By: Arab news

The Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange witnessed 1 million contracts traded during the first half of this year, representing a 30 percent rise in average daily volumes compared to the same period in 2024.

In a press statement, DGCX attributed the growth to heightened demand for hedging instruments amid global market volatility, with gold contracts and Indian Rupee Quanto products leading the uptick in trading activity. 

According to the report, DGCX’s Shariah-compliant Gold Spot Contract led this growth, with value of trades reaching $46.8 million in the first six months, marking a significant 199.84 percent year-on-year rise. 

Established in 2005 and owned by the Dubai Multi Commodities Center, DGCX plays a pivotal role in Dubai’s status as one of the world’s largest gold trading hubs. 

With over 1,500 member companies operating in the gold and precious metals sector within DMCC, the exchange complements the international district’s broader offering in physical and financial trading infrastructure. 

“DGCX has seen exceptional momentum in the first half of the year, with nearly $47 million traded through our spot gold contract alone,” said Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman and CEO of DGCX. 

The statement further said that INR Quanto futures contract, a synthetic contract that enables global market participants to hedge Indian rupee exposure against the US dollar without requiring access to the underlying Indian markets, also continued to attract strong trading interest. 

“This performance not only places DGCX firmly on course to surpass its 2024 results but reinforces its role as a critical pillar in the region’s financial infrastructure,” said Sulayem. 

He added: “As global market conditions grow more complex, the exchange’s rising adoption by Shariah-based investors, bullion traders, and institutional participants alike highlights the growing demand and broad appeal for sophisticated, secure, and transparent hedging tools – a position we expect will get stronger.” 

The statement added that DGCX saw 1.56 million contracts traded with a notional value exceeding $37 billion in 2024, and the exchange is well on track to surpass that figure in 2025. 

In May, DGCX announced its acceptance to join the Arab Federation of Capital Markets’ Business Development Committee. 

In a statement at the time, DGCX said that the appointment reflects the exchange’s expertise in regulatory oversight, risk management, and product innovation, reinforcing its position as a leading regional player in derivatives trading and financial market infrastructure.

The AFCM, established in 1978 as the principal body for Arab stock exchanges, plays a critical role in enhancing collaboration and standardising best practices across the region.