Dubai Clear and Nasdaq Dubai have received Tier 1 Third-Country Central Counterparty recognition from the European Securities and Markets Authority, effective December 31, 2025.
The two entities are the only central counterparties in the Middle East and North Africa to achieve ESMA Tier 1 status.
The Tier 1 designation allows Dubai Clear and Nasdaq Dubai to attract market participants and institutions from European Union countries as clearing members.
This strengthens cross-border connectivity between Dubai and Europe’s capital markets and enhances their role as a bridge between regional issuers and global investors.
Dubai Financial Market entities become first MENA CCPs with ESMA Tier 1 recognition
ESMA’s decision confirms that Dubai Clear, regulated by the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority, and Nasdaq Dubai, regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority, operate under frameworks aligned with the European Market Infrastructure Regulation.
Dubai Clear is a subsidiary of Dubai Financial Market. Nasdaq Dubai is the Middle East’s international financial exchange.
The recognition reflects the strength and maturity of Dubai’s environment and its alignment with practices in risk management and market oversight.
“This milestone reflects the progress Dubai has made in building market infrastructure that global investors recognise and rely on. ESMA Tier 1 recognition strengthens Nasdaq Dubai’s ability to connect regional opportunities with international capital and supports Dubai’s Capital Markets Development Strategy by enhancing access, efficiency, and investor confidence,” Hamed Ali, CEO of Dubai Financial Market and Nasdaq Dubai said in a statement.
European regulator grants Tier 1 recognition to Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Clear
“ESMA’s Tier 1 recognition marks a significant step in Dubai Clear’s international growth journey. It enhances our ability to support cross-border activity and deliver efficient, resilient clearing services aligned with global standards,” Fatma Bin Qedad, General Manager of Dubai Clear added.
As Dubai’s licensed central counterparties, Dubai Clear and Nasdaq Dubai play a role in ensuring the resilience and integrity of the emirate’s post-trade environment. They support the growth and integration of Dubai’s capital markets.
The recognition highlights the cooperation between UAE and European regulators. It reinforces Dubai’s commitment to transparency, financial stability, and market infrastructure.
