The United Arab Emirates has announced an agreement to purchase 20 C-390 military cargo aircraft from Brazilian manufacturer Embraer. The deal was signed on Monday in Abu Dhabi during the ‘Make it in the Emirates 2026’ platform. According to Reuters, the UAE is the first Middle Eastern country to select this versatile military transport aircraft. The initial phase includes confirmed delivery of 10 aircraft, with an option to acquire 10 more later. The contract, valued at around 1 billion US dollars, marks a major milestone for Embraer.

Bosco da Costa Junior, head of Embraer’s defense and security unit, described the Middle East as a strategic region for the company and expressed optimism that the deal would open new opportunities for defense equipment sales in the area. The UAE currently operates Lockheed Martin’s C-130 and Boeing’s C-17 aircraft for air cargo transport.

Under the agreement, local Emirati firms will collaborate with Embraer on maintenance and training, enhancing the UAE’s defense capabilities and technical capacity.

The United States mission in the United Arab Emirates has issued a security alert warning American citizens about a possible aerial attack. The alert was posted on social media platform X, urging US nationals in the UAE to follow local authorities’ instructions and be prepared to seek shelter if necessary. The embassy stated that it continues to monitor the situation closely.

Earlier, the UAE reported that it had been targeted by missiles and drones launched from Iran. The US travel advisory for the UAE currently stands at Level 3, meaning Americans are advised to reconsider travel to the country. Despite the alert, the US Embassy and Consulate General remain open, though non‑emergency US government personnel have been relocated outside the UAE.

The advisory underscores heightened regional tensions and signals continued caution for US citizens residing or traveling in the UAE amid evolving security risks.

A major fire broke out in a petroleum industrial area of the United Arab Emirates following a drone attack attributed to Iran, according to the Fujairah Media Office. The incident occurred shortly after the UAE’s defense ministry reported that four missiles had been launched from Iran, three of which were intercepted while one fell into the sea. The fire spread rapidly across the facility, prompting emergency efforts to bring it under control.

Fujairah, a key hub in the global energy supply network, is seen as strategically vital, and the attack has raised concerns about potential impacts on international energy markets. Local authorities are working to contain the blaze, but no immediate details on casualties or the extent of damage have been released.

Security analysts cited in the report warned that the escalating attacks could further intensify tensions across the Gulf region, potentially pushing regional conflicts to a new level.

A projectile struck an oil tanker near the coast of the United Arab Emirates, according to a British maritime agency on Monday. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the incident occurred 78 nautical miles north of Fujairah. The crew members were confirmed safe, and authorities have launched an investigation. UKMTO urged all vessels in the area to remain cautious following the attack.

At the same time, the United States announced plans to assist ships navigating the blockaded Strait of Hormuz. The move comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, despite a ceasefire in the Middle East conflict that took effect on April 8. Iran continues to maintain strict control over the strategic waterway, while the US has imposed a naval blockade on Tehran.

The US Central Command said the operation will involve guided missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, unmanned vehicles, and 15,000 troops. Maritime intelligence firm AXSMarine reported that as of April 29, more than 900 commercial vessels were present in the Gulf region, down from over 1,100 before the conflict began.

The United Arab Emirates has lifted its temporary ban on all air traffic after assessing improved security conditions. The General Civil Aviation Authority announced on Saturday that the country’s airspace has returned to normal operations. The decision followed coordination with relevant authorities to evaluate operational and safety conditions, though officials said they would continue monitoring the situation.

The UAE had imposed the ban after the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate with attacks on US bases across the Middle East. The conflict led several Gulf countries, including Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, to close their airspace partially or completely. Major UAE airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, among the busiest international hubs, had been affected since late February.

According to aviation data firm Cirium, more than 11,000 flights to and from the region were canceled in the early days of the conflict. The lifting of restrictions is expected to ease disruptions for international travelers and airlines operating between Europe and Asia.

Following an improvement in regional security conditions, the United Arab Emirates has restored normal airspace operations. At the same time, Qatar Airways announced that it will resume flights to Iraq’s capital Baghdad, as well as to Basra and Erbil international airports, starting May 10.

Qatar had temporarily closed its airspace on February 28 as a precaution due to regional tensions and security concerns, later reopening it partially on March 6. With the situation now stabilized, the airline has decided to fully restart its Iraq-bound flights. The UAE’s civil aviation authority stated that the decision to normalize airspace operations was made after reviewing security and operational conditions in coordination with relevant agencies.

According to the Emirates News Agency, the situation is currently under control, and real-time monitoring continues to ensure safe air travel. Observers believe Qatar Airways’ move will help strengthen regional connectivity and commercial activity with Iraq.

The United Arab Emirates has decided to withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), a move analysts describe as a major setback for Saudi Arabia and a political gain for U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision, set to take effect next month, marks a significant shift in Middle Eastern energy alliances.

According to the report, the UAE’s departure stems from long-standing policy differences with Saudi Arabia. While Riyadh favors production cuts to maintain high oil prices, Abu Dhabi prioritizes maximizing output and export volumes for greater profit. Energy analyst Arne Lohmann Rasmussen noted that the UAE focuses on production levels, whereas Saudi Arabia emphasizes price stability.

Analysts suggest the decision is driven more by political motives than economic ones. Ellen Wald of the Atlantic Council indicated that the UAE may be seeking to weaken OPEC, historically viewed as hostile by Trump, in exchange for U.S. security assurances against Iran. The exit of OPEC’s third-largest producer raises questions about the 65-year-old alliance’s future and signals intensifying regional competition between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The United Arab Emirates has decided to withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the OPEC Plus alliance, effective May 1. According to the state news agency WAM, the decision aligns with the country’s long-term strategic and economic vision and aims to accelerate domestic energy investment. The UAE stated that the move will strengthen its role as a responsible and reliable energy producer in the global market.

The statement cited ongoing instability in the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz as key factors disrupting energy supply chains. The UAE said it seeks to ensure market stability and meet global demand amid the crisis. The decision comes against the backdrop of the Iran war, which has severely affected global energy flows and regional economies. The UAE reportedly expressed frustration that Arab nations failed to provide sufficient protection from Iranian attacks during the conflict.

Analysts view the UAE’s withdrawal as a major setback for OPEC and its de facto leader Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about potential disruptions in global oil supply and price volatility.

A liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier owned by the United Arab Emirates’ state oil company ADNOC has successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since the outbreak of war in the Middle East. The vessel, named Mubarak, departed from Das Island on March 2 carrying 132,890 cubic meters of LNG. According to data analyzed by AFP and shipping tracker Kpler, the ship’s AIS transponder was turned off for nearly a month before its signal reappeared off India’s coast last Monday.

Kpler analyst Charles Kosteras indicated that the tanker likely passed through the Strait of Hormuz around April 18–19, when several other vessels also attempted the crossing. ADNOC has not issued any official comment regarding the ship’s route or status. Since the war began on February 28, LNG shipments through the strait had been nearly halted.

The successful passage of the Mubarak is seen as a positive sign for global energy markets, which had faced disruptions in LNG supply routes. The vessel is reportedly en route to China.

Israel has deployed an Iron Dome missile defense battery and troops to the United Arab Emirates following the outbreak of war with Iran, according to reports citing Israeli and American officials. Axios reported on Sunday that this marks the first time Israel has sent the system outside its own territory or the United States. The deployment followed a conversation between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

During the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, the UAE’s defense ministry said Tehran launched repeated attacks on Emirati territory, firing about 550 ballistic and cruise missiles and more than 2,200 drones. Although most were intercepted, some struck military and civilian targets, prompting Abu Dhabi to request allied assistance. The Times of Israel reported that the Iron Dome system intercepted dozens of Iranian missiles.

Axios noted that allowing Israeli troops into the UAE was politically sensitive, but a senior Emirati official said the country would not forget Israel’s assistance during the conflict. Israel and the UAE normalized relations in 2020 under the Abraham Accords, partly driven by shared concerns over Iran.

The United Arab Emirates’ state security agency announced on Monday that it had arrested members of an Iran-aligned group accused of planning sabotage operations aimed at disrupting national security and unity. According to the UAE’s official news agency WAM, the detainees were allegedly preparing coordinated acts of sabotage within the country to destabilize peace and cohesion.

Investigations revealed that the group sought to recruit Emirati youth to advance its own agenda and had been collecting funds through unauthorized means to transfer abroad. Authorities said the network maintained secret contacts with foreign organizations and held covert meetings both domestically and internationally to plan attacks on sensitive sites. The group faces charges of running a clandestine organization, pledging allegiance to foreign powers, and attempting to undermine national stability.

The arrests follow last month’s reported crackdown on a Hezbollah- and Iran-linked money-laundering network. The UAE government reiterated that it would not tolerate any form of foreign interference in its internal security affairs amid ongoing regional geopolitical tensions.

The United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom held a high-level diplomatic meeting to discuss the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. According to a statement from the UAE Foreign Ministry, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to review the regional situation and recent developments.

The statement said the talks covered the overall situation in the region, including what the UAE described as “unprovoked and terrorist attacks” by Iran against the Emirates and other Gulf countries. Cooper reaffirmed the UK’s solidarity with the UAE in protecting its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its citizens, residents, and visitors. Sheikh Abdullah praised Cooper’s visit, calling it a reflection of the strong bilateral relationship and the UK’s full support following Iran’s “terrorist aggression.”

The report noted that the UK has not yet issued an official statement regarding the meeting.

UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri described the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as “economic terrorism” in an interview with the Indian Express, urging the international community to respond immediately. He sharply criticized Iran for blocking the vital waterway and insisted that any resolution to the ongoing war involving Iran must include the “complete and unconditional reopening” of the strait.

Al Hajeri emphasized that a ceasefire alone would not be sufficient to end the conflict. He stated that a sustainable solution must address all threats posed by Iran, including its nuclear capabilities, ballistic missiles, drones, and proxy groups, alongside ensuring the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He added that success should be measured not by halting hostilities but by achieving a final settlement with binding guarantees, accountability, and assurances against future aggression.

His remarks have heightened concerns over ongoing Middle East tensions and global energy security, according to the report.

Amid escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, Sultan Al Jaber, chief executive of the United Arab Emirates’ state oil company ADNOC, has publicly denied Iran’s claim of control over the strategic waterway. In a post on social media platform X, he stated that Iran has never had the right to close or restrict navigation through the strait.

Al Jaber warned that any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could severely threaten global energy supplies as well as food and health security. He described such a scenario as a dangerous and unacceptable precedent that would endanger global stability.

He emphasized that the world cannot bear such a burden and should not allow any attempt to restrict free passage through this vital maritime route.

UAE-based airline Air Arabia has resumed limited international flight operations from the United Arab Emirates after disruptions caused by recent conflicts in the Middle East. The airline announced on Saturday that it is gradually restarting services from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah to 49 destinations across 17 countries, subject to regulatory approval.

According to Air Arabia’s official statement, the decision was made to align with the evolving situation in the region. The destinations include countries across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe, with Bangladesh among those listed. The airline emphasized that passengers whose flights were previously canceled can rebook their tickets, provided they have not already opted for a date change or refund.

Air Arabia stated that affected passengers will be contacted directly regarding rebooking procedures, as part of its phased plan to restore international operations following the earlier disruptions.