In a significant development for the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and its subsidiary, Nasdaq Dubai, the first half of 2026 witnessed an impressive surge in fixed income listings. The total value of new listings reached USD 13.8 billion, underscoring the resilience and growing appeal of Dubai's debt capital markets.

Nasdaq Dubai's role as a key platform for both regional and international issuers was reinforced, with UAE-based issuers accounting for 57% of the listings, while international issuers comprised 43%. As of the close of H1 2026, the total value of outstanding debt securities listed on Nasdaq Dubai hit USD 141 billion, with USD 98.6 billion in Sukuk and USD 42.4 billion in bonds.

The first half of 2026 saw robust issuance volumes, with 33 fixed income listings comprising 17 bond listings worth USD 7.83 billion and 16 Sukuk listings totaling USD 5.97 billion. This diversity in offerings highlights the depth of Nasdaq Dubai's fixed income market.

Additionally, the establishment of significant programmes such as Mashreq's USD 5 billion Euro Medium Term Note (EMTN) Programme and Al Masraf's USD 5 billion Medium Term Note (MTN) Programme is expected to support future debt capital market activity.

Issuer diversity was a standout feature, with 15 distinct issuers tapping the market. This included prominent debut listings and the return of The Arab Energy Fund to the exchange. The market saw a sophisticated mix of capital raising across sovereign, supranational, financial, and corporate sectors.

Financial institutions, including Emirates NBD, Mashreq, and Dubai Islamic Bank, optimized their capital through various structures such as conventional bonds, sustainable green and blue bonds, Additional Tier 1 (AT1) instruments, and pioneering digital assets.

Given these developments, investors may find opportunities in the diverse offerings on Nasdaq Dubai. The market's resilience and the strategic initiatives by issuers suggest a stable outlook. However, potential investors should consider market conditions and individual risk tolerance before making investment decisions.

In conclusion, while the current momentum is promising, a cautious approach is advisable. Therefore, the recommendation is to hold existing positions and monitor market developments closely for future opportunities.