The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) announced that the number of private joint-stock companies listed in the capital markets in the country totalled 13 companies, with a total capital of Dhs8.266 billion, by the end of last year 2022.

The SCA added, in a recent report, that the companies are divided into 12 companies listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and one company listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM).

According to the report, the companies listed on the ADX included:  Manazel (formerly Wahid Properties) with the capital value of Dhs2.6 billion,  Anan Investment Holding (formerly Wahat Al-Zawiya) with the capital value of Dhs2.31 billion,  Al-Seer Equipment and Marine Supplies (formerly Al-Seer Marine) with the capital value of Dhs1 billion, Q Holding (formerly Al-Qudra Holding) with the capital value of Dhs808.9 million, National Investor (formerly National Holding) with the capital value of Dhs310 million,  Foodco National Foodstuff (formerly Nakhil Foodstuff) with the capital value of Dhs280 million, ASG Stallions Emirates (formerly Al-Shabab Sports Club) with the capital value of Dhs250 million, Response Plus Holding (formerly Al-Respos Group) with the capital value of Dhs200 million, Palms Sports (formerly Al-Nasr Sports Club) with the capital value of Dhs150 million,  Food Holding (formerly Costume Retail) with the capital value of Dhs100 million, Sawaeed Holding with the capital value of Dhs 51.1 million and Easy Lease Motorcycle Rentals with the capital value of Dhs30 million.

The DFM includes one listed private joint stock company, BHM Capital for Financial Services, with a capital of Dhs173.4 million.

The inclusion of private joint-stock companies in the local markets helps companies access a large capital base, in addition to opening the way to enhance brand value in an effective manner. This forms a pivotal part of the integrated vital system established by the state to embrace and support companies of all sizes, including startups down to the big companies. It provides one of the best and most convenient business environments in the world.

Last year, the ADX launched the Nomu Market, a new brand for the “Second Market” platform, to provide an advanced trading platform that connects investors with private companies, and complements the growing dynamic system of emerging companies and promising growth companies in Abu Dhabi. This market provides private companies with access to a broader investor base.

Companies intending to be listed on the ADX Nomu Market have all the support they need throughout the listing process. The market also provides support to companies at the post-listing stage, including access to annual general assembly management services, dividend distribution, and support in corporate communication.

The qualifications for listing on the Nomu market include changing the legal form of the company to a private joint stock company, provided that it has been established for at least two years, in addition to submitting audited financial statements and listing no less than 5 per cent of its capital.

A couple of days earlier, the Securities and Commodities Authority has released its annual report for 2022, revealing that the total capital of public joint-stock companies (PJSCs) registered with the SCA reached Dhs702 billion.

Of this, Dhs393 billion was for government companies and Dhs309 billion was for non-governmental companies.

The services sector accounted for the largest share of the total capital of registered PJSCs, with Dhs209.8 billion. This was followed by the investment and financial services sector (Dhs165.9 billion), energy (Dhs129.5 billion), banks (Dhs77.7 billion), real estate (Dhs33.4 billion), and transportation (Dhs32.4 billion).

The industrial sector had a smaller share of the total capital of registered PJSCs, with Dhs24.5 billion. Communications, insurance, and consumer goods each had a share of Dhs15.6 billion, Dhs7.9 billion, and Dhs4.9 billion, respectively.

Abu Dhabi had the largest share of the total capital of registered PJSCs, with Dhs521 billion. Dubai followed with Dhs89 billion.

Of the total capital of registered PJSCs, Dhs380.6 billion was for unlisted companies and Dhs321.3 billion was for listed companies. Of the listed companies, Dhs227.03 billion were listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Dhs94.2 billion were listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM).

The report also showed that there were 188 local public shareholding companies registered with the SCA. Of these, 69 were unlisted and 119 were listed. Of the listed companies, 67 were listed on the ADX and 52 were listed on the DFM.

In addition, the report showed that there were 211 local and foreign companies whose securities were registered for the purpose of listing with the SCA. Of these, 66 companies had their securities listed on the ADX and 52 companies had their securities listed on the DFM.

Overall, the report shows that the UAE’s capital markets are strong and growing. The number of PJSCs registered with the SCA is increasing, and the total capital of these companies is also increasing. The services sector accounted for the largest share of the total capital of registered PJSCs, with Dhs209.8 billion. This was followed by the investment and financial services sector (Dhs165.9 billion), energy (Dhs129.5 billion), banks (Dhs77.7 billion), real estate (Dhs33.4 billion), and transportation (Dhs32.4 billion).