Dubai Nasdaq Registers 18 Listings of Fixed Income Instruments Worth $8 Billion in Q1 2026

Nasdaq Dubai has reported a total of 18 listings of fixed-income securities in the first quarter of 2026, amounting to over $8 billion. This increase brings the overall value of listings to approximately $149 billion, reflecting a sustained momentum in issuance activity and robust investor demand, further solidifying the exchange’s status as a leading platform connecting global capital markets.
The first quarter witnessed heightened activity driven by transactions completed in the first two months of the year, alongside ongoing support from existing financing programs, which contributed to a strong trend in debt instrument listings.
Data for the first quarter indicates a deepening market, with total listings valued at $149 billion. This includes $105 billion in sukuk and $44 billion in bonds, reinforcing Nasdaq Dubai’s position as one of the premier centers for sukuk listings worldwide.
The activity was characterized by a diverse range of issuers, with UAE entities accounting for 67% of the total listings compared to 33% from international sources. The issuances represented federal governmental entities and multilateral institutions such as the New Development Bank, along with financial institutions and corporations in sectors like aviation and real estate.
In the financial sector, notable issuances were seen from institutions like Emirates NBD, which included sustainable financing instruments such as green, blue, and digital bonds, alongside issuances from Mashreq Bank within the additional tier one (AT1) capital instruments, and continued activity from the Arab Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade.
International multilateral entities were also part of the issuances, with the New Development Bank executing its first issuance of $2 billion through Nasdaq Dubai, and listings for the Arab Energy Fund to support its financing programs in the energy sector.
In the corporate sector, the listings included companies like Dubai Aerospace Enterprise and United Terra Enterprises, in addition to property developers such as Binghatti and Omniyat, highlighting the sectoral diversity in accessing funding markets.
The UAE government continued executing issuances under the sukuk and treasury bond programs, bolstering the development of the yield curve for the UAE dirham and enhancing liquidity in the local market.
Amid innovation, sustainable finance emerged as a key focus area for the first quarter, with ongoing issuance of green and blue bonds, as well as the listing of Emirates NBD’s first original digital bond, reflecting the market’s advancing infrastructure and efficiency.
Abdul Wahed Al Fahim, Chairman of Nasdaq Dubai, stated, “Capital markets in Dubai continue to demonstrate advanced levels of strength, stability, and maturity, supported by a robust ecosystem and increasing international participation. Following the record achievements of the exchange in 2025, Nasdaq Dubai maintains its strong position to support a wide range of issuers while providing secure and efficient access to regional and global capital sources.”
Hamed Ali, CEO of Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Financial Market, remarked, “The first quarter of 2026 saw ongoing participation from a diverse range of issuers, underscoring the depth and reliability of Dubai’s debt markets. The variety of issuances by sovereign, multilateral, and corporate entities illustrates our capability to meet evolving financing needs and strengthen connections between regional opportunities and international investor demand.”
Future Outlook
Nasdaq Dubai reaffirms its commitment to strengthening its position as a global center for fixed-income instruments, based on its outstanding performance and resilience during the first quarter. The market remains fully open to financing needs, with the necessary structural depth to connect issuers with global liquidity. Moving forward, Nasdaq Dubai is dedicated to expanding its leadership role and enhancing its status as a premier global center for innovative and sustainable finance.