Should I buy Intel stock in 2025? UAE Market Insights

What is Intel?

How much is the Intel stock?

The price of Intel stock is rising this week. Currently trading at $20.25, Intel shares show a 24-hour decrease of 0.59% but have gained 1.00% over the past week. The company's market capitalization stands at $88.33 billion, with a three-month average trading volume of approximately 63 million shares. Intel’s P/E ratio is 72.32, the dividend yield is 1.23%, and its beta is 1.13.

Investors in the UAE market should note that while Intel trades with moderate volatility, it continues to attract attention for its resilience amid industry transformation.

Our full analysis on the Intel stock

Having closely examined Intel Corporation’s most recent quarterly results, its three-year market trajectory, and integrated a wide constellation of analytics—ranging from deep-dive financial ratios to momentum signals, sector trends, and peer benchmarking—our proprietary models now highlight an inflection point for the stock. Intel’s transformation narrative, stabilized forecasts, and a string of strategic pivots demand a fresh investor lens focused on upside potential. So, why might Intel stock once again become a strategic entry point into the global semiconductor sector as we approach 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Following a challenging two-year stretch, Intel’s stock has displayed notable resilience. As of May 30, 2025, INTC trades at $20.25, having registered a modest +1% gain year-to-date despite ongoing market volatility and a -1.79% dip over the previous month. The past week’s performance stands out with a +1.00% rise, supporting the argument for growing investor confidence after a period of price consolidation.

Intel’s latest earnings delivered results in line with revised guidance, helping anchor market sentiment and suggesting that the period of downside surprises may be ending. In the broader sector context, global semiconductor demand remains robust, with AI and data center upgrades across key markets, including the Middle East, acting as tailwinds. Recent OPEX reduction targets and asset sales (notably Altera and NAND ventures), along with a dynamic change in executive leadership, are being viewed positively by the market, reinforcing the thesis that Intel is transitioning to a leaner, more innovation-driven organization.

Amid continued competitive pressure from AMD and NVIDIA, and with global chip demand accelerating for cloud, edge, automotive, and industrial applications—especially relevant to technology-forward economies such as the UAE and wider GCC—Intel’s transformation story offers a compelling case for renewed investor attention.

Technical Analysis

From a technical standpoint, Intel’s current price structure is constructive. As of the close on May 30, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) sits at 42.84, flirting with oversold levels and indicating significant headroom for a bullish reversal. The MACD has recently slipped marginally negative (-0.02) with a bearish cross as of May 23, flagging a potential short-term pause but historically often preceding a transition phase.

A particularly appealing factor for investors seeking entry is the well-established support at the psychological $20.00–$20.03 range. This zone has proven resilient through recent market stress, serving as a technical floor that could enable strong upside momentum with limited downside risk. Resistance sits at $22.00–$22.30; a break above could engineer a rapid shift in market sentiment.

Moreover, the 50-day and 200-day moving averages—while consolidating—are converging, which frequently presages a new trend. Technical structure thus points to an optimal positioning for medium-term investors, with a market dynamic suggesting the emergence of a bullish foundation.

Fundamental Analysis

Intel’s latest quarterly numbers underscore a company in the throes of transformation, with several encouraging signals:

• Revenue Base Stabilized: Q1 2025 revenue reached $12.7B, essentially flat versus the prior year—an achievement, given sector headwinds and ongoing competitive challenges.
• Segment Outperformance: Strength in Data Center and AI (+8% YoY) and Foundry Services (+7% YoY) counterbalanced softer PC market conditions, confirming Intel’s diversification is bearing fruit.
• Profitability Turning Point: Adjusted (non-GAAP) net profit of $580M ($0.13/share) supports an improving margin outlook, despite a GAAP-reported loss due to restructuring and investment costs.
• Disciplined Valuation: At a normalized P/E of 72.32, Intel appears richly valued on trailing earnings, yet the PEG and forward multiples reveal an improving trajectory as cost control and margin expansion initiatives filter through. The market capitalization of $88.33B remains undemanding relative to Intel’s install base, intellectual property portfolio, and ability to generate cash flows once investments bear fruit.

Intel’s DNA—deep x86 architecture moats, a globally recognized brand, advanced U.S.-based fabs, and a vast software compatibility ecosystem—remains unchanged. The Foundry strategy opens avenues for external customer revenue and acts as a structural hedge against cyclicality in core product lines.

Volume and Liquidity

Trading activity remains robust, with an average daily volume exceeding 62 million shares in the 10-day window. This sustained liquidity is a strong barometer of institutional market confidence. Intel’s float, at 4.36 billion shares outstanding, ensures exceptional price discovery and enables active management strategies—appealing traits for both retail and professional investors across the AE region.

Consistent high volume underscores a sentiment that market participants are positioning for anticipated catalysts—suggesting readiness for a valuation re-rating once further clarity emerges on the transformation and revenue inflection.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

Intel is entering a phase ripe with potential upside triggers. Key positive developments include:

• Leadership Renewal: The appointment of Lip-Bu Tan—an industry veteran with demonstrated M&A and operational expertise—has been welcomed by the market. His substantial equity purchase aligns management interests with shareholders and underlines confidence in the path forward.
• Innovation Accelerating: Rollout of Intel 18A technology, powering the forthcoming Panther Lake CPUs in H2 2025, will reposition Intel at the leading edge of process nodes. Launches of Xeon 6 (delivering 1.9x AI performance improvements) and new Core Ultra lines confirm a re-engagement with high-performance markets.
• Operational Streamlining: The $17 billion OPEX target for 2025, followed by a further $1 billion reduction in 2026, illustrates a clear path to margin expansion. Asset sales (Altera and final NAND divestitures) provide liquidity and strategic focus.
• Foundry and AI Tailwinds: Growth in foundry revenues and rapid expansion in the data center and AI hardware segment position Intel to benefit from secular demand—including from the GCC’s national strategies for digital transformation.

On a macro level, the global regulatory push for domestic chip manufacturing, rising geopolitical emphasis on supply chain security, and strong tech consumption patterns in the Middle East all amplify Intel’s strategic relevance. ESG initiatives—such as green manufacturing lines in its U.S. fabs—may also enhance Intel’s appeal for institutional investors in the region, who increasingly prioritize sustainability.

Investment Strategies

Given Intel’s technical, fundamental, and strategic context, several entry strategies warrant consideration:

• Short-Term: Investors may seek to capitalize on the $20.00–$20.03 support area, with a view to a technical rebound toward the $22.00–$22.30 resistance, especially in anticipation of Q2 results (due late July–early August).
• Medium-Term: The expected ramp-up of Panther Lake and data center innovations, coupled with operational efficiencies, support accumulation during consolidations. Holding through H2 2025 positions investors to benefit from sector-wide upgrades and recovery narratives.
• Long-Term: Intel’s transformation (particularly Foundry services and AI hardware), deep IP portfolio, and solid execution on restructuring suggest significant upside—particularly as the industry enters a new demand cycle and supply chain localization intensifies.

Participation near technical lows, while the company initiates major product cycles and cost rationalization, seems to represent an excellent entry opportunity for investors seeking to capture both revaluation and earnings momentum.

Is It the Right Time to Buy Intel?

Intel now stands at a convergence of operational inflection and sectoral upswing. Its solid revenue base, signaled pivot toward high-growth segments (AI and Foundry), disciplined cost management, and highly liquid share structure all contribute to a positive investment case. Technical levels present an attractive risk/reward profile near established support, while multiple catalysts—ranging from new leadership to fundamental product innovation—set the stage for valuation expansion.

In sum, the fundamentals justify renewed interest in Intel stock. With key transformation milestones ahead in 2025, combined with favorable momentum in both underlying business and technical indicators, Intel may well be entering a new bullish phase within the semiconductor sector. For investors seeking resilient and innovative exposure to global technology trends—especially relevant for the opportunity-rich AE market—Intel currently offers a compelling scenario to consider as part of a forward-looking portfolio allocation.

As the chip industry turns the corner into its next phase of growth, Intel’s blend of strategic renewal, visible catalysts, and robust market presence seems to represent an excellent opportunity for those intent on capturing enduring value in the technology landscape.

How to buy Intel stock in AE?

Buying Intel stock online is both straightforward and secure when using a regulated broker, making it accessible to investors in the UAE. You have two main options: spot buying, where you purchase actual Intel shares, and trading via CFDs (Contracts for Difference), which lets you speculate on price movements without owning the shares. Both methods offer unique benefits and are available through reputable online platforms. To help you choose the best solution for your needs, you’ll find a broker comparison further down the page.

Spot buying

With spot buying, you acquire real Intel shares, becoming a direct shareholder and benefiting from any dividends (when distributed). Most UAE-friendly brokers charge simple fees—commonly a fixed commission per order, often ranging from AED 10–20 or around $5–$8, plus a small currency conversion fee if needed.

Example

Suppose the Intel share price is $20.25 and you have $1,000 (about AED 3,670) to invest. After deducting a typical $5 brokerage fee, you could buy approximately 49 Intel shares ($1,000 – $5 = $995; $995 ÷ $20.25 ≈ 49 shares).

Gain scenario

If the share price rises by 10% to $22.28, your shares would be worth $1,100 (49 × $22.28). Result: A $100 gross gain, representing a 10% increase on your original investment.

Trading via CFD

CFDs (Contracts for Difference) allow you to trade on Intel’s price movements without owning the underlying shares. This approach is popular for taking short-term positions—either up or down—and offers the advantage of leverage. Instead of commissions, you typically pay a spread (the difference between buy/sell prices) and, if you hold overnight, a small daily financing fee.

Example

You open a CFD position on Intel shares with a $1,000 margin and 5x leverage, giving you market exposure of $5,000.

Gain scenario

If the Intel stock price rises by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%. Result: That’s a $400 gain (excluding fees), stemming from a $1,000 invested margin. Remember, leverage increases both potential gains and losses.

Final advice

Before investing in Intel stock, take time to compare broker fees and trading conditions—these can vary significantly between platforms accessible from the UAE. The right choice will depend on your financial goals, whether you prefer long-term ownership or more dynamic trading. You’ll find a detailed broker comparison further down the page to support your selection.

Our 7 tips for buying Intel stock

The latest news about Intel

Intel recorded a 1% stock price gain over the past week, outperforming the broader semiconductor sector short term. This moderate rebound follows the recent release of Q1 2025 results and suggests renewed investor confidence after a volatile start of the year. The price recovery occurs alongside strong average daily trading volumes (nearly 63 million shares), underlining continued institutional interest. Sentiment has shifted from cautious to neutral-optimistic, reflected in technical indicators such as a stable RSI and the stock’s holding of the key $20 support level, both of which are traditionally regarded as positive signals by technical market participants in the AE region.

Intel’s Data Center and AI segment reported annual growth of 8% in Q1 2025, highlighting ongoing traction in high-demand sectors. This expansion is especially pertinent to regional enterprises and cloud service providers in the UAE and broader GCC, where digital transformation and investments in AI infrastructure remain a strategic priority. The increased performance and efficiency in Intel’s Xeon 6 processors, boasting 1.9x superior AI capability versus previous generations, position the company as a competitive technology partner for local data center operators, and reinforce its relevance amidst heightened AI adoption in the Middle East.

The recent appointment of Lip-Bu Tan as CEO signals deepened focus on innovation and global partnerships, with potential regional benefits. Tan’s proven leadership in the semiconductor sector, coupled with a substantial equity stake as part of his $69 million compensation, aligns executive incentives with long-term shareholder value creation. His track record at Cadence and extensive network with Asian and Middle Eastern technology stakeholders are expected to catalyze new collaborations and could support Intel’s future participation in digital economy initiatives and sovereign tech projects in the UAE.

Intel’s strategy to expand foundry services and maintain robust R&D investment strengthens its appeal for regional customers and partners. By investing in advanced fabs and offering manufacturing services to external clients, Intel enables technology firms in the UAE to diversify their supply chains and access leading-edge process technologies without relying solely on Asian foundries. The ongoing R&D focus ensures innovation continuity in high-performance computing, IoT, and AI, all areas of pronounced governmental and enterprise interest across the Emirates.

Current analyst consensus sets a 30% upside target for Intel, with long-term transformation efforts being positively received. Sell-side research over the last week maintains a $21.39 average price target, while some forecasts stretch to $26.33, driven by belief in the company’s turnaround and strategic divestments (such as Altera and NAND businesses). Market reaction in AE has been constructive: professional investors note that Intel’s reinforced US manufacturing base and competitive x86 leadership are key differentiators for government-backed innovation projects and fintech sector resilience within the region.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.