Strategic Use of Dual Listings: UAE-Based Firms Going Global
“Synopsis”
In 2025, dual listings UAE companies are no longer a novelty—they’re a strategic move. From tech startups to sovereign-backed giants, firms are listing on both domestic and international exchanges to boost liquidity, diversify investor bases, and hedge geopolitical risk. This blog breaks down the rationale, benefits, and compliance essentials for UAE firms going global.
1. Why Dual Listings Are Gaining Momentum
Recent IPOs like Talabat, Lulu Group, and Americana Restaurants have shown that listing on both Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) can unlock billions in capital. Benefits include:
- Access to deeper liquidity pools
- Enhanced brand visibility across regions
- Inclusion in global indices like MSCI Emerging Markets
- Improved valuation multiples compared to single-market listings
Dual listings are now part of long-term capital strategy—not just opportunistic plays.
2. Preferred Markets for UAE Firms
While ADX and Dubai Financial Market (DFM) remain primary venues, UAE firms are increasingly targeting:
- Tadawul for regional investor access
- NASDAQ for tech credibility and premium multiples
- Euronext for European institutional reach
- SIX Swiss Exchange via new cross-listing partnerships
These platforms offer valuation arbitrage, analyst coverage, and global investor mandates.
3. Regulatory Pathways and Compliance
To pursue a dual listing UAE strategy, companies must meet eligibility criteria such as:
- Minimum public float (15–25%)
- Market cap thresholds (AED 40–50 million)
- Two years of audited financials
- No restrictions on share transfers
- Appointment of a UAE listing advisor and local representative
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and exchange-specific rules govern the process.
4. Structuring for Tax and Operational Efficiency
Dual listings introduce cross-border tax and reporting obligations. Key considerations include:
- Transfer pricing documentation across jurisdictions
- Withholding tax exposure on dividends and capital gains
- Use of SPVs in DIFC or ADGM for regulatory alignment
- Coordination with legal and tax advisors UAE cross-border listings
Proper structuring avoids double taxation and ensures treaty eligibility.
5. Risks and Mitigation Strategies
- Disclosure overload across multiple regulators
- Compliance costs for dual filings and audits
- Investor communication gaps due to time zones and language
- FX and sovereign risk in volatile regions
Mitigation includes centralized IR teams, digital reporting platforms, and strategic advisory support.
Conclusion
In 2025, dual listings UAE firms going global is more than a trend—it’s a competitive edge. Whether targeting liquidity, valuation, or investor diversity, UAE companies must approach cross-border listings with precision, compliance, and strategic foresight.
Because in today’s capital markets, visibility isn’t local—it’s global.
