Gulf markets grounded, regional conflict triggers halts

March 02, 2026 (MLN): Major stock exchanges across the Gulf have suspended trading following a dramatic escalation in tensions after a US military strike on Iran.

Boursa Kuwait was the first to act, declaring a trading halt effective Sunday, March 1, 2026, under directives from Kuwait's Capital Markets Authority.

The exchange cited "exceptional circumstances the country is experiencing" and stated the decision was taken to protect market participants and ensure stability.

Shortly after, the UAE Capital Markets Authority confirmed that both the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) would be closed on March 2–3, 2026, according to Bloomberg.

The closures come as the US military strike on Iran sent shockwaves through regional financial markets.

Fears over disruption to oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz, a surge in investor panic selling, and broader concerns over regional conflict spreading have pushed Gulf regulators into emergency action.

Oil prices surged sharply on news of the strike, rattling GCC economies that remain heavily dependent on energy revenues.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange halted all equity trading today after the KSE-100 Index dropped nearly 9% over 15,000 points to 152,991, with all 94 active counters declining and none trading in positive territory

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