UAE Closes Stock Exchanges Amid Iran Missile Attacks

The UAE Capital Markets Authority has ordered the closure of the country’s two main stock exchanges on Monday and Tuesday following Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone strikes on the UAE and other Gulf states.

In an official statement, the regulator confirmed that both the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) will remain shut on March 2 and March 3. The authority said the decision was taken as part of its supervisory and regulatory responsibility to ensure market stability.

“The Authority will continue to monitor developments in the region and assess the situation on an ongoing basis, taking any further measures as necessary,” the statement said.

The temporary closure affects billions of dollars in listed assets, as investors wait for clearer information about the impact of the weekend’s strikes. On Saturday and Sunday, missile and drone attacks reportedly targeted airports, ports, and residential areas across the UAE and other parts of the Gulf region.

The UAE’s stock exchanges host some of the region’s most valuable listed companies, making the suspension a significant move amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Other Gulf markets reacted sharply to the escalating situation. Saudi Arabia’s main index dropped more than 4% at the opening, Oman’s market fell around 3%, and Egypt’s benchmark index declined by 5.44%. Kuwait suspended trading entirely.

Authorities have advised investors and market participants to follow official updates from the UAE Capital Markets Authority, ADX, and DFM regarding the resumption of trading.