The UAE stock markets posted a notable recovery in April 2026, with both the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM) registers gains following steep declines in March, according to data compiled by Kamco Invest.

The ADX General Index rose 2.7% over the month, closing at 9,778.76 points after falling 8.9% in March. Broad sectoral strength was evident, as eight out of ten sectors posted gains. The industrial sector led the rebound, advancing 11.2%, buoyed by a 38.1% jump in Orascom Construction shares. The consumer staples sector rose 6.1%, supported by gains among companies including Agthia and Mair Group. Conversely, the utilities sector was the sole sector to contract significantly, declining 4.9%.

Among individual stocks on ADX, Abu Dhabi National Company for Building Materials (BILDCO) recorded the largest gain with a 53.0% increase. Other notable performers included Orascom Construction and GFH Financial Group, which rose 38.1% and 30.4%, respectively. On the downside, Aram Group experienced the steepest drop, losing 21.6%, while Insurance House and Phoenix Group fell 19.9% and 13.2%, respectively.

Despite positive price movements, trading activity on the ADX softened during the month. Total volume fell 14.1% to 6.1 billion shares, while the value of shares traded decreased 11.0% to Dh25.8 billion. Abu Dhabi National Hotels emerged as the most active stock by volume with 636.2 million shares traded, followed by ADNOC Gas and Aldar Properties. In terms of traded value, Aldar Properties led with Dh3.6 billion, ahead of Alpha Dhabi Holding and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.

The Dubai Financial Market delivered the strongest performance in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, with its General Index rising 6.1% to 5,766.05 points, partially reversing a 16.4% plunge in March. Sector gains were more moderate compared to ADX, with five out of eight sectors showing positive returns. The industrial sector led the advance, supported by six of eight constituent companies posting gains, including a 60.4% surge in Gulf Navigation Holding. The consumer discretionary sector followed with a 14.0% increase, boosted by broad gains among its constituents such as Talabat Holding. The materials sector was the main laggard, sliding 5.1%.

Individual shares on DFM saw Gulf Navigation Holding leading gainers with a 60.4% rise. National International Holding and Gulf Finance House also posted strong advances, up 31.4% and 28.2%, respectively. The largest declines were recorded by Dubai National Insurance, down 6.2%, followed by Dubai Taxi Company and National General Insurance, both down 5.1%.

Trading volume on DFM rose 5.4% to 5.4 billion shares, contrasting with a 17.3% decrease in traded value to Dh20.4 billion. Talabat Holding was the most actively traded stock by volume with 840 million shares, followed by Emaar Properties and Drake & Scull International. In terms of value, Emaar Properties accounted for Dh9.6 billion in trades, more than double its closest competitors, Emirates NBD and Emaar Development.

Overall, the rebound in UAE equities in April points to a stabilizing market sentiment after a turbulent March, though trading activity displayed divergent trends across the two main exchanges.