UAE Retail Investors Prioritise Financial Goals For New Years Resolution: Report

According to the findings, 54 per cent of retail investors in the UAE have prioritised financial goals as their primary New Year’s resolution. The survey, which sampled 1,000 retail investors residing in the Emirates, reveals a strong focus on growing investments in traditional assets, real estate, and crypto assets, while adopting strategies to enhance overall financial resilience.

Among those prioritising financial goals, the most popular resolution for 2025 is increasing investments in traditional assets such as stocks, bonds, and commodities, with 40 per cent of respondents aiming to expand their exposure in this category.

Real estate investments follow closely, with 38 per cent expressing plans to diversify their portfolios with property-related assets. Additionally, 37 per cent of respondents intend to increase their investments in crypto assets, signalling sustained interest in the digital asset space despite market volatility in recent years.

To achieve these financial objectives, UAE investors are employing a variety of strategies. Over half of the respondents (51 per cent) plan to boost their savings or investment contributions, demonstrating a proactive commitment to building wealth.

Other prominent strategies include detailed budgeting or expense tracking (41 per cent), adopting mindful and frugal lifestyles (38 per cent), and reducing discretionary spending on activities such as dining out and shopping (28 per cent).

The entrepreneurial spirit among UAE investors is also evident in the survey results. Nearly one-third (32 per cent) of respondents plan to launch side hustles in 2025 as a means to supplement their income and achieve their financial aspirations. Furthermore, 28 per cent are considering career changes to pursue higher earnings and align with their broader financial goals.

Beyond financial resolutions, the survey underscores a holistic approach to self-improvement among UAE retail investors. Personal development is a significant focus for 41 per cent of respondents, while 34 per cent prioritise health and well-being.

Other areas of interest include fitness (28 per cent), professional advancement (28 per cent), and fostering stronger social or family connections (28 per cent). These findings reflect a balanced perspective that integrates financial goals with personal growth and overall well-being.

Commenting on the survey results, George Naddaf, Managing Director, Business Development for the MENA region at eToro said: “The UAE continues to exemplify a forward-thinking mindset as we step into 2025, with a commendable focus on financial resilience and personal development.”

“2025’s resolutions highlight a proactive approach to not just financial security, but also a desire for self-improvement and adaptability. The ambition to diversify investments and embrace entrepreneurial ventures reflects a dynamic shift towards innovative wealth-building strategies, while the emphasis on mindful spending and frugal lifestyles shows a keen awareness of the evolving economic landscape. Such a holistic approach speaks to the UAE’s ability to balance ambition with sustainability, paving the way for a future defined by stability, growth, and well-being,” he added.

The survey was conducted by Appinio, a research company commissioned by eToro. It sampled 1,000 retail investors residing in the UAE between November 27 and December 2, 2024. Participants were defined as self-directed or advised investors holding at least one investment product, such as shares, bonds, funds, or equivalent.