A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)

UAE stock markets edged higher on Tuesday, with banks leading the charge even as regional tensions showed no signs of easing.

The ADX General Index (FADGI) rose 0.325% to close at 9,793.64. The session recorded active trading, with 21,535 transactions involving 279 million shares worth Dh1.11 billion. The total market capitalisation of ADX-listed companies stood at Dh2.569 trillion.

Banking stocks recovered, with First Abu Dhabi Bank gaining 1.84%, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank rising 0.51% and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank adding 0.36%.

Most ADNOC-linked stocks also traded higher. ADNOC Logistics and Services gained 1.07%, while ADNOC Drilling rose 0.36%. ADNOC Distribution remained unchanged at Dh3.81, while ADNOC Gas slipped 0.31%. Fertiglobe rose 0.85% and Borouge added 0.43%.

Telecom operator etisalat gained 0.46% to close at Dh20.88, while real estate major Aldar lost 0.25%.

Among holding companies, 2PointZero rose 0.47% to Dh2.16, while Alpha Dhabi declined 0.14% to Dh7.19.

Supermarket operator MAIR Group rose 7.51%, while infrastructure company NMDC Energy gained 1.88%.

In Dubai, the Dubai Financial Market General Index (DFMGI) rose 0.361% to close at 5,858.87. The session recorded 10,999 trades, with 141 million shares changing hands for a total value of Dh351 million.

Market breadth was slightly negative, with 20 gainers and 22 decliners, while eight stocks remained unchanged.

Real estate majors Emaar Properties and Emaar Development remained unchanged at Dh11.30 and Dh12.80, respectively.

Banking stocks advanced on the DFM, with Emirates NBD gaining 1.32% and Dubai Islamic Bank rising 0.71%. Commercial Bank of Dubai rose 1.36%.

Toll-gate operator Salik dropped 0.94%, while utility provider DEWA rose 0.37%.

Telecom operator du slipped 0.33% to close at Dh12.20, while Sharjah-based airline Air Arabia rose 0.22%.

Food-delivery platform talabat rose to Dh2.38, while supermarket operator Spinneys gained 1.25%.

UAE markets recorded modest gains as banking stocks led the recovery, particularly First Abu Dhabi Bank, indicating selective buying interest despite persistent regional tensions, said Milad Azar, Market Analyst at XTB MENA.

“Gains in selected ADNOC-linked companies and other large-cap stocks also supported Abu Dhabi’s advance. However, the gains remained limited, indicating that investors were cautious about increasing their exposure while geopolitical uncertainty continued to influence sentiment,” Azar said.

Dubai’s performance was similarly restrained, with gains in banking stocks offsetting weakness elsewhere, he said.

“The modest advance and mixed market breadth suggest that investors remain selective. A sustained recovery will depend on improved regional stability and stronger investor confidence,” Azar added.