
Mideast Stocks: Most Gulf bourses fall on lower oil, corporate earnings
Dubai's benchmark stock index slipped 0.6%, after two straight sessions of gains, with almost all sectors in the negative territory. Toll operator Salik dropped 2.6% and blue-chip developer Emaar Properties lost 1.3%.
"The market could remain exposed to a correction after weeks of gains and a period of consolidation", said Joseph Dahrieh, managing principal at Tickmill.
Saudi Arabia's benchmark stock index was down for a fourth day, falling 0.2% to 10,770, its lowest level in nearly two months. IT, materials and consumer discretionary stocks were the biggest losers while communication, industry and utilities gained.
Methanol Chemicals Co slumped 9.9% after the chemicals producer posted a second-quarter net loss. Qassim Cement slid 3.6% after reporting a 14.5% fall in second-quarter net profit on Monday.
Oil prices, a catalyst for the Gulf's financial markets, slid 0.6% amid uncertainty ahead of a crucial meet between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday to discuss an end to the war in Ukraine. Brent was trading at $66.2 a barrel by 1250 GMT.
The Abu Dhabi benchmark index fell for a fifth day, down 0.1%. E7 Group dropped 2.7% after the printing and packaging solutions provider reported an 82.1% drop in second-quarter net profit, while investment firm Agility Global shed 0.9% as it posted a 19% decrease in second-quarter profit attributable. In contrast, ADNOC Logistics & Services climbed 7.5%, its biggest intraday percentage gain in over two years.
Maritime logistics company ADNOCLS reported a 14% rise in second quarter net profit, beating expectations per data compiled by LSEG. The Qatari benchmark index rose 0.4%, with most constituents posting gains, led by communication and finance shares. Qatar National Bank, the region's largest lender, added 0.7% and Qatar Navigation advanced 2.4%.
Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index was up 0.3%, lifted by a 1% gain in Emaar Misr for Development and a 1.3% rise in Belton Financial Holding. Financial services provider Belton reported on Monday its second-quarter net profit attributable has almost doubled.
SAUDI ARABIA down 0.2% to 10,770
KUWAIT lost 0.6% to 9,285
QATAR rose 0.4% to 11,421
EGYPT up 0.3% to 36,004
BAHRAIN added 0.1% to 1,940
OMAN up 0.6% to 4,894
ABU DHABI down 0.1% to 10,296
DUBAI dropped 0.6% to 6,119
(Reporting by Md Manzer Hussain; Editing by Vijay Kishore)
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE encourages an abundant mindset, says British expat
British expatriate Nazia Khan has been in Dubai for about half a decade. The women's health and fitness coach, who has built a business in the emirate, sees money as 'freedom' and values the relationship of respect she has built with it over the years. She tells us about the financial lessons she has learnt during her journey. If you had to write a letter to money, what would you say? Dear Money, thank you for being a mirror. You've shown me where I've held fear, where I've felt scarcity, and where I've doubted my own worth. You've taught me that you're not the enemy — you're a tool, a resource, and an amplifier of my intentions. When I chased you, you ran. When I respected you, you grew. When I aligned my purpose with you, you flowed. I no longer see you as something to hoard or fear, but as energy that supports freedom, impact, and choice. Thank you for teaching me that my value doesn't come from you — but that together, we can create incredible change in this world. With gratitude and respect, Nazia. How would you describe your relationship with money? Now, it's strong and healthy. I'm actively manifesting greater wealth because I've trained my mindset to operate from intention and abundance. My energy is aligned with growth, and that alignment has unlocked new levels of success in my life. What lessons about money management did you learn from your mother? My mum is the definition of discipline — she's a saver, she budgets carefully, and she spends with intention and wisdom. My dad, on the other hand, was the opposite. He was spontaneous with money, loved to spend big, and enjoyed spoiling me. I had a very close relationship with him, and like many daughters, I was deeply influenced by my father's approach. So, despite my mum's strong example of financial discipline, I initially took my dad's lead. I adopted a more carefree, indulgent relationship with money in my younger years. It's only later, through my own growth and mindset work, that I learned to merge both energies to create the balanced, intentional relationship with money I have today. Who do you speak to about money and is it something you consider 'taboo'? I openly discuss money with my partner, Ravi, and a few trusted friends and mentors. I don't consider talking about money taboo at all — I see it as an energy exchange and a vital part of growth. The more we speak about it openly, the more empowered we become. Who has taught you the most about financial management? My mum laid the foundation with her discipline and saving habits, but I've learned the most from my own experiences and mentors. The biggest lessons came from building and scaling my own business — that's where the real financial management skills were forged. What has been your most profound experience in relation to money, and what has it taught you? My most profound experience was investing heavily in myself and my business at a time when it felt risky. It taught me that betting on yourself is always the best investment. It forced me to expand, trust, and move from scarcity to abundance. How do you think living in the UAE has changed your relationship with and perception of money? The environment here encourages big thinking, bold moves, and an abundant mindset. It pushed me to value experiences and growth over just saving, and to think of money as a tool for impact and freedom. If you could give your child or your younger self one piece of advice about money what would it be and why? Money flows to those who respect it. Don't chase it blindly — build value, stay disciplined, and understand that abundance starts in your mind long before it shows up in your bank account. What do you value spending money on? I value spending on experiences that create memories: travel, wellness, personal growth, and time with loved ones. What do you consider splashing out? Splashing out for me is a luxurious travel experience — luxury flights, beautiful hotels, and dining in places that create unforgettable moments. And also, jewellery. How much do you save each month? Usually around 30–40 per cent of my income. How much do you plan to have by the time you are 65? My goal is to build an eight-figure net worth by 65, with diversified income streams that allow me to continue making an impact while enjoying complete financial freedom.


Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
DP World posts double-digit growth as global trade platform shows resilient
DP World has reported a strong financial and operational performance for the first half of 2025, highlighting the resilience of its integrated global trade platform in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions, shipping disruptions, and uncertainty over global trade tariffs. Revenue for the six months to June 30 rose 20.4 per cent year-on-year to $11.244 billion, driven by robust growth in its Ports & Terminals division and contributions from recent acquisitions. Adjusted Ebitda increased 21.4 per cent to $3.033 billion, while container volumes climbed 6.7 per cent across its global portfolio to reach 45.4 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). On a like-for-like basis, volumes rose 5.6 per cent. Group chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said the results underscored the effectiveness of DP World's strategy of offering integrated end-to-end supply chain solutions and operating critical infrastructure in key global markets. 'Ongoing geopolitical tensions, the closure of the Red Sea route, and rising uncertainty around trade tariffs have caused significant disruption across the industry. Despite these challenges, our network and capabilities have allowed us to support cargo owners and deliver a strong set of results,' he said. Across the company's regions, Asia Pacific and India posted a 2.6 per cent increase in gross container throughput to 21.75 million TEUs, while Europe, the Middle East and Africa saw volumes rise 12 per cent to 16.91 million TEUs. In the Americas and Australia, throughput climbed 7.9 per cent to 6.78 million TEUs. DP World's flagship Jebel Ali Port handled 7.77 million TEUs, up 6 per cent year-on-year. At terminals where DP World has operational control, the company handled 27.4 million TEUs in the first half, a 7.5 per cent increase on the same period last year. The group's profitability saw a notable surge, with operating profit (EBIT) rising 27.3 per cent to $1.902 billion, total profit increasing 68.5 per cent to $960 million, and profit attributable to owners doubling to $532 million. The Ebitda margin improved slightly to 27 per cent from 26.8 per cent a year earlier. Group Deputy CEO and CFO Yuvraj Narayan credited the performance to ongoing strength in Ports & Terminals and Marine Services, combined with disciplined balance sheet management. 'We remain well-positioned to fund strategic growth, maintain our credit profile, and adapt to changing market conditions,' he said. DP World invested $1.08 billion in capital expenditure during the first half, with a full-year capex target of $2.5 billion. The funds are earmarked for expanding Jebel Ali Port, upgrading Drydocks World facilities, developing Tuna Tekra in India, enhancing London Gateway in the UK, and building capacity in Dakar, Senegal. Additional investments are being directed into DP World Logistics and P&O Maritime Logistics to expand terminal capacity, integrate supply chains, and strengthen digital capabilities. The company's logistics arm has been a key growth driver, with its freight forwarding platform now spanning about 300 locations and covering more than 90 per cent of global trade lanes. Through Unifeeder, DP World continues to provide multimodal transport solutions that have helped maintain cargo flows amid global supply chain disruptions. Sulayem said recent acquisitions have broadened DP World's service offering, introducing specialised capabilities to meet the evolving needs of cargo owners. 'These investments address inefficiencies and strengthen connectivity across key trade corridors, enabling us to deliver more resilient and tailored solutions,' he said. DP World expects its full-year Ebitda performance to remain strong, underpinned by sustained volume growth, operational leverage in its ports business, and continued execution of its global integration strategy. Despite macroeconomic headwinds, the company remains confident about the medium- to long-term outlook for global trade. 'As supply chains evolve, DP World is well-positioned to lead the industry in delivering efficient, resilient, and sustainable trade solutions that create long-term value,' Sulayem said.


Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Arabian Business
The UAE is leading the fight for a cleaner gold market
When it comes to protecting the integrity of the global financial system, few nations pack a punch quite like the UAE. The country's influence stems from a rare combination of factors – it is a major hub for global trade and finance that remains deeply committed to multilateralism, international co-operation and the rules-based order. One sector where this leadership is especially visible is gold. In 2023, the UAE became the world's second-largest gold trading hub. This was achieved through leadership that balanced the importance of building a trusted regulatory framework for gold trading with the creation of a business-friendly environment. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has developed robust regulations and compliance procedures that are in line with – and in some areas exceed – the highest international standards. Meanwhile, efforts by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre have contributed significantly to the sector's trade growth. More than 1,500 gold and precious metals companies now operate from the emirate and collectively benefit from specialised industry infrastructure, products and services. Yet with scale comes responsibility. Gold is a high-value, low-volume, fungible commodity that is an attractive target for illicit use, including money laundering. The Financial Action Task Force has identified many of the risks associated with the gold sector – risks that have been echoed in the UAE's latest National Risk Assessment. This assessment calls on all public and private stakeholders to identify, understand and mitigate the risks involved in conducting their activities, in close collaboration with the authorities. Many gold-exporting countries have limited oversight of artisanal mining, where gold often functions as an informal currency. Globally, there is no consistent reporting standard, and regulatory regimes vary widely, creating gaps that criminals can exploit. UAE sets global gold trade benchmark The UAE has chosen not to step back but to set a new global benchmark for responsible trade in gold, aligning its framework with international best practices, including the OECD's Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas. Since 2023, the UAE Ministry of Economy has required all gold refiners to conduct full supply chain due diligence in line with the OECD's guidelines and submit independently audited reports. In addition, many refineries have signed up to the UAE Good Delivery standard for accreditation, which includes further disclosure on a refinery's technical state, capacity and financial health. Traders must also report suspicious transactions to the UAE's Financial Intelligence Unit through the UN-developed goAML platform. Unlike other bullion centres, the UAE's framework is mandatory, not voluntary, setting a new global precedent. Crucially, it applies not only to UAE Good Delivery refiners but to all refiners operating in the UAE, regardless of Good Delivery accreditation. Compliant entities are rewarded with market access, while those that fall short face tougher conditions as buyers prioritise trusted partners. Those with serious failings face tough sanctions and enforcement, including closure orders. Gold traders in the UAE fall under the category of Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions, bringing them under Federal Decree Law No. 20 of 2018 on anti-money laundering and combating terrorism financing, in line with FATF standards. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism enforces strict supervision. Inspections were carried out on dealers in precious metals and stones, resulting in significant fines where companies were found non-compliant. In addition, between 2022 and 2024, the total number of seizures of gold and precious metals and stones from all points of entry increased by more than 70 per cent, illustrating how enforcement fights illicit flows. The UAE requires disclosure of portable gold, including its source and purpose of entry. This measure supports efforts to thwart illegal trading and promote responsible precious metals transactions. As part of its efforts to enhance integrity across the gold supply chain, the DMCC joined forces with the World Gold Council in 2022 to address the challenge of hand-carried gold linked to illicit trade. This partnership includes an annual training programme for the gold industry, engagement with bullion banks, the development of retail gold investment principles and the commissioning of consumer research to better understand market dynamics. Trade data discrepancies can also arise between exporting and importing countries. While these often occur due to a number of understandable factors, such as time lags created by customs processing procedures, the rerouting of a commodity while in transit, or the impact of long-term warehousing, they nonetheless create challenges when monitoring illicit flows. The UAE, however, reports its gold imports comprehensively and on time, including to international databases, aligning with OECD expectations for transparent mineral supply chains. What this means is that there are cross-border challenges at stake that call for shared international responsibility and require renewed and constant commitments by all concerned countries. The UAE is working closely with the World Gold Council and other partners on several initiatives to strengthen the integrity of the gold market. This includes the development of an anti-money laundering training programme for the sector and running trade workshops with key industry bodies including the Dubai Jewellery Group and the DMCC. Work has also begun on a review of rules regarding hand-carried gold and rules to strengthen border enforcement. We are also exploring innovative technology, from chemical 'fingerprinting' to verify declared provenance, to mobile refining units for artisanal and small-scale miners. These measures reduce environmental damage, enhance traceability and help channel gold to legitimate buyers, including central banks, all in line with OECD-aligned responsible sourcing frameworks. The bottom line is this: the UAE is not just trading gold, it is shaping the future of the gold industry, working transparently, responsibly and through international co-operation with other global standard-setters.