Shuaa Capital reported a loss for the first quarter of 2026 as lower management fee income and weak advisory business activity affected overall financial performance.
According to a statement filed with the Dubai Financial Market, the company recorded a net loss attributable to shareholders of AED10 million (approximately $2.7 million) during the quarter. In comparison, the company had reported a significant profit during the same period last year.
Revenue for the quarter reached AED18 million, representing a 7% decline year-on-year. The decrease was mainly linked to an 18% drop in management and performance fee income.
The company did not specify whether ongoing regional geopolitical tensions had any direct impact on business operations during the quarter.
Despite the loss, Shuaa Capital said financial performance showed signs of improvement compared to the previous quarter, when losses were considerably higher.
Nabil Al Rantisi stated that the company remains in a rebuilding phase but noted that core business revenue has remained relatively stable while losses have narrowed significantly compared to late 2025.
The company’s balance sheet remained stable overall, with shareholder equity standing at approximately AED543 million as of the end of March 2026.
Founded in 1979, Shuaa Capital was once considered one of Dubai’s leading investment banks and financial services firms. However, the company has undergone multiple restructuring efforts since the global financial crisis in 2008.
Earlier this year, the company also announced that a UAE appeals court upheld a previous ruling dismissing a damages claim filed by Shuaa against certain former executive directors.
Shares of Shuaa Capital closed at AED0.216 following the financial update.
According to company filings, Direct Access Investment currently holds approximately 15.1% ownership in the business.
Industry analysts say investment and advisory firms across the region continue to face pressure from slower deal activity, market uncertainty, and changing investor sentiment.
Despite the challenges, Shuaa Capital appears focused on stabilizing operations and strengthening its core business segments as part of its long-term recovery strategy.
Source: UAE financial market and business reports
