UAE

Gulf states' reactions to Lebanon agreement show signs of stability for region - analysis

Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to the President of the UAE, said he sees the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel as a step to restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty.

ABU DHABI’S Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan attends the Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the media upon his arrival at Al Bateen Executive Airport to discuss the interim deal between the US and Iran with Arab Gulf allies, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, June 23, 2026.

Gulf countries weigh next steps after Iran war amid Rubio visit to Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE

A year ago, the Israel-based Coalition for Regional Security expressed hope that US President Donald Trump could forge a regional alliance for peace, but Gulf analysts do not believe Saudi Arabia and other states would normalize ties with Israel due to the war in Gaza. PremiumPremium

Pause, not peace: Left out of talks, Gulf states brace for next round of Iran war

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the media upon his arrival at Al Bateen Executive Airport to discuss the interim deal between the US and Iran with Arab Gulf allies, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, June 23, 2026.

Rubio visits Bahrain to seek support from Gulf Arab leaders in Iran peace deal


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.

Debris fall in Dubai marina after aerial interception, one killed by shrapnel in Abu Dhabi

This follows an incident in Bahrain late Friday night where debris from intercepted Iranian drones damaged several houses in Sitra, with four people sustaining minor injuries.

Smoke billows from an ongoing fire near Dubai International Airport as vehicles drive on a highway in Dubai on March 16, 2026.

UAE denies WSJ report that it is preparing to help US, allies open Strait of Hormuz by force

The nation had already conducted an internal assessment of its capabilities to help secure the strait, including its ability to clear mines, officials told the Wall Street Journal.

Birds fly near the Jag Vasant vessel transferring LPG at a port after transiting the Strait of Hormuz amid supply disruptions linked to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Mumbai, India, April 1, 2026.