logo
UAE markets make gains despite geopolitical tensions

UAE markets make gains despite geopolitical tensions

Al Etihad23-06-2025
23 June 2025 18:05
A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)The UAE stock markets made surprising gains on the first day of trading after the US attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities. The rising geopolitical tensions and the threat to close the Strait of Hormuz did not have any dampening effect on the UAE markets.The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) made gains after several days of flat trading, with its general index (FADGI) rising by 0.464% to close at 9,557.58. A total of 19,289 trades were executed, involving 240 million shares with a combined value of Dh840 million. The total market capitalisation of all companies listed on the ADX stood at Dh2.984 trillion.Abu Dhabi National Energy (TAQA) led the rally with a 2.6% gain, followed by Aldar with a nearly 1.9% rise, and Multiply Group with a 1.4% increase. Other top gainers on the ADX included E7 Warrants (+14.29%), Al Khaleej Investment (+11.90%), and Union Insurance (+8.33%). Notable decliners were Gulf Medical Projects (-4.33%), Sharjah Cement (-2.96%), and Pure Health (-2.41%).
DFM The Dubai Financial Market's general index (DFMGI) rose by a fairly big 1.116% to close at 5,411.3. A total of 15,087 trades were executed on the DFM, involving 445 million shares with a combined value of Dh787 million. Share prices of 31 companies rose, 13 declined, and nine remained unchanged.
Union Properties led the rally with a 4.69% rise in share price, followed by Deyaar (4.17%) and Emaar Properties (2.8%). Among the other top gainers on Monday were Ekttitab Holding (+9.58%), National Cements (+11.11%), and Ithmaar Holding (+6.70%). On the losing side, Agility fell by 9%, followed by Dubai National Insurance and Reinsurance (-8.66%), Emirates Investment Bank (-6.67%), and Al Ramz Capital (-4.17%).
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Abu Dhabi, Dubai among top emerging data centre markets
Abu Dhabi, Dubai among top emerging data centre markets

Al Etihad

time2 hours ago

  • Al Etihad

Abu Dhabi, Dubai among top emerging data centre markets

2 July 2025 17:51 REDDY (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi and Dubai are among the top two emerging data centre markets globally, according to Cushman & Wakefield's newly released '2025 Global Data Center Market Comparison' report. The UAE's two largest cities are also the highest-ranked emerging markets in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. The global study evaluated 97 data centre markets, classifying them as either established or emerging across four regions: Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific (APAC). The rankings were based on 20 criteria including power availability, fibre connectivity, development pipeline, land pricing and policy to the report, Abu Dhabi ranked fourth and Dubai sixth globally among all emerging data centre markets. Austin/San Antonio led the global emerging market rankings, followed by Iowa, Pennsylvania, Abu Dhabi, Reno, and Dubai. Other notable markets included Berlin, Helsinki, and Virginia retained its position as the top established data centre market with 5.9 GW of operational capacity, followed by other established hubs such as Phoenix, Dallas, Atlanta, Oregon, Columbus, Beijing, Salt Lake City, Chicago, and Shanghai.'There's a clear link between long-term infrastructure planning and current market performance,' said Edward Macura, Country Head at Cushman & Wakefield Core.'Abu Dhabi and Dubai have created the conditions for scale, and global operators are responding. Access to power, land, and fast-track approvals are converging with demand from AI and cloud platforms – this combination is driving investment decisions.'The UAE currently has more than 250 MW of live data centre capacity, with an additional 500 MW under active development. Among the flagship projects is 5GW UAE-US AI Campus spanning over 10 square miles in Abu Dhabi. The Stargate AI project, backed by OpenAI, Oracle, and Nvidia, was recently unveiled with a planned 1GW capacity as part of the grand plan. Khazna Data Centres remains the dominant operator in the country, accounting for more than 59% of the market share, while cloud expansions by global giants such as AWS, Alibaba, and Equinix continue across both emirates. Notably, Emirates Group is shifting operations to a solar-powered data centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park in line with sustainability UAE's data centre market, valued at $1.26 billion in 2024, is projected to grow to $3.33 billion by 2030. This growth is being driven by large-scale capital deployment from both domestic and international investors. ADQ and Energy Capital Partners are investing $25 billion into power infrastructure to support data centre development. In a separate initiative, MGX, Microsoft, and BlackRock are jointly backing a $30 billion AI-related investment programme.'We're seeing investment decisions being made on the strength of delivery performance, not just potential,' Macura added. 'Developers are meeting deadlines, occupiers are pre-leasing, and supporting infrastructure is being delivered in parallel. That consistency is being noticed by institutional capital.'Stargate UAE's first 1 GW of capacity is scheduled to go live by 2026, an accelerated timeline by global standards. Meanwhile, Khazna's 100 MW AI-focused facility in Ajman is also progressing towards phased delivery within 24 months. As AI workloads intensify and power availability becomes a key global constraint, the UAE is positioning itself as a scalable hub for next-generation computing. 'The level of interest we're seeing isn't temporary,' said Macura. 'The UAE has reached the point where it offers both operational reliability and future capacity – those are the markets that will outperform over time.'

UAE stock markets extend gains in June, ADX up 2.8%, DFM jumps 4.1%
UAE stock markets extend gains in June, ADX up 2.8%, DFM jumps 4.1%

Al Etihad

timea day ago

  • Al Etihad

UAE stock markets extend gains in June, ADX up 2.8%, DFM jumps 4.1%

1 July 2025 14:13 REDDY (ABU DHABI)Despite a volatile regional backdrop, the UAE stock markets registered strong gains in June 2025, with the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) main index rising 2.8% and the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) index advancing 4.1%, according to Kamco Invest's latest GCC Markets Monthly performance reflected a continuation of positive momentum, with both exchanges recording their third consecutive monthly increases. Kamco Invest noted, 'GCC markets recover strongly despite geopolitical tensions and crude oil volatility,' pointing to a resilient investor sentiment across the ADX General Index closed June at 9,957.52 points, marking a year-to-date gain of 5.7% and a second quarter increase of 6.3%. The rally was broad-based, with eight out of 10 sector indices ending in the green. Real estate led the charge, surging 7.8%, followed by the utilities sector, which gained 6.7% on the back of a strong performance by Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA). The report noted that share prices rose in four of the five companies within the real estate individual stocks, Abu Dhabi National Co. for Building Materials was the top performer, soaring 125.3% in June. Other notable gainers included Fujairah Cement Industries (+77.2%) and Al Khaleej Investment Co. (+52.8%). On the downside, Insurance House fell 12%, while Oman & Emirates Investment Holding and Hily Holding dropped 10% and 9.7%, price movements were positive, trading activity on the ADX softened. The total value of shares traded declined by 14% to Dh26.3 billion, while volumes fell 4.4% to 6.6 billion shares. ADNOC Gas was the most traded stock by volume, followed by Multiply Group and Phoenix Group. In terms of value, First Abu Dhabi Bank led with Dh3.3 billion, trailed by IHC and ADNOC the Dubai bourse, the DFM General Index closed at 5,705.76 points, taking its year-to-date growth to an impressive 10.6%. Sectoral performance was largely positive, with six out of eight sector indices posting gains during the month, while the remaining two recorded declines. The materials index jumped 21.9%, followed by a 10.8% rise in the industrial sector. The heavyweight financial and real estate indices also recorded robust gains of 4.7% Finance emerged as the month's best-performing stock, climbing 49.1%. Union Properties and United Foods Co. also posted notable increases of 34.6% and 29.5%, respectively. The utilities sector, led by DEWA, contributed a 4.3% gain to the overall report observed that 'trading activity on the exchange increased in June despite the Eid holidays,' with volumes up 54.6% to 7 billion shares. However, the value traded remained flat at Dh15.1 billion. Union Properties topped the monthly trading volume chart with 1.2 billion shares exchanged, while Emaar Properties led in traded value with Dh3.6 the macroeconomic front, the report also cited the UAE Central Bank's projections, noting that the country's real GDP is expected to grow by 4.4% in 2025 and 5.4% in 2026. The central bank attributed the outlook to 'strong momentum in non-hydrocarbon activities and robust performance in the hydrocarbon sector,' aided by revised OPEC+ production estate sentiment in Dubai remains upbeat. Data cited by Kamco from Property Finder highlighted record-breaking activity in May 2025, with total sales hitting Dh66.8 billion. Off-plan transactions saw a staggering 314% year-on-year increase, while the ready market also posted strong 21% the robust gains across ADX and DFM reflect sustained investor confidence, improving economic fundamentals, and increasing interest in real estate, finance, and energy sectors. As Kamco concluded, the 'broad-based recovery' and 'consistent monthly advances' underscore the resilience of the UAE's financial markets heading into the second half of 2025. Looking at the regional picture, Kamco noted: 'After falling to the lowest level in two months during the first half of June 2025, the GCC market index witnessed strong and consistent recovery during the second half of the month, resulting in a 3.1% gain in the MSCI GCC index.' The gains were broad-based, with almost all markets closing in positive territory, barring Oman, which dipped 1.3%. Kuwait led regional performance with a 4.2% rise, followed by Dubai at 4.1%. Qatar added 2.7% while Saudi Arabia gained 1.6% during the month.

GEMS launches school education consultancy
GEMS launches school education consultancy

Al Etihad

time2 days ago

  • Al Etihad

GEMS launches school education consultancy

1 July 2025 01:00 A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)GEMS Education has announced the launch of a dedicated consultancy and advisory arm that will help governments, investors, and property developers establish and manage high-performing schools newly formed entity, GEMS School Management (GSM), will provide end-to-end solutions to create new schools or transform existing ones. The initiative builds on GEMS Education's 65+ years of experience and global network of K-12 a statement, the company said GSM is designed to offer comprehensive services—ranging from curriculum planning, architectural design and staffing to safeguarding, systems integration, and operations. It is anchored by GSM's proprietary ASPIRE model, a 'school-in-a-box' framework that enables partners to open fully operational schools within just 12 months.'GSM empowers partners to quickly deploy fit-for-purpose schools – be they British, American, International Baccalaureate (IB), Indian or local curriculum – that meet the highest international standards while reflecting community needs,' the statement a virtual event to mark the global launch, Robert Tarn CBE, Managing Director of GSM, said: 'We're working with partners who want more than just good schools – they want schools that set benchmarks. GSM brings the full force of the GEMS ecosystem to the table – from outstanding educators and global best practice to fully costed, turnkey models.'He added: 'Our partners often have the vision, the site, and the capital – what they need is deep educational expertise. That's where GSM comes in. We've done the thinking, built the model, and can be ready to open a high-impact school – with the right team, systems and students – in as little as 12 months.'GSM offers adaptable solutions for both new schools and existing school enhancement projects. The model supports a wide spectrum of needs—from premium institutions in capital cities to affordable schools in underserved communities—while customising delivery to local cultural, regulatory, and financial Varkey, Chairman and Founder of GEMS Education, said: 'Every child deserves access to world-class education, no matter where they are. GSM is how we share our legacy, our expertise, and our belief in education's power to change lives with partners who share our vision. Together, we will build schools that shape not only futures, but nations.' GEMS said GSM is already in advanced discussions across eight global markets, with interest continuing to grow. The consultancy offers partners access to GEMS' extensive recruitment network, teacher training platforms, digital learning systems, and global procurement advantages.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store