Dubai Stocks Attract AED 970 Million in Trading Led by Emaar as Investors Remain Selective

Dubai | EcoPulse24

Dubai Financial Market (DFM) closed lower on Thursday, though trading activity remained robust with total turnover approaching AED 1 billion, highlighting continued investor participation despite pressure on several heavyweight stocks.

The benchmark DFMGI Index ended the session at 5,733.88 points, down 24.05 points, or 0.42%, while total trading value reached AED 969.9 million. Trading volume stood at 213.3 million shares across 17,534 transactions.

The session reflected a cautious market tone as investors continued to assess the implications of elevated US inflation, higher energy prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions across the Middle East.

Emaar Leads Market Activity

Emaar Properties dominated trading activity, accounting for more than one-third of total market turnover.

The stock generated AED 345.6 million in traded value and closed down 2.35% at AED 10.80, making it one of the largest contributors to the index's decline.

Emirates NBD ranked second by traded value, attracting AED 92.9 million in turnover while easing 0.15% to AED 26.58.

Meanwhile, Talabat remained unchanged at AED 1.31, with trading value reaching AED 78.3 million.

Education and Real Estate Stocks Add Pressure

Selling pressure extended beyond Emaar to other major stocks.

Taaleem Holdings declined 3.86% to AED 2.74 despite generating more than AED 73.6 million in traded value.

Emaar Development also came under pressure, falling 3.39% to AED 13.10 with turnover exceeding AED 52.3 million.

The weakness in several heavily weighted stocks offset gains recorded elsewhere in the market.

Most Active Stocks by Value Traded

These five stocks accounted for approximately two-thirds of the market's total traded value during the session.

Top Gainers on Dubai Financial Market

Selective Buying Continues

Despite the decline in the benchmark index, several stocks managed to attract buying interest.

Dubai Refreshment Company topped the gainers list with a 3.7% advance, while Al Ansari Financial Services and Air Arabia posted solid gains amid active trading.

Gulf Navigation and Empower also ended the session higher, suggesting investors remained focused on selected opportunities rather than reducing exposure across the board.

The performance highlights continued selectivity in market positioning, with investors favoring specific sectors and company fundamentals while remaining cautious toward some of the market's largest constituents.

EcoPulse24 Analysis

Although the DFMGI finished lower, the session did not display signs of broad-based risk aversion.

Trading value remained close to AED 1 billion, indicating that liquidity continues to circulate within the market rather than exiting it.

The decline was largely driven by weakness in heavyweight real estate names, particularly Emaar Properties and Emaar Development, while several service, transportation and defensive stocks recorded gains.

This divergence suggests investors are increasingly rotating capital within the market instead of adopting a uniform bearish stance.

Market participants also remain focused on global macroeconomic developments, including the recent acceleration in US inflation to 4.2%, expectations for Federal Reserve policy, and the impact of higher energy prices on regional markets.

For now, Dubai equities continue to benefit from strong underlying liquidity, though stock selection appears to be playing a larger role in determining performance than broad market direction.