Dubizzle Group has postponed its planned initial public offering on the Dubai Financial Market, announcing the decision on October 22, 2025, just one day before the company was scheduled to begin bookbuilding. The UAE classifieds platform cited the need to assess optimal timing for the offering, despite receiving strong investor engagement and confidence in its market position.
The delay marks a strategic pause for one of the region’s most anticipated tech listings. Dubizzle had been on track to price its IPO—the critical phase where institutional and retail investors submit bids—before announcing the postponement in a brief statement on Wednesday.
“Dubizzle Group remains focused on executing its strategy of growing its highly profitable UAE business and expanding its footprint in Saudi Arabia,” the company said, reiterating its commitment to long-term objectives.
The company noted that since announcing its intention to float, it had attracted “strong engagement and interest from investors” reflecting its market leadership, profitability, and growth prospects across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The move underscores a measured approach to market entry despite evident demand.
Market Context: Mixed Signals in UAE IPOs
Dubizzle’s decision arrives amid a complex IPO environment in the emirates. Recent debuts have delivered mixed results: shares of Alec Holdings PJSC have fallen more than 6% since their October launch, while major listings including Talabat Holding Plc and Lulu Retail Holdings Plc continue trading below their initial offer prices.
Yet the region remains a global IPO hub. Since 2022, companies across the Middle East have raised close to $50 billion through public offerings, signaling sustained investor appetite despite volatility.
About Dubizzle Group
Dubizzle operates a network of classifieds platforms across the Middle East and North Africa, with the UAE generating approximately 89% of its revenue. The company has demonstrated strong operational metrics, including a 46% profit margin in its core UAE business. In 2024, Dubizzle entered the Saudi market as part of its regional expansion strategy.
The platform is backed by Prosus NV, one of the world’s largest technology investors. Dubizzle has been working toward a public offering since 2023, following a $200 million funding round in 2022 led by a consortium headed by Affinity Partners.
The company had planned to offer a 30% stake in the IPO, valuing the group at a significant premium to comparable platforms in the region.
Broader Market Dynamics
The postponement reflects a broader trend of caution among high-profile regional tech companies evaluating market conditions. As Dubai’s markets increasingly shift toward data-driven decision-making, issuing companies are becoming more selective about timing, particularly when mixed recent debuts signal investor caution.
Despite the delay, Dubizzle’s statement emphasized confidence in its long-term prospects and the strength of investor interest—suggesting a future IPO remains probable, contingent on market conditions.
