Gulf States

Regional economic activity is disrupted by a major aviation shutdown and faces potential shifts in the oil market. Airlines canceled flights to Dubai after an airport closure warning, while OPEC+ may consider a larger oil production increase following an Iran attack. A UAE investment firm also bought a major stake in a Trump family crypto company.

• 16Airlines cancel flights to Dubai after airport closure warning
• 12DP World replaces its chairman after his name appears in Epstein documents
• 11Oil prices rise as US and Iran extend nuclear talks
• 7UAE investment firm buys major stake in Trump family crypto company
• 5Dubai and Qatar see major infrastructure and investment developments

The Gulf is the primary venue for high-stakes international diplomacy, hosting parallel negotiation tracks. Abu Dhabi hosted multiple rounds of Ukraine-Russia peace talks and a prisoner swap, while Oman facilitated nuclear talks between Iran and the US. Turkish President Erdogan also visited Saudi Arabia to strengthen ties.

• 36Russia and Ukraine hold new round of peace talks in Abu Dhabi
• 5Iranian official Larijani holds talks in Oman amid diplomatic push
• 4Oman’s foreign minister meets with US’s Vance as Iran tensions rise
• 4Iran, US talks end after ‘significant progress’, technical discussions set next week in Vienna: Oman FM - Region - World
• 4UAE to donate $1.2 billion to support Gaza through Board of Peace

Security is dominated by the immediate aftermath of an apparent attack, with visible impacts in Dubai and Qatar. Smoke was seen rising into Dubai's sky, and an emergency alert interrupted an Al Jazeera broadcast before an attack in Qatar. The US had previously approved arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

• 3CMG Exclusive: Smoke seen rising into Dubai's sky
• 2Emergency alert interrupts Al Jazeera broadcast before attack in Qatar
• 1Explosions reported across Gulf capitals after Iranian rocket attacks
• 1Al Jazeera reporter on the streets of Tehran as missiles hit the city
• 1Bahrain strikes raise questions on how US can deal with Iran retaliation

Society is in a state of emergency response and disruption following an attack, overriding normal preparations for Ramadan. The UAE announced distance learning for all students and Pakistan's embassy issued an advisory for its citizens amid regional tensions, while Dubai airport experienced a passenger 'meltdown'.

• 3Ramadan 2026: Saudi Arabia calls on Muslims to sight crescent moon on Feb. 17
• 2Pakistani embassy in Abu Dhabi issues advisory for its citizens amid regional tensions
• 2UAE announces distance learning for students of schools, universities
• 2"Chaos Personified": Passenger On Dubai Airport Meltdown After Iran Strikes
• 2Saudi health ministry recommends meningitis vaccine ahead of Ramadan Umrah