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.
