A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)

UAE stock markets held onto the previous day’s gains as developments in US politics appeared to ease concerns about a further escalation in regional tensions.

The ADX General Index (FADGI) rose 0.617% to close at 9,519.82. The session recorded 34,211 trades involving 385 million shares worth Dh1.96 billion. The total market capitalisation of ADX-listed companies stood at Dh2.501 trillion.

Banking stocks were mixed, with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank rising 0.734% and First Abu Dhabi Bank slipping 1.65%. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank remained unchanged at Dh21.40.

ADNOC-linked stocks were mixed as ADIPEC concluded. ADNOC Distribution rose 1.04%, while ADNOC Gas gained 0.31%. ADNOC Logistics and Services slipped 3.3%, while ADNOC Drilling dropped 1.2%. Fertiglobe rose 0.91%, while Borouge remained unchanged at Dh2.29.

Real estate major Aldar fell 1.34%, following gains in the previous session.

Among holding companies, Alpha Dhabi rose 3.45% to close at Dh7.19, while 2PointZero gained 0.51% to close at Dh1.98.

Telecom major etisalat rose 0.56% to Dh21.62, extending its recent gains.

Hospital group Burjeel Holdings surged 14.55% after reporting a 42.1% increase in net profit for the first nine months of 2026.

In Dubai, the Dubai Financial Market General Index (DFMGI) edged up 0.032% to close at 6,042.65. The session recorded 20,687 trades, with 307 million shares changing hands for a total value of Dh1.32 billion.

Market breadth was marginally positive, with 21 gainers and 20 decliners, while nine stocks remained unchanged.

Real estate major Emaar Properties rose 1.79% after unveiling plans to buy out its subsidiary Emaar Development. The offer document outlining the terms and conditions was posted on the DFM website.

Banking stocks were mixed after the previous day’s gains, with Emirates NBD rising 2.04%, while Dubai Islamic Bank lost 0.81%. Commercial Bank of Dubai slipped 1.76%.

Telecom operator du lost 1.08% after gaining more than 7% in the previous session. Toll-gate operator Salik gained 0.91%, while parking operator Parkin slipped 0.47%. Food delivery platform talabat fell 2.2%.

Sharjah-based airline Air Arabia rose 0.8%, amid hopes of a recovery in tourism and travel. ALEC Holding gained 3.78%, while free zone operator TECOM advanced 2.18%.

District cooling company Empower rose 3.63% after announcing its results for the first nine months and third quarter of the year. Revenue for the nine-month period rose 4.6% year on year to Dh2.71 billion, while net profit after tax increased 10.6% to Dh762 million.

UAE markets maintained their positive momentum, although gains remained selective, reflecting cautious investor sentiment amid continuing regional uncertainties, Milad Azar, Market Analyst at XTB MENA, said.

“Burjeel’s 14.6% surge stood out after it reported a 42.1% increase in nine-month net profit. The move points to investor interest in corporate earnings and company-specific fundamentals,” Azar said.

In Dubai, the marginal gain reflected mixed performance across stocks, with Emaar Properties and Emirates NBD providing support, he said.

“Emaar’s proposed buyout of its subsidiary Emaar Development could simplify its corporate structure and unlock shareholder value,” Azar said.

Corporate results continued to provide opportunities for investors, although geopolitical risks kept sentiment cautious and buying selective, Azar added.