A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)

UAE stock markets remained subdued on Wednesday, with the main indices posting marginal gains as uncertainty surrounding the regional geopolitical situation persisted.

The ADX General Index (FADGI) rose 0.048% to close at 9,839.56. The session recorded 18,537 trades involving 275 million shares worth Dh1.22 billion. The total market capitalisation of ADX-listed companies stood at Dh2.872 trillion.

Banking stocks delivered a mixed performance in line with the subdued market trend. First Abu Dhabi Bank rose 0.53%, while Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank remained unchanged at Dh14.84. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank slipped 0.28% after reporting a net profit before tax of Dh4.3 billion.

ADNOC-linked stocks traded lower. ADNOC L&S lost 1.13%, ADNOC Distribution declined 0.25%, ADNOC Gas fell 0.6% and ADNOC Drilling slipped 0.69%. Borouge lost 0.83%, while Fertiglobe declined 1.12%.

Alpha Dhabi lost 0.81% to close at Dh7.3, while another holding company, 2PointZero, slipped 0.97% to Dh2.05.

Real estate major Aldar lost 2.35% after announcing its first-half results.

Americana Restaurants, which operates the regional franchises of several prominent restaurant brands, rose sharply by 4.88% after announcing its first-half results and declaring a dividend of $0.012 per share, equivalent to Dh0.04407.

In Dubai, the Dubai Financial Market General Index (DFMGI) rose 0.122% to close at 5,796.79. The session recorded 12,751 trades, with 107 million shares changing hands for a total value of Dh427 million. Market breadth was nearly balanced, with 17 gainers, 18 decliners and 17 stocks unchanged.

Real estate majors Emaar Properties and Emaar Development recorded losses, with the former slipping 1.96% and the latter shedding 0.61%.

Banking stocks remained resilient, with Emirates NBD gaining 0.95% and Dubai Islamic Bank adding 0.54%.

Etihad Energy, formerly known as Gulf Navigation, gained 4.2% on a day when most major stocks declined.

Road-toll operator Salik lost 0.19%, while food-delivery company talabat fell 0.94%. Air Arabia rose 0.6%, while telecom operator du remained unchanged at Dh12.12.

The UAE market continues to trade within a narrow range, reflecting a balance between resilient corporate earnings and lingering geopolitical uncertainty, Milad Azar, Market Analyst at XTB MENA, said.

“Investors are becoming increasingly selective, rewarding companies that deliver strong results and shareholder returns, as illustrated by the rally in Americana, while broader market participation remains limited despite healthy trading turnover,” Azar said.

Banking stocks continued to provide stability, but weakness in several ADNOC-linked companies and Aldar capped broader gains, he added.

“The market’s ability to hold near current levels suggests that institutional investors remain engaged, although a sustained rally will likely require stronger earnings momentum and greater clarity over regional risks,” Azar said.

UAE capital markets continue to demonstrate resilience, accompanied by increasingly selective investor positioning, said Sayed A., Chief Business Officer at Graystone Capital.

“While geopolitical developments may influence short-term sentiment, the underlying strength of the economy, robust corporate earnings and disciplined capital allocation continue to provide investors with confidence,” Sayed said.

The divergence in sector performance reinforces an important investment principle: markets reward execution rather than headlines, he added.

“Companies that consistently deliver operational excellence, strong financial performance and shareholder value will continue to distinguish themselves regardless of broader market volatility,” Sayed said.

As the UAE strengthens its position as a global financial and investment centre, maintaining a long-term perspective will remain key to sustainable value creation, he added.