UAE Closes Stock Exchanges for Two Days Amid Tensions

The United Arab Emirates has closed its major stock exchanges in Abu Dhabi and Dubai for two days, Monday, March 2, and Tuesday, March 3, as regional tensions in the Middle East intensify. The decision affects the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and the Dubai Financial Market, two key hubs for equities in the Gulf region.

The Capital Markets Authority announced the suspension of trading, stating it was made in line with its regulatory and supervisory responsibilities under applicable laws. Officials emphasized that the authority would continue to monitor developments closely, evaluate the situation ongoing, and implement additional measures if circumstances require. Stakeholders were advised to check official channels from the authority and the exchanges for updates on reopening and any further actions.

The closure follows a series of escalating military confrontations involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which have led to retaliatory strikes and security incidents across several Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman. Authorities in the region have introduced precautionary steps in various sectors to protect stability,...