Dubai, March 1, 2026, 12:30 GST — The session ended with markets closed.
- Dubai’s DFM General Index dropped 1.83% at Friday’s close, most stocks finishing in the red.
- Gulf shares fell Sunday, pressured by strikes between Iran, the U.S., and Israel that left investors skittish.
- Oil, how tankers move through the Strait of Hormuz, and air travel disruption—all of it looks set to influence positioning heading into Monday’s session in Dubai.
Dubai shares open Monday as the Gulf digests another security jolt, with regional indexes logging declines Sunday after a round of strikes tied to Iran, the US, and Israel. “Geopolitical tension drives a risk-off mood,” said Hani Abuagla, senior market analyst at XTB MENA. He warned that more escalation “could deepen the sell-off.” 1
The DFM General Index dropped 1.83% to 6,503.50 points at Friday’s close on the Dubai Financial Market. Trading volume hit roughly 2.09 billion dirhams. DFM data showed 29 stocks fell while 16 managed gains. 2
Timing is key here. Dubai was already under pressure ahead of the weekend’s escalation—the city’s main index dropped 1.8% on Friday, marking a second straight weekly loss. Emaar Properties tumbled 4.1%, while Emirates NBD Bank slid 5.2% and Dubai Islamic Bank lost 2.4%, according to Reuters. 3
Oil remains a key mover. With Iran declaring the Strait of Hormuz closed to navigation and tanker operators scrambling to suspend or reroute shipments, the chokepoint is once more at the center of market nerves, Reuters reported. Eyes now turn to the eight OPEC+ producers and their March 1 gathering—OPEC has already highlighted the date—after Reuters sources suggested the group is weighing a bigger production boost than previously signaled. (OPEC+ includes Russia and other allies; bpd stands for barrels per day.) 4
Air travel problems are hitting Dubai’s trading scene, as the city’s airport often reflects broader shifts in tourism and service demand. According to Khaleej Times, Air Arabia posted on social media that it had cancelled flights to Iran, Iraq, and other destinations in the region on Saturday, and flagged possible reroutes and delays for additional routes. 5
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority posted audited 2025 results, reporting revenue near 32.84 billion dirhams and annual profit of roughly 9.06 billion dirhams. The utility, a major name in Dubai markets, often attracts defensive interest as risk sentiment cools. 6
Some traders pointed to recent market mechanics, following disruptions late last week. According to ADIB Securities, DFM halted trading in both DEWA and Gulf Navigation on Feb. 27 during board meetings. Trading in DEWA restarted once disclosures were made. 7
Governance enters the mix alongside broader market chatter. On Feb. 27, Air Arabia put out its board nominee list in a filing to the DFM disclosures system. 8
Liquidity at the open is the initial hurdle. Dubai’s market operates Monday through Friday, with regular hours from 10:00 to 14:45 local time. Trading resumes March 2. 9
Banks and property stocks tend to drive the index when markets pick up speed, but both sectors slid during Friday’s risk-off drop. Should oil surge and regional news flow persist, investors could stick with cash and favor defensive plays.
Still, risk cuts both ways. Should tensions subside quickly—or if air routes partially reopen—Dubai’s big caps could see bargain hunters return, particularly with oil stabilizing and volatility fading.
