Hong Kong and Dubai establish working group to boost financial connectivity

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), and Nasdaq Dubai have established a Strategic Working Group to enhance financial market connectivity between Hong Kong and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

The group aims to foster collaboration in several key areas, including sustainable finance, Islamic finance, innovation, and broader capital markets development. This initiative is intended to facilitate smoother trade and investment flows between Asia and the Middle East by aligning strategic priorities and sharing knowledge.

Nasdaq Dubai’s role is expected to be central in connecting issuers and investors, particularly regarding Sukuk—Sharia-compliant instruments—and sustainable finance. This collaboration follows HKEX’s recent launch of a new unit in Dubai to expand its commodities business, signaling a long-term commitment to the Asia-Middle East financial corridor.