UAE equity markets closed marginally higher on Friday, 9 October 2026, with both Dubai and Abu Dhabi benchmarks recording slim advances in a subdued session. Dubai's DFM General Index gained 0.36% to settle at 5,819.96, while Abu Dhabi's FTSE ADX General Index inched up 0.08% to finish at 9,808.52. The modest gains completed a positive weekly finish for the UAE's two main stock exchanges.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum chaired a meeting of Dubai's Higher Committee for the Development of the Economic and Financial Sector to review key economic metrics. Dubai secured first place globally in FinTech in the September 2026 Global Financial Centres Index, while Dubai Financial Market capitalisation reached Dhs993.1 billion by the end of Q3 2026. Physical gold trading across the UAE reached 2,750 tonnes, highlighting Dubai's role as a trading conduit connecting global supply with demand markets including China.
UAE equity markets diverged on Monday, with Dubai slipping fractionally while Abu Dhabi posted modest gains. The DFM General Index eased 0.04% to close at 5,898.86, while the FTSE ADX General Index rose 0.35% to 10,008.39. Both bourses traded within narrow bands as market participants adopted a cautious tone.
Gulf sovereign wealth funds accounted for 62 percent of the US$10.3 billion attracted by China from state-owned investors in 2024. Capital flows are concentrating in finance, downstream petrochemicals, renewables, logistics, and digital infrastructure amid supportive regulatory reforms.
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