baraka Expands Investment Reach with Direct Access to DFM and ADX Stocks

Quick Summary

baraka has launched direct UAE stock market access, enabling users to invest in companies listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). This expansion allows investors from over 100 nationalities to fund local investments in AED through a single, regulated platform.

How does baraka facilitate UAE stock market access for retail investors?

Direct market access is now a reality for retail investors looking to diversify into the Gulf's most prominent exchanges. By integrating DFM and ADX into its existing app, baraka has removed the traditional barriers to entry for local equity investments. Users can now manage nearly 10,000 global and local assets through a single account, funding their UAE trades directly in AED. This move is particularly significant for the regional investor base, as two-thirds of baraka's funded customers are first-time investors. Key metrics of this rollout include:

• 100+ nationalities now eligible to invest in UAE markets.
• 25x increase in UAE stock investors during the initial pilot phase.
• 87% purchase orders, indicating a strong trend toward long-term holding.

"The opportunity set in the UAE has expanded dramatically, with the businesses shaping the country’s growth now accessible through its public markets. For Emiratis and residents, this is an opportunity to own a stake in the economy and build their future through equity investments. Bringing DFM and ADX stocks to baraka means our customers can build portfolios that reflect both global opportunities and the economic champions of the place they call home." said Feras Jalbout, Founder and CEO of baraka.

Which UAE securities are driving the most investor interest?

Blue-chip UAE stocks are the primary draw for users seeking UAE stock market access through the platform. Data from baraka indicates that real estate, energy, and banking sectors are leading the charge, with companies like Emaar Properties, ADNOC Gas, and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank topping the list of most-traded assets. This surge in retail interest aligns with the massive growth seen in the broader UAE capital markets. For instance, the DFM ended June 2026 with a market capitalization of AED 981.6 billion, while the ADX reached a staggering AED 2.8 trillion valuation. To support this influx of retail capital, baraka utilizes institutional-grade infrastructure, with UAE securities held under the custodianship of Emirates NBD and market access facilitated by Arqaam Capital.

What role does Sharia-compliant finance play in the new rollout?

Ethical investment choices remain a cornerstone of baraka's value proposition as it expands UAE stock market access. Following approval from the DFSA for its Islamic Window, baraka now offers a comprehensive Sharia Screener that covers both US and UAE markets. This feature has seen significant traction, with 58% of funded customers utilizing the tool to ensure their portfolios align with Islamic principles. This focus on Sharia-compliant assets is designed to meet the specific cultural and financial needs of the GCC region. As Khalifa Rabba, COO of DFM, noted: "Expanding access to DFM-listed securities through regulated digital investment platforms supports our ongoing efforts to broaden market participation and enhance investor accessibility."

FF NEWS TAKE:

baraka is successfully bridging the gap between retail investors and institutional-grade local markets. By democratizing UAE stock market access, they aren't just adding features; they are fueling the UAE's capital market strategy. This move solidifies baraka as the go-to super-app for GCC wealth management, moving the needle significantly for regional financial inclusion and market liquidity. It is a bold step that transforms how residents interact with the local economy.