The central bank of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has said it will provide banks with extra liquidity¹.

阿联酋中央银行称其将对银行提供额外流动资金。

Concerns about Dubai's financial health hit world markets

The news comes days after the state-owned Dubai World said it would ask for an extension on repaying its debts, sending world stock markets tumbling（摔跤，翻跟斗）.

The move appeared designed to head off（阻止） a possible run on UAE banks when they open after a four-day break for the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday.

Dubai's government is expected to make a statement before the market opens.

The International Monetary² Fund has welcomed the decision by the UAE central bank.

"The United Arab Emirates is a strong resource-based economy and we welcome today's announcement," an IMF statement said.

There are fears that the stock market could plunge³ by up to 10%.

But Asian markets saw clear gains early on Monday, with Japan's Nikkei rising 2.39% in morning trading, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng boosted by more than 3% within minutes of opening.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Abu Dhabi has said it will "pick and choose" how to assist Dubai.

"We will look at Dubai's commitments and approach them on a case-by-case basis," an Abu Dhabi government official said on Saturday.

"It does not mean that Abu Dhabi will underwrite（签名于下，承诺支付） all of their debts," he added.

'More sound'

The announcement from the central bank came the day before markets in the Middle East reopen after the Eid holiday.

"[The] central bank has issued a notice to UAE banks and branches of foreign banks operating in the UAE, making available to them a special additional liquidity（流动性，偿债能力） facility linked to their current accounts at the central bank," it said in a statement.

The bank added that the banking⁴ system in the UAE was more sound and liquid than a year ago.

As a result of Dubai's debt problems, banks face heavy losses and the risk that depositors（存款人） could rush to remove cash from the system.

"It might support the market a little bit but I don't think it is enough," said Shawkut Raslan from Prime Emirates brokerage（佣金，回扣）.

"I think some foreigners will take their money out of the country and others will be afraid to put their money into these markets."