Flights Disrupted: UAE Residents Face Cancellations, Delays Amid Regional Tensions
ADNOC has reported that 15 of its vessels have been targeted by missiles and drones since the start of the conflict while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in one crew member killed and 20 injured. UAE residents and businesses are closely monitoring updates that could affect air travel, fuel markets, trade routes, and regional stability, as the US-Iran conflict continues to drive regional uncertainty. Local airlines, including Etihad Airways, Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia, have cancelled or delayed flights to regional destinations such as Bahrain, Kuwait, and Doha due to operational requirements and regional airspace restrictions.
The Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defence pact, signed recently, states that an armed attack against one of the signatory countries would be considered an attack against all three, aiming to strengthen collective security and regional stability. Meanwhile, Iran and Oman are close to finalising a proposed framework for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. The strategic waterway remains a major flashpoint, with Iran imposing restrictions on vessel movements and using control of the route as leverage amid wider negotiations.
The UAE has strongly condemned the Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia’s Najran region, which injured 11 civilians, including Saudi, Egyptian, Yemeni, and Pakistani nationals. UAE residents are advised to check flight status before leaving for the airport, monitor airline apps and official websites for updates, ensure airlines have updated contact details, allow extra time for possible delays and longer routes, and follow official travel advisories before travelling.
International airlines, including British Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Lufthansa, have suspended or reduced Gulf services due to the ongoing tensions. Passengers flying from UAE airports should stay informed about the latest developments and plan accordingly to minimize disruptions to their travel plans.
The situation in the region remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts ongoing and the Strait of Hormuz continuing to be a focal point of tensions. UAE residents and travellers are advised to stay vigilant and up-to-date with the latest information to ensure their safety and convenience.
Kuwait Residency Conversion Rejections
Kuwait Residency Conversion Rejections Mount
Hundreds of expatriates in Kuwait have had their applications to convert visit visas into residency permits rejected under new ministerial rules. The rejections come after applicants failed to meet the strict criteria set out in the recently introduced ministerial decree, including a minimum monthly salary threshold of KD800 for family reunification.
The new rules, which govern the conversion of visit visas into residency permits under Articles 17, 18, 20, and 22, are not available to all expatriates or nationalities. Each case is assessed individually and is subject to approval by the Director General of the General Department of Residency Affairs. Some categories also require additional clearance from senior Ministry of Interior officials.
Expatriates seeking family reunification may convert visit visas for spouses, sons under 18, and daughters under 21 if they earn a minimum monthly salary of KD800, in addition to paying the required conversion, health insurance, and residency fees. Separate humanitarian provisions allow certain exemptions, including parents bringing children under five if the mother already holds valid residency, and husbands sponsoring wives whose residency expired less than a year ago, subject to official approval.
Conversion to employment residency is limited to specific categories, including individuals who entered Kuwait on government-issued visit visas and possess higher academic qualifications or specialized technical skills, as well as certain domestic workers under existing regulations. Authorities said all applications will continue to be assessed based on labor market needs and the conditions outlined in the ministerial decree.
| Category | Minimum Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Family Reunification | KD800 |
Emaar revenue H1 2026 up 21% to AED23.9 billion
Emaar Revenue Surges 21% to AED23.9 Billion in H1 2026
Emaar Properties PJSC delivered a resilient performance during the first half of 2026, with revenue up 21 percent to AED23.9 billion. Local investors and property buyers are directly impacted by this development, as Emaar's strong financial results reflect the company's balanced contributions across its development, recurring income, and international businesses.
The company's shopping malls, retail, and commercial leasing portfolio maintained its solid performance during the first half of 2026, contributing to the overall revenue growth. Emaar's property sales recorded approximately AED26.6 billion during the first half of 2026, with a revenue backlog of approximately AED164.9 billion as of June 30, 2026, providing strong visibility for future revenue recognition.
Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar, attributed the company's success to its discipline, consistency, and long-term approach, stating that Emaar's role is to continue building destinations that reflect Dubai's ambition while maintaining quality, innovation, and operational excellence.
The company's master-planned land bank comprises approximately 590 million sq. ft. of mixed-use development opportunities, including approximately 316 million sq. ft. within the UAE, positioning Emaar for continued growth in the region. This development is connected to prior reports of Dubai's growing real estate market, where Emaar has been a major player.
UAE leaders' warm greeting goes viral
UAE Leaders' Humility Wins Hearts in Viral London Video
A video showing UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan warmly greeting His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, during a meeting in London has gone viral on social media. The footage, widely shared across social media platforms, shows the two leaders exchanging a warm greeting, attracting thousands of views and praise for their humility and close rapport.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid regularly meet to review national priorities and discuss issues affecting citizens, and this moment has highlighted their approachable nature. The video comes just days after Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was seen interacting with members of the public during his stay in London, greeting people, stopping to speak with residents and visitors, and posing for photographs.
The viral clip has sparked widespread attention and praise on social media for the leaders' accessibility and engagement with the public. Many comments highlighted the leaders' humility despite their senior positions, while others offered prayers for their health and wellbeing and wished them continued success in leading the country.
This viral moment is reminiscent of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's surprise visit to Atlantis The Palm, where he was seen interacting with the public and showing his humble side. The UAE leaders' commitment to engaging with the public and their humility has won the hearts of many, both in the UAE and abroad.
Oil prices drop 0.85% as Hormuz deal nears
Oil Prices Fall as Hormuz Deal Looms
Oil prices edged lower on Friday as investors weighed signals that Oman and Iran were closing in on a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under a temporary arrangement. Brent crude futures were down 70 cents, or 0.85%, at $81.79 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures fell 53 cents, or 0.69%, to $76.76. Investors reacted to the potential deal, which aims to allow for broader talks to bring the Iran war to a close, despite ongoing tensions and sanctions hurdles.
The potential deal has sparked debate over transit fees, with Iran seeking fees of between 5% and 7% of the price of cargoes from ships using the strait, while Oman is discussing fees of about 3%. The U.S., however, wants no fees at all. Analysts have warned that the proposed deal is not easily workable due to U.S. sanctions and restrictive insurance clauses on any payments.
The developments have signalled that hostilities between Iran and the U.S. are not yet over, with oil prices falling earlier in the week as a possible solution to the conflict looked more likely. Both Brent and WTI crude benchmarks are on course for a weekly loss of more than 9%. The situation remains complex, with the structure of the Iran-Oman agreement and the power it yields to Iran being a major point of contention.
This latest development comes as the global energy market continues to navigate the challenges posed by the conflict in the region. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which roughly a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes, could have significant implications for global energy supplies and prices.
The news of a potential deal has been met with caution, as the details of the agreement and its implications for the global energy market are still unclear. As the situation continues to unfold, investors and energy market analysts will be closely watching the developments and their potential impact on oil prices.
ADNOC vessel attacks: 15 targeted
1 Dead, 20 Injured in ADNOC Vessel Attacks
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has confirmed that 15 of its vessels have been targeted by missiles and drones in the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began. Three vessels were attacked this week alone, resulting in one crew member being killed and 20 others injured. ADNOC is taking all necessary measures in coordination with relevant authorities to protect its people, assets, and operations while continuing to meet customer requirements as much as possible.
ADNOC has pledged to meet customer needs amid mounting threats to Gulf shipping lanes, stressing that freedom of navigation and the safe, uninterrupted passage of commercial shipping through international waterways must be respected and protected from threats, harassment, and attacks. The company remains committed to supporting customers despite ongoing regional challenges.
The Strait of Hormuz has seen a surge in attacks on commercial shipping lanes, with two ADNOC tankers being hit in recent incidents. The UAE has condemned the attacks, which have added pressure on Hormuz routes. ADNOC's operations are critical to the region's energy supply, and the company's efforts to safeguard its vessels and crew are crucial to maintaining stability in the Gulf.
This development comes as the region faces rising security threats, with the US-Iran conflict escalating tensions in the Gulf. The UAE has urged all parties to respect international law and protect commercial shipping lanes. ADNOC's statement highlights the importance of ensuring the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy supplies.
In a similar incident last year, two oil tankers were targeted by Iranian missiles in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in significant damage and loss of life. The UAE has called for increased protection of shipping lanes and adherence to international maritime law to prevent such incidents.
