Egypt market dips on Mubarak trial jitters; Abu Dhabi up

Egyptian shares declined as the unprecented trial of former President Hosni Mubarak added to the country's political uncertainties, but trade is slow as most traders remained transfixed in front of television screens.

Mubarak is the first Arab ruler to appear in court since uprisings swept the region, and analysts say it is still unclear if the trial will lead to reconciliation or drag on and fuel more recrimination.

"For those of us in markets, uncertainty is always an excuse to sell, whether it's justifiable or not," said Akram Annous, MENA strategist at Al Mal Capital in Dubai.

"Markets want a smooth trial and an uncontroversial outcome, and when that looks more likely they start to discount it, but until then they are likely to be on edge as this drama unfolds," Annous said.