UAE markets closed in positive territory as a rebound in property stocks pushed shares higher, but an air of caution still hangs.
Arabtec and Emaar Properties, the builder of the world's tallest building, were some of the most actively traded stocks on the Dubai exchange and rose 0.5 per cent to Dh1.92 and 1.3 per cent to Dh3.76 respectively.
In Abu Dhabi, the property sector also enjoyed renewed positive investor sentiment and Sorouh increased 1.21 per cent to Dh1.67. Shares in Rak Properties gained 2.13 per cent to Dh0.48.
But Arkan Building Materials bucked the trend and lost 2.9 per cent to Dh2.01. It has fallen 12 per cent since the beginning of November.
The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) General Index rose 0.5 per cent to 1,711.27 points and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange Index slipped 0.08 per cent to 2,740.46 points.
"Investors are unwilling to commit fresh funds now we're approaching year end and…whilst we await any further developments on Dubai Holding debt restructuring," said Julian Bruce, the director of equity sales at EFG.
He said the focus for MENA investors remains in Egypt, Qatar and Saudi, and has left UAE markets overlooked in the absence of a positive catalyst.
The Saudi Tadawul All-Share Index rose 0.3 per cent to 6,382.56.
Qatar is up 1.02 per cent to 8,273.07.
But all other exchanges in the region closed down. Kuwait fell 0.05 per cent to 6,964.40; Bahrain dropped 0.4 per cent to 1,452.12 and Oman lost 0.09 per cent to 6,595.75.
fhalime@thenational.ae
If you go
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Nairobi, with fares starting from Dh1,695. The resort can be reached from Nairobi via a 35-minute flight from Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, or by road, which takes at least three hours.
The rooms
Rooms at Fairmont Mount Kenya range from Dh1,870 per night for a deluxe room to Dh11,000 per night for the William Holden Cottage.
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
The specs
Engine: 0.8-litre four cylinder
Power: 70bhp
Torque: 66Nm
Transmission: four-speed manual
Price: $1,075 new in 1967, now valued at $40,000
On sale: Models from 1966 to 1970
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
