UAE Shuts Stock Markets as Iran Strikes Shake Gulf

The United Arab Emirates halted trading on its two main stock exchanges for Monday and Tuesday after Iranian missile and drone strikes targeted locations across the UAE and the wider Gulf region. The UAE Capital Markets Authority ordered the closure of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and the Dubai Financial Market, citing its supervisory and regulatory responsibilities. The decision followed attacks that struck airports, ports, and residential areas, raising concerns about regional stability and economic continuity. In a statement, the regulator said it would continue to monitor developments and assess the situation on an ongoing basis while taking further measures if necessary. The two exchanges host some of the region’s largest listed companies and represent billions of dollars in market capitalization. The temporary shutdown effectively places a significant portion of Gulf-listed assets in suspension as investors await clarity on the scale of damage and potential escalation. Gulf Markets React to Escalation While the UAE markets remained closed, other Gulf exchanges reflected immediate investor anxiety. Qatar’s benchmark index dropped 3.2 percent in early trading. Kuwait resumed trading after a suspension, trimming early losses to 2.3 percent. Saudi Arabia’s main index slipped 0.1 percent after falling more than 2 percent in the previous session. Egypt’s primary index declined more than 5 percent. In Qatar, major financial and logistics stocks declined sharply. Qatar National Bank fell 3.5 percent, Qatar Islamic Bank dropped 3.4 percent, and shipping firms recorded notable losses as concerns over maritime disruption intensified. Oil prices surged by as much as 13 percent after retaliatory Iranian attacks disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy flows. Oil Surge and Strategic Shipping Risks The escalation has renewed focus on the Strait of Hormuz, which handles a substantial share of global seaborne oil trade. Disruptions i