baraka launches investments on DFM and ADX for UAE investors

baraka has launched direct investing in companies listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) for eligible UAE customers, enabling local investments to be funded in AED and held in the names of baraka account holders. The DIFC‑based platform, regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority, said customers from more than 100 nationalities can now buy whole shares of UAE‑listed companies with custodianship provided by Emirates NBD and execution facilitated via a Direct Market Access facility from Arqaam Capital.

"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," said Feras Jalbout, Founder and CEO of baraka. "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."

The launch is the latest step in baraka's stated evolution into a comprehensive investment platform that already offers UAE and US securities, options trading, Shariah‑compliant choices and precious metals including physical delivery. The app now gives customers access to nearly 10,000 local and global assets through a single account. More than 70% of baraka investors are under 35, and the platform reports that, by August, the number of customers investing in UAE stocks through baraka had increased more than 25x from an initial pre‑launch pilot.

• Top UAE stocks attracting interest on baraka include Emaar Properties, ADNOC Gas, ADNOC Distribution, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and Salik.
• Since local investing opened, 87% of UAE‑stock orders placed through baraka have been purchase orders, indicating long‑term position building.
• Among customers who joined baraka in 2026, 42% selected long‑term investing as their objective, while around two‑thirds of funded customers had never invested before joining the platform.
• baraka reports the median annual amount deposited by an active investor has roughly tripled over the past four years; 58% of funded customers have used its Sharia Screener.
• Operational details: local stocks are funded in AED, dividends may be received by eligible investors, and Investor Number issuance is integrated into baraka’s onboarding flow.
• Regulatory and market context: baraka received DFSA approval for its Islamic Window in July 2026, allowing both Conventional and Shariah‑compliant assets.

The launch coincides with continued expansion in UAE capital markets. DFM ended June 2026 with a market capitalisation of AED 981.6 billion and first‑half traded value of AED 119.5 billion, while ADX reported a market capitalisation of AED 2.8 trillion and H1 trading value of AED 171 billion. DFM added 42,864 investors in H1 (71.4% international), and ADX added more than 30,000 investors (77% foreign).

"Expanding access to DFM‑listed securities through regulated digital investment platforms supports our ongoing efforts to broaden market participation and enhance investor accessibility," said Khalifa Rabba, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Financial Market. Omar Alserkal, Director – Product & Market Development at ADX, added that brokerage and investment platforms like baraka "bolster our commitment to making Abu Dhabi's capital market more accessible, connected, and responsive to the evolving needs of investors."

Outlook

baraka's integration of DFM and ADX listings aims to let users combine exposure to local economic champions with global holdings in a single account, while expanding Shariah‑compliant options and physical precious metals delivery. The firm will likely monitor order flow, deposit behaviour and the proportion of long‑term investors as indicators of deeper retail engagement with UAE public markets. Residents and citizens aged 18 and above across the GCC can access the baraka app via Apple App Store and Google Play, subject to eligibility and product availability.