Islamic bond issuers are now due to have responded to queries from Nasdaq Dubai to assess the 'soundness and health' of debt listed on the bourse in a move linked to Dubai World's $26 billion debt standstill request.

Nasdaq Dubai said the companies had until Tuesday morning to respond to a series of questions providing information to determine the current value of the securities.

'In the light of recent events related to the financial situation in Dubai, the Dubai World proposed debt standstill and the recent downgrading of several Dubai-based entities, there continues to be significant coverage and speculation concerning the soundness and financial health of the issuers of debt securities,' Nasdaq Dubai said in a letter addressed to issuers on December 10.

Fears that Dubai's debt woes are not limited to troubled state conglomerate Dubai World has battered investor confidence.

Companies listing certificates on Nasdaq Dubai include property developer Nakheel, DIFC Investments and Dubai Holding.

'Nasdaq Dubai is entitled to require the publication of further information by, and to impose additional continuing obligations on, any issuer where it considers that circumstances so justify,' the bourse said.-Reuters