PHOTO
An investor walks through the Dubai Financial Market after Joe Biden won the U.S. presidency, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates November 8, 2020. Image used for illustrative purpose
Stock exchanges in the United Arab Emirates rebounded on Friday, buoyed by hopes of a potential de-escalation in regional tensions. Investor sentiment improved following European efforts to bring Tehran back to the negotiating table and a pause in U.S. involvement in the Middle East conflict.
The White House said on Thursday that President Donald Trump would decide on "whether or not to go" with U.S. involvement in the conflict in the next two weeks, citing the possibility of negotiations involving Iran in the near future.
Dubai's main index snapped a three-day losing streak, rising 1.6%, driven by gains in real estate and materials sector stocks.
Among the top performers, Dubai's developer Emaar Properties jumped 1.2%, while state-owned Parkin Company advanced 4.8%.
Separately, UAE created a new ministry of foreign trade, and appointed Thani al Zeyoudi as its minister, the United Arab Emirates prime minister and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said in a post on X on Friday.
Abu Dhabi's benchmark index (.FTFADGI) also rebounded, gaining 1% after three consecutive sessions of losses. First Abu Dhabi Bank rose 2.7%, while Adnoc Gas advanced 2.5%.
Real estate developer Aldar Properties gained 4.5% after reporting over AED 3.5 billion in sales at its Fahid Beach Residences and The Beach House projects.
Despite Friday's gains, Dubai's index posted a second consecutive weekly loss, down 0.2% after nine straight weeks of gains. Abu Dhabi mirrored the trend with a 0.5% weekly decline, according to LSEG data.
Meanwhile, oil prices — a key driver of Gulf financial markets — fell 2.3% to $77.04 per barrel as of 11:40 GMT.
(Reporting by Mohd Edrees in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)