Abu Dhabi:The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) has announced the listing of two new exchange-traded funds (ETFs) from Hanwha Asset Management, which focus on leading Korean companies involved in advanced manufacturing, technology, defense, and aerospace sectors.
According to Emirates News Agency, the newly listed ETFs, namely the PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF (KDEF) and PLUS Korea Manufacturing Core Alliance Index ETF (KMCA), are the fifth and sixth US cross-listed ETFs on the ADX, increasing the exchange's total ETF offerings to 26. Both funds are also available on NYSE Arca.
Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, the Group Chief Executive Officer of ADX, noted that these listings occur amidst strengthening economic ties between the UAE and the Republic of Korea. He emphasized that ADX continues to offer efficient cross-border capital access, which connects local and international investors with promising Korean industries while simultaneously providing Abu Dhabi investment opportunities to Hanwha's international network.
Young Jin Choi, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Hanwha Asset Management, highlighted that the funds symbolize the Republic of Korea's expertise in merging world-class technology with substantial manufacturing capabilities. He further mentioned that the ADX listings allow Gulf investors to access these strategic industries during local trading hours, thus broadening Hanwha Financial Group's longstanding UAE partnership into the financial sector.
The KDEF ETF follows the Korea Defense Industry USD Index, investing at least 80 percent of its assets in Korean companies engaged in national security technology, advanced defense manufacturing, and aerospace innovation. It includes 20 holdings, such as Hanwha Aerospace and LIG Nex1. Meanwhile, KMCA ETF tracks the Akros Korea Manufacturing Core Alliance Index, providing exposure to 35 leading companies across six strategic supply-chain sectors, including semiconductor and technology giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.
ADX has stated its commitment to broadening its range of diversified and thematic investment products, connecting investors with leading global industries and economies. The ETF trading value on ADX surpassed AED291 million between January and October 2026, reinforcing its status as a leading regional market for ETFs.