UAE stocks ended the week on a mixed note with Abu Dhabi's general index advancing by 1.82 per cent to 3,091.50 while Dubai's benchmark retreated marginally by 0.19 per cent to 3,864.87.

Abu Dhabi Securities Market (ADSM) succeeded in accumulating 3.06 per cent of gains since the beginning of 2007, while Dubai Financial Market (DFM) witnessed a shift of roles for the leading shares, where the DFM's shares managed to surpass Emaar as the most traded shares, gaining 27.5 per cent during the week to close at Dh3.01, adding Dh5.4 billion to its market value.

Speculators seem to have shifted their focus on new shares, especially DFM and Gulf Navigation, as heavy trading was apparent on the two scrips, in addition to Dubai Islamic Bank, according to the weekly report of Amanah Capital.

The value of traded shares surged in Dubai yesterday, with more than Dh2.4 billion worth of shares changing hands, while market observers expect the trend to continue on account of the strong first-quarter results, and the flow of liquidity, as investors started to recycle the cash dividends, while foreigners' transactions are increasing gradually and consistently, according to the weekly report of Emirates Securities.

etisalat reported a strong performance after posting 32.2 per cent increase in the first quarter's profits, gaining 4.6 per cent to close at Dh16.90.