Dubai: Dubai index witnessed an early boost on Monday after the government announced plans to give 100 per cent ownership of local companies to foreigners.

The Dubai Financial Market general index was up 0.87 per cent to 2,944.22, while the MSCI emerging market index was up only 0.21 per cent to be at 1,140.16.

Stocks like Emaar Properties and Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) led the index higher. Emaar Properties was up 2.53 per cent to Dh 5.27, while DIB was 0.21 per cent higher to Dh4.81.