Hong Kong and UAE strengthen capital market ties

Under the agreement, the bourse operators will explore joint initiatives in market promotion and focus on financial products including exchange-traded funds (ETFs), cross listings and environmental, social and governance-related products.

This cooperation follows HKEX’s addition of ADX to its list of recognised stock exchanges last year, which allows companies with a primary listing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to apply for a secondary listing in Hong Kong.

“This arrangement marks a significant step in enhancing cross-border market connectivity and facilitating capital flows between Hong Kong and the Middle East. By working closely with ADX, we aim to unlock new investment opportunities, strengthen market infrastructure, and meet the evolving needs of global issuers and investors,” said HKEX chief executive officer Bonnie Chan.

“By advancing cross-listings, developing innovative products such as ETFs and indices, and creating practical channels for multi-market access, we will broaden investment opportunities and deepen liquidity,” said ADX Group chief executive officer, Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi.

The strengthened collaboration reflects the increasing participation of Middle Eastern funds as cornerstone investors in recent Hong Kong IPOs, the firms said in a statement.