Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange trades nearly $47bn as volumes jump 30 per cent in 2025

The Dubai derivatives market strengthened its regional and international standing in 2025, as the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange reported sharp growth in traded volumes, gold futures activity and global regulatory recognition.

The performance highlights the exchange’s expanding role in risk management and price discovery, supported by deeper market participation and internationally connected clearing infrastructure.

The Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) announced a strong operational and market performance in 2025, with traded volumes rising 30 per cent year on year, reinforcing its position in regional and international derivatives markets.

Total traded volumes reached 2,048,556 lots during the year, with the total value of contracts traded amounting to $46.96 billion. Average daily volumes increased to 7,940 lots, while average open interest stood at 13,015 lots, underscoring the depth and resilience of DGCX’s markets.

DGCX also recorded its highest single-day trading volume of 26,108 lots in April 2025.

Gold futures were a key driver of growth, with volumes rising to 613 per cent year on year and reaching 5,335 lots, reflecting heightened demand for hedging and price discovery tools amid evolving global market conditions.

Meanwhile, the Dubai Commodities Clearing Corporation (DCCC), the clearing house of DGCX, was re-recognised as a third-country central counterparty by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA).

The decision followed a regulatory assessment process by ESMA and reflects increased international confidence in Dubai’s market infrastructure, as well as the UAE’s continued progress in strengthening its financial market frameworks.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DGCX, said: “DGCX delivered a strong performance in 2025, with total traded volumes rising by over 30 per cent to surpass two million lots and value traded exceeding $46bn.

“This momentum, reinforced by a sharp increase in gold futures activity, signals the deepening of our markets and the central role we continue to play in effective risk management and price discovery. ESMA’s recognition of the Dubai Commodities Clearing Corporation as a third-country CCP, following a rigorous regulatory assessment, highlights the growing international confidence in Dubai’s market infrastructure and the UAE’s standing as a world-class and trusted hub for global trade and capital flows.”

In November 2025, DGCX was recognised as MENA Exchange of the Year at the 2025 Future and Options (FOW) International Awards.

The accolade reflects the exchange’s continued investment in market infrastructure, product development and risk management standards aligned with global best practice.

Together, these developments underline DGCX’s role in supporting Dubai’s wider financial ecosystem by providing transparent, resilient and internationally connected trading and clearing infrastructure for market participants.