4-Jan-26. eToro Launches UAE-Economy Smart Portfolio Offering Global Investors Access to Local Markets

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Trading and investment platform eToro unveiled its UAE-Economy Smart Portfolio on 10 December 2025, providing retail investors worldwide with access to 20 companies listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Dubai Financial Market. The portfolio requires a minimum investment of USD 500.

The launch coincides with government economic diversification initiatives and comes amid positive sentiment in global retail investment markets, according to eToro's quarterly Retail Investor Beat survey.

Portfolio Composition and Selection Criteria

The portfolio comprises 20 UAE-listed companies across banking, real estate, energy, utilities, telecommunications and logistics sectors. Companies were selected based on market capitalisation, liquidity, financial ratios and analyst consensus ratings, according to eToro.

The portfolio delivers an average dividend yield of 3.75 percent, with certain stocks offering yields up to 7 percent. This compares to the S&P 500's current dividend yield of 1.15 percent, according to data from GuruFocus as of 2 December 2025.

Market Context and Economic Initiatives

The portfolio's launch aligns with UAE Vision 2031 and Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, national strategies focused on economic expansion and capital market development. George Naddaf, Managing Director of eToro MENA, described the UAE as "one of the fastest-expanding economies in the world, supported by strong GDP growth, government reform, and growing non-oil sectors."

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange has experienced significant growth, with institutional investor trading volumes reaching AED 387 billion (USD 105 billion) during the first nine months of 2025, an 11.8 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to ADX data. Net foreign investment reached AED 17.3 billion (USD 4.7 billion), up 23.3 percent year-on-year.

Technical Features and Rebalancing

The portfolio employs eToro's Smart Portfolio technology, which rebalances asset allocation annually or on-demand depending on market conditions. The platform provides performance tracking tools, analytical charts and updates through its social feed feature.

Investors can access the portfolio through eToro's platform, with the company offering tracking capabilities for individual stock performance within the broader portfolio structure.

Retail Investor Sentiment

eToro's latest Retail Investor Beat survey of 11,000 investors across 13 countries found that 56 percent expect the current bull market to continue into 2026. The survey indicated 78 percent of respondents expressed confidence in their investment portfolios, while 51 percent believe they are on track to meet their investment goals.

Investors cited political uncertainty (43 percent), geopolitical instability (40 percent) and slowing economic growth (34 percent) as primary external risks to market performance in 2026.

Expansion of UAE Equity Access

eToro previously expanded its UAE equity offerings in February 2025 by adding over 30 stocks from the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange across energy, real estate, banking, technology and healthcare sectors. In August 2025, the platform added 10 stocks from the Dubai Financial Market, including Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, Emaar Properties and Dubai Islamic Bank.

The combined market capitalisation of ADX stocks added in February exceeded USD 700 billion, while the August additions from DFM represented a combined market capitalisation of over USD 124 billion, according to company statements.