US-Israel-Iran war: What UAE residents need to know today (Nov. 2, 2026)

Oil prices remain high, with disruptions in Gulf shipping due to attacks in and around the Hormuz Strait and threats of military action. Qatar is working to mediate between the US and Iran to reduce escalation risks. Flights in the UAE have been affected by these tensions, with delays and cancellations reported at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah airports.

Saudi flights to Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah are also impacted. British Airways is set to resume flights on November 3, with up to 36 weekly Dubai-Europe services expected between late October and December. Passengers are advised to verify airline schedules and travel arrangements before heading to the airport.

A tanker off Ras Al Khafji was hit by two projectiles on November 1, but its identity has not been disclosed. Qatar-mediated talks between Iran and the US have produced a two-day plan, which would reopen the Hormuz Strait and restore normal navigation on the second day. However, the proposal is contingent on US compliance. Iran's army spokesman warned that a renewed war could extend beyond the Middle East and last much longer than the previous conflict.

A split has reportedly emerged between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Iran. While Trump favors more diplomatic time, Netanyahu is pushing for immediate action after the US midterms. The US has reportedly deployed at least 25 Air Force refueling aircraft to Ramon Airport, along with a military armada led by the USS Theodore Roosevelt, to bolster its military presence in the region.

These developments in the Middle East have significant implications for UAE residents, as flight disruptions affect travel plans, business trips, and family visits. Residents should check their airline's status before traveling as schedules can change rapidly.