The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) has officially onboarded Thndr as the first remote retail trading member in the GCC, granting its users direct access to UAE-listed securities and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The announcement was made during a special event at ADX’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, underscoring a milestone in regional market connectivity. This move marks a pivotal step in the exchange’s ongoing strategy to expand international participation and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global investment hub.
Thndr’s Entry into the GCC Market
Founded in Egypt in 2020, Thndr has rapidly positioned itself as one of the MENA region’s pioneering fully digital investment platforms. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, the platform offers investors a seamless and modern approach to trading, enabling them to build wealth through diversified financial products. Its arrival in the UAE market reflects its broader ambition to extend access to high-performing markets across the region and beyond.
Strategic Significance for ADX
By onboarding Thndr, ADX is creating new trading bridges across regional capital markets and expanding access to a broader investor base. Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, Group Chief Executive Officer of ADX, described the move as a testament to the exchange’s leadership in promoting financial inclusion and unlocking new opportunities. The decision positions ADX at the forefront of innovation in the GCC by adopting global best practices for remote market participation.
Enabling Direct Market Access
Thndr’s integration with ADX means its users will soon be able to invest directly in some of the UAE’s most valuable listed companies and ETFs. This access will be available through Thndr’s mobile platform, which has become a hallmark of its technology-driven investment approach. Co-founder and CEO Ahmad Hammouda highlighted the importance of this partnership in offering exposure to one of the region’s most consistent performing markets over the past decade and beyond.
Remote Trading Membership Model
The remote trading membership framework adopted by ADX allows investors, brokers, and institutions to buy and sell listed securities without being physically present in the UAE. This model aligns with internationally recognized practices and supports the development of a more diverse investor base. By lowering geographical barriers, ADX is encouraging greater global participation in Abu Dhabi’s capital markets.
Driving Liquidity and Foreign Investment
The inclusion of Thndr is expected to boost market liquidity by introducing a new wave of retail investors and digital-first trading activity. ADX’s leadership anticipates that increased participation will contribute to stronger trading volumes and deeper capital market engagement. The broader aim is to create a more vibrant investment environment that attracts sustainable foreign investment and fosters long-term economic growth.
Supporting the Tabadul Initiative
This partnership also aligns closely with ADX’s Tabadul initiative, the region’s first digital exchange center based on the mutual market access model. Tabadul serves as a platform for cross-border collaboration, enabling seamless trading between member exchanges and encouraging knowledge transfer. By onboarding Thndr, ADX is reinforcing its commitment to innovation while building a robust ecosystem for international capital flows.
Enhancing Cross-Border Collaboration
Through its partnerships with global exchanges, ADX is steadily advancing a strategy focused on innovation, accessibility, and investor engagement. The collaboration with Thndr not only brings a new class of digital investors into the GCC market but also deepens connections between Abu Dhabi and other financial centers. These efforts are part of a broader vision to ensure that the UAE capital remains a gateway for investment in the wider MENA region.
The addition of Thndr as the GCC’s first remote retail trading member represents a landmark development for both ADX and the region’s financial markets. By combining digital innovation with strategic cross-border initiatives, the exchange is opening new pathways for investors and strengthening its global relevance. As market access expands and liquidity grows, this partnership is poised to contribute significantly to Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic and capital market ambitions.