Dubai’s stock market is on a winning streak, up 10.6% year-to-date and now the second-best performer in the Gulf region after Kuwait.
This growth is not just about equity markets; it’s a reflection of investor confidence, economic resilience, and a booming real estate sector that continues to attract both regional and global attention.

Whether you’re a seasoned investor, a property owner, or just beginning your real estate journey, understanding these trends can help you make smarter decisions in today’s fast-moving market.

Dubai Financial Market: Strongest First Half in Years

Dubai’s DFM General Index gained 10.6% in the first half of 2025, boosted by strong sectoral performance and investor optimism.

June 2025 Highlights:

• Index closed at 5,705.76 (+4.1% for the month)
• 6 out of 8 sector indices posted gains
• Top-performing sectors:
  • Materials: +21.9%
  • Industrials: +10.8%
  • Financials: +4.7%

Trading activity also surged:

• Total volume: 7.0 billion shares (up 54.6% from May)
• Top traded by value:
  • Emaar Properties: Dh3.6 billion
  • Dubai Islamic Bank: Dh1.5 billion
  • Emirates NBD: Dh1.2 billion

Real Estate Stocks: A Consistent Growth Engine

Real estate remains the backbone of Dubai’s financial ecosystem. In June:

• Real Estate Index: +4.7%
• Major gainers:
  • Union Properties: +34.6%
  • Al Mazaya Holding: +11.8%
• Union Properties also led trading volume with 1.2 billion shares traded

This performance signals continued investor interest in property-related stocks, a strong proxy for market health.

Property Market Hits All-Time Sales Record

Dubai’s real estate market set a new benchmark in May, according to data from Property Finder:

• Total sales: Dh66.8 billion
• Off-plan transactions: Dh17.9 billion (up 314% year-over-year)
• Ready homes: Dh24 billion from 6,078 deals (up 21% in value)

These figures highlight the demand for both new developments and existing properties, with off-plan sales clearly dominating due to attractive launch prices and flexible payment plans.

Abu Dhabi’s Market Momentum Grows

Not to be overlooked, Abu Dhabi’s FTSE ADX Index also posted healthy gains:

• June performance: +2.8%
• Year-to-date: +5.7%
• Top-performing sectors:
  • Real Estate: +7.8%
  • Utilities: +6.7%

Al Khaleeji Investment Company stood out with a 7.7% share price increase, confirming renewed investor confidence in the capital’s property and energy sectors.

A Real Investor Success Story

Take the case of Ali, a mid-level investor in Dubai. By allocating half his capital to off-plan apartments in early 2025 and the rest to real estate stocks like Emaar and Union Properties, he saw:

• Stock portfolio growth: +22% by June
• Property appreciation: +12% in six months

Ali’s story mirrors a growing trend: savvy investors diversifying between public equities and physical assets in Dubai’s thriving market.

What This Means for You

If you’re:

• A first-time buyer: market conditions are ideal for entering off-plan investments
• A seasoned investor: real estate equities offer liquidity and upside
• A property owner: your asset is likely appreciating in both value and rental demand

The numbers speak for themselves, Dubai remains one of the most attractive, growth-oriented real estate markets globally.