Dubai , UAE ( CNN ) -- Call it a perfect market storm of wealth creation . Since the start of 2013 , the Dubai stock market has registered a near 200 % gain to become the best performing financial market in the world . The Gulf emirate 's securing of the World Expo in 2020 is likely one factor behind this success as is the wider UAE 's reputation as a safe-haven in a region riddled with uncertainty . Oil averaging more than $ 100 a barrel for three years running , meanwhile , is driving growth towards record spending on infrastructure . The UAE has `` a strong balance sheet '' and lot of `` promising prospects , '' said Alia Moubayed , research director at Barclays when asked about the reasons behind investor bullishness over the last 18 months . Some even believe there 's more to come before the Dubai Index tops out . `` The Dow Jones exceeded 165,000 points , '' said veteran Dubai trader Zakaria Al-Assar . `` Still , Dubai ( is at ) 5,000 , we are looking for more , inshallah . '' These strong expectations have led to an upgrade for the UAE from the riskier investor category of frontier market to emerging market by financial index firm , MSCI . Alongside neighboring Qatar , which was also upgraded this week , the UAE is now considered by MSCI to have the same investment status as the likes of China and Brazil . This change while likely increase investor confidence in the region leading to an increased flow of investment dollars into the Persian Gulf states . `` You will get a level of comfort as an EM ( emerging market ) fund manager when you are upgraded to this level , '' said head of equities at NBAD Asset Management , Saleem Khokhar . `` On top of that you will see more and more institutions beginning to play in this space so yes it is a game changer but do n't bring it into a short time frame . '' Achieving emerging market status has been a long journey for both Qatar and the UAE . The UAE has been knocking on the door since 2009 . But some fund managers suggest this delay actually helped the country 's markets and companies mature . Nine companies will represent the UAE in the MSCI index , including property groups Aldar , Arabtec and Emaar . The gigantic port company DP World and the Dubai Financial Market itself will also feature . Yet with recognition comes attention and volatility . The trading floors in Dubai , Abu Dhabi and Doha may be quaint , with limited trading sessions , but they are active . On the day CNN visited the Dubai exchange , banking stocks were trading up 15 % after a wild correction earlier in the month . `` You have to remember just a couple of weeks ago we went through quite a correction and a number of blue chip stocks we were looking at came down between 20-30 % , '' said Khokhar . After being overlooked for many years , these markets are just coming into focus for many international investors . Expect more bumps , shocks and opportunities along the way .
Dubai stock market is best ranked in world over last 12 months . UAE and Qatar upgraded to emerging markets index by MSCI . All companies from UAE to be represented on the Index .