- UAE’s stock market value exceeds $1 trillion, outpacing Milan and Madrid.
- Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed’s companies, like IHC, drive a significant portion of growth.
- A series of new listings, including potential offerings from Etihad Airways, bolster the market.
The UAE stock market has hit a major milestone, surpassing a $1 trillion valuation for the first time. This surge is largely attributed to the substantial influence of Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan’s business interests.
As one of the country’s most powerful figures, his companies—particularly International Holding Co. (IHC)—represent a quarter of the market’s total value. IHC has posted a stunning 43,000% increase in value, positioning it as the UAE’s largest public company and a key player in the diversification of the economy away from oil.
UAE Hits $1 Trillion Market Cap, Boosted by Sheikh Tahnoon’s Influence and Economic Diversification
At the heart of this surge is International Holding Co. (IHC), a company chaired by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan, who holds a dominant position in the UAE’s business landscape
IHC’s phenomenal growth of 43,000% in recent years has helped propel it to a market cap of $250 billion, contributing to a significant share of the total market value. Sheikh Tahnoon’s investments span various sectors, including technology and real estate, aiding in the country’s economic diversification.
The UAE stock market’s strength is further reinforced by new listings, as both the Abu Dhabi and Dubai exchanges witness increased activity. These new IPOs include companies like Aldar Properties and potentially Etihad Airways.
The government’s efforts to raise capital and diversify its economy have led to a flurry of deals, with more IPOs expected in the coming years. This wave of listings positions the UAE as a major player in the global financial market.
Despite being part of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, the UAE market’s rise is still largely driven by domestic players. Sheikh Tahnoon’s companies—IHC and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)—dominate the Abu Dhabi exchange, with the two companies alone making up more than half of the index’s value.
This concentration of power in a few large firms highlights the UAE’s unique business landscape, where royal interests have a significant influence on the market.
The UAE stock market’s milestone of surpassing $1 trillion reflects a strategic shift toward diversification and innovation, with Sheikh Tahnoon’s business empire leading the way. As new listings continue to emerge, the country is poised to further solidify its status as a key financial hub in the region.
“The surge in UAE stocks is a direct reflection of Sheikh Tahnoon’s strategic vision for diversification, blending powerful royal investments with new growth in multiple sectors.”
