Property stocks took a hit on UAE markets as risk aversion grew on world markets and European stock futures fell.
The Dubai Financial Market General Index shed 0.5 per cent to 1,582.51, while the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange General Index was up 0.1 per cent at 2,609.97.
Deyaar Development, Arabtec Holding and Emaar Properties led declines on Dubai's market.
In the capital, Sorouh Real Estate, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Etisalat fell, while a 5.2 per cent increase in RAKBank shares - on very thin volumes - steadied the index.
Asian markets fell in early trading, with the Nikkei 225 falling 2 per cent to 8,906.70 as many stocks traded ex-dividend and the Hang Seng Index down 0.8 per cent at 20,524.76.
Euro Stoxx 50 futures fell 0.8 per cent, pointing to a lower open for European equities.
Oil prices cooled, with Brent crude futures sliding 26 cents to $110.41 per barrel.