US-Israel-Iran war: What UAE residents need to know today, October 20, 2026
Tensions across the Gulf escalated on Tuesday, October 20, with new attacks reported on Riyadh, Iran claiming mine strikes on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, and oil prices climbing sharply. Here is what matters for UAE residents this evening. Travellers heading to Saudi Arabia face the most disruption. Etihad has cancelled all flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam through…
Gulf tensions intensified on Tuesday, October 20, as reports emerged of new attacks on Saudi Arabia and Iran amid a growing conflict. The situation prompted significant disruptions for UAE residents, with airlines cancelling numerous flights to and from Saudi Arabia through October 24. Etihad, Emirates, and flydubai suspended services to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, while other airlines like Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo also halted operations to those cities until the 24th.
Flight delays were reported at Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports, with some evening departures pushed back several hours. Passengers are advised to verify their flight status before heading to the airport. In the Gulf waters, Iran claimed to have used naval mines to set two oil tankers ablaze in the Strait of Hormuz, though this assertion has yet to be independently verified. Qatar, mediating between the US and Iran, warned against a military solution and supported diplomatic efforts to restore free passage through the strait.
Oil prices surged as a result of the crisis, with US crude (WTI) rising 5.7 percent to $109.60 a barrel and Brent crude increasing by 2 percent to $111.69. In Saudi Arabia, the Saudi-led coalition intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile heading toward Riyadh, and later downed a drone over the region. Residents were alerted via emergency systems, and Saudi Civil Defence cautioned against filming or sharing information related to the interceptions, as it could result in legal consequences.
The UK announced plans to deploy RAF Typhoon jets to assist in defending Saudi cities and critical infrastructure against potential aerial attacks. Meanwhile, experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency commended the UAE’s emergency preparedness following a mission to the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Al Dhafra, conducted from October 12 to 20.
Despite these developments, travel advisories for the UAE remain in effect, with the US advising against travel and Australia urging caution. The UK has lifted its broader travel warning but still advises against non-essential travel due to potential flight and airspace disruptions.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
