The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) continued its upward momentum for the fifth consecutive session on Thursday, July 17, 2025, fueled by a strong performance from the banking sector and record-breaking gains for several blue-chip stocks. The main index jumped 2.15%, or 128.7 points, closing at 6,103.09, marking its highest level since January 16, 2008, and positioning Dubai as the top-performing market across the Arab region.

The rally added nearly AED 20 billion in market capitalization, with total market value of DFM-listed stocks rising from AED 1.037 trillion on Wednesday to AED 1.057 trillion by the end of Thursday’s trading.

Leading the surge was Emirates NBD, which reached an all-time high, climbing 3.98% to AED 27.45. Dubai Islamic Bank rose 1.9% to AED 9.65, its highest price since April 2006. Meanwhile, Air Arabia hit its peak since listing, up 3.94% to AED 3.69, and Emaar Development advanced 2.1% to a record AED 14.60.

Commercial Bank of Dubai topped the gainers, soaring 11% to AED 9.99, while Emaar Properties attracted the largest share of trading activity with AED 241.9 million in turnover, rising 2.75% to AED 14.95. It was followed by Dubai Islamic Bank (AED 121.5 million) and Emirates NBD (AED 113.3 million).

Other notable performers included Iktatab Holding (+5.9%), Mashreq Bank (+5.3%), and continued gains for Emaar Development. However, a few stocks saw declines, including National International Holding (-4.15%), Al Salam Bank Sudan (-2.3%), and Talabat (-2.2%).

Investor sentiment remained bullish, particularly among foreign (non-Arab) investors, who recorded net purchases of AED 209.6 million, based on buying activity worth AED 399.6 million, against AED 189.94 million in sales.

Abu Dhabi Also Joins the Rally

The momentum was mirrored in the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), where the FTSE ADX General Index (FADX 15) rose 0.65% to 10,242.49 points, the highest level since January 2023. The rally added approximately AED 12 billion to ADX’s market value.

First Abu Dhabi Bank led trading with AED 131.66 million in volume, followed by International Holding Company (IHC) (AED 125 million) and ADNOC Gas (AED 98.6 million). A notable large-scale deal was executed on RAK Ceramics, totaling AED 63.8 million, involving 25.5 million shares at a price of AED 2.49 each.

Top gainers in Abu Dhabi included Commercial Bank International (+10.1%), Bank of Sharjah (+8.1%), National Bank of Umm Al Quwain (+6.4%), and RAKBANK (+5.3%). On the downside, Oman & Emirates Investment Holding tumbled 10%, Abu Dhabi National Building Materials declined 4.55%, and E-Seven Sukuk slipped 3.8%.

Strong Capital Inflows and Investor Confidence

Altogether, UAE stock markets gained over AED 32 billion in value by Thursday’s close, powered by high-performing banking and real estate stocks. The total market capitalization of UAE-listed equities rose from AED 4.156 trillion on Wednesday to AED 4.188 trillion—including AED 3.131 trillion in Abu Dhabi and AED 1.057 trillion in Dubai.

Investor activity remained robust, with total trading values exceeding AED 2.57 billion—AED 1.6 billion in Abu Dhabi and AED 967.4 million in Dubai. Trading volume reached approximately 760.8 million shares across more than 53,970 transactions.

This powerful rebound signals strong investor confidence, underpinned by solid earnings, strategic sector leadership, and growing interest from foreign investors—firmly placing UAE markets among the most dynamic in the region.