Abdullah Salem Al-Nuaimi, the newly appointed head of the Arab Financial Markets Union and CEO of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, has affirmed that the Arab region possesses unique attributes such as robust sovereign budgets, clear growth foundations, and supportive political will, positioning it as a potential stable destination for long-term capital investment in an uncertain global environment. He emphasized the union’s goal to establish an institutional framework that translates these qualities into sustained confidence in the markets.
In an interview with the Emirates News Agency, Al-Nuaimi noted that his recent appointment reflects the growing trust in the advanced state of Arab capital markets as a whole, not just within the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange or the UAE. He acknowledged that the confidence placed in him by the member exchanges of the Arab Financial Markets Union is a responsibility he approaches with a clear vision and serious commitment.
Al-Nuaimi highlighted the significant progress of capital markets in the UAE, which is founded on well-thought-out principles and a clear methodology. With support from wise leadership, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange has adopted a model centered on strong institutional pillars and continuous innovation, helping solidify its status as one of the most active financial markets worldwide. Evidence of this is seen in the inclusion of market indices in MSCI and FTSE benchmarks, the advancement of post-trade systems, and the expansion of financial products and services.
As the leader of the Arab Financial Markets Union, he aims to leverage these experiences on a regional scale by focusing on a shared agenda that accelerates market development, boosts institutional confidence, and reinforces the role of Arab capital markets in shaping the global financial system.
He indicated that Arab capital markets are undergoing a transformative phase that could be described as pivotal, noting that achievements over the past five years were once viewed as long-term goals planned for a fifteen-year span a decade ago.
This transformation is evident in the shift from markets primarily dominated by individual investors and local focus towards markets increasingly characterized by institutional investors and broader integration with global markets. He pointed out that the recent wave of initial public offerings in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries demonstrates the Arab markets’ capability to attract listings of significant size and international impact, drawing noteworthy investment interest.
This shift is reflected in the quality of listed companies, the depth of subscription demand, and the evolution of regulatory frameworks. Al-Nuaimi emphasized that maintaining this momentum remains a critical priority, as enhancing market connectivity, developing more coordinated regulatory frameworks, and expanding fixed-income and derivatives markets will be crucial areas for acceleration in the near future.
While recognizing that this transformation is already underway, he stressed the importance of making it inclusive across the region rather than concentrating only on a few markets. His role is to ensure that advancements extend to various Arab markets in a balanced and sustainable manner.
He explained that the markets currently operate in an environment characterized by continuous fluctuations, global monetary policy adjustments, and rapid technological transformations that are reshaping the competitive landscape in finance. He asserted that these are not merely temporary challenges but structural factors that will continue to influence the environment in the coming years.
In terms of internal challenges within the Arab markets, Al-Nuaimi pointed out that fragmentation remains a significant hurdle, whether regarding infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, data standards, or cross-border market connectivity. He indicated that addressing these gaps is a strategic priority given the scale of Arab economies and the depth of sovereign liquidity.
In this context, the role of the Arab Financial Markets Union is crucial, as it aims to develop flexible and forward-looking regulatory visions that enable markets to compete for the next generation of financial products and attract a broader spectrum of investors.
He outlined his priorities during his presidency, focusing on three main areas: enhancing the integration of Arab markets, strengthening their competitiveness, and ensuring tangible results from the union’s initiatives.
For integration, the emphasis will be on promoting connectivity between markets, establishing mutual recognition frameworks, and standardizing listing and disclosure requirements across Arab exchanges. These components form the foundation for creating a cohesive Arab capital market capable of attracting and retaining international institutional capital.
In terms of competitiveness, efforts will focus on supporting member exchanges in developing advanced product offerings, including financial derivatives, deepening sukuk markets, and establishing frameworks for digital assets, along with instruments associated with environmental, social, and governance standards. He emphasized that markets providing a comprehensive range of investment tools for institutional investors are better positioned to attract regional and global capital flows moving forward.
Regarding institutional excellence, Al-Nuaimi noted that the union will invest in research, capability building, and knowledge infrastructure to enhance performance across member markets, emphasizing that the strength of the union is reflected in the strength of its collective members.
He reiterated that Arab capital markets possess the necessary competencies and aspirations to build a system of sustainable global impact, which he aims to achieve during his tenure at the union.