UAE

Iran war pulling some Gulf states toward Israel, while pushing others away

DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRS: The Iran war is pushing the UAE and Israel into unprecedented cooperation, while Saudi Arabia looks elsewhere to counter Tehran without empowering Jerusalem.

US President Donald Trump attends a GCC summit photo session in Riyadh, alongside Qatari, Saudi, and  Bahraini leaders, May 2025.
Fire and smoke rise in the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, caused by debris after interception of a drone by air defenses, UAE, March 4, 2026; illustrative.

UAE says drone that hit near its nuclear plant was launched from Iraq

People walk past a caricature depicting US President Donald Trump, in Tehran, Iran, May 4, 2026.

Why did Gulf states ask Trump to hold off on Iran strikes? - analysis

David Alexander, Deputy CEO of Phoenix Financial

Evolving regional economic opportunities


UAE leaves OPEC and OPEC+ in major blow to global oil producers' group

UAE Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed al-Mazrouei told Reuters the decision was made after a careful look at the regional power's energy strategies.

UAE's Oil Minister OPEC President Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei and OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo address a news conference after an OPEC meeting in Vienna, Austria, June 22, 2018.

Iran clashes with US, UAE, over position in UN nuclear non-proliferation conference

The US Representative to the UN made clear that the US objected to Iran’s nomination, calling it an “affront to the Non-Proliferation Treaty itself.”

People arrive at the United Nations headquarters before a meeting on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty at the UN, in New York City, US, April 27, 2026.

Israel sent Iron Dome system, dozens of IDF soldiers to UAE during Iran war

This is the first instance of the Iron Dome being used operationally outside the United States or Israel, though Singapore has reportedly previously purchased and received Iron Dome as well.

(Illustrative) Iron dome anti-missile system fires interception missiles as rockets fired from the Gaza Strip to Israel, in Ashkelon on August 7, 2022.

Israeli 'violations' of Temple Mount spark backlash from Muslim, Arab states

In a joint statement, eight Arab countries condemned Israel's actions at Jerusalem's holy sites, calling them "provocations" and violations of international law.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visits Temple Mount alongside Rabbi Elisha Wolfson, calling to expand Jewish worship at holy site, Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Trump says currency swap with UAE is under consideration

The UAE's ambassador to the US, Yousef Al Otaiba, said he appreciated Trump's recognition of the country as an important partner but maintained that the UAE's economy remained resilient.

 US President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office after signing an Executive Order April 18, 2026 in Washington, DC.

Airline pilots fear retribution over refusing to fly in Middle East, aviators' group says

Airline pilots express widespread safety concerns flying in the Middle East during the Iran conflict, fearing retribution from airlines for refusing high-risk assignments.

An Emirates aircraft is seen through the window of a Middle East Airlines airplane at Cairo International Airport, March 31, 2026; illustrative.

Zelensky’s Syria visit symbolizes new future for Middle East diplomacy - analysis

Ukrainian President Zelensky’s visit to Syria marks a symbolic step toward a peaceful future, fostering cooperation between Syria, Turkey, and Ukraine despite regional conflicts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) in Damascus, April 5, 2026.

RAF shoots down Iranian drones over Middle Eastern countries to protect British allies, interests

Additionally, Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry said it intercepted an Iranian cruise missile launched towards the Gulf state on Sunday morning.

Birds scatter as a Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon jet comes in to land at RAF Coningsby after a sortie on February 19, 2026.

Syria condemns UAE embassy attack, Gulf nations voice outrage over protests

Protests targeting the UAE Embassy in Damascus spark regional condemnation, with Gulf nations criticizing the attack as a violation of international law, while Syria seeks to restore UAE ties.

Men walk past the UAE Embassy in Damascus on December 12, 2024; illustrative.

Gulf countries continue to face Iran attacks as criticial energy infrastructure at risk

UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia continue to face Iranian missile and drone attacks, targeting energy and infrastructure sites despite growing defenses.

Damage to the Kuwait-flagged Al-Salmi crude oil tanker, following a reported Iranian strike, March 31, 2026; illustrative.