Official launch of electronic link between Amman Stock Exchange and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange

Jordan and the United Arab Emirates officially activated an electronic trading link between the Amman Stock Exchange and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange via the Tabadul platform at a launch ceremony held at the InterContinental Hotel in Amman. The event culminated with an opening bell and the execution of the first cross-market transaction, underscoring the operational start of cross-market trading that will allow investors in both countries to trade across the two exchanges through brokerage firms.

"Activating the electronic link between the two markets represents an important strategic step toward strengthening integration among Arab financial markets," said Emad Abu Haltem, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Jordan Securities Commission. "In implementation of the directions of the two brotherly governments and as a reflection of the deep-rooted strategic and economic ties between the two countries, the project with Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange will contribute to enhancing liquidity, improving market efficiency, and providing broader investment opportunities for investors in both countries."

Context and participants

• The launch was attended by Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange; Abdullah Salem Al Nuaimi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange; Emad Abu Haltem, Chairman of the Jordan Securities Commission; Mazen Al Wathaifi, Chief Executive Officer of the Amman Stock Exchange; and Sara Al Tarawneh, Chief Executive Officer of the Securities Depository Centre.
• Also present were Jordanian bank executives, representatives of brokerage firms, capital market institutions, and members of the media.

Abdullah Salem Al Nuaimi, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, described Tabadul as "an advanced model of integration among financial markets and facilitates access for investors and brokerage firms to member markets within a secure and sophisticated trading environment, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of the region's financial markets." Tabadul was launched by ADX in 2022 to provide interconnectivity among member exchanges and simplify mutual access for brokerage firms under an integrated regulatory and operational framework.

The platform already counts several regional and Asian exchanges among its members, and the inclusion of the Amman Stock Exchange expands its network. Members noted that the link will broaden the investor base, increase access to financial markets, and support cross-market trading flows. "Activating the electronic link with Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange comes within the strategic partnership between the two brotherly countries and their joint cooperation in economic fields in a manner that serves their mutual interests," said Mazen Al Wathaifi, CEO of the Amman Stock Exchange.

Sara Al Tarawneh, CEO of the Securities Depository Centre, highlighted operational safeguards, saying "activating the agreement enables investors to trade between the two markets with ease and efficiency within a fully integrated legal and regulatory framework, while ensuring settlement, clearing, and pre- and post-trade services are carried out with the highest levels of accuracy and reliability."

Outlook

Officials framed the launch as a step toward deeper regional market integration, improved liquidity and market depth, and greater access for Arab and foreign investors. The electronic link follows a December 11, 2024 agreement signed in Abu Dhabi in which the Amman Stock Exchange and the Securities Depository Centre agreed to join Tabadul. Organizers say the platform will promote the exchange of expertise between markets and support the strategic objectives of both exchanges as they open further to regional and global financial markets.