A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
UAE stock markets on Monday built on the gains made in the previous session as listed companies prepared to declare their earnings for the second quarter of 2026.
The ADX General Index (FADGI) rose 0.217% to close at 9,922.31. Trading activity remained strong, with 17,275 trades involving 178 million shares valued at Dh728 million. The total market capitalisation of ADX-listed stocks stood at Dh2.9 trillion.
After the significant gains made on Friday, most ADX blue-chip stocks were muted on Monday.
Among the three leading banking stocks, only First Abu Dhabi Bank posted gains, rising 1.72%, while Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank fell 0.93% and 0.74%, respectively.
ADNOC-linked stocks also posted a mixed performance. ADNOC Logistics and Services, ADNOC Gas and ADNOC Drilling remained unchanged at their previous closing prices, while ADNOC Distribution lost 0.76%. Fertiglobe dropped 1.12%, while Borouge slipped 0.4%.
Investment holding company 2PointZero gained 0.46%, with its share price reaching Dh2.17. Another holding company, Alpha Dhabi, lost 1.34%, while realty giant Aldar edged down 0.12%.
Among other prominent gainers, Al Buhaira National Insurance Company rose 4.12%, while NMDC gained 1.78%. Among the decliners, National Corporation for Tourism and Hotels and Fujairah Building Industries fell by the maximum permitted 5%.
In Dubai, the Dubai Financial Market General Index (DFMGI) rose 0.52% to close at 6,090.65. The session recorded 11,092 trades, with 214 million shares changing hands for a total value of Dh557 million. Market breadth was positive, with 28 gainers, 10 decliners and 14 stocks unchanged.
Real estate heavyweights Emaar and Emaar Development reported muted trading, with the former closing unchanged and the latter losing 0.42%.
Emirates NBD gained 1.18%, while Dubai Islamic Bank dropped 0.52%. Emirates Investment Bank showed buoyancy, rising 5.26%.
Telecom company du continued its winning streak with an impressive rise of 3.65%, while food delivery app Talabat gained 0.8%.
Utility provider DEWA rose 0.72%, while road toll operator Salik fell 1.01%.
The UAE markets extended their recovery, supported by growing optimism ahead of second-quarter earnings, although trading reflected selective positioning rather than broad-based buying, said Milad Azar, Market Analyst, XTB MENA.
“Investors appear focused on companies with resilient earnings potential, while muted performance across several blue chips suggests the market is awaiting stronger corporate catalysts before committing to higher valuations,” Azar said.
Dubai continued to outperform, with strength in banking, telecom and selective growth names offsetting weakness in real estate and utilities, Azar said.
“If upcoming earnings meet or exceed expectations, market sentiment could improve further,” Azar said.
However, investors are likely to remain disciplined, rewarding companies that deliver solid profitability and confident forward guidance, Azar added.