Stories from Dubai · UAE

Hapag-Lloyd has resumed cargo bookings for locations in the Upper Gulf. The company is utilizing third-party feeder services to restore market access in the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent.

Dubai's Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for April was reported at 51.6, a decrease from the 53.2 recorded in March. Saudi Arabia's April PMI rose to 51.5, an increase from the 48.8 recorded in March which indicated contraction.

The United Arab Emirates reported its first missile and drone attacks since the April 8 ceasefire. United Arab Emirates air defenses engaged 15 missiles and four drones fired by Iran. The attacks triggered missile alerts for residents in several locations, including Fujairah, instructing them to seek shelter. The UAE described the incident as renewed Iranian aggression and called for an immediate halt to the attacks. The UAE's air defense system intercepted 12 ballistic missiles, 3 cruise missiles, and 4 drones originating from Iran. Following a period of high security risk, the UAE had lifted airspace restrictions, signaling regional stability. An attack on the Fujairah oil industry zone injured three people. The ministry stated that the UAE military is maintaining the highest level of alert.

A South Korean-operated vessel anchored near the UAE in the Strait of Hormuz experienced an explosion and fire. One source described the US actions as humanitarian in nature, threatening forceful measures if obstructed. The US has many warships in the Gulf of Oman enforcing a blockade on Iran, limiting the number of vessels available for operations in the Strait of Hormuz. The control of the Strait of Hormuz remains a point of intense competition, with a possibility of accidental escalation or phased escalation. The director of the China-Arab State Research Institute at Nanshe University, Niu Xinchun, stated in an interview that the US naval actions are counterproductive and have exacerbated tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Ships were reportedly trapped in the Strait of Hormuz.

CNN sources claim the United States is expected to launch retaliatory strikes in Dubai. The move is reportedly intended to allow the Trump administration to save face after recent escalations.

Emirates have issued sharp criticism against their neighbors in the Gulf region. The criticism focuses on the absence of a unified or joint defense strategy among the nations. The source reported the criticism was directed at the lack of collective security measures.

Saudi fighter Ahmed Ibrahim is preparing to compete in the Professional Fighters League tournament. The ninth edition of the tournament will be hosted in Dubai on May 24, 2023. Ibrahim enters the bout after a qualification.

A rocket danger alert has been declared in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The alert was issued on Monday. The specific nature of the threat or the source of the rockets was not immediately clear. This follows previous alerts in the region.

The attack on the tanker involved two aircraft and two vessels, resulting in two expatriate injuries in the Tibat area of Khal state. UAE authorities issued mobile alerts regarding missile threats to civilian areas.

Saudi Arabia currently controls 46% of the tourism economy in the Middle East.