Abu Dhabi, Dubai Stocks Close 2025 Upbeat as Geopolitical Jitters Ease

07:03 AM EST, 12/31/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Markets in the United Arab Emirates closed the last trading session of the year in the green as investors welcomed the de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East. At the close of trading, the FTSE ADX General Index rose 0.286%, and the DFM General Index gained 0.534%. The UAE decided to withdraw its remaining forces from Yemen after Saudi Arabia joined calls from the Yemeni presidential council asking the UAE to leave. In a statement, the UAE government rejected claims "that it exerted pressure on, or issued directives to, any Yemeni party to undertake military operations that would undermine the security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or target its borders," highlighting its respect for Saudi sovereignty and national security. "The UAE firmly believes that the fraternal and historical relations between the two countries constitute a cornerstone of regional stability, and reaffirms its full coordination with the Kingdom," the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. "The UAE further stresses that since the outset of the developments in the governorates of Hadhramaut and Al-Mahrah, its position has focused on containing the situation, supporting de-escalation efforts, and promoting understandings to contribute to preserving security and stability and protecting civilians, in full coordination with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." On the economic front, the Federal Open Market Committee's minutes for the December meeting, where the US Federal Reserve opted to cut the rate on reserve balances by 25 basis points to the 3.50% to 3.75% range, were released on Tuesday. The minutes showed that nine members voted in favor of the rate cut, and three officials dissented, while also agreeing on factors such as the high unemployment rate and inflation. Back home and on the corporate side, shares of Waha Capital (ADX:WAHA) closed the session 1.11% lower. The investment management company has become part of the FTSE ADX Dividend Stars Index, which includes companies with "strong and consistent dividend profiles." Over in Dubai, Agility Public Warehousing (DFM:MKHZN) appointed Ahmad Al-Banna as its new chief executive officer. Shares of the supply chain services company closed the session flat.