Oil Prices Ease as Strait of Hormuz Remains at the Centre of Middle East Tensions.
As the US-Israel conflict with Iran entered its 240th day on Monday, October 26, 2026, tensions remained elevated across the Middle East, with fresh military threats, diplomatic developments and continuing disruptions to regional travel and energy markets.
US President Donald Trump renewed his warning about the dangers of a nuclear-armed Iran, saying it could create serious consequences, while indicating that a negotiated agreement remained possible.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the management of the Strait of Hormuz would not return to its pre-war arrangements. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also warned of possible attacks intended to disrupt Israel’s elections scheduled for Tuesday.
In Saudi Arabia, authorities reported intercepting a Houthi ballistic missile heading towards Riyadh, following a day of explosions and aerial threat warnings in the capital.
The Houthis claimed to have targeted Riyadh’s international airport, where an extended shutdown has already caused significant disruption to regional air travel.
Here are the latest developments affecting the region and UAE residents.
Latest Developments in the US-Israel-Iran Conflict
- Trump signals possibility of negotiations: Speaking late on Sunday, October 25, the US president said Washington was not planning an immediate military strike against Iran. However, he cautioned that further military action remained possible while suggesting that a diplomatic agreement could still be reached.
- Iran maintains its position: Iranian officials warned that another round of fighting would not force Tehran to alter its policies.
- Tehran signals willingness to negotiate: Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan said the country was prepared to resume discussions under a Pakistan-mediated interim agreement reached in June. Tehran also indicated that it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the United States removed its naval blockade.
- Major differences remain: Despite indications of possible negotiations, Washington and Tehran continue to disagree over the terms of a broader settlement.
UAE Oil Spill: Beach Closures and Environmental Concerns
Environmental concerns have emerged along parts of the UAE coastline following reports of an offshore oil leak.
- Ras Al Khaimah announced the closure of all public beaches on Saturday, with the restrictions remaining in place until further notice.
- The decision followed beach closures and cleanup operations in Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah linked to concerns about an offshore oil spill.
- The UAE’s environment ministry said unusual odours reported in Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain did not present a health risk.
- International maritime agencies reported that the leaking tanker, Gem No. 2, had been struck during a suspected Iranian drone attack between October 9 and 10.
Residents are advised to follow official announcements regarding beach access and environmental conditions.
Oil Prices Decline as Hormuz Tensions Continue
Global oil markets recorded mixed movements on Monday as investors assessed continuing threats to energy supplies and shipping routes.
Brent crude fell 1.80%, or approximately $2.10 per barrel, to $114.60, according to prices recorded at 1:35 Beijing time on October 26. The decline followed a previous settlement near $116, the highest closing level since April 29.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also weakened, dropping 2.06% to approximately $101.10 per barrel.
However, the UAE’s Murban crude moved against the broader market trend, rising 3.16% to around $118 per barrel.
The contrasting price movements came amid continuing uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for international energy shipments.
UAE Petrol and Diesel Prices for November
The UAE generally announces its monthly petrol and diesel prices towards the end of the preceding month.
Motorists should therefore watch for the November 2026 fuel price announcement around October 31, when the latest domestic rates are expected to be released.
UAE Flights: Cancellations, Suspensions and Airline Updates
Air travel across the region continues to face disruption as airlines adjust schedules in response to ongoing security concerns and operational restrictions.
Major UAE airports, including Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH), remain operational. However, selected flights continue to experience cancellations, suspensions and timetable changes.
Saudi Arabia Flight Disruptions
Several airlines operating between the UAE and Saudi Arabia have suspended or modified services, with some restrictions extending into November and December.
Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport resumed operations at Terminals 1 and 2 on Sunday, October 25, following a two-week shutdown.
Nevertheless, the Houthis have continued to identify the airport as a potential target, contributing to uncertainty surrounding flight schedules.
Latest Airline Updates
- Emirates: Selected Saudi Arabia services have been affected by cancellations or schedule adjustments.
- flydubai: Flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Abha remain suspended through October 29. Services to Tel Aviv have also been affected by earlier security incidents.
- Etihad Airways: Flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Riyadh and Dammam are cancelled through November 5.
- Air Arabia: Services from Sharjah to Riyadh, Abha, Dammam and Taif have been cancelled, with no confirmed date for their resumption.
- IndiGo: The Indian airline has cancelled Riyadh services through October 31.
- Akasa Air: Flights to Jeddah remain suspended until November 10.
- Iranian airlines: Flights between Iran and the UAE remain suspended until further notice.
Passengers should verify their flight status directly with their airline, as operating schedules may change.
European Airlines Gradually Restore UAE Services
While some regional routes remain disrupted, several international carriers have begun restoring connections to the UAE.
Lufthansa resumed Dubai-Munich services on October 25, with Dubai-Frankfurt operations returning gradually on October 26.
SWISS is scheduled to restart Zurich services on October 27, followed by Eurowings on November 1.
British Airways is expected to resume services on November 4, while Austrian Airlines has scheduled its return for December 12.
Meanwhile, Aegean Airlines has restarted direct flights between Athens and Dubai.
These resumptions represent a gradual recovery in international connectivity, although travellers should continue checking airline schedules before making arrangements.
Riyadh Airport Reopens After Two-Week Shutdown
Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport resumed flight operations on Sunday, October 25, following a two-week closure linked to attacks targeting the capital.
Despite the reopening, flight-tracking information indicated that a large proportion of scheduled departures remained cancelled.
The disruption comes as Saudi Arabia continues to face missile and drone threats, with Yemen’s Houthi movement claiming responsibility for attacks targeting airports and essential infrastructure.
The airport’s official website listed several domestic and international flights for Sunday, including services arriving from Dubai, Paris and Cairo.
New Terminal Arrangements at Riyadh Airport
Airport authorities announced revised terminal allocations on Saturday:
- Terminal 1: Domestic flights operated by Saudi national airlines.
- Terminal 2: International flights operated by Saudi national airlines.
Passengers holding confirmed reservations have been advised to contact their respective airlines to verify departure times, terminal assignments and flight availability before travelling.
Important Advice for UAE Travellers
With regional aviation schedules continuing to change, passengers planning to travel should check their booking status directly through their airline’s official website or mobile application.
Travellers affected by cancellations should also confirm their eligibility for refunds, alternative flights or free rebooking before heading to the airport.
As regional tensions continue, UAE residents are encouraged to monitor official government advisories, airport announcements and airline updates for the latest information on travel disruptions, environmental conditions and other developments affecting daily life.
Other Key Developments to Watch
- UAE condemns Houthi attacks: The UAE strongly denounced the attempted Houthi missile strikes targeting Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) postponed Monday’s Al Nassr vs Al Wasl match after regional flight disruptions affected travel arrangements.
- US travel advisory remains in place: The United States continues to maintain its Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory for the Gulf region amid ongoing security concerns.
- Israeli elections approaching: Israel is scheduled to hold elections on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, as regional tensions remain elevated.
UAE Daily Life and Security: What Residents Should Know
Despite continuing tensions across the Middle East, there were no new nationwide instructions requiring UAE residents to change their normal daily routines as of October 26, according to the available reports.
However, official recommendations to avoid unnecessary travel remain in place, particularly as regional security developments continue to affect transportation and flight schedules.
As of the latest reported updates, no direct security alerts or evacuation orders were active within the UAE.
Residents are encouraged to remain informed through official government announcements and follow any safety instructions issued by the relevant authorities.
Authorities also advise the public to avoid circulating or relying on unverified information shared through social media, particularly reports concerning security incidents, travel restrictions or emergency situations.
With developments across the region continuing to evolve, residents should regularly check trusted official sources for accurate updates affecting travel, public safety and everyday activities.
