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United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The latest news, analysis and opinion on United Arab Emirates (UAE). In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Abu Dhabi

Head of State

President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Head of Government

Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Thai crew members, rescued after their ship was hit by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

20 Thai sailors return home after Iranian attack in Strait of Hormuz

Families reunite as concerns mount for three crew members still trapped in the engine room of the damaged Mayuree Naree.

1 hour agovideocam

Hong Kong tourism

30% jump in demand for regional holidays among Hongkongers amid Middle East war

6 hours agovideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump warns he ‘may delay’ China visit in demand for countries to secure Hormuz

2 hours agovideocam

Middle East

Opinion | How US-Israel war on Iran rocks foundations of the Abraham Accords

For Arab states, the conflict has revealed a paradox: the alliances meant to enhance their security may also have increased their vulnerability.

16 Mar 2026 - 5:30AMvideocam

Smoke rises from a warehouse in the industrial area of Sharjah city in the United Arab Emirates on March 1 following reports of Iranian strikes. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issue death threat for Israeli PM Netanyahu

Before the threat, US President Donald Trump said Tehran wanted ‘to make a deal, I don’t want to because the terms aren’t good enough yet’.

15 Mar 2026 - 7:39PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

To help Middle East nations fight drones, Ukraine wants cash and tech

This is about ⁠protection and a full assessment of how to counter Shahed drones, says Zelensky, after Kyiv dispatched dozens of experts.

15 Mar 2026 - 5:34PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war entering ‘decisive phase’, Israel says, as attacks continue

Washington’s embassy in Iraq was hit by a drone, while clouds of black smoke rose over the Fujairah energy facility in the UAE.

14 Mar 2026 - 11:51PM

Smoke rises in the Fujairah oil industry zone, caused by debris after interception of a drone by air defences, according to the Fujairah media office, amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran, in Fujairah, the United Arab Emirates, on Saturday. Photo: Reuters

US-China relations

The US is shifting THAAD to the Middle East. What does that mean for China?

Analysts warn of a regional capability gap in the wake of US redeployment of anti-missile system to the Middle East.

14 Mar 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

No longer safe: Iran war puts 9 million Indian workers in the line of fire

As missiles fly, drone strikes from Dubai to Doha are shattering the illusion of safety for millions of Indian expats living in the Gulf.

14 Mar 2026 - 4:00PMvideocam

Cathay Pacific

Editorial | Cathay Pacific must remain vigilant to navigate new turbulence

War in the Middle East is causing significant disruption, but a focus on regional routes can help ensure the airline’s solid recovery continues.

14 Mar 2026 - 6:45AM

A Cathay Pacific plane stands at a gate at Hong Kong International Airport on January 25. Photo: dpa

War and conflict

Opinion | US-Israeli war on Iran makes a mockery of global governance rules

Inevitably, the world will be split between those committed to peace and harmony, and those who want to fight to secure dominance.

13 Mar 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump gestures during a visit to Verst Logistics in Hebron, Kentucky, US, on March 11. Photo: Reuters

Australia

Australia walks ‘very fine line’ with Gulf deployment amid Iran war

Analysts say the defensive deployment reflects Canberra’s attempt to balance alliance pressure with fears of deeper involvement in the conflict.

13 Mar 2026 - 4:43PMvideocam

SCMP Highlights

China’s arms imports plummet, Hong Kong couple’s Dubai exit: 7 highlights

From missile concerns in the Philippines to China’s rejection of Musk’s space-AI plan, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

13 Mar 2026 - 12:12PM

Iran

Southeast Asia faces spillover cyber risk from Iran war as ‘blast radius’ widens

Many Asean firms are tied into the global network in the Gulf, Europe and the US, facing the risk of cyberattacks linked to the war.

12 Mar 2026 - 6:06PMvideocam

A building in Juffair, Manama, Bahrain damaged by an Iranian drone attack seen on March 1. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

Macroscope | Iran war disruption just one of many threats to global markets

The danger from the Iran war cannot be assessed in isolation. Rather, it is one of several major vulnerabilities that could trigger a much sharper sell-off.

12 Mar 2026 - 4:30PMvideocam

People queue to buy petrol in Hanoi on March 10 after Vietnam’s trade ministry called on local businesses to encourage their employees to work from home to save fuel amid disruptions in supply and price surges triggered by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

Preparing for the worst? US bunker maker claims big demand in Middle East

Following strikes on regional hubs, Atlas Survival Shelters says demand from Gulf nation clients is at an ‘all-time high’.

12 Mar 2026 - 11:09AM

US, Israel war on Iran

UN Security Council demands Iran halt attacks on Gulf states

The resolution did not mention US or Israeli strikes, prompting Tehran’s ambassador to decry ‘blatant misuse’ of the international body.

12 Mar 2026 - 7:03AMvideocam

Middle East

Opinion | Data centres are a symbol of the Gulf’s economic future and weakness

AI data centres, financial hubs and tourism are not peripheral to the Gulf’s growth; they are central to both opportunity and vulnerability.

12 Mar 2026 - 12:57AMvideocam

Foreign workers look on as a large smoke plume rises from the Fujairah industrial zone in the UAE on March 3. Photo: AFP

Thailand

Thai navy says cargo ship attacked near Strait of Hormuz

The Thai navy said 20 crew members have been rescued so far.

12 Mar 2026 - 3:56PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Sowing the seeds of hunger: war on Iran puts Asia’s next harvest at risk

As Gulf gas plants go offline, missing fertiliser shipments today could mean empty shelves and record food prices by autumn.

11 Mar 2026 - 5:52PMvideocam

China energy security

As war on Iran escalates, Asia scrambles to deal with global energy fallout

China, Japan and South Korea have all taken steps to reduce impact of supply shortages – but analysts warn of spillover.

11 Mar 2026 - 11:05AMvideocam

This video grab shows fire erupting at an oil depot in Iran’s capital Tehran after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran starting on February 28. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Hong Kong’s draw as elite sports event host on display at LIV Golf tournament

Besides attracting high-end visitors, the competition’s blend of elite sport and entertainment is the direction the city should be heading in.

11 Mar 2026 - 6:45AM

Young-han Song of Korean Golf Club hits his shot from the first tee during the second round of LIV Golf tournament at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling on March 6. Photo: LIV Golf

Indonesia

Will Iran war push Indonesia to quit Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’?

Critics have urged Jakarta to leave the board and reconsider related policies, amid concerns the country may be losing ‘strategic autonomy’.

10 Mar 2026 - 7:24PMvideocam

Cathay Pacific

Cathay extends flight suspension to Dubai, Riyadh until March 31 amid war

Heightened regional instability has forced airlines to divert flights or avoid certain airspace in Middle East entirely as a precaution.

10 Mar 2026 - 11:08PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Why has the US-Israeli war on Iran left Brics speechless?

As Tehran retaliates against its Gulf neighbours, the newly expanded bloc built for trade is discovering the limits of its own unity.

10 Mar 2026 - 3:32PM

A plume of black smoke rises from the port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday last week following a suspected Iranian strike. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

Casualty figures across the Middle East as Iran war enters second week

Since the launch of ‘Operation Epic Fury’, casualties have mounted across the region, with civilians in Iran and Lebanon bearing the brunt.

10 Mar 2026 - 1:11PM

An Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Monday. Photo: Reuters

Israel-Gaza war

Trump’s Gaza plan ‘on hold’ as Iran war halts disarmament talks

The pause threatens to stall implementation of Trump’s flagship Middle East peace initiative.

10 Mar 2026 - 1:53PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Australia to send missiles to UAE, deploy reconnaissance plane, but no troops

Prime minister emphasises ‘purely defensive’ role for Australia as Iranian strikes escalate across the Gulf.

10 Mar 2026 - 9:15AM

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United Arab Emirates (UAE)

20 Thai sailors return home after Iranian attack in Strait of Hormuz

Families reunite as concerns mount for three crew members still trapped in the engine room of the damaged Mayuree Naree.

30% jump in demand for regional holidays among Hongkongers amid Middle East war

Trump warns he ‘may delay’ China visit in demand for countries to secure Hormuz

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | How US-Israel war on Iran rocks foundations of the Abraham Accords

For Arab states, the conflict has revealed a paradox: the alliances meant to enhance their security may also have increased their vulnerability.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issue death threat for Israeli PM Netanyahu

Before the threat, US President Donald Trump said Tehran wanted ‘to make a deal, I don’t want to because the terms aren’t good enough yet’.

To help Middle East nations fight drones, Ukraine wants cash and tech

This is about ⁠protection and a full assessment of how to counter Shahed drones, says Zelensky, after Kyiv dispatched dozens of experts.

Iran war entering ‘decisive phase’, Israel says, as attacks continue

Washington’s embassy in Iraq was hit by a drone, while clouds of black smoke rose over the Fujairah energy facility in the UAE.

The US is shifting THAAD to the Middle East. What does that mean for China?

Analysts warn of a regional capability gap in the wake of US redeployment of anti-missile system to the Middle East.

No longer safe: Iran war puts 9 million Indian workers in the line of fire

As missiles fly, drone strikes from Dubai to Doha are shattering the illusion of safety for millions of Indian expats living in the Gulf.

Editorial | Cathay Pacific must remain vigilant to navigate new turbulence

War in the Middle East is causing significant disruption, but a focus on regional routes can help ensure the airline’s solid recovery continues.

Opinion | US-Israeli war on Iran makes a mockery of global governance rules

Inevitably, the world will be split between those committed to peace and harmony, and those who want to fight to secure dominance.

Australia walks ‘very fine line’ with Gulf deployment amid Iran war

Analysts say the defensive deployment reflects Canberra’s attempt to balance alliance pressure with fears of deeper involvement in the conflict.

China’s arms imports plummet, Hong Kong couple’s Dubai exit: 7 highlights

From missile concerns in the Philippines to China’s rejection of Musk’s space-AI plan, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Southeast Asia faces spillover cyber risk from Iran war as ‘blast radius’ widens

Many Asean firms are tied into the global network in the Gulf, Europe and the US, facing the risk of cyberattacks linked to the war.

Macroscope | Iran war disruption just one of many threats to global markets

The danger from the Iran war cannot be assessed in isolation. Rather, it is one of several major vulnerabilities that could trigger a much sharper sell-off.

Preparing for the worst? US bunker maker claims big demand in Middle East

Following strikes on regional hubs, Atlas Survival Shelters says demand from Gulf nation clients is at an ‘all-time high’.

UN Security Council demands Iran halt attacks on Gulf states

The resolution did not mention US or Israeli strikes, prompting Tehran’s ambassador to decry ‘blatant misuse’ of the international body.

Opinion | Data centres are a symbol of the Gulf’s economic future and weakness

AI data centres, financial hubs and tourism are not peripheral to the Gulf’s growth; they are central to both opportunity and vulnerability.

Thai navy says cargo ship attacked near Strait of Hormuz

The Thai navy said 20 crew members have been rescued so far.

Sowing the seeds of hunger: war on Iran puts Asia’s next harvest at risk

As Gulf gas plants go offline, missing fertiliser shipments today could mean empty shelves and record food prices by autumn.

As war on Iran escalates, Asia scrambles to deal with global energy fallout

China, Japan and South Korea have all taken steps to reduce impact of supply shortages – but analysts warn of spillover.

Editorial | Hong Kong’s draw as elite sports event host on display at LIV Golf tournament

Besides attracting high-end visitors, the competition’s blend of elite sport and entertainment is the direction the city should be heading in.

Will Iran war push Indonesia to quit Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’?

Critics have urged Jakarta to leave the board and reconsider related policies, amid concerns the country may be losing ‘strategic autonomy’.

Cathay extends flight suspension to Dubai, Riyadh until March 31 amid war

Heightened regional instability has forced airlines to divert flights or avoid certain airspace in Middle East entirely as a precaution.

Why has the US-Israeli war on Iran left Brics speechless?

As Tehran retaliates against its Gulf neighbours, the newly expanded bloc built for trade is discovering the limits of its own unity.

Casualty figures across the Middle East as Iran war enters second week

Since the launch of ‘Operation Epic Fury’, casualties have mounted across the region, with civilians in Iran and Lebanon bearing the brunt.

Trump’s Gaza plan ‘on hold’ as Iran war halts disarmament talks

The pause threatens to stall implementation of Trump’s flagship Middle East peace initiative.

Australia to send missiles to UAE, deploy reconnaissance plane, but no troops

Prime minister emphasises ‘purely defensive’ role for Australia as Iranian strikes escalate across the Gulf.

Opinion | How US-Israel war on Iran rocks foundations of the Abraham Accords