Gulf States

Dubai's economy is experiencing a pronounced boom in real estate, aviation, and precious metals. Major real estate deals and a strategic expansion of Dubai Silicon Oasis are underway, while Emirates is on a hiring spree and gold prices have reached record highs. The period also saw a silver shortage with a 15% premium and the resumption of Red Sea shipping after a ceasefire.

• 6Dubai sees major real estate deals and Emirates hiring spree
• 5Dubai gold prices reach record highs as buyers seek flexible payments
• 4Emaar to launch tender for Dubai Creek Tower in three months, says Alabbar
• 3Silver shortage in Dubai: Buyers pay 15% premium as demand rises
• 3Mohammed bin Rashid launches Dh12.8 billion strategic expansion projects for Dubai Silicon Oasis

The UAE is firmly positioned as a key mediator in international conflicts, hosting the first trilateral Russia-Ukraine-US talks in Abu Dhabi. Gulf states are also actively engaging in new multilateral initiatives, with the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar joining Trump's 'Board of Peace' alongside Israel and Turkey. Bilateral ties are being strengthened, as seen in defense and energy deals with India.

• 28Russia, Ukraine and US hold first trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi
• 9UAE, Bahrain, and Belarus join Trump's new 'Board of Peace' initiative
• 6Saudi Arabia says won't allow airspace, territory to be used for military actions against Iran
• 5Turkey, Qatar filling the Board of Peace void left by Israel
• 3Yemeni politicians meet in Riyadh after dissolution of UAE-backed separatist group

Gulf states are publicly distancing themselves from potential US-led military action against Iran, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia explicitly barring the use of their territory, airspace, and waters for such attacks. This recalibration occurs alongside continued US arms sales to regional allies like Saudi Arabia and a reduction of the security alert at a Qatar air base after Iran reopened its airspace.

• 4UAE welcomes US designation of several Muslim Brotherhood branches as terrorist organisations
• 3Yemen separatist leader fled to UAE: Saudi-led coalition - Region - World
• 2UAE bars use of its airspace for strikes against Iran
• 2Bengaluru police arrest 12 in Dubai-linked mule account scam, seize assets worth ₹1 crore
• 1U.S. Central Command urges Iran's Revolutionary Guard to conduct maneuvers safely

The dominant societal tension revolves around media freedom and geopolitical alignment, highlighted by Al Jazeera's public denunciation of YouTube's compliance with an Israeli ban on the network. This conflict over narrative control is set against a backdrop of states emphasizing cultural tolerance, humanitarian leadership, and public health reassurance.

• 3Saudi Arabia ranks second globally in humanitarian aid for 2025
• 2Saudi Arabia's King Salman leaves hospital after 'reassuring' medical tests
• 1Saudi Arabia and UN support protection of Yemeni heritage
• 1Travelling amid Nipah scare? UAE doctors say no need to panic
• 1Qatar’s Sheikha al-Mayassa: ‘We’re a very conservative society, but we’re tolerant’