ADX (Abu Dhabi): Listing Requirements and IPO Guide

Headquarters

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Region

Middle East & Africa

Market Focus

Energy & State-Linked Listings

Overview

Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange opened in 2000 and has grown quickly in recent years, helped by IPOs of companies spun out of ADNOC and other Abu Dhabi groups.

It runs a Main Market and a Growth Market for younger companies.

Known For

Energy and petrochemical subsidiaries of ADNOC
Banking, real estate and diversified holding companies
A Growth Market for smaller companies
Rising international investor interest in UAE listings

Listing Considerations

The UAE Securities and Commodities Authority regulates the market
Free float and foreign ownership limits can apply
Dual listings with other exchanges are possible
Sovereign and state-linked investors are significant shareholders in many listed companies

Key Facts

Founded

2000

Operator

Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (part of ADQ)

Regulator

UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA)

Main Index

FTSE ADX General Index

Currency

UAE dirham (AED)

Trading Hours

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. UAE time, Monday–Friday

Market Segments

Main Market, Growth Market

Official website →

Listing Requirements

Main Market: audited financial statements, a minimum free float and a minimum number of shareholders under SCA rules
Growth Market: lighter financial requirements for younger companies
Prospectus approved by the SCA
Dual listings and direct listings are possible

Summary of ADX listing structure, checked November 2026. Detailed thresholds are set in SCA and ADX listing rules.

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ADX (Abu Dhabi)