Gulf States

Oil markets are in extreme volatility, swinging between price spikes and corrections driven by Hormuz Strait closures and reopenings. Prices surged after the strait closed, then fell sharply following a US-Iran ceasefire agreement, but remained elevated as shipping concerns persisted. OPEC+ moved to increase production in response to the reopening.

• 117Oil prices jump after US seizes Iranian ship near Strait of Hormuz
• 62UAE exits OPEC as oil prices soar amid US-Iran deadlock
• 41Oil prices surge and markets react after Trump threatens Iran
• 31ОПЕК спрогнозировали незавидную участь после выхода ОАЭ
• 29Oil prices swing as fragile US-Iran ceasefire raises supply concerns

Regional diplomacy is intensely focused on securing the Strait of Hormuz, with the UAE and Oman taking leading roles. The UAE minister called for an unconditional opening of the strait and stressed its guaranteed use in any US-Iran deal, while Oman held direct talks with Iran to ensure safe shipping. The UN Security Council debated securing the strait, and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi visited China.

• 16Iran Reopens Hormuz Strait, Trump and European Leaders Welcome Move
• 15Oman and Iran hold talks to ensure safe shipping in Strait of Hormuz
• 14UN Security Council debates how to secure the Strait of Hormuz
• 10International push to reopen the Strait of Hormuz without fees
• 9UAE says the use of Hormuz must be guaranteed in any US-Iran deal

The security environment is highly escalated, marked by a US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and direct Iranian attacks on Gulf states. Trump ordered a US Navy blockade of the strait, while Iran attacked US bases across three Gulf countries and damaged Kuwait's infrastructure with a drone strike. Intercepted missile debris caused casualties and damage in the UAE, and Pakistan deployed military forces to Saudi Arabia.

• 15Container ship damaged by gunboat fire near Oman, crew safe - Anadolu Ajansı
• 15Iran denies US warships crossed Hormuz Strait, warns of firm response
• 12Pakistan military force including fighter jets arrive in Saudi Arabia
• 9'Outstanding payment' texts? Parkin warns Dubai residents against fake toll fee messages
• 8Ukrainian military assesses readiness to unblock Strait of Hormuz

Society is in a cautious return to normalcy following security-driven disruptions, with a focus on reopening institutions. Dubai closed churches and temples for safety but has since reopened religious sites. Schools are transitioning back to in-person learning after starting the academic year online, and the Dubai Ruler called for public displays of national unity.

• 8Dubai closes churches, temples and cancels Easter services for safety
• 5Dubai reopens religious sites and adjusts services after disruption
• 5Indian and Pakistani schools in Dubai reopen online, kicking off 2026-27 academic year
• 3Pedestrian hit by vehicle while crossing undesignated area; Dubai Police issue warning
• 3UAE back to school: authorities suspend all bus operations