Today's Edition
A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
UAE stock markets staged a strong rebound on the first day of Ramadan on Wednesday, with both Abu Dhabi and Dubai indices rising by more than 1.2%.
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) General Index (FADGI) jumped 1.239% to close at 10,756.36. Trading activity remained robust, with 23,667 trades involving 269 million shares valued at Dh1.339 billion. The total market capitalisation of ADX-listed stocks stood at Dh3.236 trillion.
Most blue-chip stocks traded firmly higher after a few days of softer sessions and profit-taking.
Real estate major Aldar extended its positive run, rising 2.09%, while Alpha Dhabi gained 1.97%. Holding company 2PointZero Group edged up 0.49% to Dh2.06.
Banking stocks were among the strongest gainers. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank surged 4.18%, First Abu Dhabi Bank rose 3.19%, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank added 2.45%.
In the energy segment, ADNOC Logistics and Services gained 2.02%, ADNOC Drilling advanced 1.16%, and ADNOC Distribution rose 0.74%, while ADNOC Gas slipped 0.56%. Other ADNOC-related names — Borouge and Fertiglobe — traded flat.
Americana Restaurants, which turned bullish after its recent results, gained 2.56%. Among the notable decliners were Alpha Data and Space 42, both of which fell more than 1%.
In Dubai, the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) General Index (DFMGI) rose 1.208% to close at 6,765.07. The session recorded 13,771 trades, with 225 million shares traded for a total value of Dh821 million. Market breadth showed 33 gainers, 13 decliners and seven unchanged stocks.
Property heavyweights Emaar and Emaar Developments led the DFM rally, each gaining more than 3%. Sharjah-based carrier Air Arabia climbed 3.89% following its annual results.
Banking stocks Emirates NBD and Dubai Islamic Bank rose 1.09% and 0.68%, respectively. Food delivery platform Talabat reversed its recent losing streak, gaining 0.90%. Dubai Residential REIT was the main decliner, falling 0.71%.
“UAE equities opened Ramadan with a decisive rebound, with the rally being broad-based and led by banking heavyweights and property majors, indicating renewed institutional participation following recent profit-taking and softer sessions,” said Milad Azar, Market Analyst at XTB MENA. He added that liquidity levels remained healthy, reinforcing the constructive tone.
Azar noted that the strength in financials and select energy names reflects improving risk appetite and confidence in earnings resilience.
“However, sustaining upside momentum will depend on continued corporate performance, foreign inflows, and the broader macro backdrop, particularly global rate expectations and regional geopolitical stability,” he said.
“UAE equities advanced on Wednesday, tracking a broader improvement in regional risk appetite,” said Adam Vettese, Market Analyst at eToro.
Low-cost carrier Air Arabia topped the DFM, rising just under 4% after reporting record 2025 results, reinforcing confidence in sustained travel demand and margin resilience, Vettese said.
“Insurance House surged a further 14% at ADX, extending recent sharp gains, while Union Insurance rose 4% after trading resumed following their earnings release,” Vettese said, analysing individual stock performance.
In the industrial sector, Fujairah Building Industries jumped 11% and Sharjah Cement and Industrial Development Co. gained 7.5%, suggesting renewed confidence and positioning ahead of a potential improvement in construction activity, he added.
