RismadarVoice Reporters
September 11, 2026
United Arab Emirates stock markets closed higher on Friday as rising oil prices and concerns over possible disruptions to global crude supplies from escalating Middle East tensions supported investor sentiment.
Dubai’s main stock index outperformed regional markets, gaining 0.6%, helped by a 4.2% rise in Emirates NBD Bank shares. Utility firm Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation also advanced 1.9%.
The gains came as crude oil prices recorded a strong weekly increase amid growing concerns over attacks on key shipping routes and possible disruptions to energy supplies.
Oil prices were on course for a weekly rise of more than 7%, while restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz continued after escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. The situation was further complicated by developments involving Yemen’s Houthi movement and strategic maritime routes in the Red Sea.
Preliminary ship-tracking data showed that vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz fell to seven on Thursday, compared with 11 the previous day and below the recent average, raising concerns over the security of one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.
Brent crude oil prices, a key factor for Gulf economies, traded lower at $103.75 a barrel after recent gains.
In Abu Dhabi, the benchmark index edged up 0.03%, extending its gains for a fourth consecutive session. State-owned energy shipping company ADNOC Logistics & Services rose 2.9%, while NMDC Group gained 3.5%.
However, gains on the Abu Dhabi market were limited by declines in some companies, including chemical producer Fertiglobe, which dropped 5%, and First Abu Dhabi Bank, which fell 1.5%.
For the week, Dubai’s index gained about 1%, while Abu Dhabi’s benchmark recorded a 1.4% increase, according to LSEG data.
Meanwhile, the UAE is reportedly reviewing plans for a major artificial intelligence data centre project following security concerns linked to the wider regional conflict, according to people familiar with the matter.
The market movements highlight the continued influence of geopolitical developments in the Middle East on energy prices, shipping activity and investor confidence across Gulf economies.
