Stock markets in the United Arab Emirates ended higher on Friday, supported by strong oil prices and gains in banking, energy, and investment shares as investors monitored developments affecting global energy supplies.
Dubai led regional market gains, while Abu Dhabi recorded its fourth consecutive session of advances. Investors remained focused on energy markets as concerns over supply disruptions continued to influence sentiment across the Gulf region.
Oil prices remained a key driver for regional markets throughout the week. Despite some profit-taking on Friday, crude prices were still heading for a strong weekly increase. Market participants closely watched developments affecting major shipping routes in the Middle East, which raised concerns about the flow of global energy supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes, remained under scrutiny as shipping activity slowed. Preliminary tracking data showed vessel traffic declined compared with recent averages, adding to concerns about possible disruptions in energy exports.
Higher oil prices generally benefit Gulf economies because government revenues and economic activity are closely linked to the energy sector. As a result, investors increased their exposure to several UAE-listed companies connected to banking, logistics, and energy infrastructure.
Dubai’s main stock index rose 0.6 percent, recovering after two consecutive sessions of losses. The gains were driven largely by strong performances from major financial institutions and utility companies.
Emirates NBD, one of the UAE’s largest banks, surged 4.2 percent and provided the biggest boost to the Dubai market. The lender’s advance helped lift overall investor confidence and contributed significantly to the index’s positive close.
Utility company Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation also supported market performance, rising 1.9 percent during the session.
Not all stocks participated in the rally. National Central Cooling declined 2.1 percent after announcing the appointment of Yousif Al Hammadi as its new chief executive officer. The stock came under pressure despite the leadership announcement as investors assessed the company’s future direction.
In Abu Dhabi, the benchmark index posted a modest gain of 0.03 percent, extending its winning streak to four sessions. The market was supported by advances in investment, logistics, and infrastructure companies.
Two Point Zero Group, an investment company linked to International Holding Company, climbed 3.6 percent and ranked among the strongest performers on the exchange.
State-owned Adnoc Logistics and Services also recorded solid gains, rising 2.9 percent. Investors continued to show interest in shipping and logistics companies as regional energy markets remained in focus.
NMDC Group, a major infrastructure and engineering company, advanced 3.5 percent, adding further support to the Abu Dhabi benchmark.
However, gains in Abu Dhabi were partly offset by losses in several large-cap stocks. Fertiglobe fell 5 percent, making it one of the weakest performers of the session. First Abu Dhabi Bank, the country’s largest lender, also declined 1.5 percent.
Investors were also monitoring developments in the UAE’s technology sector. Reports indicated that authorities are reviewing plans for a major artificial intelligence data center project following regional security concerns. The project is regarded as one of the largest AI infrastructure initiatives outside the United States and remains an important part of the UAE’s long-term technology strategy.
Despite market volatility during the week, both major UAE indexes finished with positive weekly performances.
According to market data, Abu Dhabi’s benchmark recorded a weekly gain of 1.4 percent, while Dubai’s market rose 1 percent over the same period.
The positive weekly results reflected continued investor confidence in the UAE economy, supported by strong energy revenues, ongoing infrastructure investment, and growing interest in technology and industrial development. As global markets continue to monitor energy supply risks, UAE equities remain closely tied to developments in oil prices and regional economic activity.
