Morgan Stanley expects the UAE’s initial public offering (IPO) market to recover once the regional conflict ends and geopolitical uncertainty eases, potentially paving the way for renewed listings across the country’s stock exchanges.
Dan Simkowitz, Co-President of Morgan Stanley, expressed confidence in the UAE’s long-term capital market prospects despite the slowdown in IPO activity during 2026.
According to Dealogic data cited by The National, the UAE has recorded no IPO listings so far in 2026, compared with three IPOs in 2025 that collectively raised approximately USD 1.1 billion.
The slowdown comes amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty, which has affected investor sentiment and the environment for companies considering public listings.
Morgan Stanley anticipates that improved regional stability could help revive investor confidence and encourage companies to return to the IPO market.
The bank remains optimistic about the UAE’s long-term financial market development, supported by the country’s economic diversification and expanding capital market infrastructure.
A recovery in IPO activity could create new opportunities for companies seeking public funding and investors looking to participate in new listings on UAE exchanges.
However, the timing and scale of any recovery will depend on geopolitical developments and broader market conditions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, financial, or legal advice.
