Dubai, Abu Dhabi stock markets fall amid global sell-off
The losses across the UAE markets reflect investor concern over new tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump
Equity markets in the UAE opened lower on Monday, with both Dubai and Abu Dhabi bourses extending the regional sell-off triggered by new US tariffs and a global market downturn.
Dubai’s DFM General Index (DFMGI) dropped 3.91 per cent to close at 4,757.85 just after midday, shedding nearly 194 points. The market recorded a total trading value of Dhs859.8m across more than 18,000 trades. Sentiment remained firmly risk-off following Sunday’s heavy losses across the Gulf and broader MENA markets.
Emaar led losses by value on the Dubai Financial Market, falling 4.6 per cent to Dhs11.30. Dubai Islamic Bank followed with a 4.58 per cent fall to Dhs6.87. Emaar Development was down 5.94 per cent, while Talabat shares fell around 9 per cent, making it one of the day’s steepest decliners.
Other notable names in Dubai also ended deep in the red. SALIK dropped around 3 per cent to Dhs4.94, while Emirates NBD held steady at around Dhs19.15. Heavy trading volume was concentrated in Emaar, DIB and Talabat shares.
In Abu Dhabi, the story was similar. The FTSE ADX General Index (FADGI) sank 2.9 per cent to 8,920.62 just after midday, recovering slightly in late trade after plunging below 8,800 points in early morning deals. The sell-off was broad-based, led by large caps.
ADNOC Gas fell 5.98 per cent to Dhs2.83, while Aldar Properties shed 5.44 per cent to Dhs7.30. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) dropped 4.43 per cent, and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) slid 3.67 per cent. IHC, despite its high share price of Dhs401.60, fell 1.54 per cent and remained among the most active by value.
The losses across the UAE markets reflect investor concern over rising global tensions following the US’s imposition of sweeping new import tariffs, including a 10 per cent levy on Gulf exports. The move has stoked fears of a broader trade war, weakening oil prices and hammering sentiment across emerging markets.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) showed signs of recovery on Monday. After plunging just over 6 per cent on Sunday in its biggest drop since 2020, the index rebounded 0.9 per cent on Monday to close at 11,176.41, regaining nearly 100 points and partially clawing back yesterday’s steep losses.
Read more: Saudi stocks plunge by $133bn in biggest fall since 2020
