Top 20 public limited companies in the UAE
The UAE has made outstanding progress in the recent decades. Within a short period of time, it has positioned itself as a premier business hub that attracts multi-national companies and international corporations from far and wide. With modern infrastructure, business-friendly policies and excellent investment opportunities, the region provides companies with a perfect environment to flourish. Forbes Middle East has released its first UAE 100 rating in which it has ranked 100 businesses on the basis of their total assets, market capitalisation, net profits and revenues. Following are the top 20 public limited companies in the UAE that have been featured on the Forbes list, from banking giants to multinational property developers.
LIST OF PUBLIC LISTED COMPANIES IN THE UAE
The UAE is home to some of the most valuable firms in the world listed on its two main stock exchanges. Find out which top firms have contributed significantly to developing the nation into the prosperous economic powerhouse it is today.
FIRST ABU DHABI BANK
First Abu Dhabi Bank was formed after the merger between First Gulf Bank and National Bank of Abu Dhabi in December 2016. The coalition of the two successful banks has accelerated their growth and driven further investment and economic diversification. It is one of the top banks in Abu Dhabi.
FAB provides a range of products, services and solutions to its customers. The international network of the bank spans five continents, enabling it to serve local, regional and global companies looking to conduct business both domestically and overseas.
- Sector: Banks and Financial Services
ETISALAT GROUP
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Etisalat Group is the leading telecommunication corporation in the Gulf region. Committed to the implementation of the latest technology, it serves more than 300,000 enterprises and 11.6M customers in the UAE. The blue-chip organisation has a consolidated net revenue of AED 53.34B and boasts high credit ratings.
- Sector: Telecommunications
EMIRATES NBD
The merger between Emirates Bank International and the National Bank of Dubai led to the creation of Emirates NBD. It delivers a number of services including brokerage, asset management, global markets & treasury, private banking, investment, retail and corporate. The total assets of Emirates NBD stood at AED 694 Billion on 31st March 2022.
- Sector: Banks and Financial Services
ABU DHABI COMMERCIAL BANK
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank is a full-service bank that provides an extensive range of services, such as foreign exchange, Islamic products, property management, currency and interest rates derivatives and investment banking. It has won numerous awards over the years including the Gulf Customer Experience Award for Customer Happiness and the GTR – MENA Country Award 2020 for the Best Trade Finance Bank in UAE.
- Sector: Banks and Financial Services
EMAAR PROPERTIES
The next government-owned entity to have made to the list is Emaar Properties. Known for its unique design aesthetic, its iconic developments include Park Field at Dubai Hills Estate, Lotus at Dubai Creek Harbour and Vida Residences at Dubai Marina. With proven competence in hospitality and retail, the real estate development developer in Dubai has shaped the lifestyle of residents.
- Sector: Real Estate & Construction
DP WORLD
Based in Dubai, DP World brings the world to the UAE. The trade enabler integrates global solutions to provide businesses with access to the entire region and beyond. Some of the developments under its portfolio are Mina Al Hamriya, Jebel Ali Port and National Industries Park. It has earned various awards, such as RTA’s Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport 2022 and Diversity & Equality Award 2021.
- Sector: Logistics
DUBAI ISLAMIC BANK
A visionary in the field of Islamic banking and finance, Dubai Islamic Bank provides innovative investment and financing services. With around 500 branches spread out in different parts of the world, it serves 5M customers and is considered the most progressive Islamic financial institution in the world. Some of its key subsidiaries and associates include Dar Al Sharia, Panin Dubai Syariah Bank, Bank of Khartoum and Deyaar. It is one of the best Islamic banks in Dubai.
- Sector: Banks and Financial Services
ABU DHABI ISLAMIC BANK
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank is a leader in Islamic banking and the fourth largest Islamic bank in the world in terms of assets. Incorporated in 1997, its assets total USD 37B. The universal bank serves is known for its highly-personalised experience. It offers world-class digital banking services and adheres to robust corporate governance principles.
With a large regional presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, Sudan and the United Kingdom, the wider group delivers real estate management, insurance and brokerage services. EMEA Finances has also awarded it the title of Most Innovative Bank in the Middle East.
- Sector: Banks and Financial Services
MASHREQ BANK
Founded in 1967 in Dubai, Mashreq Bank is one of the oldest banks in the country. It has a strong presence that spans Asia, Europe, the US and Africa. The bank continues to provide new products and services and has garnered several awards including the award for Most Innovative Bank in the Middle East by Euromoney. It has the best mortgage products, direct banking and money transfer services.
- Sector: Banks and Financial Services
UNION NATIONAL BANK
Union National Bank was founded in 1982 in Abu Dhabi and became a leading domestic bank in the country. It offered various products and services through its 50-plus branches until it merged in 2019 with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.
- Sector: Banks and Financial Services
TAQA
With roots in Abu Dhabi, TAQA is an integrated utilities champion. Its oil and gas operations have helped the UAE succeed as a nation. Established to ensure that power and water needs are met, the UAE government entity was listed in 2005 on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. Today, it has operations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq and the United Kingdom.
- Sector: Oil & Gas
DU
DU was incorporated back in 2006 and has boosted the telecommunications sector incredibly. It has been at the forefront of social transformation and bringing businesses and people together with its broadband connectivity, and mobile and fixed services. Taking connectivity to new heights, it has created a data hub and provides carrier services.
- Sector: Telecommunications
ADNOC DISTRIBUTION
ADNOC Distribution is the first government-owned company that specializes in the marketing and distribution of petroleum products. Founded in 1973, it has become one of the largest petroleum company in the world over time. As a major operator of retail fuel service stations, it caters to 20M visits every year and has over 360 service stations that are spread across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah.
- Sector: Retail
ALDAR PROPERTIES
Aldar Properties is one of the biggest real estate developers in the UAE. Boasting a diverse portfolio that is centred on Aldar Investment and Aldar Development, it has develop residential liveable communities in Abu Dhabi including Reem Island, Al Raha, Saadiyat Island and Yas Island.
Aldar Investment manages investments worth AED 16B that cover commercial, residential and retail assets. Moreover, the group manages Aldar Hospitality and Leisure, Aldar Estates and Aldar Education.
- Sector: Real Estate & Construction
DAMAC PROPERTIES
DAMAC Properties has shaped the luxury real estate market in the Middle East since its founding in 2002. It provides iconic leisure, residential and commercial properties that are unrivalled.
The public limited company has a diverse portfolio including world-class golf developments. DAMAC Properties has won over 100 awards over time.
- Sector: Real Estate & Construction
COMMERCIAL BANK OF DUBAI
Commercial Bank of Dubai has played a key role in the modernisation of the banking sector in the emirate. It is the number one choice for a full range of financial services. Established in 1969, the bank was nationalised in 1982, following major operational restructuring. Boasting a strong financial base, its commercial and retail banking products and services are highly sought after in the UAE.
- Sector: Banks and Financial Services
RAK BANK
The National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah or RAK BANK is a public joint stock company that deals mainly in business and personal banking. It has 27 branches and provides various electronic banking solutions as well as Sharia-compliant services. With shares publicly traded on the Abu Dhabi Exchange, it is a member of the UAE Banking Federation and follows the Customer Charter.
- Sector: Banks and Financial Service
NATIONAL BANK OF FUJAIRAH
The National Bank of Fujairah has three of subsidiaries, NBF Financial Services, NBF Capital and NBF Trade Services. With an impressive reputation, the top bank in Fujairah strives to provide excellence in the areas of commercial and corporate banking as well as treasury and trade finance.
Its banking services have supported all types of industries, such as healthcare, education, construction, manufacturing and oil and shipping. The bank relies on its deep market insight to ensure growth in the ever-changing marketplace.
- Sector: Banks and Financial Services
DUBAI INVESTMENTS
Dubai Investments is a UAE-based investment company that was founded in 1995 and is considered a major player today. With investments spread across multiple sectors such as education, healthcare, finance, industry and real estate, it has 15,603 shareholders and was first listed in 2000 on the Dubai Financial Market. With a share capital of about AED 4.25B, it is helping in driving the economy of the UAE forward.
- Sector: Investments Market
AIR ARABIA
Air Arabia is the first budget airlines in the UAE and caters to the Gulf region and beyond. It serves 101 destinations and provides great value to its customers in the form of comfort and reliability.
The government-owned organisation was incorporated to uplift the lives of a larger segment of society. It even has a dedicated corporate social responsibility program that aims to assist underprivileged communities.
- Sector: Transportation
FAQS
HOW TO GET AN INVESTOR VISA IN DUBAI?
There are various Dubai investor visa requirements that you need to meet for a 3, 5 or 10-year residency, such as UAE-based investment funds.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF STARTING A BUSINESS IN DUBAI?
If you want to start a business in Dubai, you first need to consider whether to set up the business on the mainland or in a free zone. You will then have to choose a trading name, apply for a licence and choose an office space.
And that concludes our guide on the top public limited companies in the UAE. These organisations are playing a key role in the economic growth of the country and making it a global business hub.
Want to benefit from the thriving economy of the country? Investing in the real estate market is an excellent option to consider. Foreigners can even get a Dubai investor visa opening up a world of opportunities for them.
If you are looking for employment opportunities, oil and gas companies in Dubai and other emirates could be the answer.
Stay tuned to MyBayut for expert advice on investment in the UAE.
