Nasdaq Dubai recorded its strongest year on record for Sukuk listings in 2025, driven by sustained regional and international issuance and robust global demand for Sharia-compliant debt instruments.
By year-end, the total value of outstanding debt securities listed across Dubai Financial Market and Nasdaq Dubai reached US$150.9 billion, with Nasdaq Dubai accounting for US$146.1 billion of that total. The exchange’s Sukuk market alone surpassed US$100 billion in outstanding listings, reflecting an eightfold increase since 2013.
Nasdaq Dubai hosted US$30.6 billion in new debt listings during 2025 across 60 issuances, marking record annual activity. New entrants included Ajman Bank, OMNIYAT, Mashreq, China Development Bank and the New Development Bank, alongside repeat issuances from established programmes.
Sovereign and government-related issuers remained a major driver of growth, with listings from Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates Federal Government, and the governments of Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah. Corporate and financial institutions also issued a wide range of instruments, including conventional bonds, Sukuk, Additional Tier 1 capital securities and sustainability-linked structures.
The exchange strengthened its leadership in sustainable finance, with ESG-linked debt instruments reaching US$30.08 billion across 41 issuances. Green bonds represented US$18.38 billion, followed by sustainability bonds at US$9.05 billion, sustainability-linked bonds at US$2.55 billion and a US$100 million blue bond.
Nasdaq Dubai’s growth aligns with the UAE’s National Strategy for Islamic Finance and Halal Industry, which targets substantial expansion in Islamic banking assets and Sukuk listings by 2031.
Entering 2026, the exchange expects continued momentum across Sukuk, ESG and multi-currency debt, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global hub for fixed income and Islamic finance.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
