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Gulf

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Discuss Boosting Relations, Development

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcoming Pakistani Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcoming Pakistani Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Discuss Boosting Relations, Development

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcoming Pakistani Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcoming Pakistani Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif (SPA)

Saudi Arabia affirmed its continuous support for Pakistan and its economy and increasing investment cooperation with Islamabad.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Pakistani Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif in Jeddah.

During the visit, the two sides exchanged views on issues of mutual concern at the regional and international levels and agreed on the importance to continue coordinating their positions in a way that serves their interests.

A joint statement issued after the meeting stressed the importance of strengthening work through the Saudi-Pakistani Supreme Coordination Council and diversifying trade exchange.

They agreed to increase communication between the private sector in the two countries to discuss trade and investment opportunities and turn them into tangible partnerships.

Saudi Arabia affirmed its support for Pakistan and will discuss the possibility of supporting the Kingdom's $3 billion deposit in Pakistan's central bank by extending its term or through other options.

Pakistan welcomed Saudi Arabia's decision to extend an agreement to finance crude oil products and oil derivatives exports and support economic reforms in Pakistan.

The two sides also agreed to deepen the investment cooperation between the two countries, stimulate partnerships and enable investment integration opportunities between the private sector of the two countries.

The meeting also reiterated the importance of developing cooperation in the industrial and mining sectors to serve the strategic interests following the vision of the two leaderships aimed at boosting ties.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan intend to hold investment forums to introduce the business sectors from both sides to available opportunities.

The two sides also agreed to deepen the investment cooperation between the two countries, stimulate partnerships and enable investment integration opportunities between the private sector of the two countries.

They decided to join efforts to develop the investment environment in the two countries and support several investment sectors of common interest.

The two sides stressed the importance of cooperation regarding the opportunities of the economic transformation programs that Saudi Arabia is witnessing within its Vision 2030.

They seek to benefit from Pakistani expertise and capabilities in several sectors to achieve mutual economic benefits.

The two sides agreed to enhance media cooperation between them.

Pakistan valued the Kingdom's efforts and initiatives in climate change, addressing environmental challenges, and improving the quality of life, particularly the 'Saudi Green' and 'Middle East Green' initiatives.

The two sides expressed their aspiration to implement the two initiatives, stressing the importance of adhering to the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement and the need to develop climate agreements.

Pakistan welcomed Saudi Arabia's decision to extend the agreement to include financing exports of crude oil products and oil derivatives.

They explored ways of cooperation in several fields, including innovative uses of hydrocarbons, electricity, clean technologies for hydrocarbon resources, energy efficiency, and localization of the energy sector. They also discussed cooperation in renewable energy projects.

Islamabad and Riyadh reiterated support for the efforts made by the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, the initiatives aimed at reaching a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis following Security Council Resolution 2216, Gulf Initiative, and other related mechanisms.

They condemned the Houthi terrorist threat to Saudi Arabia due to the launching of ballistic missiles by Yemeni militants against Saudi facilities and expressed their concern about the threat to global energy supplies.

They stressed the need for the international community to take measures to ensure the Houthis' involvement in political consultations under UN supervision to reach a final and comprehensive political solution.

Saudi Arabia welcomed the statements of the Pakistani PM, asserting his country's keenness to find a solution to all disputes with India, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

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Gulf

Dubai Airport Gradually Resumes Flights after Drone Fire

A smoke plume rises from a fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
A smoke plume rises from a fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
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Dubai Airport Gradually Resumes Flights after Drone Fire

A smoke plume rises from a fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
A smoke plume rises from a fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. (Photo by AFP)

Officials said Monday that Dubai International Airport has gradually resumed some flights after a "drone-related incident" sparked a fuel tank fire, forcing a temporary suspension.

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announced flights are operating to selected destinations, according to the Dubai Media Office.

Emirates airline said it expected to operate a "limited schedule" after 10:00 am Dubai time (0600 GMT) and that some flights had been cancelled.

It had earlier told passengers not to come to the airport and said it was working with authorities "to assess the situation and support the safe resumption of operations when possible.”

In Abu Dhabi, a Palestinian civilian was killed on the outskirts of the Emirati capital when a missile hit their car on Monday, authorities said.

"Authorities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi responded to an incident in the Al Bahia area involving a missile strike on a civilian vehicle, which resulted in the death of one Palestinian national," the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a statement.

Gulf

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.

 

Gulf

Joint Gulf-UK Statement Condemns Iran’s Attacks and Threats

The Foreign Ministers of the GCC and the UK held an extraordinary meeting via videoconference last Thursday. Photo: Saudi Foreign Ministry
The Foreign Ministers of the GCC and the UK held an extraordinary meeting via videoconference last Thursday. Photo: Saudi Foreign Ministry
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Joint Gulf-UK Statement Condemns Iran’s Attacks and Threats

The Foreign Ministers of the GCC and the UK held an extraordinary meeting via videoconference last Thursday. Photo: Saudi Foreign Ministry
The Foreign Ministers of the GCC and the UK held an extraordinary meeting via videoconference last Thursday. Photo: Saudi Foreign Ministry

The Gulf Cooperation Council and the United Kingdom have stressed that the security of the Gulf region are fundamental pillars of the global economy’s stability, rejecting threats to close the Strait of Hormuz or threaten maritime security in the Bab el-Mandeb.

Their stance came in a joint statement after the Foreign Ministers of the GCC and the UK held an extraordinary meeting via videoconference last Thursday “to discuss the escalation in the Middle East and the blatant aggression by Iran and its regional proxies against the GCC countries and Jordan.”

The joint statement reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding regional air space, maritime routes, and freedom of navigation, noting that UN Security Council Resolution 2817 that was adopted last week “condemned any Iranian actions or threats aimed at closing, obstructing, or otherwise interfering with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz or threatening maritime security in the Bab el-Mandeb.”

“The Ministers stressed that the security and stability of the Gulf region are fundamental pillars of the stability of the global economy, intrinsically linked to UK and global security,” the statement that was issued on Sunday added.

The Ministers welcomed the adoption of Resolution 2817 that condemned in the strongest terms the egregious attacks carried out by Iran on GCC countries and Jordan, considering them a violation of international law and a serious threat to international peace and security.

They noted that the Resolution also condemned Iran’s targeting of residential areas and civilian infrastructure.

The statement demanded that Iran immediately cease all attacks on the GCC States and Jordan and unconditionally stop any provocations or threats to neighboring states, including the use of proxies across the region.

The Ministers reiterated their commitment to regional stability and called for the protection of civilians and full respect of international law, international humanitarian law and the obligations on UN Member States to abide by the principles of the UN Charter.

They recalled that they consistently urged Iran to curb its nuclear program and ballistic missile program, and refrain from destabilizing activities across the region, including the use of proxies and meddling in the local affairs of states.

The Ministers “recalled the inherent right of the GCC countries, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, to defend themselves, individually and collectively, against the armed attacks of Iran, as recognized in UN Security Council resolution 2817.”

“They affirmed that the GCC states have the right to take all necessary measures to defend their security and stability and protect their territories, citizens and residents” and recalled the Security Council’s responsibility in maintaining international peace and security.

According to the statement, the Ministers “agreed to undertake joint diplomatic efforts to bring about a lasting solution to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, to cease development and proliferation of ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and any technologies that threaten the security of the region and beyond, and to refrain from destabilizing activities in the region and beyond.”