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Saudi Arabia Becomes Region’s Key Transit Hub as War Disrupts Gulf Airspace

Qatar Airways announces the continued temporary suspension of its flights as airspace closures persist (dpa). 
Qatar Airways announces the continued temporary suspension of its flights as airspace closures persist (dpa). 
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Saudi Arabia Becomes Region’s Key Transit Hub as War Disrupts Gulf Airspace

Qatar Airways announces the continued temporary suspension of its flights as airspace closures persist (dpa). 
Qatar Airways announces the continued temporary suspension of its flights as airspace closures persist (dpa). 

As the war between Iran on one side and the United States and Israel on the other enters its third week, mounting military tensions and disruptions to regional air and maritime routes have pushed Saudi Arabia to the forefront as a critical transit hub.

The Kingdom has become a vital artery for travel and logistics across the Gulf and parts of the Arab world after allowing several Gulf carriers to use its airports and airspace to facilitate incoming and outgoing flights.

Iraq expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for facilitating the transit and reception of Iraqi citizens through land and air crossings after Iraqi Airways was permitted to operate flights through Arar Airport in northern Saudi Arabia.

Saudi airports have recorded a noticeable surge in air traffic in recent days as airlines rerouted flights to avoid areas of conflict. On Sunday, Bahrain’s Gulf Air announced it was expanding operations through King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Earlier, Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways said it would operate through Al-Qaisumah Airport in Hafar Al-Batin in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province.

Meanwhile, air defense systems across Gulf states have intercepted dozens of Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting civilian sites and private property, actions officials say violate international humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense spokesperson, Major General Turki Al-Maliki, said air defenses intercepted and destroyed six ballistic missiles and 36 drones targeting Riyadh, the Eastern Province, Al-Kharj and the Empty Quarter within the past 24 hours.

The projectiles were reportedly headed toward the Shaybah oil field in southeastern Saudi Arabia.

Kuwait

Kuwait’s General Directorate of Civil Aviation said Kuwait International Airport was targeted by several drones that struck the airport’s radar system. Authorities said no casualties were reported and that emergency procedures activated since the start of the crisis were implemented in full coordination with relevant agencies.

The Kuwaiti National Guard said its forces shot down five drones in areas under its protection during the same period.

Bahrain

Bahrain’s Defense Force said its air defense systems have intercepted and destroyed 125 missiles and 211 drones since the start of the Iranian attacks.

Separately, Bahrain’s Interior Ministry announced the arrest of five individuals and identified a sixth suspect who fled the country. Authorities said the suspects were involved in gathering and transmitting sensitive information to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps through operatives in Iran and recruiting individuals for terrorist plots targeting Bahrain.

Gulf Air also confirmed it would temporarily expand operations through King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, allowing passengers to book flights through its usual commercial channels. The airline had already operated several repatriation and limited flights through Dammam in recent days to maintain air connectivity while Bahrain’s airspace remains temporarily closed.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE Ministry of Defense said its forces intercepted four ballistic missiles and six drones launched from Iran, adding that the country remains on high alert to confront any threats.

Since the start of the attacks, UAE air defenses have intercepted 298 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,606 drones, according to the ministry. Six people of various nationalities have been killed.

Authorities also said a fire that broke out at an oil facility in Al-Ruwais in Abu Dhabi after a drone strike last week had been fully contained.

UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al-Shamsi ordered the arrest of 25 individuals of various nationalities accused of spreading misleading digital content online that could undermine public security and stability.

Qatar

In Doha, Qatari air defenses said they repelled new Iranian drone attacks. Official figures indicate around 170 missile strikes and 78 drone attacks have been recorded, in addition to an attack by two fighter jets.

Qatar’s Ministry of Defense said Saturday that it intercepted four ballistic missiles and several drones launched from Iran.

Qatar Airways confirmed it will continue temporary suspending flights while the country’s airspace remains closed.

During a visit to the Abu Samra border crossing with Saudi Arabia, Qatar’s Minister of Municipality described the crossing as a vital gateway for goods entering the country and a key pillar for ensuring the steady flow of supplies under all circumstances.

 

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Gulf

Qatar Calls for Regional Dialogue to Build Trust with Iran

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Qatar Calls for Regional Dialogue to Build Trust with Iran

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Qatar expressed “cautious optimism” on Tuesday that the agreement between the United States and Iran would bolster security in the Middle East.

It called for “regional dialogue” aimed at building trust with Iran after the signing of the deal.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari told a weekly press briefing: “We are cautiously optimistic that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding will lead to the next phase of regional security through talks over the nuclear file and other issues.”

Qatar played a key meditating role in the negotiations that led to the agreement that ended the war between the US and Iran. Washington and Tehran announced that they have reached a MoU to end the conflict. They are set to sign it in Switzerland on Friday.

Al-Ansari said Qatar will be represented at the Switzerland meeting, stressing that it helped bridge divides between the two sides to reach the settlement.

“We hope that the signing of the MoU will restore navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.

He said the MoU was the first step towards a broader agreement that would ensure stability in the region.

The spokesman said that communication was ongoing to prevent an escalation and to achieve stability in the region. Qatar is in contact with all parties within Pakistan’s mediation.

“We want to restore peace and security in the region to the way they were before the war and we are working towards that,” he stressed.

Moreover, al-Ansari said that Qatar has not paid any funds. “Global coordination is underway to handle the economic fallout of the crisis,” he went on to say.

Meetings are being held through the Pakistani mediation; none are being held in Doha with Washington and Tehran, he clarified.

Gulf

Portugal Praises Saudi Arabia’s Support for De-Escalation

The two ministers held talks in Lisbon on developments in the region and the world, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. SPA
The two ministers held talks in Lisbon on developments in the region and the world, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. SPA
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Portugal Praises Saudi Arabia’s Support for De-Escalation

The two ministers held talks in Lisbon on developments in the region and the world, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. SPA
The two ministers held talks in Lisbon on developments in the region and the world, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has met with Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel, who praised the Kingdom for calling for de-escalation in the region.

The two ministers held talks in Lisbon on developments in the region and the world, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. They welcomed the agreement between Iran and the United States to end military operations and launch detailed negotiations toward a lasting settlement, underscoring the importance of diplomatic solutions in maintaining regional security and stability.

Prince Faisal renewed his congratulations to Portugal on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2027-2028, wishing it success during its term in a way that supports international peace and security.

The Foreign Minister also expressed appreciation for Portugal’s positions in support of regional issues, including its official recognition of the State of Palestine and its backing for peaceful solutions and initiatives to implement the two-state solution.

He further commended Portugal for hosting the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) in Lisbon, praising its role in promoting understanding and coexistence among peoples.

The Portuguese minister expressed his country's appreciation for the Kingdom's positions, calling for de-escalation and supporting diplomatic efforts and peaceful solutions.

He affirmed Portugal’s keenness to continue coordinating and working jointly with the Kingdom to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and investment.

Also Tuesday, Prince Faisal and Rangel signed an agreement on the mutual exemption of entry visas for holders of diplomatic and special passports.

It comes within the framework of strengthening bilateral relations between the Kingdom and the Portugal, and aims to facilitate travel and communication, enhance joint coordination, and expand areas of cooperation between the two countries.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Stresses Importance of Restoring Freedom of Navigation in Hormuz Strait

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet session in Jeddah. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet session in Jeddah. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Stresses Importance of Restoring Freedom of Navigation in Hormuz Strait

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet session in Jeddah. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet session in Jeddah. (SPA)

The Saudi government stressed on Tuesday the importance of restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to the way it was before the eruption of the US-Israel war on Iran on February 28.

It hoped that peace would be restored to bolster regional and global security and that it would take into account the security interests of countries in the region, including non-interference in their internal affairs.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the Cabinet session that was held in Jeddah.

The Cabinet welcomed the agreement reached between the US and Iran to end military operations and begin negotiations aimed at securing a permanent agreement. It also expressed appreciation for Pakistan and Qatar's mediation efforts in this regard.

Turning to the recent Hajj, the Cabinet expressed praise and thanks to Almighty Allah for bestowing upon Saudi Arabia the honor of serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, and for the remarkable success and meticulous organization achieved during this year’s pilgrimage.

Through integrated efforts, the Kingdom enabled more than 1.7 million pilgrims to perform their rituals in comfort and tranquility, further reinforcing its position as a leading global model in crowd management and the delivery of the highest-quality services to the pilgrims, in accordance with a comprehensive institutional approach founded on planning, data, and advanced technologies.

The Cabinet expressed its appreciation to the Supreme Hajj Committee and all entities involved in the pilgrim service ecosystem for their efforts and dedication in carrying out this great responsibility. Their high levels of coordination, integration, and readiness contributed to achieving the objectives of the security, preventive, organizational, and service plans, while mobilizing all available resources and capabilities to care for pilgrims from their arrival in the Kingdom until their safe return to their home countries.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, presides over the Cabinet session in Jeddah. (SPA)

The Cabinet reviewed discussions and consultations held over the past week between Saudi Arabia and a number of brotherly and friendly countries. The engagements aimed to strengthen relations and advance bilateral and multilateral cooperation and coordination across various fields in a manner that serves common interests, while supporting international efforts to reinforce regional and international security and stability.

The Cabinet said that the selection of Riyadh as the headquarters of the first cybersecurity office established by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) reflects Saudi Arabia’s leadership in cybersecurity. It underscores the Kingdom’s efforts and initiatives to promote stability in cyberspace and support societal prosperity and economic growth.

These efforts have helped position the Kingdom as a leading destination for regional and international organizations operating in this vital sector, said the Cabinet.

It also welcomed the statement by International Monetary Fund (IMF) experts following the conclusion of the 2026 Article IV consultation discussions, which reaffirmed the strength and resilience of the Saudi economy in the face of regional developments.

The statement cited the Kingdom’s strong economic fundamentals, ample reserves, diversified oil and logistics infrastructure, and continued reforms under Saudi Vision 2030.

The Cabinet praised the achievements of the National Transformation Program in 2025, coinciding with the completion of 71% of its implementation initiatives. The initiatives aim to protect the environment, ensure sustainable food and water security, support community development, strengthen the non-profit sector, expand workforce participation among various segments of society, and enhance labor market attractiveness. They also help boost private-sector participation, deepen economic partnerships, and promote excellence in government performance.

The Cabinet highlighted the gains achieved by the Human Capability Development Program in advancing the education and training ecosystem, boosting the competitiveness of Saudi talent locally and globally, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, expanding the use of modern technologies, and strengthening the Kingdom’s national identity and cultural presence.