Today's Edition
A.SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
The UAE stock markets traded firmly in positive territory on Monday, with both Abu Dhabi and Dubai posting solid gains ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) General Index (FADGI) rose 0.693% to close at 10,036.26, reclaiming the 10,000 mark. Trading remained active, with 17,846 trades involving 396 million shares and a total value of Dh2.1 billion. Total market capitalisation of ADX-listed stocks stood at Dh3.156 trillion.
Energy stocks led the rally, with ADNOC Logistics and Services gaining 3.87%, followed by Dana Gas, up 2%, ADNOC Drilling, which rose 1.86%, and ADNOC Gas, which added 0.28%. Realty major Aldar advanced 1.25%, while National Bank of UAQ surged 4.32%. Abu Dhabi-based banking heavyweights First Abu Dhabi Bank and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank gained around 2%, supported by positive market sentiment.
Among the notable laggards were Orascom Construction, which fell 3.81%, and Gulf Cements, which declined 7.21%.
“In Abu Dhabi, gains were led by heavyweight names as investors remained confident in earnings fundamentals and engaged in measured portfolio positioning,” Milad Azar, market analyst at XTB MENA, told Aletihad. “Trading activity pointed to stable institutional participation rather than short-term speculation.”
In Dubai, the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) General Index (DFMGI) rose 0.713% to close at 6,157.9. The session recorded 14,329 trades, with 264 million shares traded at a total value of Dh639 million. Market breadth showed 16 gainers, 23 decliners and 13 unchanged stocks.
The Dubai market maintained its upward bias, with banking and real estate stocks underpinning the advance. Gulf Navigation emerged as a standout performer, surging 14.6%. Realty giant Emaar gained 2.89%, while banking major Emirates NBD climbed 4.32%. On the downside, Aramex fell 4.29% and toll gate operator Salik slipped 1.24%.
Both ADX and DFM ended the session in positive territory, supported by improved sentiment and selective buying in key stocks.
“Overall, the positive close reflects cautious optimism, with regional markets expected to remain relatively stable while tracking global developments,” Azar said.
