ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi's main stock index started off well in 2023, advancing 0.408% on Monday, underpinned by the biggest lender First Abu Dhabi Bank (NBAD), and Abu Dhabi National Energy (TAQA), which ended 0.580 % and 2.330 % up at AED17.200 and AED3.510 respectively.

Other key lenders, ADCB and ADIB, followed suit, ending the session 0.560% and 0.330 % higher at AED9.050 and AED9.140 respectively.

The Abu Dhabi index outperformed its GCC counterparts in 2022, closing the year with a gain of more than 20% after reaching an all-time high in early November.

In Dubai, the blue chip property Emaar edged 0.680% up to close at AED5.900, while Al Firdous Holdings was the best performer after ending the session 8.530 % up at AED0.140. However, the emirate's main index closed 0.155 % down at 3,330.900.