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5 hours ago
Hotels across the UAE say they are prioritising guest safety, stable pricing, and flexible bookings as travel disruptions affect passengers across the region. Several hotel groups said they are closely monitoring the evolving situation and working with authorities to ensure operations continue smoothly while supporting travellers whose journeys have been disrupted. Guest safety Hotel groups Gulf News reached out to said wellbeing of hotel customers and staff remains its top priority.Tim Cordon, COO, Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia Pacific of Radisson Hotel Group, said, “At our core, we are in the business of looking after people. That is what we do first and foremost, and it is exactly what we are continuing to do now.” Cordon added, “We recognise that recent developments have led to flight cancellations, delays, and uncertainty for many travellers. During this time, our focus has been on responding with empathy, flexibility, and care, ensuring guests feel supported at every step.” The hotel group added that it is working with authorities across its markets and welcomed the swift response of governments, including the UAE. Stable room rates Hotels said they are taking steps to ensure pricing remains fair despite the travel disruptions. Cordon said Radisson Hotel Group has […]
24 hours ago
Oil prices surged above $100 a barrel after a halt in tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz began choking global supplies, pushing energy markets into one of their sharpest rallies in years. Brent crude climbed about 11% to trade near $103 a barrel after briefly approaching $120 earlier in the session. The jump places crude on track for its biggest daily gain in dollar terms since futures trading began in 1988. Energy markets reacted to mounting supply disruptions across the Middle East, where several major producers have begun cutting output after storage facilities filled and tankers became stranded following the shutdown of shipping routes through Hormuz. The narrow waterway normally carries roughly one fifth of global oil flows and serves as a critical export route for Gulf producers. The near standstill in tanker traffic has forced producers to scale back output while global markets scramble to secure supplies. Prices retreated slightly after reports that Group of Seven finance ministers could discuss a coordinated release of emergency oil reserves to stabilise markets. Production cuts deepen supply squeeze Production shutdowns are beginning to spread across the region as the disruption to shipping continues. Iraq began shutting in output last week while […]
1 day ago
Several major Dubai attractions will remain closed on March 9 as a precautionary safety measure in line with official guidance amid ongoing regional developments. In separate announcements, Global Village, Ain Dubai and Dubai Parks and Resorts confirmed that operations will be temporarily suspended to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. Organisers said the decision follows official guidance and comes as authorities continue to monitor the situation. Global Village closed until further notice Global Village announced that it will remain closed until further notice as a precautionary safety measure. Visitors have been advised to check the attraction’s official website and social media channels for the latest updates, including information on when it will reopen. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Global Village القرية العالمية (@globalvillageuae) Ain Dubai temporarily closed Ain Dubai also confirmed a temporary closure as part of the precautionary measures. Guests with existing bookings or tickets are encouraged to check the official website for updates before planning their visit. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ain Dubai (@aindxbofficial) Dubai Parks and Resorts closed today Dubai Parks and Resorts said its parks are currently closed as a precautionary measure following official guidance. Visitors […]
1 day ago
India’s Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Monday postponed more Class 12 Board exams in parts of the Middle East amid the US-Israel-Iran war. “After a critical review of the current situation in parts of the Middle East (Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE), mental agony of the students and the prevailing uncertainties, the Board has decided to postpone the examinations scheduled from 12 March 2026 (Thursday) to 16 March 2026 (Monday),” CBSE said in its latest circular. The new dates shall be announced later, the Board said. “The Board will review the situation on 14 March 2026 (Saturday) and take appropriate decisions with regard to all remaining examinations scheduled from 16 March onwards. All students are advised to stay in touch with their schools for updates and follow official announcements carefully,” CBSE added. Cancellations, postponements Earlier, the CBSE had cancelled all Class 10 examinations that were scheduled to be held from March 2 to 11 and postponed Class 12 exams that were scheduled to be held from 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11. Speaking to Gulf News, Dr Ram Shankar, Professor and Director of the CBSE Regional Office and Centre of Excellence […]
1 day ago
The National Center of Meteorology has forecast rainfall across parts of the United Arab Emirates until 12 March, as cloud systems move into the country from the west. The authority said periods of cloud cover are expected over the coming days, bringing light to moderate rainfall in scattered areas of the country, particularly across western, coastal and some eastern regions. Temperatures are also expected to fluctuate slightly, with cooler conditions at times in western parts of the UAE. Weather forecasts indicate northwesterly to northeasterly winds ranging from light to moderate speeds, occasionally freshening and reaching up to 35-45 km/h, which may lead to blowing dust and reduced visibility in exposed areas. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf are expected to vary between slight and moderate, becoming rough at times, while the Oman Sea will see slight to moderate conditions during the same period.
1 day ago
Abu Dhabi authorities have responded to two separate incidents of debris falling in the city following successful interceptions by the UAE’s air defence systems. In the first incident, a Jordanian national sustained minor injuries, while the second incident resulted in moderate injuries to an Egyptian national. Officials confirmed that the debris fell as a result of intercepted missiles or drones, and that the incidents were contained without further escalation. Emergency services responded promptly to both locations to provide medical assistance and secure the areas. Authorities have urged the public to follow official guidance, rely only on verified sources for updates, and refrain from spreading rumours or unverified information, in order to safeguard community safety and prevent panic. The UAE continues to maintain heightened vigilance across the country as regional tensions persist, with air defence systems actively monitoring and neutralising potential threats to protect civilians and critical infrastructure. US‑Israel war on Iran as it happened: What we know so far Day 9: Gulf nations face fresh attacks Day 8: US forces hit Iran hard, Trump touts battlefield gains Day 7: Thousands being evacuated from Middle East: Trump Day 6: Spring break for schools, universities moved up; some exams cancelled Day 5: UAE waives […]
2 days ago
The United Arab Emirates’ air defence forces successfully intercepted 16 ballistic missiles and 113 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) today, according to the Ministry of Defence. One missile fell into the sea, while four UAVs landed within the country’s territory. Since the start of the Iranian attacks, UAE defences have detected a total of 238 ballistic missiles, destroying 221, with 15 falling into the sea and two landing inside the country. In addition, 1,422 Iranian UAVs have been detected, with 1,342 intercepted and 80 falling within UAE territory. Eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed. The recent attacks resulted in four fatalities among Pakistani, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi nationals, while 112 people sustained moderate to minor injuries. Those affected include UAE nationals and residents from Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, the Comoros, and Türkiye. The Ministry of Defence reaffirmed its readiness to respond to any threats, stressing its commitment to protecting the country’s sovereignty, security, and stability, and safeguarding national interests and capabilities.
2 days ago
Oman Air has cancelled several regional and international flights between March 9 and March 11 as continuing airspace closures linked to regional tensions disrupt aviation across parts of the Middle East. In a travel advisory issued on Saturday, the airline said services to and from a number of destinations would be suspended during the period. The affected routes include flights connecting Muscat with Amman, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Copenhagen, Baghdad and Khasab, according to the airline.Oman Air said the cancellations were necessary due to ongoing disruptions to regional airspace that have affected flight operations across the region. The airline added that additional flights will be scheduled to accommodate affected passengers once operations return to normal. Passengers have been advised to regularly check the airline’s official website and mobile application for the latest updates to flight schedules and to manage their bookings. “Oman Air sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates guests’ understanding and cooperation during this time,” the airline said in a statement. READ MORE: Oman Air to Launch Muscat–Tashkent Route Starting June 1
2 days ago
The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence has confirmed that UAE air defence systems are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran. Officials stated that the sounds reported in various areas of the country are the result of air defence systems intercepting ballistic missiles and fighter jets engaging drones and loitering munitions. Authorities have urged residents and travellers to stay in safe locations and follow official channels for real-time updates. The alert did not specify exact locations; all residents are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to official safety guidance. Residents and travellers are strongly urged to: Authorities emphasise that your safety begins with your responsibility. All necessary measures are being taken to ensure the protection of civilians, critical infrastructure, and essential services. What should residents do during emergency alerts? READ MORE: UAE Flight Resumption and Passenger Protocols
3 days ago
The United Arab Emirates is pissed after Iran targeted Dubai and other US allies with over 1,000 drones and missiles in retaliation for US-Israeli attacks over the last week – and is now weighing freezing billions of dollars in Iranian assets held in the Gulf state, according to the WSJ, citing people familiar with the discussions. If that happens, it could sever one of Tehran’s most vital economic lifelines. For years, the United Arab Emirates has functioned as a financial hub for Iran, including wealthy individuals, businesses, and accounts associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). While some of that (if not most) is legitimate business, the UAE has also been used to launder money through ‘shadow banking’ and other schemes – something the UAE has worked with the west (probably not that hard) to combat. The UAE has been a ‘Switzerland’ of sorts – welcoming capital from around the world with little judgement, including happily doing business with Russian commodities traders and bankers following the invasion of Ukraine, despite US officials insisting that they ramp up scrutiny on money flows and crack down on sanctions evasion. In 2022, Paris-0based Financial Action Task Force placed the UAE on its “gray list” for failing to combat money laundering and […]
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