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- Time to sell Emaar Properties?
Time to sell Emaar Properties?
And two buy candidates

MarketSmart Brief
Gulf markets are riding a wave of optimism. On February 24, 2025, posts on X noted that most Gulf indices rose, driven by strong earnings. Emaar Properties gained 1.1%, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank jumped 2.4% after solid Q4 results. This bullish sentiment could encourage clients to increase allocations to real estate or Abu Dhabi-listed stocks, though I’d advise keeping an eye on Saudi Arabia, where the index dipped slightly.
The UAE’s IPO pipeline remains hot. On February 26, 2025, 2PointZero, a UAE investment platform, announced plans for an Abu Dhabi listing this year. With Gulf IPOs already raising $12.1 billion in 2024, this could be a chance for clients to get in early on a promising debut, especially if they’re comfortable with higher-risk plays.
MarketSmart Buy Candidates
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADX: ADCB)
Why Buy: ADCB jumped 2.4% on February 24 after strong Q4 results, outpacing peers. With banking sentiment improving (net profits up 8.5% sector-wide), the past two days likely saw continued buying interest. Trading near AED 9, it’s a solid pick if it’s held or climbed further, supported by Abu Dhabi’s economic push.
Current Trend: Bullish momentum intact.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DFM: DEWA)
Why Buy: DEWA’s been flagged on X for an upward trend, with ABC correction analyses showing it hit a support base (e.g., AED 2.40) and is poised to climb toward AED 3. As a utility stock, it’s less volatile, and the past two days likely reinforced this stability amid market noise. Buy for steady growth in a diversifying UAE economy.
Current Trend: Rebound underway.
MarketSmart Sell Candidates
Salik (DFM: SALIK)
Why Sell: Salik, Dubai’s toll operator, has been in the spotlight with a potential wave 5 rally after an 18% correction, as noted in recent trading analyses. However, Morgan Stanley downgraded it to “Equal Weight” on February 25, 2025, despite a slight price target bump to AED 5.70. Posts on X suggest it’s hovering near AED 4.96, with resistance at AED 5.60. If it fails to break this in the past two days, momentum could stall, especially with high trading volume signaling profit-taking after a 60% upside projection. Sell to lock in gains before a possible pullback.
Current Trend: Overbought risk after a strong run.
Emaar Properties (DFM: EMAAR)
Why Sell: Emaar gained 1.1% on February 24, 2025, amid bullish Gulf market sentiment, but real estate stocks often see quick reversals after earnings-driven spikes. With the DFM up recently, profit-taking could hit this heavyweight (12.31% of the UAE ETF). If it’s lingered near highs (e.g., AED 8.50+) over the past two days without breaking out, it’s a candidate to sell, especially with broader market volatility looming.
Current Trend: Consolidation after a pop.
First Abu Dhabi Bank (ADX: FAB)
Why Sell: FAB’s a giant in the UAE ETF (16.9% weight), but banking stocks have been mixed. Despite a 74.5% drop in provisions boosting profits, as reported on February 24, its price-to-earnings ratio (10.6x) is below the market average (15.5x), hinting at undervaluation but also potential stagnation. If it hasn’t surged past AED 14 in the last two days, momentum might be fading—sell to reallocate into faster movers.
Current Trend: Steady but uninspiring.