Key Points:
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UAE stock markets to shut March 2 and 3 amid regional tensions
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Airspace closures leave thousands of travelers stranded
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Authorities say national safety systems remain fully active
DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates moved swiftly to stabilize markets and public safety on Sunday as regional tensions intensified following Iranian missile attacks and the ongoing US-Israel military campaign.
The Capital Market Authority announced that both the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and the Dubai Financial Market will remain closed on Monday, March 2, and Tuesday, March 3.
Officials said the decision was taken under the regulator’s supervisory mandate and in line with applicable laws as authorities continue to monitor fast-moving developments across the Gulf.
Markets paused as precaution
The temporary market shutdown comes as governments across the Gulf Cooperation Council heighten security readiness following retaliatory strikes and cross-border threats.
Regulators stressed they will continue assessing the situation and will issue further guidance if conditions change.
UAE airspace disruptions deepen
The financial move follows widespread aviation disruption that has stranded thousands of travelers across the Emirates.
Airspace over the UAE remains closed, with operations suspended at major hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia have issued advisories urging passengers to check flight status before heading to airports.
Authorities say more than 20,200 affected passengers have already received accommodation, meals and rebooking support under emergency plans.
Tourists face uncertainty
Travel officials confirmed that many visitors currently cannot leave the country until restrictions are lifted.
Hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been instructed to extend stays for stranded guests and prioritize visitor welfare during the disruption.
Most airlines are offering flexible rebooking or full refunds, but officials warn schedules could change at short notice as the regional situation evolves.
Safety systems fully active
Despite the disruptions, the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority said the UAE’s national readiness system is fully operational.
In a message to residents, authorities said the situation remains under control and urged the public to remain calm, stay indoors during alerts and rely only on official information channels.
Emergency guidance instructs residents to seek immediate shelter away from windows if missile alerts sound and to report any suspicious debris to authorities without approaching it.
Education shifts online
As a precaution, all schools and universities across the UAE have moved to distance learning from March 2 through March 4. Officials said the measure will be reviewed continuously based on security assessments.
Air defenses intercept threats
The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that air defense systems have intercepted the majority of incoming threats since the escalation began.
A separate official clarification addressing external reporting on the country’s defense posture provides further detail on the volume of projectiles intercepted and the performance of the UAE’s multi-layered air defense systems during the current escalation.
Authorities reported that more than 100 ballistic missiles and hundreds of drones were tracked, with the vast majority destroyed mid-air. Some debris caused minor property damage in parts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Officials also confirmed fatalities and injuries of multiple nationalities from falling debris, while stressing that overall civil order and essential services remain intact.
Strong warning on misinformation
UAE Public Prosecution issued a firm warning against spreading rumors or unverified content on social media, saying violators could face legal action even for resharing false information.
Officials urged residents and visitors to follow only verified government channels for updates.
Situation remains fluid
Regional tensions remain elevated following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliation across parts of the Gulf.
Authorities across the UAE say security forces remain on high alert and that additional measures will be taken if required.
For now, officials emphasize that daily life continues under enhanced precautions while the country monitors developments around the clock.
