📉 War Impact: UAE Stock Markets Lose US$ 120 Bn

The escalation of the US-Israel conflict with Iran has triggered a significant downturn in UAE financial markets, marking them among the hardest-hit globally. • Market Valuation: Combined losses for Dubai and Abu Dhabi reached ~US$ 120 Bn since Feb 28. The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) plunged 16% (loss of US$ 45 Bn), while the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) dropped 9% (loss of US$ 75 Bn). • Regional & Global Context: While Qatar (-4%) and Bahrain (-7%) saw declines, Saudi Arabia and Oman recorded gains. Comparatively, the US S&P 500 dropped 7% during the same period. • Sector Vulnerability: The travel & tourism sector—a critical pillar for economic diversification—is under heavy pressure. Dubai’s international airport has faced tens of thousands of flight cancellations due to the conflict. The sector previously contributed US$ 70 Bn (13% of GDP) to the UAE economy. • Outlook: Despite the volatility, experts view this as a "temporary shock" to investor sentiment rather than structural damage. The UAE maintains its goal to position Dubai as a top four global financial hub by 2033, backed by its 2024 milestone of exceeding US$ 1 Tn in total market capitalization. _Source: News reports as of April 1, 2026._