Today's Edition
A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
UAE-listed equities continue to attract rising levels of foreign investor interest as the nation’s robust economic fundamentals, rapid innovation drive, and reputation as a regional safe haven support strong market performance.
An analysis issued by eToro to mark Eid Al Etihad and the UAE National Day highlights the strength of Abu Dhabi–listed companies in 2025, with the top ten performers on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) delivering solid gains across technology, banking, real estate and energy.
“One of the defining features of the UAE market this year has been the strength and resilience of local champions across key sectors such as real estate, banking and technology,” said Farhan Badami, Business Development Manager at eToro. “As the country continues to invest in innovation, infrastructure and business-friendly reforms, we are seeing both local and international investors increasingly view the UAE as a core market in their portfolios, rather than a satellite exposure.”
According to the latest year-to-date performance list, Presight AI Holding leads the ADX with a 53.85% gain, reflecting strong investor confidence in Abu Dhabi’s strategic focus on artificial intelligence, data analytics and digital infrastructure.
“With governments and businesses across the region increasing their investment in AI and data solutions, Presight is seen as a key proxy for the UAE’s broader ambitions in the fast-growing technology sector,” eToro said.
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) follows with a 46.42% rise, supported by strong demand across retail and corporate banking. Banking stocks remain central to the market’s performance. “Four of the top ten performers on the ADX this year are from the banking sector, underscoring the industry’s role as a key pillar of Abu Dhabi’s economy,” the analysis noted.
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) ranked third with a 46.31% increase, nearly matching ADCB’s performance. “As one of the UAE’s most prominent Shariah-compliant institutions, ADIB remains widely regarded as a dependable performer during periods of regional uncertainty,” eToro added.
Technology-driven Two Point Zero Group rose 28.02%, underscoring strong appetite for digital transformation investments. Sharjah Islamic Bank (+20.08%) and First Abu Dhabi Bank (+19.91%) further strengthened the banking sector’s presence among the top gainers.
Real estate and essential services also contributed to ADX performance. Aldar Properties advanced 12.76% amid sustained demand in Abu Dhabi’s property market, while Etisalat by e& gained 11.79%. Energy-linked firms rounded out the top ten, with ADNOC Distribution up 11.40% and ADNOC Logistics & Services rising 5.89%.
Across the UAE, eToro observed that investors remain strongly oriented toward domestic opportunities. The analysis noted that the nation continues to show one of the world’s highest levels of home-market preference, with retail investors prioritising UAE-listed companies ahead of global alternatives.
The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) also recorded strong momentum, particularly across real estate and financial services.
Union Properties was identified as the top-performing stock on the DFM this year with a 91% return, reflecting improved operational performance and renewed investor confidence. Amlak Finance also delivered gains of more than 80%, supported by strong mortgage activity in Dubai’s resilient residential market.
“As a leading Shariah-compliant mortgage finance provider, Amlak sits at the core of Dubai’s dynamic real estate and financing ecosystem. The surge in property transactions has naturally driven a rise in mortgage activity, reflected in the company’s strong third-quarter earnings,” eToro said in its analysis.
For investors seeking exposure to Dubai’s property cycle without directly purchasing real estate, Amlak has emerged as a key beneficiary and is expected to remain an important player heading into 2026, according to the report.
eToro’s analysis added that investor confidence has strengthened as Dubai’s real estate cycle continues to benefit from population growth, new long-term visa pathways and strong interest from overseas buyers.
