The UAE’s IPO pipeline for 2025 is expected to remain strong, with prominent companies like Etihad Airways, Dubizzle, Five Holdings, and Alpha Data preparing for public listings on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). This follows a successful 2024, where seven companies raised $6 billion (AED 22 billion), mirroring the performance of 2023.
Analysts highlight several key prospects for 2025. Abu Dhabi’s national carrier, Etihad Airways, aims to raise up to $1 billion and could become the first Gulf airline to go public. Dubizzle, the UAE’s leading online classifieds platform, is targeting an IPO valued between $500 million and $1 billion. Five Holdings, a Dubai-based luxury hotel operator, may raise up to $2 billion, while IT solutions provider Alpha Data could launch an IPO estimated at $200 million.
The UAE’s focus on technology-driven sectors is likely to bring companies specializing in artificial intelligence (AI), healthtech, and fintech into the IPO market. State-owned enterprises in energy, infrastructure, and utilities may also list as part of the government’s economic diversification efforts.
Market performance in the UAE has been impressive, with 61% of IPOs listed over the past three years delivering positive returns. The ADSMI Index has surged 83% in five years, while the DFMGI Index has gained 57% over three years. This strong performance, combined with political and economic stability, continues to attract foreign and retail investors.
Upcoming IPOs in 2025 present an excellent opportunity for investors, supported by the UAE’s thriving economy, robust capital markets, and growing interest in tech and infrastructure sectors. With several high-profile listings on the horizon, 2025 is poised to be a landmark year for the UAE’s financial markets.
