August brought a positive finish for UAE stocks, with gains in some of the country’s leading companies helping push the value of listed shares higher. Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi markets recorded monthly gains, adding nearly Dh37 billion to their combined market capitalisation.
The increase came as investors continued to trade across key sectors, including banking, real estate etc. The total market capitalisation of UAE-listed shares rose from Dh3.849 trillion at the end of July to Dh3.886 trillion at the end of August 2026.
The Dubai Financial Market index rose 0.69% during August, taking the market’s capitalization from Dh960.4 billion at the end of July to Dh973.14 billion by the end of August. This represents a gain of around Dh12.8 billion.
Salama was the best-performing stock during the month, rising 41.64%. Mashreq Bank gained 28.4%, while Agility Warehousing rose 18.4%. Sukoon Insurance increased 15.3% and Talabat gained 14.3%.
National Cement, United Foods, Al Salam Bank – Bahrain, Shuaa Capital and Emirates Reem Investments also recorded gains.
Emaar Properties had the highest trading value on the Dubai market at around Dh4.2 billion. Emaar Development followed with Dh815.9 million, while Emirates NBD recorded Dh943.9 million.
Some stocks moved in the opposite direction. Dubai Refreshments fell 10.7%, while Union Properties declined 10.5%. Al Salam Bank Sudan, Alec Holding, Emirates Investment, du, Taaleem Holding, Dubai Commercial Bank, Deyaar Development and Takaful Emarat also ended lower.
Abu Dhabi stocks also moved higher in August, with the FTSE Abu Dhabi General Index rising 0.96% to 10,007.44 points. The market added around Dh24 billion in value during the month.
ADNOC Gas recorded the highest trading turnover at approximately Dh2.99 billion, followed by Aldar Properties with Dh2.06 billion and Alpha Abu Dhabi Holding with Dh1.85 billion.
Al Seer Equipment recorded the largest gain, climbing 43.4%. Sharjah Cement rose 32.14%, while Abu Dhabi Ports gained 23.9%. Fujairah Cement and Eshraq Investment increased 23.6% and 23.44%, respectively.
Gulf Investment was among the biggest decliners, falling 12.92%, followed by Oman and Emirates Investment at 12.6%. E7-Adhanat, Al Buhaira National Insurance and Dar Al Takaful also recorded losses.
UAE stocks gained alongside several other Gulf markets during August. Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul rose 5.07%, while Muscat increased 4.5% and Kuwait gained 0.79%.
Despite the monthly gains, both UAE markets ended the latest trading session lower. The Dubai Financial Market index fell 0.79% to 5,836 points, while the Abu Dhabi index declined 0.37% to 10,007.44 points.
Dubai also saw a direct deal involving Union Energy Holding Company, formerly Gulf Navigation. The transaction covered 28.1 million shares worth around Dh87.7 million, at Dh3.12 per share.
Looking forward
The August performance reflects continued activity across UAE equities, with gains in major stocks and sectors helping lift the combined market value of Dubai and Abu Dhabi-listed companies by nearly Dh37 billion over the month.
At One Investments, we see developments like this as a strong reminder of the value of forward planning. We prioritise understanding our investors objectives and identifying opportunities that match their vision, ensuring a careful balance between potential growth and security.
