OIL PRICES JUMP 5%

Iran warns it will hit Gulf energy facilities after US attacks huge Pars gas field

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

In a major escalation in the Middle East conflict, Iran's huge Pars gas field was hit on Wednesday in the first ​reported strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure in the Gulf during the US-Israeli war, prompting Tehran to warn its neighbours that their energy installations would be targeted "in the coming hours".

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EID-AL-FITR GIFT

Abu Dhabi, Dubai approve $2.59bn housing benefits to citizens

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Abu Dhabi and Dubai have approved major housing benefits totalling AED9.52 billion ($2.59 billion) for their citizens ahead of Eid-Al-Fitr, reflecting the leadership’s ongoing commitment to enhancing Emirati families’ wellbeing.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Gulf's retail sector rises to the challenge amid war: Choithrams CEO

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Diversified sourcing strategies, alternative shipping routes and stronger coordination between logistics providers and government authorities have helped maintain continuity in the movement of essential goods, says Mark Mortimer-Davies, CEO of Choithrams, in an exclusive interview with TradeArabia's Sree Bhat.

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45% FLIGHTS RESTORED

Dubai Airports CEO says: 'We will not stop, expansion plans stay unchanged'

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Dubai Airports will press ahead with expansion plans despite aviation disruption caused by the regional conflict with Iran, with Chief Executive Paul Griffiths saying the emirate’s long-term strategy to strengthen its position in global aviation remains firmly on track.

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CONCERN OVER FOOD PRICES

Hormuz closure could ripple across global sectors, economies: UNCTAD

Fri, 13 Mar 2026

Shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors, are sending ripple effects far beyond the Middle East, threatening energy markets, freight costs and global supply chains, a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) study has warned.

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Top This Week

Israel says Iran's top security official killed; Tehran rejects ceasefire moves

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Israel said on Tuesday it had killed Iran’s top security official Ali Larijani in an air strike, while Tehran signalled it was rejecting ceasefire overtures conveyed through intermediaries.

50+ nature-positive investible opportunities 'can deliver $10trn a year'

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

More than 50 investible opportunities could turn capital flows into lucrative nature-positive business practices and contribute up to $10.1 trillion in annual business revenues and cost savings by 2030, according to a new World Economic Forum report launched today.

Oil recovers losses, up 2.7% at $102.95

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Oil prices rebounded on Tuesday, recovering part of the previous session’s losses as renewed supply concerns around the Strait of Hormuz lifted sentiment in global energy markets.

Air traffic operations return to 'normal' across UAE airspace: GCAA

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced that air navigation has returned to normal across the UAE’s airspace, following the stabilisation of the situation and the lifting of the temporary precautionary measures that had been implemented.

Gulf tourism faces short-term losses, but recovery will be quick

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

The Gulf’s tourism sector is expected to take a significant short-term hit as regional conflict disrupts air travel, weakens traveller confidence and forces widespread flight cancellations, but analysts say regional markets retain the financial strength and infrastructure needed for recovery once hostilities ease.

Hyundai E&C says NEOM tunnel work contract terminated

Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Hyundai Engineering & Construction said a tunnel construction contract in NEOM awarded to a consortium led by the South Korean builder and Samsung C&T has been terminated, according to a regulatory filing.

Saudi Energy invites bids for Expo 2030 Riyadh substations project

Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Saudi Energy, a leading electricity producer in the kingdom, has invited bids for a key power infrastructure project as part of Expo 2030 Riyadh development. The scope of work includes setting up of three 132/13.8kV substations along with other work linked to its integration with the national electricity grid.

Ohana registers record $1.63bn sales for Manchester City Yas Residences in 72 hours

Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Ohana Development, a leading UAE real estate developer of luxury projects, has recorded AED6 billion ($1.63 billion) in sales in 72 hours for Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana, a gated waterfront community located along Yas Canal in Abu Dhabi, setting a new sales record in the emirate’s real estate market.

Aramex opens first regional healthcare hub at Dubai South Free Zone

Mon, 16 Mar 2026

Aramex, a leading global provider of comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions, has announced the opening of its dedicated regional healthcare and pharmaceutical hub in the Dubai South Free Zone, marking a significant expansion of its capabilities in the fast-growing life sciences and medical supply chain sector.

Kuwait records solid progress in road infrastructure, building works

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Kuwait has reported significant progress in its projects for February, with infrastructure and building works advancing at a rapid pace across several housing cities including Al Mutlaa City (where 170 buildings are under construction) and South Sabah Al Ahmad City (where key roads works are underway).

Missile attack hits Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar

Thu, 19 Mar 2026

QatarEnergy confirmed missile attacks on Ras Laffan Industrial City on March 18. Emergency teams contained fires and reported extensive damage, while all personnel were accounted for and no casualties have been reported.

T-REX Glamping to offer themed overnight stays over Eid Al Fitr break

Thu, 19 Mar 2026

Families can celebrate Eid Al Fitr with a unique staycation at T-REX Glamping, a dinosaur-themed experience running March 19–22, featuring premium tents, complimentary breakfast at T-Rex Adventure Café, and daily outdoor entertainment.

Adnec teams up with Ewec to power Adnec Centre Al Ain with clean energy

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Adnec Group, a unit of Abu Dhabi group Modon, has announced a strategic partnership deal with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (Ewec) to power Adnec Centre Al Ain with renewable and clean energy. Hosting over 500 events annually, the venue will now operate entirely on clean energy.

Gulf's retail sector rises to the challenge amid war: Choithrams CEO

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Diversified sourcing strategies, alternative shipping routes and stronger coordination between logistics providers and government authorities have helped maintain continuity in the movement of essential goods, says Mark Mortimer-Davies, CEO of Choithrams, in an exclusive interview with TradeArabia's Sree Bhat.

Arabian Construction Company wins Jubail Island villa project contract

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Jubail Island Investment Company has awarded a contract to Arabian Construction Company (ACC) to deliver Packages 1 to 5 within its mega development in Abu Dhabi. The scope of work includes construction of premium three- to six-bedroom villas along with other key amenities.

Emirates Drug Establishment sets up task force to support pharma supply chains

Mon, 16 Mar 2026

The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has set up a task force comprising 16 strategic partners involved in pharmaceutical and logistics supply chains across the UAE, including drug manufacturers, medical warehouses, storage facilities and logistics providers.

CBSE cancels all Class 12 board exams in the Gulf countries

Sun, 15 Mar 2026

India's Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Sunday cancelled remaining Class 12 board examinations (scheduled between March 16 and April 10), including papers earlier postponed in several West Asian countries including Bahrain and other GCC countries and Iran amid the ongoing regional conflict.

Gulf's retail sector rises to the challenge amid war: Choithrams CEO

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Diversified sourcing strategies, alternative shipping routes and stronger coordination between logistics providers and government authorities have helped maintain continuity in the movement of essential goods, says Mark Mortimer-Davies, CEO of Choithrams, in an exclusive interview with TradeArabia's Sree Bhat.

Bahrain approves package for businesses, citizens amid Mideast tensions

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Bahrain’s Parliament has unanimously approved a package of fast-track measures aimed at shielding businesses and citizens from the fallout of regional tensions and recent attacks, before referring them to the Cabinet for review, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

WIPO launches new AI Infrastructure Interchange to discuss IP issues

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has announced the launch of a new initiative - AI Infrastructure Interchange - for expert dialogue on IP and AI issues that will focus on technical and operational issues and complement ongoing discussions at its other forums.

Makkah taxi fleet to be doubled this year

Tue, 17 Mar 2026

Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites plans to nearly double Makkah Taxi fleet capacity this year to around 1,600 vehicles, supported by the issuance of three new operating licences to taxi companies under its General Transport Center.

Saudi, GCC announce Friday as first day of Eid

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Saudi religious leaders have announced that the Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Friday in the kingdom and across the Gulf region after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on Wednesday (March 18) evening. Muslims in the region will therefore fast for 30 days this year.

Bahrain destroys 129 missiles, 233 drones since start of Iranian attacks

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

The Bahrain Defence Force has announced that its air defence systems have successfully intercepted and destroyed 129 missiles and 233 unmanned aerial vehicles launched as part of an ongoing Iranian terrorist aggression against the kingdom, which commenced on Saturday (February 28).

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