The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), recognized as one of the fastest-growing and foremost exchanges in the Middle East, and the Budapest Stock Exchange (BSE), the second-largest exchange in Central and Eastern Europe, have formalized their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at collaborating on several significant initiatives.
This signing occurred during the state visit of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Hungary. The ceremony took place at the BSE’s offices, with the esteemed presence of Saud Hamad Al Shamsi, UAE ambassador to Hungary, according to a statement.
The MoU aims to enhance the relationship between the capital markets of both nations and to share best practices. This agreement represents a crucial advancement in the BSE’s strategy to cultivate international partnerships, particularly within the Middle Eastern region. This development aligns seamlessly with ADX’s ongoing efforts and initiatives to fortify relationships with prominent global financial institutions.
Promoting market visibility
Under the framework of this agreement, both parties will work towards promoting the visibility of the capital markets in Hungary and the UAE. This will be achieved through the organization of joint events, including investor roadshows, seminars, and educational programs.
Furthermore, the parties are investigating potential collaborations in the development and promotion of Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) products, which would provide investors in both markets a wider array of diversified and contemporary instruments. The BSE and ADX will also explore opportunities for dual listings and cross-border trading, along with planning closer professional cooperation in the area of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices.
An essential component of the agreement involves the sharing and exchange of best practices, particularly concerning market developments, regulatory frameworks, product innovation, and IT capacity building.
Developing new financial products
The two parties will assess suitable pathways for the BSE to integrate into the Tabadul Hub, an innovative platform introduced by ADX in 2022. As the region’s inaugural digital exchange based on a mutual market access model, Tabadul enhances cross-border trading by linking exchanges through a digital network, allowing brokerage firms to offer remote access to international markets.
Upon signing the MoU, Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), stated, “This collaboration with the Budapest Stock Exchange marks a key milestone in ADX’s global integration journey, establishing a strong foundation for enhanced cooperation and innovation. Together, we aim to develop new financial products, including ETFs, indices, and other investment vehicles, to serve both local and international investors. The partnership also explores opportunities for cross-listings between the two markets, while the Tabadul Hub will further enhance digital connectivity and remote market access. This strategic alliance reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a dynamic and globally connected financial centre committed to sustainable growth and shared prosperity.”
Tibor Tóth, CEO of the Budapest Stock Exchange, highlighted that this partnership not only reinforces the bond between the two exchanges but also unveils new prospects for Hungarian and Emirati investors. “We are confident that these new initiatives will make our markets even more attractive to both domestic and international investors. Tabadul is a unique platform and initiative providing exciting opportunities for BSE.”
This strategic collaboration is poised to establish a robust foundation for financial growth and connectivity between the UAE and Hungary, reflecting both ADX’s and BSE’s dedication to global economic advancement.
Surge in foreign net investment
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange witnessed notable growth across its key indicators in the first half of 2025, compared to the same timeframe in 2024. According to ADX data, foreign net investment experienced a 99.5 percent surge, climbing from approximately AED6.84 billion ($1.86 billion) in H1 2024 to over AED13.6 billion ($3.7 billion) in H1 2025.
Total trading value also saw a significant increase of 33.5 percent, reaching around AED179.5 billion in the first half of 2025, up from AED134.4 billion during the same period last year. The average daily trading value rose by 31.4 percent, from nearly AED1.1 billion to approximately AED1.45 billion.
In February, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange launched its new ADX Group market infrastructure along with two new subsidiaries, Abu Dhabi Clear (AD Clear) and Abu Dhabi Central Securities Depository (AD CSD). This milestone aligns with Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic vision and enhances ADX’s efforts toward becoming a developed market.
