1. Dubai Financial Market (DFM): Weekly Market Recap
Friday saw a +1.5% recovery in the DFM general index, after a three-day losing run. Weekly performance: down about 0.2% despite a decline in regional peers.
Top movers:
Union Properties surged over +6% Friday, marking a strong recovery and YTD gains around +40%.Emaar Properties climbed ~+2% on the week, credited to strength in the real estate sector.
2. The ADX, or Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange:
The ADX ended a poor week on a high note by gaining about 1% on Friday. Overall weekly decline, though: down about 0.5%. Notable performance of stocks:
On Friday, ADNOC Logistics & Services had a +5.4% increase. ADNOC Gas increased by 2.4%.
What’s Driving the Bounce-back
Geopolitical relief: Hopes of regional de-escalation from Israel–Iran tensions buoyed investor sentiment.
Sector strength: Union Properties maintained its position as DFM’s top performer as the real estate market continued to flourish.
Banking gains: Rise in stocks like First Abu Dhabi Bank and Dubai Islamic Bank, though mixed, contributed to ADX’s positive close.
Investment Outlook
Geo-stability first: Continued calm in Middle Eastern tensions is key to sustaining these gains.
Watch real estate: If Union Properties and Emaar maintain momentum, they might lead broader market growth.
ADX diversity: Balance in the face of volatility is provided by strong performance in industries including banking, gas, and logistics.
Market resilience: Ahead of H2 2025, UAE markets are shown their capacity to recover in the face of international pressure.
Bottom Line
Despite slight weekly declines, both DFM and ADX ended the week higher, driven by energy and real estate companies. The strength of the real sector indicates that markets are processing geopolitical issues and could be ready to stabilise or recover if regional tensions subside.
