CME opens Dubai office as regional trading activity climbs
CME Group reports that average daily volumes from Middle East clients rose about 16% in 2025 to roughly 193,000 contracts. Hedge funds were the biggest contributor, with activity up around 30% year‑to‑date.
The company describes the Middle East as its fastest‑growing region by pace, though it still accounts for a single‑digit share of CME’s global volumes (under 10%).
The pick‑up in interest coincides with international hedge funds and asset managers setting up in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. According to the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the number of hedge funds operating from Dubai increased from 50 a year earlier to 85 by mid‑2025. Many of these firms are managing more than $1 billion in assets. In Abu Dhabi, several large firms have expanded their presence. One of the latest is Davidson Kempner, which opened an office at ADGM.
Against this backdrop of new clients, CME is expanding its regional footprint. The company opened an office in the Dubai International Financial Centre under a local license to work more closely with investors and brokers using the group’s benchmark futures and options for hedging and trading strategies.
CME notes that demand is being driven by both institutional investors and a growing base of retail traders.
Market structure changes in the Gulf have also played a role. In 2024, Saudi Tadawul Group agreed to acquire 32.6% of the parent of Dubai Mercantile Exchange, which is being rebranded as Gulf Mercantile Exchange. CME will remain a leading shareholder on a parity basis. On the product side, the group continues to tailor listings to Gulf demand, including currency and other instruments relevant to local participants.
A combination of tax policy, time zone advantages and proximity to sovereign wealth funds is seen by market participants as a key driver accelerating the flow of traders and capital into the UAE. For CME, this is reflected in sustained double‑digit growth, while the company continues to build out its local team and partnerships.
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