Markets in the United Arab Emirates ended lower, led by bank and real estate stocks as investors worry about the health of the economy and potentially weak fourth-quarter earnings.

Abu Dhabi's main index ended 2.91 per cent lower at 2,315 points. National Bank of Abu Dhabi and First Gulf Bank fell 9.32 per cent and 7.18 per cent respectively.

Dubai's benchmark closed 0.36 per cent down at 1,637 points. Union Properties and telecom firm du lost 4.23 per cent and 5.94 per cent.

Qatar's main index ended 3.94 per cent lower at 5,410 points, its lowest close in 4-1/2 years as investor sentiment is hit by worries about weaker fourth-quarter earnings.

Qatar National Bank, which last week posted a decline in fourth-quarter profit, plummeted 4.55 per cent. Qatar Gas and Transport (Nakilat) and Industries Qatar lost 5.26 per cent and 3.97 per cent respectively.

In Kuwait, the index ended 1.41 per cent lower at 6,979 points.

Bahrain's benchmark ended 0.62 per cent lower at 1,745 points.