UAE strongest Arab stock market in September

The UAE market was the strongest Arab market in September as it gained 12.6% bringing its year to date gains to 53.6% and overtaking Egypt as the leading Arab market year to date.

The UAE market rally was driven by the real estate and telecom sectors; with key players such as Emaar Properties gaining 16.7% and Etisalat and du gaining 12.0% and 14.4% respectively.

Concerns over Saudi banks' exposure to the troubled Saudi firms had a negative impact on banks' share price performance in August as most listed Saudi banks experienced a decrease in their share price during the month.