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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

An Emirates aircraft prepares for landing as a smoke plume rises from a fire near Dubai International Airport on March 16. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

UAE squeezes Iranian economic lifeline in retaliation for attacks

The UAE has quietly banned most Iranians from entering the country or transiting its airports, and cracked down on IRGC-related networks.

2 hours agovideocam

South Korea

South Korea and Indonesia’s fighter jet is ready. But will it sell?

4 Apr 2026 - 10:00AM

US, Israel war on Iran

US can take Strait of Hormuz ‘with more time’, says Trump

3 Apr 2026 - 9:18PMvideocam

China-EU relations

China, Europe and why Beijing took a swing at Iran over the Strait of Hormuz

Beijing takes a stand at the United Nations at the closure of shipping lanes.

3 Apr 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

About a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies usually pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: Getty Images/TNS

US, Israel war on Iran

Human remains found on Thai ship attacked by Iran in Strait of Hormuz

The Mayuree Naree was hit in March after leaving a port in the United Arab Emirates.

3 Apr 2026 - 6:22PMvideocam

Luxury Hotels

On This Day | World’s highest hotel opens in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon in 2011 – SCMP archive

Once the world’s highest hotel, the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong marks 15 years atop the ICC.

3 Apr 2026 - 11:11AM

US, Israel war on Iran

Editorial | Trump’s Iran address fails to set minds at ease or clearly signal direction

The Iran war is a wake-up call to many countries about their overdependence on the US for security.

3 Apr 2026 - 7:15AM

US President Donald Trump points after speaking in a televised address to the nation on the conflict in the Middle East from the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington on April 1. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

Immediate reopening of Strait of Hormuz demanded at 40-nation talks

Iran is trying to hold the global economy hostage via its blockade of the waterway, said the UK’s foreign minister, who hosted the meeting.

3 Apr 2026 - 11:30AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Controlled escalation? Trump hails ‘victories’ in Iran but vows more strikes

US president tells anxious Americans that the conflict’s core objectives are ‘nearing completion’ but fails to lay out a clear timeline to end the war.

2 Apr 2026 - 8:31PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Is the Strait of Hormuz a ticking environmental time bomb?

A major oil spill in the Gulf could damage fragile marine habitats, leading to dire consequences for the region, conservationists warn.

1 Apr 2026 - 8:43PMvideocam

Oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Khor Fakkan, the United Arab Emirates, on March 11. Photo: AP

Pakistan

What Pakistan gains by playing peacemaker in Iran war

If Islamabad can successfully carry off the talks, it stands a chance of bringing in much-needed investments and weapon sales, analysts say.

1 Apr 2026 - 7:20PMvideocam

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (left) and Army Chief Asim Munir (right) meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on September 26, 2025. Photo: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Office/AFP

Indonesia

Indonesia to deport Scottish crime boss wanted by Spain

Steven Lyons is wanted in Spain and Britain in connection with organised crime, drug trafficking and money laundering.

1 Apr 2026 - 6:33PM

War and conflict

Opinion | How selective outrage over Iran war exposes the limits of realpolitik

From Iran to Afghanistan, the cold logic of ruthless pragmatism ensures human life and welfare are always the biggest casualties.

1 Apr 2026 - 5:30AM

Semiconductors

South Korea turns to Russia for naphtha as Asia’s chip industry feels squeeze

South Korea’s return to Russian naphtha – vital for semiconductor manufacturing – highlights Asia’s fragile supply chain amid Iran conflict.

31 Mar 2026 - 5:02PM

South Korea relies on imports for about 45 per cent of its naphtha demand. Photo: Shutterstock

US, Israel war on Iran

After early anger, Gulf allies press Trump for final blow to Iran

The UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain are pushing hard for Trump to order a ground invasion of Tehran, according to a diplomat.

31 Mar 2026 - 2:16PMvideocam

A plume of smoke rises from the site of a strike in Iran, Tehran, on Sunday. Photo: Xinhua

Banking & finance

Opinion | Dubai’s loss could be Hong Kong’s gain, but only if city is ready

The case for Hong Kong as a recipient of displaced Gulf wealth is sound but the city must ensure it has the capacity to absorb new capital and talent.

31 Mar 2026 - 9:30AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran’s Islamic republic will ‘collapse internally’, says Netanyahu

Gulf allies of the US, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are meanwhile urging Trump to continue prosecuting the war against Iran.

31 Mar 2026 - 6:36AMvideocam

China trade

Will Iran’s strikes on Gulf smelters strengthen China’s aluminium dominance?

Analysts say disruption at plants could shift more output to China, which already produces more than half of global supply.

31 Mar 2026 - 12:08AMvideocam

A drone view shows an employee working on the production line of aluminium products at a factory in Huaibei, Anhui province, China, in February 2025. Photo: Reuters

Japan

Japan’s PM will mull top-level talks with Iran at ‘appropriate’ time

Stability in the Middle East is vital for Japan, which relies on the region for over 90 per cent of its crude oil imports.

30 Mar 2026 - 9:54PMvideocam

My Take

My Take | Iran has shown the West’s containment of China is a fool’s errand

Countries across the world will be wise to hedge their bets with Beijing as the war exposes US security ‘guarantees’ as burdens and liabilities for allies.

29 Mar 2026 - 9:15PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran targets Bahrain aluminium, 2 injured amid Hormuz closure

Most Gulf aluminium producers, which account for about 9 per cent of global supply, have been unable to ship due to Tehran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

29 Mar 2026 - 8:22PM

A building damaged in a reported Iranian drone strike, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Seef, Manama, Bahrain, on March 10. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

How Ukraine turned Iranian drone swarms in Gulf into a money-spinner

Zelensky’s Gulf tour secures defence agreements, offering Ukraine’s drone tech to Middle East nations facing Iranian threats.

29 Mar 2026 - 11:57AMvideocam

Fire and plumes of smoke rise after a drone struck a fuel tank near Dubai airport in the UAE on March 16. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

US special envoy Witkoff predicts Iran talks as war enters second month

Steve Witkoff says he is ‘hopeful’ that there will be meetings ‘this week’, even as the conflict shows no sign of ending.

28 Mar 2026 - 10:26AMvideocam

The Philippines

Philippines working with US to obtain oil from US-sanctioned nations

This comes after the Southeast Asian nation, which relies heavily on imported fuel, declared a state of national emergency on Tuesday.

25 Mar 2026 - 9:59PMvideocam

World of performing arts

Will the UAE’s art industry be a casualty of the Iran war? Experts weigh in

Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation programming adviser Toufic Maatouk shares why the Iran war doesn’t worry him. But not everyone agrees.

25 Mar 2026 - 5:15PM

Lebanese-Italian conductor and musicologist Toufic Maatouk. Also the artistic programming adviser for the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, Maatouk believes that the Iran war will have only a limited impact on the UAE’s art industry. Photo: courtesy of Toufic Maatouk

Cathay Pacific

Cathay’s European flights could offset Middle East losses, experts say

Hong Kong flag carrier’s decision to extend flight suspensions due to war may have only limited financial impact on overall passenger operations, they say.

25 Mar 2026 - 9:55AM

An aircraft prepares for landing as a smoke plume rises from a fire near Dubai International Airport on March 16. Photo: AFP

Middle East

Opinion | As the Gulf grows riskier, the Arctic is gaining strategic weight

As traditional energy centres become less stable, the Arctic’s resources, shipping routes and infrastructure are growing in importance.

25 Mar 2026 - 11:05AMvideocam

Autonomous vehicles

China’s WeRide eyes Hong Kong, Singapore roads for robotaxi services

Company plans to put self-driving taxis and buses on Hong Kong streets this year, while Singapore service starts April 1 through Grab.

24 Mar 2026 - 10:15PM

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United Arab Emirates (UAE)

UAE squeezes Iranian economic lifeline in retaliation for attacks

The UAE has quietly banned most Iranians from entering the country or transiting its airports, and cracked down on IRGC-related networks.

South Korea and Indonesia’s fighter jet is ready. But will it sell?

US can take Strait of Hormuz ‘with more time’, says Trump

China, Europe and why Beijing took a swing at Iran over the Strait of Hormuz

Beijing takes a stand at the United Nations at the closure of shipping lanes.

Human remains found on Thai ship attacked by Iran in Strait of Hormuz

The Mayuree Naree was hit in March after leaving a port in the United Arab Emirates.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}On This Day | World’s highest hotel opens in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon in 2011 – SCMP archive

Once the world’s highest hotel, the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong marks 15 years atop the ICC.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Editorial | Trump’s Iran address fails to set minds at ease or clearly signal direction

The Iran war is a wake-up call to many countries about their overdependence on the US for security.

Immediate reopening of Strait of Hormuz demanded at 40-nation talks

Iran is trying to hold the global economy hostage via its blockade of the waterway, said the UK’s foreign minister, who hosted the meeting.

Controlled escalation? Trump hails ‘victories’ in Iran but vows more strikes

US president tells anxious Americans that the conflict’s core objectives are ‘nearing completion’ but fails to lay out a clear timeline to end the war.

Is the Strait of Hormuz a ticking environmental time bomb?

A major oil spill in the Gulf could damage fragile marine habitats, leading to dire consequences for the region, conservationists warn.

What Pakistan gains by playing peacemaker in Iran war

If Islamabad can successfully carry off the talks, it stands a chance of bringing in much-needed investments and weapon sales, analysts say.

Indonesia to deport Scottish crime boss wanted by Spain

Steven Lyons is wanted in Spain and Britain in connection with organised crime, drug trafficking and money laundering.

Opinion | How selective outrage over Iran war exposes the limits of realpolitik

From Iran to Afghanistan, the cold logic of ruthless pragmatism ensures human life and welfare are always the biggest casualties.

South Korea turns to Russia for naphtha as Asia’s chip industry feels squeeze

South Korea’s return to Russian naphtha – vital for semiconductor manufacturing – highlights Asia’s fragile supply chain amid Iran conflict.

After early anger, Gulf allies press Trump for final blow to Iran

The UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain are pushing hard for Trump to order a ground invasion of Tehran, according to a diplomat.

Opinion | Dubai’s loss could be Hong Kong’s gain, but only if city is ready

The case for Hong Kong as a recipient of displaced Gulf wealth is sound but the city must ensure it has the capacity to absorb new capital and talent.

Iran’s Islamic republic will ‘collapse internally’, says Netanyahu

Gulf allies of the US, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are meanwhile urging Trump to continue prosecuting the war against Iran.

Will Iran’s strikes on Gulf smelters strengthen China’s aluminium dominance?

Analysts say disruption at plants could shift more output to China, which already produces more than half of global supply.

Japan’s PM will mull top-level talks with Iran at ‘appropriate’ time

Stability in the Middle East is vital for Japan, which relies on the region for over 90 per cent of its crude oil imports.

My Take | Iran has shown the West’s containment of China is a fool’s errand

Countries across the world will be wise to hedge their bets with Beijing as the war exposes US security ‘guarantees’ as burdens and liabilities for allies.

Iran targets Bahrain aluminium, 2 injured amid Hormuz closure

Most Gulf aluminium producers, which account for about 9 per cent of global supply, have been unable to ship due to Tehran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

How Ukraine turned Iranian drone swarms in Gulf into a money-spinner

Zelensky’s Gulf tour secures defence agreements, offering Ukraine’s drone tech to Middle East nations facing Iranian threats.

US special envoy Witkoff predicts Iran talks as war enters second month

Steve Witkoff says he is ‘hopeful’ that there will be meetings ‘this week’, even as the conflict shows no sign of ending.

Philippines working with US to obtain oil from US-sanctioned nations

This comes after the Southeast Asian nation, which relies heavily on imported fuel, declared a state of national emergency on Tuesday.

Will the UAE’s art industry be a casualty of the Iran war? Experts weigh in

Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation programming adviser Toufic Maatouk shares why the Iran war doesn’t worry him. But not everyone agrees.

Cathay’s European flights could offset Middle East losses, experts say

Hong Kong flag carrier’s decision to extend flight suspensions due to war may have only limited financial impact on overall passenger operations, they say.

Opinion | As the Gulf grows riskier, the Arctic is gaining strategic weight

As traditional energy centres become less stable, the Arctic’s resources, shipping routes and infrastructure are growing in importance.

China’s WeRide eyes Hong Kong, Singapore roads for robotaxi services

Company plans to put self-driving taxis and buses on Hong Kong streets this year, while Singapore service starts April 1 through Grab.

On This Day | World’s highest hotel opens in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon in 2011 – SCMP archive

Editorial | Trump’s Iran address fails to set minds at ease or clearly signal direction