DFM and Nasdaq Dubai: Listing Requirements and IPO Guide

Headquarters

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Region

Middle East & Africa

Market Focus

Regional & International

Overview

Dubai Financial Market opened in 2000 and lists companies under the oversight of the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority. It holds a controlling stake in Nasdaq Dubai, an international exchange based in the Dubai International Financial Centre and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority.

Together they cover local equity listings, international listings, sukuk and other debt securities.

Known For

Real estate, banking, utilities and infrastructure companies
Recent IPOs of government-linked companies
Nasdaq Dubai as a major venue for sukuk and bond listings
A hub for companies from the Middle East, Africa and South Asia

Listing Considerations

DFM is regulated onshore by the SCA, while Nasdaq Dubai sits in the DIFC under the DFSA's common law framework
Foreign ownership limits apply to some onshore companies
A time zone that overlaps with both European and Asian trading hours
A growing investor base from regional wealth managers and family offices

Key Facts

Founded

2000 (Nasdaq Dubai 2005)

Operator

Dubai Financial Market PJSC

Regulator

SCA for DFM; Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) for Nasdaq Dubai

Main Index

DFM General Index

Currency

UAE dirham (AED); Nasdaq Dubai mainly US dollars

Trading Hours

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

Market Segments

DFM Main Market, DFM Growth Market, Nasdaq Dubai

Official website →

Listing Requirements

DFM: audited financial statements, a minimum free float and a minimum number of shareholders under SCA rules
Nasdaq Dubai: listings follow DFSA rules, including an approved prospectus and minimum free float
Growth Market for smaller and younger companies
Dual listings with other exchanges are possible

Summary of DFM and Nasdaq Dubai listing structure, checked November 2026. Detailed thresholds are set in SCA, DFSA and exchange rules.

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DFM and Nasdaq Dubai