United Arab Emirates stock markets fell sharply in early trade on Monday in response to tumbling bourses in Asia and a fresh slide in oil prices.

The main Dubai index lost 5.8 per cent to 3,252 points in the opening minutes, nearing major technical support on the March low of 3,233 points. It had plunged 7.0 per cent on Sunday.

Top real estate developer Emaar Properties dropped 6.2 per cent.

Abu Dhabi's stock index lost 5.0 per cent and Kuwait , which is less exposed to foreign investors than the UAE markets and traditionally less volatile, was down 1.3 per cent. - Reuters