A big day for UAE markets as ADX rises nearly 1% and DFM gains 1.5%

A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)

UAE stock markets made a big leap on Thursday, with sharp rises in their indices, after US President Donald Trump backed out of imposing tariffs on European countries over the Greenland issue, coupled with general optimism surrounding the ongoing earnings season.

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) General Index (FADGI) rose 0.972% to close at 10,304.92. Trading remained active, with 30,139 trades involving 433 million shares and a total value of Dh2 billion. Total market capitalisation of ADX-listed stocks stood at Dh3.151 trillion. Most companies across the banking and energy sectors posted strong gains, leading to a near 1% rally in the market.

Banking majors Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank led the ADX rally, with their share prices rising 3.02%, 1.82% and 1.22%, respectively. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank reported a net profit of Dh7.1 billion in 2025, a 16% year-on-year increase. Sharjah Islamic Bank gained 3.27% after reporting a net profit of Dh1.3 billion in 2025.

Telecom giant e& recorded a strong rise of 2.88%. ADNOC Drilling was up 2.12%, followed by Fertiglobe, which rose 1.56%, and Borouge, which gained 0.77%. Realty major Aldar also posted a solid gain of 3.02%. There were no noteworthy losers on what proved to be a strong day for the ADX.

In Dubai, the Dubai Financial Market General Index (DFMGI) climbed 1.529% to close at 6,495.17. The session saw 18,118 trades, with 447 million shares changing hands for a total value of Dh1.23 billion. Market breadth showed 34 gainers, 10 decliners and seven unchanged stocks.

The Dubai rally was led by companies across the real estate and banking sectors, with Emaar and Emaar Development rising by more than 2%. Banking stocks Emirates NBD and Dubai Islamic Bank gained 1.8% and 1.23%, respectively. Road toll operator Salik rose 1.23%, while electricity and water provider DEWA also gained 1.23%.

Among the prominent losers were Al Mal Capital REIT, which fell 5%, and district cooling major Empower, which slipped 1.81%.

Commenting on the day’s trading, Milad Azar, Market Analyst at XTB MENA, said Dubai markets clearly led Thursday’s rally, with gains well supported by active trading and strong volumes. “Positive market breadth signalled broad-based buying interest, reflecting solid investor confidence throughout the session, particularly in heavyweight sectors,” Azar said.

He noted the stellar performance of prime real estate companies, adding: “Their performance underlined renewed demand for blue chips, as investors rotated into growth-oriented names, sustaining bullish momentum in Dubai’s market during the day.” 

Improving operational fundamentals and stable trading activity contributed to the robust gains on the ADX, Azar added.