United Arab Emirates

As regional tensions escalated into direct confrontation with Iran, the impact on Dubai’s tourism sector, so beloved by Israeli travelers, was almost immediate.

Amid new US arms sales and reports of Israel's close ties with the UAE, and Iran tensions, the close work of the UAE, Bahrain, and other Gulf states is essential.

Abu Dhabi’s exit, a summit snub, and public criticism expose a widening Saudi-Emirati split reshaping energy and security coordination.

“At a pivotal moment in the process of supporting the stability of global energy markets, the UAE adopted a long-term strategic and economic vision,” one report says.

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

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.”

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.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited the Gulf last week as part of his efforts to shore up support for Damascus across the Middle East and Europe amid rising regional tensions.

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.

Rehabilitation of Gaza, where two years of Israeli bombardment have destroyed four-fifths of buildings, has been projected by global institutions to cost around $70 billion.