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The UAE Capital Markets Authority (CMA) today announced the temporary suspension of trading on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM), effective Monday, March 2, 2026, and Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
This precautionary measure comes in response to the ongoing military escalation in the Middle East, including retaliatory missile and drone strikes by Iran on targets across the UAE and broader Gulf region over the weekend.
The strikes, which followed earlier joint U.S.-Israeli operations, have impacted key infrastructure such as airports, ports, and residential areas, heightening security concerns and economic uncertainty.
In exercising its supervisory and regulatory responsibilities under applicable laws, the CMA determined that a brief halt in trading is necessary to safeguard market stability, prevent disorderly conditions, and protect investors from potential panic selling amid the fluid and rapidly evolving situation.
"The Authority is closely monitoring regional developments on an ongoing basis and will assess the situation continuously," the CMA stated. "Further measures will be taken as required, and all market participants are advised to follow official updates from the CMA, ADX, and DFM channels for any announcements regarding the resumption of trading."
The ADX and DFM are among the largest and most prominent stock exchanges in the Middle East, hosting listings of major regional companies across sectors including energy, finance, real estate, and telecommunications. Billions of dollars in market capitalization remain suspended during this period as investors await greater clarity on the conflict's impact.
This decision aligns with similar actions in parts of the region, where other Gulf markets have experienced sharp declines or suspensions amid the tensions.
The CMA reaffirms its commitment to maintaining orderly, transparent, and resilient capital markets in the UAE. Updates will be issued promptly as the situation develops.