Hong Kong and Dubai Form Strategic Working Group to Boost Financial Connectivity

On 10 September 2026, a new financial bridge opened between Hong Kong and Dubai when Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and Nasdaq Dubai announced the creation of a strategic working group. The four organisations pledged to deepen market ties between Hong Kong and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), with a focus on sustainable finance, Islamic finance, innovation and capital‑markets development.

The joint press release highlighted the growing economic links between Asia and the Middle East. HKEX chief executive Bonnie Y Chan said the initiative would turn that momentum into concrete action by advancing market connectivity and supporting innovation and sustainable growth. Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Financial Market chief executive Hamed Ali echoed the sentiment, noting that the group builds on a strong existing collaboration and will enhance connectivity between the two regions.

HKMA chief executive Eddie Yue added that the working group would bring the four members together to explore opportunities and develop collaborative initiatives that could contribute to the continued growth and attractiveness of both markets. DFSA chief executive Mark Steward said the initiative reflects a maturing commitment to collaboration, knowledge sharing and the discovery of greater mutual benefits within the Dubai‑Hong Kong corridor.

The group’s remit covers a range of topics. Sustainable finance will be a priority, with the aim of facilitating cross‑border listings of green and social bonds. Islamic finance is also on the agenda, with particular attention to Sukuk listings on Nasdaq Dubai’s platform. Innovation and broader capital‑markets development will be explored through joint research, best‑practice sharing and the development of new product offerings.

One of the first initiatives under discussion is the connection of Asian and Middle Eastern investors and issuers. This includes the possibility of listing Sukuk and sustainable‑finance instruments on Nasdaq Dubai, thereby giving Gulf issuers access to Asian capital and vice versa. The group will also examine ways to streamline regulatory processes and promote market‑making activities that benefit both sides.

The working group will hold regular engagement sessions and exchange market perspectives. While the exact frequency of meetings has not been specified, the four parties have agreed to maintain an ongoing dialogue.

The move follows a similar partnership formed in 2023 between HKEX and Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul Group, which covered fintech, ESG and cross‑listings. That partnership was part of Hong Kong’s broader strategy to diversify beyond mainland Chinese listings and attract capital from Gulf issuers.

The creation of the working group is timely. Hong Kong remains a leading global hub for equity, commodity and fixed‑income markets, while Nasdaq Dubai is a recognised venue for Islamic and sustainable finance instruments. By aligning their regulatory and market frameworks, the two centres aim to create a more seamless environment for issuers and investors across the Asia‑Middle East corridor.

The announcement was made public through official channels: HKEX’s news release, the HKMA’s press release, the DFSA’s announcement and Nasdaq Dubai’s statement. No independent verification beyond these sources is available at this time.

In summary, the strategic working group represents a formal step toward greater financial integration between Hong Kong and the DIFC. By focusing on sustainable and Islamic finance, innovation and capital‑market development, the four organisations intend to broaden investment opportunities, improve market efficiency and strengthen the global standing of both financial centres.

The next phase will involve detailed discussions on specific initiatives, with the working group expected to report on progress in the coming months.