Big financial moves from the UAE with both the ADX and DFM tying up some deals. First up, the ADX has linked up with the FTSE Russell to create the FTSE ADX 15 Index, a blue chip benchmark that will support the bourse’s recently launched derivatives market and the creation of exchange-traded funds and other index-tracking investment vehicles. The ADX is the Gulf's second-largest stock market by market value and is looking to become a key play for cutting-edge investment products.

Elsewhere, determined not to be outdone by its counterpart, the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) inked a deal with the Dubai Mercantile Exchange. The agreement sees the pair jointly create financial products, chief amongst them is the ability to allow retail investors to tap into the GCC oil industry. The Dubai bourse aims to target retail investors and provide opportunities to invest their money into products such as the Oman Crude Oil Futures, a benchmark that trades on DME and is used by many Gulf producers to price their oil.