U.S. stocks are poised to open sharply lower this Black Friday morning, joining a global selloff that began Thursday when U.S. markets were closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. Late Wednesday, Dubai said it has asked for a stay on two of its largest companies' debt, sending world markets skidding as investors lost confidence and tried to get a grip on banks' exposure to the debt.

As U.S. markets play catch-up to global stocks, they will do so only until 1:00 p.m. Eastern when markets close. Trading could be thin, which may contribute to the downward move. Investors will also focus on retail today as Black Friday starts the holiday shopping season.

More here: Before the bell: Futures sharply lower on Dubai's debt problems