Retail Investors Get Worldwide UAE Access with eToro as 56% Expect Market Rally

Wednesday, 10/12/2025 | 11:41 GMT by Tareq Sikder

The portfolio includes 20 UAE companies across banking, real estate, energy, utilities, telecoms, and logistics.

It offers an average dividend yield of 3.75%, with some stocks yielding up to 7%.

eToro (shutterstock) — eToro, Source: Shutterstock

Trading and investing platform eToro has launched a new UAE-Economy Smart Portfolio, providing retail investors worldwide access to companies listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Dubai Financial Market.

Global Investors Adjust Portfolios Amid Uncertainty

Separately, eToro’s latest Retail Investor Beat surveyed 11,000 investors across 13 countries to assess global retail sentiment worldwide. A majority, 56 percent, expect the current bull market to continue into the next year.

Confidence in portfolios remains high at 78 percent, while 51 percent believe they are on track to meet their investment goals. Investors cite political uncertainty, geopolitical instability, and slowing economic growth, affecting 43 percent, 40 percent, and 34 percent, respectively. Anticipated interest rate changes have led 51 percent to adjust portfolios, with growth stocks and crypto among preferred allocations.

UAE Companies Open to Global Investors

George Naddaf, Managing Director of eToro MENA, said the UAE is “one of the fastest-expanding economies in the world, supported by strong GDP growth, government reform, and growing non-oil sectors.” He added that local companies, particularly in banking, telecoms, and energy, are known for “attractive dividend yields.”

The portfolio includes 20 leading UAE-listed companies across banking, real estate, energy, utilities, telecommunications, and logistics. Naddaf noted that the exchanges are “quickly becoming leading capital markets in the Middle East with increased foreign participation and growing liquidity ,” and the portfolio aims to broaden access for global investors.

Portfolio Features and Investment Details

Stocks are selected based on market capitalisation, liquidity, key financial ratios, and analyst consensus ratings. The portfolio delivers an average dividend yield of 3.75%, with some stocks yielding up to 7%, compared with the S&P 500’s 1.15%. Initial investment starts at USD 500, and investors can track performance using eToro’s tools and charts, while updates are available via the platform’s social feed.

Previous Additions: DFM and ADX Stocks

In August, eToro added 10 stocks from the Dubai Financial Market, covering real estate, banking, utilities, logistics, and transport. Notable names include Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, Emaar Properties, and Dubai Islamic Bank, with a combined market capitalization exceeding USD 124 billion.

Earlier, in February, eToro added over 30 stocks from the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, across energy, real estate, banking, technology, and healthcare. ADX’s total market capitalization exceeds USD 700 billion. Naddaf said the move helps global users diversify portfolios while giving local investors access to familiar companies.