What percentage of UAE retail investors expect the local stock market to rise?

According to etoro's latest UAE Retail Investor Beat, 82% of UAE retail investors expect the local stock market to rise over the next 12 months, an increase from 76% in March.

How has investor confidence in the UAE economy and listed companies changed?

Confidence in locally listed UAE companies increased from 90% to 93%, while confidence in the overall UAE economy rose from 90% to 91% among retail investors.

Which sectors are UAE retail investors most optimistic about?

Optimism towards the real estate sector has risen to 58% (from 54%), and technology remains broadly stable at 49%. Optimism for energy and financial services has declined.

What is the primary investment goal for nearly half of UAE retail investors?

Almost half (49%) of UAE retail investors now identify long-term security as one of their primary investment goals, a significant increase from 34% in March.

What percentage of UAE retail investors plan to increase investments despite global interest rates?

Despite elevated global interest rates, 71% of UAE retail investors plan to invest more over the next 12 months, with an additional 21% maintaining their current investment plans.

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Market·25 September 2026

UAE Investor Confidence in Local Stock Market Reaches New Highs Amidst Economic Optimism

A recent etoro survey reveals 82% of UAE retail investors anticipate local stock market growth in the next year, marking the highest confidence level since November 2024.

Confidence among UAE retail investors in their home market is at an all-time high, with a new etoro survey indicating strong bullish sentiment despite geopolitical uncertainties. The latest UAE Retail Investor Beat, which polled 1,000 retail investors in the UAE, found that 82% expect the local stock market to rise over the coming 12 months. This represents an increase from 76% in March and is the highest figure recorded since the survey began tracking this metric in November 2024.

This robust optimism is underpinned by strong belief in the performance of domestic companies and the wider economy. A significant 93% of retail investors are confident in the long-term prospects of locally listed UAE firms, up from 90% in March. Similarly, confidence in the UAE's economy saw a slight rise from 90% to 91%. Investors are also bullish on the broader Middle East region, with 58% expecting it to deliver the strongest long-term returns, surpassing regions like the US (47%) and China (35%).

Investment Decisions and Shifting Priorities

The heightened confidence is directly impacting investment behaviour. The proportion of retail investors reducing their exposure to UAE equities due to geopolitical tensions has notably decreased from 25% in March to 14%. Beyond that, despite elevated global interest rates, 71% of UAE retail investors plan to increase their investments over the next 12 months, while an additional 21% intend to maintain their current investment levels.

Nagham Hassan, Market Analyst at etoro, highlighted that "Retail investors here stayed engaged throughout 2026. Risk has not gone away, but the response to it has changed." The survey also noted a shift in investment goals, with 49% now prioritising long-term security, a substantial increase from 34% in March.

Sectoral Optimism

Investors are also refining their focus within the UAE market. Optimism towards the real estate sector has grown to 58%, up from 54%. Technology sentiment remains stable at 49%. In contrast, optimism has declined for the energy sector, falling from 42% to 35%, and for financial services, which dropped from 37% to 33%. This suggests a strategic rotation of investments towards sectors perceived as more resilient or offering better long-term value.

Frequently asked

Questions, answered

What percentage of UAE retail investors expect the local stock market to rise?: According to etoro's latest UAE Retail Investor Beat, 82% of UAE retail investors expect the local stock market to rise over the next 12 months, an increase from 76% in March.
How has investor confidence in the UAE economy and listed companies changed?: Confidence in locally listed UAE companies increased from 90% to 93%, while confidence in the overall UAE economy rose from 90% to 91% among retail investors.
Which sectors are UAE retail investors most optimistic about?: Optimism towards the real estate sector has risen to 58% (from 54%), and technology remains broadly stable at 49%. Optimism for energy and financial services has declined.
What is the primary investment goal for nearly half of UAE retail investors?: Almost half (49%) of UAE retail investors now identify long-term security as one of their primary investment goals, a significant increase from 34% in March.
What percentage of UAE retail investors plan to increase investments despite global interest rates?: Despite elevated global interest rates, 71% of UAE retail investors plan to invest more over the next 12 months, with an additional 21% maintaining their current investment plans.

Reported by

Gulf News — Property

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This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.

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