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The uprising has had a huge impact on the financial sector in the country, with the benchmark stock index falling 16% in the last two days. The unrest has had a wide impact on Middle East markets, with the Qatari QE index falling by 3%, the biggest drop since May last year. Abu Dhabi's ADX general index slid 3.7%, while Kuwait's SE price index decreased 1.8%. Oman's MSM30 and Bahrain's BB all share index also fell 3% and 1.4% respectively.
Flights disrupted to and from Cairo
Flights to and from Cairo have been disrupted by the protests. Delta Airlines announced it was indefinitely suspending its flights from the US to Cairo and British Airways has revised its schedule to accommodate the curfew operating in the city. Emirates Airline has announced that its services from the UAE to Cairo are running as normal, although the situation is being monitored and has advised customers to check its website before travelling. The US and Turkey have sent aircraft to Egypt in order to evacuate their citizens who are stranded in the country. The UK and several other countries have advised citizens not to travel to Egypt unless it is essential to do so.
OPEC unconcerned by oil prices following protests
Iran's OPEC governor has stated that the situation in Egypt does not require the group to hold an extraordinary meeting despite oil prices reaching $100 a barrel. The Suez Canal has also reported it has not been affected by the unrest, with shipping traffic operating as normal.
Western leaders have refused to give their backing to Mubarak, while the US secretary of state has called on the President to allow an "orderly transition". Clinton added: "It's not a question of who retains power. It's how are we going to respond to the legitimate needs and grievances expressed by the Egyptian people."
UK foreign secretary William Hague has demanded a shift to "an open and democratic society" in the North African country.
Peter Ward, Reporter
