Air navigation tensions cast a shadow over the UAE stock exchanges - Sarmad

UAE stock markets ended Friday’s trading session lower amid rising concerns over the potential repercussions of Iranian threats to disrupt aviation in the region.

The market decline followed warnings issued by Mohammad Khabir, an advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, as reported by the “Noor News” agency. Khabir threatened to disrupt regional air navigation if Iran were prevented from operating flights or using airport services. This escalation had on-the-ground implications, with official sources and media reporting the suspension of all flights to and from Iran via Iraq’s four main airports: Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah.

In terms of local market performance, the Abu Dhabi Securities Market index fell by 0.1%, pressured by selling in key blue-chip stocks. Shares of Fujairah National Bank dropped by 4.8%, while shares of Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company declined by 1%.

Conversely, the energy sector provided a positive exception, supported by expectations of improved energy supplies in the region. Shares of “Adnoc Gas” rose by 0.3%, and shares of “Adnoc Drilling” increased by 0.4%.

In the Dubai Financial Market, the main index slipped slightly by 0.05%, weighed down by a 0.7% drop in shares of “Salik,” the toll gate operator, and a 2.6% decline in shares of “Talabat Holding.”