UAE stock markets returned to gains in the week ending Friday, October 16. The Dubai Financial Market index rose 0.84% to 5,867.31 points after two weeks of losses, while the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange index gained 0.13% to close at 9,808.37 after three consecutive weekly declines. The combined value of trading on both markets was about AED 7.05 billion.

A total of 2.35 billion shares changed hands across the two markets, including around 1.56 billion shares in Abu Dhabi and 792 million in Dubai. The number of recorded transactions reached 157,603.

Weekly trading value on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange stood at approximately AED 4.83 billion, while turnover on the Dubai Financial Market reached AED 2.22 billion.

Banking stocks played a key role in the Dubai market’s gains. Emirates NBD rose 5.55% to AED 31.58, while Dubai Islamic Bank gained 1% to close at AED 7.12. In contrast, Mashreq shares fell 5.3%.

In Dubai’s property sector, Emaar Development rose 1.4% to AED 13. Emaar Properties gained 0.7% to close at AED 11.46, while TECOM Group declined 0.62% and Deyaar Development fell 0.27%.

Air Arabia shares climbed 5.44% to AED 4.65, while Aramex gained 2.34%. In the utilities sector, DEWA rose 0.75%, while talabat was among the week’s gainers, advancing 4.74%.

Banking stocks also performed strongly in Abu Dhabi. First Abu Dhabi Bank rose 4.1% to AED 19.30, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank gained 3.7% to close at AED 23.02, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank advanced 3% to AED 16.08.

Despite the Abu Dhabi index’s gains, several major stocks declined. International Holding Company fell 1.5% to AED 352.60, while Eshraq Investments dropped 5.18% and RAK Properties declined 2.84%.

In Abu Dhabi’s technology sector, Phoenix Group fell 7.4% and Presight declined 2.53%, making them among the week’s biggest losers. In contrast, NMDC Energy gained 1.92% and telecommunications company e& rose 1.55%.

International Holding Company recorded the highest trading value on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange at AED 999 million. It was followed by Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank with AED 496 million, First Abu Dhabi Bank with AED 362 million and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank with AED 318 million.

On the Dubai Financial Market, Emaar Properties posted the week’s highest trading value at AED 754 million. Emirates NBD followed with AED 243.3 million, Emaar Development with AED 150 million and DEWA with AED 76 million.

Among Abu Dhabi gainers, Al Buhaira National Insurance recorded the largest weekly increase, rising 14.4%. Fujairah Building Industries followed with a 5% gain, while Abu Dhabi National Takaful rose 4.9%.

In contrast, National Investment Corporation shares fell 9%, Phoenix Group declined 7.4% and Invest Bank dropped 7.14%.

In Dubai, Emirates NBD led the gainers with a 5.55% increase, followed by Air Arabia at 5.44% and talabat at 4.74%.

Aman Insurance recorded the largest weekly decline, falling 12.3%, followed by Shuaa Capital at 7.7% and Takaful Emarat at 6%.

Amer Halawi, head of research at Al Ramz Capital, said the week’s performance indicated that UAE markets had maintained relative stability despite heightened regional tensions. He said banking stocks were the main drivers of index gains, while geopolitical developments and oil price volatility remained key factors for investors.

Halawi also said third-quarter corporate earnings would be among the most important factors shaping market trends in the coming weeks.