The Egyptian Exchange (EGX) and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance market integration, develop financial services, and boost international investment flows between Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the annual conference of the Arab Capital Markets Federation in Abu Dhabi by EGX Chairman Omar Radwan and ADX Group Chief Executive Officer Abdulla Al Nuaimi, the Egyptian Exchange said in a statement.
Radwan stated that the step aims to expand regional and international partnerships and build a business environment capable of attracting major institutional investments to Egypt. He noted that the partnership aligns with EGX’s strategy to cooperate with major financial markets, backed by positive performance indicators and a noticeable increase in liquidity and trading volume.
The MoU establishes operational and regulatory frameworks to achieve market integration and cross-border connectivity. Key areas under study include facilitating cross-border trading channels through direct access for investors in both markets, examining mutual recognition of member brokerage firms, and leveraging advanced digital systems—such as the “Tabadul” platform—to enable remote trading and member onboarding in compliance with approved regulatory controls.
The agreement also lays the technical and legislative groundwork to support the dual listing and trading of companies and investment instruments across Egyptian and UAE markets, aimed at expanding the institutional investor base and increasing liquidity for issuers. Additionally, the memorandum emphasizes establishing technical linkages between the two countries to ensure the seamless movement of securities in accordance with global financial safety standards.
To modernize trading infrastructure, the partnership will employ financial technology (FinTech) solutions and facilitate market data sharing to innovate new financial products and investment tools for international funds. The agreement further includes capacity-building initiatives, the exchange of operational and research expertise between professional personnel, and joint campaigns to raise investment awareness and highlight market opportunities.
Radwan added that EGX is working to consolidate its position as a leading regional investment destination by diversifying available investment instruments and providing digital access solutions. He noted that international moves complement recent legislative and regulatory developments in the Egyptian market.
These developments include updated frameworks for margin trading and securities lending and borrowing (SLB/short selling), alongside the introduction of trading in treasury bonds and bills, the launch of derivatives, futures, and carbon certificate platforms, and the issuance of new tax incentives designed to provide international investors with modern risk management, hedging, and liquidity tools.
During a panel session titled “Markets Under Pressure” at the conference, Radwan highlighted EGX’s resilience in absorbing geopolitical shocks. He disclosed that trading values reached EGP 17.9 trillion in 2026 up to September, while market capitalisation rose above EGP 4 trillion.
Radwan stated that the smooth movement of entry, exit, and profit repatriation for foreign investors has reinforced international fund confidence in the Egyptian market. He added that Egypt’s emerging market classification by global index providers, including MSCI, S&P Dow Jones, and FTSE Russell, reflects the success of ongoing market development efforts.
