-The physiological responses of two halophytic grass species, Halopyrum mucronatum (L.) Staph. and Cenchrus ciliaris (L.), under drought stress were evaluated. Biomass accumulation, relative water content, free proline, H 2 O 2 content, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic performance and quantum yield (F v /F m ratio) were studied. Under drought conditions, these halophytic plants expressed differential responses to water defi cit. Stomatal conductance and free proline content were higher in H. mucronatum than in C. ciliaris, while H 2 O 2 content in H. mucronatum was substantially lower than in C. ciliaris. Performance index showed considerable sensitivity to a water defi cit condition, more so in C. ciliaris than in H. mucronatum. Results were discussed in relation to comparative physiological performance and antioxidant enzymes activity of both halophytic grasses under drought stress.