Stories from Dubai · UAE

Passenger traffic at Dubai International airport plunged by two-thirds in March. Traveler numbers at the facility sank to 2.5 million. The decline follows the breakout of war involving Iran. The airport was reportedly targeted several times during the conflict.

An estimated 800 vessels remain stranded in the Persian Gulf due to ongoing conflict. The current situation involves vessels stuck in the Strait of Hormuz during an operation referred to as the Freedom Project.

Asian buyers are paying a premium for crude oil sourced from the United Arab Emirates. This indicates strong demand from Asian markets for UAE oil. The trend was noted by multiple sources.

The United Arab Emirates is lowering the threshold for obtaining residency permits through real estate purchases. The move comes amid a difficult economic situation in the country. Some observers suggest the economic climate is driving the change.

OPEC Plus has agreed to a modest increase in oil output for June. This marks the third such increase since the current conflict began. The increase remains largely theoretical as a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is currently restricting oil shipments from the Gulf. The UAE's flagship oil company announced plans to spend $55 billion on upcoming projects. OPEC Plus has decided to increase oil supply entering the market. Russia plays an role within the organization. The group continues to use supply and demand balancing tools, with production and consumption as primary instruments to adjust global market conditions.

Tourism demand for the United Arab Emirates is increasing as travelers report a stabilized situation. Travel agents noted a rise in client interest following reports from those returning to the region that conditions are calm.

Binance Bank had planned to provide $8.8 billion in funding for Nobitex. The details of this planned transaction were revealed. The status of the funding is unclear.

Demand for travel to the United Arab Emirates is increasing following the resumption of direct flights. Some tourists expressed uncertainty because flight schedules appear to be set for June despite recent announcements. The UAE remains a popular destination due to its proximity and variety of activities including shopping and beach holidays. Dubai is seeing a resurgence in tourism driven by a passenger surge from Germany, the United Kingdom, and India. This influx is supporting a revolutionary growth strategy for the region. The source noted that the surge is being led by these specific international markets.

President Donald Trump is expected to signal a move on Monday regarding the release of several ships held in the Arabian Gulf. Americans believe the action could lead to the liberation of these vessels.

Sudan's gold exports to the United Arab Emirates have increased during the ongoing conflict.