Emaar Properties rose to the highest level in almost two years after the region's biggest developer announced it intended to build projects in Iraq.
Emaar's shares gained 1.9 per cent to Dh3.73, the highest level since December 2010, on the Dubai bourse yesterday. The developer signed an agreement with Iraq's construction and housing ministry on Thursday to develop property projects.
"The latest development is definitely good for Emaar, it's an expansion of their current geography," said Tariq Qaqish, the deputy head of asset management at Al Mal Capital. "But we need to understand the mechanism and the margins to determine how profitable it will be for the company."
Analysts expect the company to post an 18 per cent increase in third-quarter profit, Bloomberg reported. The Dubai Financial Market General Index closed up 1 per cent to 1,644.28 points.
In Abu Dhabi, Aldar Properties, the developer behind Yas Island, gained 0.7 per cent to Dh1.34. Sorouh Real Estate, the developer behind Reem Island's Sun & Sky Towers, lost 0.7 per cent to Dh1.25.
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange General Index was little changed, down 0.08 per cent, to 2,647.89.
Elsewhere in the region: Kuwait's measure added 0.1 per cent to 6,005.84; Bahrain's index lost 0.6 per cent to 1,070.59; Oman's MSM 30 Index was little changed, up 0.07 per cent, to 5,650.42; Qatar's QE Index gained 0.2 per cent to 8,502.25.
The Saudi Tadawul All-Share Index fell 0.36 per cent to 6,863.30.
halsayegh@thenational.ae
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder MHEV
Power: 360bhp
Torque: 500Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Price: from Dh282,870
On sale: now
Normcore explained
Something of a fashion anomaly, normcore is essentially a celebration of the unremarkable. The term was first popularised by an article in New York magazine in 2014 and has been dubbed “ugly”, “bland’ and "anti-style" by fashion writers. It’s hallmarks are comfort, a lack of pretentiousness and neutrality – it is a trend for those who would rather not stand out from the crowd. For the most part, the style is unisex, favouring loose silhouettes, thrift-shop threads, baseball caps and boyish trainers. It is important to note that normcore is not synonymous with cheapness or low quality; there are high-fashion brands, including Parisian label Vetements, that specialise in this style. Embraced by fashion-forward street-style stars around the globe, it’s uptake in the UAE has been relatively slow.
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Essentials
The flights
Return flights from Dubai to Windhoek, with a combination of Emirates and Air Namibia, cost from US$790 (Dh2,902) via Johannesburg.
The trip
A 10-day self-drive in Namibia staying at a combination of the safari camps mentioned – Okonjima AfriCat, Little Kulala, Desert Rhino/Damaraland, Ongava – costs from $7,000 (Dh25,711) per person, including car hire (Toyota 4x4 or similar), but excluding international flights, with The Luxury Safari Company.
When to go
The cooler winter months, from June to September, are best, especially for game viewing.
