Abu Dhabi:The Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX) has officially begun trading through the Tabadul platform, marking its integration as the eighth market on this network, which consists of 11 exchanges.
According to Emirates News Agency, this development grants investors in Iraq direct access to securities listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), thereby enhancing cross-border trading opportunities and strengthening strategic investment relations between the two markets.
The Tabadul platform facilitates seamless trading across its participating markets, with settlements conducted in local currencies, eliminating the need for dual listings or custodianship. This network connects markets across Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Muscat, Astana, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Southern Africa, and Iraq.
With ISX's inclusion, Tabadul now connects markets with a combined market capitalization exceeding US$1 trillion, comprising more than 700 listed companies and over 11 million registered investors.
Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, Group Chief Executive Officer of ADX, highlighted the growing importance of direct investment channels as regional economies become more interconnected, supporting sustainable growth and capital flows between leading markets. He noted that ISX's participation offers investors a direct route to trade Iraqi companies and strengthens Abu Dhabi's position as a trading center, aligning with Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 and the emirate's long-term economic strategy by boosting liquidity and opening new growth channels.
Ali Jamal Amin, Executive Director of ISX, commented that trading on Tabadul marks a significant milestone in enhancing cooperation and integration between the Iraqi and Abu Dhabi capital markets, creating new opportunities for cross-border connectivity and investment.
Based in Baghdad, ISX traces its origins to 1939 and has operated in its current form since 2004. The number of listed companies on ISX has grown from 15 to 103, with a total market capitalization of $21.7 billion as of August 2026. ISX lists equities, government bonds, and corporate debt instruments, providing companies with access to financing for expansion and supporting Iraq's economic development.
Launched by ADX in July 2022, Tabadul is the region's first digital exchange hub based on a mutual market-access model. The platform allows investors to trade securities across participating international markets and enables brokerage firms to access partner exchanges remotely. It provides access to companies in sectors such as banking, finance, energy, and telecommunications.
The trading value on Tabadul reached AED13.5 billion in 2026, surpassing the total recorded during the entire year of 2025, indicating growing regional demand for cross-border investment opportunities and further integration of capital markets.