tokens like Bitcoin.
Pros
- Powerful MT4 and MT5 platforms available via web, desktop or mobile
- Beginner-friendly education tools including podcasts and expert-led webinars in 16 languages
- Accessible trading accounts with a $5 minimum deposit and easy account opening
Cons
- $5 inactivity fee
- Traders from the US not accepted
#10 - Eightcap
Eightcap is a forex and CFD broker founded in Australia in 2009. The brand is popular for its raw spreads on 1000+ instruments and advanced MetaTrader platforms. With five global offices and ASIC regulation, Eightcap has built a strong reputation. New traders can also sign up for a live account in just a few minutes.
"Eightcap is good for traders familiar with MT4 and MT5 looking to trade forex and CFDs in a secure environment. The brand is also a great pick for crypto traders with 100+ derivatives, a sophisticated market scanner, plus Bitcoin and Tether deposits."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
- Regulator: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, SCB
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingView
- Min. Deposit: $100
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:30 (EU), 1:500 (Global)
Stock Exchanges
Eightcap offers trading on 12 stock exchanges:
- Australian Securities Exchange
- CAC 40 Index France
- DAX GER 40 Index
- Dow Jones
- Euronext
- FTSE UK Index
- Hang Seng
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- Japan Exchange Group
- London Stock Exchange
- Nasdaq
- New York Stock Exchange
CFD Trading
Trade over 800 CFDs on popular indices, shares, forex, cryptos and commodities. Clients get premium liquidity and superior execution with servers in leading data centres. Eightcap also offers more choice than most competitors in terms of platforms with MT4, MT5 and TradingView.
Forex Trading
Trade 50+ major, minor and exotic pairs with an award winning platform. Users get institutional-level prices with spreads from 0.0 pips and no commissions. The VPS will also serve high-volume, active day traders.
Stocks Trading
Trade 500+ US, Australian, and European shares on MT5 or TradingView. Bet on rising and falling share prices while using leverage to bolster potential profits. On the downside, fractional shares aren't offered.
Crypto Trading
Eightcap offers over 100 crypto-backed derivatives, more than many rivals. Bitcoin spreads are also lower than most brokers coming in at 12, while the market scanner is a unique and powerful trading aid.
Pros
- Strong trading education and analysis including forex guides and online webinars
- Raw spreads from 0.0 pips and a competitive $3.5 per lot commission
- Cryptocrusher market scanner with sentiment indicators, news and trading signals
Cons
- Cryptocrusher platform not available for Australian clients
- Only four commodities available
- Demo account can only be extended upon request
How To Trade On The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange
Day trading is legal in the UAE, and foreign investors including non-residents are welcome to invest in the ADX and other Emirati exchanges, though there are several things you need to know to start investing:
- Investors typically buy and sell securities through ADX brokers.
- All investors are required to obtain an investor number before investing on the ADX.
- Investor numbers are available for Emirates ID card holders through the Sahmi digital platform.
- You can also obtain an investor number from accredited Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange brokers or from customer service offices at ADX branches.
- Individual investors who do not have an Emirates ID card will need a passport, ID card, and the IBAN of a personal bank account to obtain an investor number.
- Corporations must present a valid trade licence contract, company incorporation contract and other documentation for their investor numbers.
How To Compare Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange Brokers
Once you have obtained an investor number, you can begin investing through brokers that support trading on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. There are many factors to consider before choosing between investment platforms:
Fees
Costs will be a significant influence when choosing between ADX brokers. Fees can vary massively between brokers so you’ll want to spend some time comparing these before committing to a live account. Emirates NBD Securities, for example, charges a 0.125% broker commission for all trades placed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. EFG Hermes, on the other hand. charges 0.275% +AED 10 per order.
It is also important to factor in the cost to obtain your investor number to trade the ADX. This varies between Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange brokers or affiliates, however our experts found this is AED 25 via ADIB Securities as an example.
Rewards
Bonuses and financial incentives may also be an important factor when investing through ADX brokers. Though promotions are typically limited, tiered programs and rewards are sometimes offered by Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange brokers.
Emirates NBD Securities, for instance, operates a THARAA membership program with reward points available to be redeemed again future transactions made with the online broker.
Account Opening
The best Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange brokers will offer a fast and efficient new profile registration process. You should look out for online application forms when opening a new account as some brokers based in the UAE still do not provide this. Automated services, particularly when it comes to identity verification, should rank highly.
Platforms & Investment Analysis
Trading terminals bridge the gap for retail investors to trade on a stock exchange. The top Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange brokers will provide a range of platforms that day traders can use to invest their funds. This may include industry-established platforms such as MetaTrader 4 or 5, or bespoke software developed by the broker.
EFG Hermes, for example, provides traders with access to their ‘Pro’ and ‘One’ state-of-the-art platforms integrating real-time data, a wide array of asset classes and analysis tools at the touch of a button.
Abu Dhabi Background
Oil wealth has propelled Abu Dhabi through a period of rapid development since the UAE gained independence from the UK in 1971, and today this Gulf capital boasts an impressive array of features and amenities including a world-class airport, luxury hotels, and shopping malls filled with international brands’ stores.
Abu Dhabi is the regional centre for government as well as financial institutions including the First Abu Dhabi Bank – the largest Emirati bank – and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. As the UAE’s capital city, financial hub, and the home of cutting-edge sports, cultural and entertainment venues, Abu Dhabi’s profile has been rising internationally both as a holiday destination and a location to build lucrative careers.
Abu Dhabi’s path to development has been fuelled by fossil fuel wealth generated from the UAE’s vast reserves through the activities of the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, TAQA. However, a glance at local job boards, business journals and financial news sources reveal the presence of booming construction, service, communications and financial sectors.
Investing In The ADX
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange is a gateway for investors to access this dynamic, rapidly growing market via online brokers. Over two decades of sustained growth since its foundation, the ADX’s performance has reflected Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s move from an oil-based to a more diverse economy.
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange has steadily gained recognition from international financial institutions as it met regulatory standards, winning it emerging market status on leading indices including the S&P, Dow Jones and FTSE. It has also made moves to follow international norms on sustainability, publishing its first sustainability report and issuing Environmental, Social and Governance guidance to companies in 2020.
History & Constituents
Founded in 2000, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange is the leading exchange in the UAE with a market capitalization of more than $530 billion in 2022. This makes the ADX the second-largest regional stock exchange after Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul, and it is considerably larger than local competitors the Dubai Financial Market and Nasdaq Dubai.
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange lists 73 organizations in its issuers directory, representing a broad swathe of the Emirati banking, energy, construction, insurance and service sectors. This list mainly comprises local public joint-stock companies which can be traded on the ADX’s main market, but it also includes twelve private equity companies established in the UAE that trade on the parallel second market.
Major players on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange include:
- International Holding Company – conglomerate owned by UAE monarchy
- Aldar Properties – the ADX’s largest real estate developer
- TAQA – Abu Dhabi’s national energy holding company
- First Abu Dhabi Bank – the UAE’s largest bank
- Etisalat – multinational telecom provider
These corporations alone account for a large proportion of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange’s market cap, and it is well worth keeping up to date with their financial statements to give you an idea of the market direction. The top Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange brokers will provide the latest financial details and significant market shifts associated with these companies.
The International Holding Company, which is owned through the Royal Group by members of the UAE’s monarchy, is of special interest as it is both the largest company listed on the ADX and the owner of subsidiary companies, such as tech firm Multiply, which are also listed.
Key Dates
Since its inauguration in 2000, the ADX has hit a number of significant milestones:
- 2007: average daily trading volume rises by 400 percent amid an influx of foreign investment
- 2008: the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange rebrands from ADSM to ADX and inaugurates its new logo
- 2009: FTSE promotes ADX to emerging market status
- 2011: ADX gains emerging market status with S&P and Russell Investments
- 2014: S&P Dow Jones and MSCI promote ADX to emerging market status
- 2020: ADX issues first sustainability report and issues listed organizations with ESG guidance
- 2021: ADX launches derivatives market
- 2022: ADX and FTSE Russell announce index partnership
Strategy Tips
A winning strategy requires thorough research, and the best first step before making any trades on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange is to familiarize yourself with the index’s historical performance as well as the companies listed on it.
You can get a general idea about the state of the ADX by researching the FTSE ADX Index Series. The index series, developed in partnership with FTSE Russell, provides daily index calculations on all listed companies on the ADX General Index. It also provides ten sector-specific indices based on the Industry Classification Benchmark, as well as the FTSE ADX 15, an index based on the top 15 companies listed on the ADX. It is a good idea for investors to supplement their research of these indices by studying financial statements and annual and quarterly reports from any specific companies which catch their eye. The best Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange brokers will provide this information in a coherent and simplified manner, ideal for beginners to digest the relevant information.
One thing to bear in mind while trading with ADX brokers is that with just 73 listed companies, this is a relatively small index that is dominated by a handful of big players. As a result, the index will be disproportionately affected by the performance of the largest companies. For example, the International Holding Company and First Abu Dhabi Bank, the two largest companies on the index, account for more than a quarter of the index’s value based on market capitalization in 2022. Studying the specific indices by sector will give you a clearer picture of performance indicators if you want to trade in smaller companies.
You should also note that, as the primary stock exchange for a Gulf state which has historically depended on oil wealth, the ADX’s market dynamics have largely been shaped by developments related to fossil fuels.
This is not to say that the ADX’s price has simply followed oil prices. In fact, the impressive performance of the ADX since its foundation in 2000 has depended more on the influx of large amounts of Foreign Direct Investment, which has flowed steadily into the UAE since 2010 as the result of an intense programme of reforms aimed at diversifying the economy away from hydrocarbons.
Nevertheless, large oil and gas reserves continue to underpin the UAE’s economy, and this might explain the ADX’s buoyant performance since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While major international stock exchanges have faltered since the invasion, the ADX reached an all-time high above 10,000 in March 2022, after plunging to an eight-year low of around 3,600 at the height of COVID-19 induced panic in March 2020. Higher oil prices are likely to bring more revenues to the UAE, and this may well be reflected in significant upticks in investment in various sectors such as construction.
So, keeping a close eye on developments that may affect hydrocarbon prices and FDI in the UAE will form an essential part of the strategy both for long-term investors and for traders looking to profit from shorter-term price movements.
Trading Hours
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange is open Monday through Friday, with the day divided into four stages during which buy and sell orders can be entered:
- Pre-trading session – 09:30–09:59 GST
- Continuous trading session – 10:00–14:44 GST
- Pre-closing session – 14:45–14:54 GST
- Trade at last session – 14:55–15:00 GST
The ADX’s opening hours are in Gulf Standard Time (UCT + 4), and it is worth keeping in mind that the exchange is only open on weekdays. Note, not all accredited Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange broker’s will provide out-of-hours trading so check this before you sign up.
Market Holidays
As an Islamic country, many of the United Arab Emirates’ national holidays are based on the Islamic calendar and will change from year to year in relation to the commonly used Gregorian calendar. Make a note of the dates of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha if you plan to trade on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange this year, as markets will be closed throughout these holidays. These dates should be reflected in your Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange brokers’ trading calendar.
Other holidays which affect the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange include:
- January 1 (New Year’s Day)
- December 1 (Commemoration Day)
- December 2–3 (National Day)
Final Word On ADX Brokers
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange is home to some of the largest companies in the Middle East. And while the country and economy have historically been dependent on oil, foreign investment, among other factors, now play a key role. Use our guide above to start trading on the ADX and use our list of the best Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange brokers.
FAQ
ARE Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange Brokers Regulated?
The ADX is regulated by the Securities and Commodities Authority, a federal authority established by the UAE government in 2000 to oversee markets. The SCA reports directly to the UAE’s economy minister. The best ADX brokers are also regulated locally.
Where Is The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange Located?
The main headquarters of the ADX is found in the Landmark Tower on Al Hisn Street in the Abu Dhabi city centre. Branches of the ADX can also be found in Al Ain and Sharjah. Note, ADX brokers may be based locally or offshore.
Who Owns The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange?
The ADX is wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC, a state-owned development holding company which Abu Dhabi’s government established in 2018.
Who Manages The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange?
The ADX’s Managing Director and CEO is Saeed Hamad al-Dhaheri, who joined from TAQA where he was a Deputy CEO. The CFO, David Nevin, joined from the Intercontinental Exchange, where he served most recently as Group Finance Director of EMEA. The ADX’s board of directors is headed by chairman H.E. Hisham Khalid Malak, who also serves as undersecretary in Abu Dhabi’s Department of Finance.
What Is The Best Way To Contact The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange?
The easiest way to reach the ADX is through its website, which includes a section listing its contact number and a live chat option. It also allows users to write messages directly to the ADX’s customer service officers through the website, though it does not list an email address. You can also follow the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange through its Twitter account or contact Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange brokers for any other questions.