The UAE market has seen some interesting shifts in stock performances, index updates news this week. If you’re looking to understand how UAE companies are doing in 2025, this blog is for you. From major companies joining the MSCI Emerging Markets Index to strategic investments, there’s a lot to discover.
Strong performance from Presight AI and Agility Public Warehousing
On May 13, 2025, the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) posted a slight gain of just over 0.5%. However, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) didn’t fare as well, dipping into the negative by the end of the session.
Among the key players in Dubai, Presight AI showed a remarkable 5.3% increase, continuing its positive momentum after the recent publication of strong earnings results. With a revenue beat and an exciting new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Digital Development for a new data centre, Presight AI is making big moves.
Similarly, Agility Public Warehousing also had a great day, climbing 5%. Despite some uncertainty around its Q1 earnings, Agility Global, of which Agility owns 51%, showed a solid year-on-year revenue increase, even though profits were slightly lower.
UAE companies make it to the MSCI emerging markets index
Adnoc Gas, Salik, and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) are set to join the prestigious MSCI Emerging Markets Index after markets close on May 30, 2025. This development will likely bring increased liquidity and institutional investment to these companies.
Being part of the MSCI index is a significant achievement for any company, and for these UAE giants, it will likely attract cash flows between $300 million to $500 million. Adnoc Gas, in particular, will benefit from its increased free float following the $2.84 billion offering earlier this year, which also led to a six-fold increase in trading volume. The company is looking to invest $15 billion over the next four years, with its Q1 2025 net income rising by 7%.
On the other hand, Salik, the Dubai toll operator, reported impressive growth, with Q1 profits increasing 33.7% to Dh370.6 million ($100.91 million). Its expanding presence in Dubai, with two new toll gates, positions it well for the future.
While Dewa, the largest listed company on the Dubai Financial Market, posted a slight dip in Q1 profits (-23%), its inclusion in the MSCI index will raise its visibility globally. The company is already seeing positive results from a 3% increase in revenues during the same period.
Trump’s visit to the Gulf
Another important update from the region comes from Saudi Arabia, where Donald Trump recently unveiled $600 billion worth of deals with the kingdom. These agreements include defence and AI projects with major US tech companies like Nvidia and AMD.
Interestingly, Saudi Arabia has committed to investing a massive $1 trillion in the US, and while this is a substantial pledge, the UAE has been making similar moves. In March 2025, the UAE committed to $1.4 trillion worth of investments over the next decade, further cementing the region’s ambition to lead in global tech.
Flynas IPO: A significant move in Gulf airline sector
On May 12, 2025, Saudi Arabian airline Flynas launched an IPO seeking to raise up to $1.1 billion. Flynas, backed by billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, is offering 30% of its shares, with the price range set between 76 and 80 Saudi riyals per share. This could lead to a market capitalisation of up to $3.6 billion.
It is noteworthy that this is the first IPO by a Gulf airline in nearly two decades. The funds raised will help the airline boost its growth strategy, further promoting Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambitions beyond the religious pilgrimages.
Conclusion
The UAE financial market is showing promising signs, with key companies becoming more visible on global indexes, strategic investments pouring in, and a dynamic movement in both stocks and IPOs.
Investors should keep a close eye on the performance of major players like Presight AI, Agility Public Warehousing, and Adnoc Gas, as their future in the MSCI index looks set to bring more action to the UAE market.
The rise of Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE as global investment hubs for tech, AI, and energy means that the UAE financial market is becoming an increasingly important player on the world stage.
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