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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

Kwai Chung Container Terminal. Photo: Elson Li

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong firms face profit squeeze as US importers cut orders amid oil crisis

City’s business leaders also say government should bolster ties with Central Asia and Asean nations to diversify market risks.

22 Mar 2026 - 9:18PM

Hong Kong society

Pet owners evacuating UAE urge Hong Kong to loosen 120-day quarantine leash

22 Mar 2026 - 4:20PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war nears 3-front tipping point as Gulf energy hubs burn

21 Mar 2026 - 12:30PM

Cryptocurrency

Has Hong Kong laid the groundwork to become a world-leading crypto hub?

With its regulatory clarity and superconnector edge, the city is drawing global crypto firms as it emerges as a premier Web3 hub.

21 Mar 2026 - 12:03PMvideocam

South Korea

South Korea’s cut-price interceptor outshines US Patriot in Iran war debut

The Cheongung-II hit 96 per cent of targets at a third of the cost of its US rival, triggering a scramble for the technology.

21 Mar 2026 - 11:01AM

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong should use ‘safe haven’ status to draw capital from Gulf: agency chief

InvestHK director general says more firms using Dubai as a hub have shifted to the city to diversify risk because of conflict.

20 Mar 2026 - 11:27PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Gulf states again under fire as Iran says still building missiles

After message that Iran’s missile industry ‘deserves a perfect score’, Revolutionary Guards’ spokesman is killed in strike.

20 Mar 2026 - 5:11PM

The fragment of a missile fired from Iran, and intercepted by Israel, sticks out in an open field in Israel-controlled Golan Heights. Photo: AP

Malaysia

Some tourists in Malaysia make most of ‘extended’ holiday amid flight mess

Stranded European visitors in Malaysia navigate visa extensions and rebooking woes as the conflict shows no sign of easing.

20 Mar 2026 - 12:36PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Opinion | Iran war revives pandemic-era shocks – and may go further

As war in Iran quickly reshapes energy flows, trade routes and political alignments, the crisis may mark the start of a more volatile new phase.

20 Mar 2026 - 9:30AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

‘Severely damaged’: how the US-Israel war on Iran is decoupling Gulf security

As confidence in America’s defence guarantee erodes, Gulf states are now weighing a more multifaceted strategy, analysts say.

19 Mar 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG hub is the world’s largest for liquified natural gas and has suffered extensive damage after being struck by Iranian missiles on Thursday. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war prompts global energy rethink that favours China

Surging oil prices and supply disruptions are causing countries to reassess investment in nuclear and renewable energy – two key Chinese strengths.

19 Mar 2026 - 5:19PM

Flames rise after a March 7 strike on an oil depot in Tehran. Photo: TNS

Ukraine war

Kremlin says Ukraine peace talks on ‘situational pause’ amid Iran war

The Kremlin confirms halt as Russian newspaper claims the Middle East crisis could force Ukraine towards territorial compromise.

19 Mar 2026 - 6:20PM

Banking & finance

Middle East banks eye Hong Kong as ‘safe haven’ amid Iran threats: InvestHK head

Investment-promotion agency is helping a couple of Middle East banks set up in the city and fielding more inquiries since the war started.

19 Mar 2026 - 9:32AM

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump threatens to ‘blow up’ Iran’s largest gas field as Gulf energy war explodes

Trump denies US involvement in Israel’s attack on the South Pars gas field that prompted Iran to target energy facilities across the Gulf.

19 Mar 2026 - 5:56PMvideocam

QatarEnergy facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City, pictured here on March 2, came under attack on Wednesday. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong stock market

China-based Cosco Shipping Ports expects ‘limited’ impact from Iran conflict

Unit of Cosco Shipping reports 1.1 per cent profit increase on 6.2 per cent rise in throughput in 2025.

18 Mar 2026 - 8:31PM

An automated container handler moves a Cosco shipping container at the Long Beach Container Terminal at the Port of Long Beach in California on January 14, 2026. Photo: AFP

Malaysia

Malaysia’s ‘shielded’ medical tourism sector to benefit from Iran war’s impact

With the war affecting the outlook of Dubai’s medical hub, Malaysia could draw more patients from the Middle East.

18 Mar 2026 - 6:13PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Satellite images reveal damage of the widening Middle East war

Here’s a look at what’s visible in a selection of pictures throughout the region.

18 Mar 2026 - 3:55PM

China-Middle East relations

Can China stay friendly with Gulf states and Iran as fighting escalates?

Iranian strikes on neighbouring states in response to US and Israeli attacks highlight how difficult Beijing’s balancing act has become.

18 Mar 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

Smoke rises near Dubai airport from a fire caused by a “drone-related incident”. Photo: AFP

Cathay Pacific

Cathay extends Hong Kong to Middle East flight suspension until end of April

Suspension has already been extended multiple times since joint US-Israeli attack on Iran.

18 Mar 2026 - 9:56PM

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong travel agencies suspend Middle East tours over safety concerns

Heightened safety fears amid escalating conflict prompt tour operators to halt trips and flight transfers through the region.

17 Mar 2026 - 7:20PM

US, Israel war on Iran

One-way ticket: Emirates flies near-empty flights back to Dubai

Before the Iran war, the world’s largest international airline was chalking up hundreds of daily flights that were nearly full.

16 Mar 2026 - 11:46PM

An Emirates Airbus A380 aircraft prepares to land as a smoke plume rises from an ongoing fire near Dubai International Airport in Dubai on Mpnday. Photo: AFP

Iran

Video | Thai sailors return home after Hormuz ship attack

Thailand is seeking help from Iran and Oman to rescue three crew members stranded on their vessel.

16 Mar 2026 - 5:45PM

Thai crew members of the bulk carrier Mayuree Naree arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport after a flight from Oman, in Bangkok on March 16, 2026. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on March 11 they had struck the Thai-registered Mayuree Naree, as well as a Liberia-flagged vessel, in the Strait of Hormuz because the ships had ignored “warnings”. (Photo by chanakarn LAOSARAKHAM / AFP)

01:39

China trade

Strait of Hormuz marks first full day’s pause as no ships cross amid Iran war

Transits fell to zero on Saturday but vessels have clustered outside corridor, signalling expectations of reopening, analytics firm says.

16 Mar 2026 - 7:02PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Dubai flights disrupted after drone attack near airport; missile kills 1 in Abu Dhabi

Dubai’s international airport gradually resuming flights after a fuel tank fire caused by a drone attack.

16 Mar 2026 - 5:14PM

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.

16 Mar 2026 - 5:58PMvideocam

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

Hong Kong tourism

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

Industry players say local travellers more cautious ahead of Easter holiday amid rising airfares and disrupted routes.

16 Mar 2026 - 10:20AMvideocam

Tourists visit Sensoji Temple in Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district in December. Photo: EPA

US, Israel war on Iran

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

Some allies say no to ships, after US president demands at least seven countries help secure the strategic waterway.

16 Mar 2026 - 6:46PMvideocam

105

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

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United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Hong Kong firms face profit squeeze as US importers cut orders amid oil crisis

City’s business leaders also say government should bolster ties with Central Asia and Asean nations to diversify market risks.

Pet owners evacuating UAE urge Hong Kong to loosen 120-day quarantine leash

Iran war nears 3-front tipping point as Gulf energy hubs burn

Has Hong Kong laid the groundwork to become a world-leading crypto hub?

With its regulatory clarity and superconnector edge, the city is drawing global crypto firms as it emerges as a premier Web3 hub.

South Korea’s cut-price interceptor outshines US Patriot in Iran war debut

The Cheongung-II hit 96 per cent of targets at a third of the cost of its US rival, triggering a scramble for the technology.

Hong Kong should use ‘safe haven’ status to draw capital from Gulf: agency chief

InvestHK director general says more firms using Dubai as a hub have shifted to the city to diversify risk because of conflict.

Gulf states again under fire as Iran says still building missiles

After message that Iran’s missile industry ‘deserves a perfect score’, Revolutionary Guards’ spokesman is killed in strike.

Some tourists in Malaysia make most of ‘extended’ holiday amid flight mess

Stranded European visitors in Malaysia navigate visa extensions and rebooking woes as the conflict shows no sign of easing.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Iran war revives pandemic-era shocks – and may go further

As war in Iran quickly reshapes energy flows, trade routes and political alignments, the crisis may mark the start of a more volatile new phase.

‘Severely damaged’: how the US-Israel war on Iran is decoupling Gulf security

As confidence in America’s defence guarantee erodes, Gulf states are now weighing a more multifaceted strategy, analysts say.

Iran war prompts global energy rethink that favours China

Surging oil prices and supply disruptions are causing countries to reassess investment in nuclear and renewable energy – two key Chinese strengths.

Kremlin says Ukraine peace talks on ‘situational pause’ amid Iran war

The Kremlin confirms halt as Russian newspaper claims the Middle East crisis could force Ukraine towards territorial compromise.

Middle East banks eye Hong Kong as ‘safe haven’ amid Iran threats: InvestHK head

Investment-promotion agency is helping a couple of Middle East banks set up in the city and fielding more inquiries since the war started.

Trump threatens to ‘blow up’ Iran’s largest gas field as Gulf energy war explodes

Trump denies US involvement in Israel’s attack on the South Pars gas field that prompted Iran to target energy facilities across the Gulf.

China-based Cosco Shipping Ports expects ‘limited’ impact from Iran conflict

Unit of Cosco Shipping reports 1.1 per cent profit increase on 6.2 per cent rise in throughput in 2025.

Malaysia’s ‘shielded’ medical tourism sector to benefit from Iran war’s impact

With the war affecting the outlook of Dubai’s medical hub, Malaysia could draw more patients from the Middle East.

Satellite images reveal damage of the widening Middle East war

Here’s a look at what’s visible in a selection of pictures throughout the region.

Can China stay friendly with Gulf states and Iran as fighting escalates?

Iranian strikes on neighbouring states in response to US and Israeli attacks highlight how difficult Beijing’s balancing act has become.

Cathay extends Hong Kong to Middle East flight suspension until end of April

Suspension has already been extended multiple times since joint US-Israeli attack on Iran.

Hong Kong travel agencies suspend Middle East tours over safety concerns

Heightened safety fears amid escalating conflict prompt tour operators to halt trips and flight transfers through the region.

One-way ticket: Emirates flies near-empty flights back to Dubai

Before the Iran war, the world’s largest international airline was chalking up hundreds of daily flights that were nearly full.

.css-1t72pn8{color:#C79A00;}Video | Thai sailors return home after Hormuz ship attack

Thailand is seeking help from Iran and Oman to rescue three crew members stranded on their vessel.

Strait of Hormuz marks first full day’s pause as no ships cross amid Iran war

Transits fell to zero on Saturday but vessels have clustered outside corridor, signalling expectations of reopening, analytics firm says.

Dubai flights disrupted after drone attack near airport; missile kills 1 in Abu Dhabi

Dubai’s international airport gradually resuming flights after a fuel tank fire caused by a drone attack.

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

Industry players say local travellers more cautious ahead of Easter holiday amid rising airfares and disrupted routes.

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

Some allies say no to ships, after US president demands at least seven countries help secure the strategic waterway.

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.

Opinion | Iran war revives pandemic-era shocks – and may go further

Video | Thai sailors return home after Hormuz ship attack