ABU DHABI, UAE March 2, 2026 – In a rare and unprecedented move, the United Arab Emirates has suspended trading on its two main stock exchanges for Monday and Tuesday as Iran continues retaliatory missile and drone strikes across the Middle East, triggering fears of major economic fallout and disruptions to global oil supplies.
The UAE Capital Markets Authority announced that the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM) will remain closed on March 2 and March 3, 2026. The decision aims to prevent financial panic and market meltdown following direct Iranian attacks on Gulf targets, including infrastructure in the UAE.
Al Jazeera reported that the pause in trading comes as oil prices have surged nearly 8% since Iran warned vessels against passing through the Strait of Hormuz – the critical chokepoint that handles about 20% of the world’s oil supply. The disruption has already fuelled volatility across global energy markets.
Supporting graphics shared by Al Jazeera highlight the severity:
– UAE markets closed to “stop financial fallout” from Iran’s strikes on Gulf Arab nations in response to US-Israeli actions.
– Sharp declines across the region on Sunday: Saudi Arabia’s index dropped over 4%, while Oman and Bahrain also posted losses.
– Kuwait suspended trading entirely, citing “exceptional circumstances.”
The closures follow a weekend of intense tension. Iranian strikes reportedly targeted civilian infrastructure, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports and Jebel Ali Port in the UAE, with loud explosions heard across the country. The UAE has condemned the attacks, recalled its ambassador from Tehran, and closed its embassy in Iran.
Broader regional impact includes school and university closures in the UAE shifting to remote learning through Wednesday, and halted port operations in several Gulf states.
Analysts warn that prolonged conflict could severely affect investor confidence in the Gulf, long positioned as a stable business hub. Markets are expected to remain fragile even after reopening, with global oil prices under close watch.
Life News Agency will continue monitoring developments in this fast-evolving situation.
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