The Dubai Financial Market General Index fell 4.65% at the opening on Wednesday, declining 302 points to 6,201. Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange opened 2.78% lower, shedding 309 points to 10,156.
The decline followed a two-day market closure earlier in the week. Previously, the UAE Capital Market Authority announced that both exchanges would suspend trading on Monday and Tuesday amid the ongoing regional military conflict.
“In implementation of its supervisory and regulatory role over the UAE capital markets, and pursuant to the applicable laws and regulations, the UAE Capital Market Authority (CMA) announces that the UAE capital markets (Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM)) will be closed on Monday, March 2, and Tuesday, March 3, 2026,” CMA said in a statement on Sunday.
Broad-Based Selling Pressure
Selling pressure extended across key blue chips. In Dubai, Amlak, Dewa, Dubai Investments, Emirates NBD, Mashreq, and Dubai Residential REIT each fell 5% in early trade. Similarly, in Abu Dhabi, Aldar Properties, Abu Dhabi National Hotels, and Adnoc Distribution also declined 5%.
As a result, both indices reflected broad-based weakness rather than isolated stock-specific moves. Moreover, several other Gulf exchanges remained closed due to geopolitical tensions, adding to cautious investor sentiment.
Disclosure Advisory Issued
Notably, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange requested listed companies to assess their financial and operational exposure. Furthermore, it called for immediate disclosure of any material developments that could influence investor decisions.
“In light of prevailing market circumstances and in accordance with your ongoing continuous disclosure obligations under the applicable ADX Rules, the Exchange requests all listed companies to review their financial and operational exposure and to make immediate disclosure of any material information that may impact investors’ decisions,” the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange said on Wednesday.
Therefore, regulatory oversight remains elevated as markets respond to heightened regional uncertainty.
