Qatar seeks to broker Hormuz reopening as regional war risks persist.
Oil prices remain elevated as disruptions to Gulf shipping continue, amid reports of attacks on commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz and threats of military action.
WTI crude fell 2.30 per cent to $101.70, while Brent declined 2 per cent to $111.20. Murban crude, meanwhile, rose 1.85 per cent to $114.80 a barrel as of Monday morning, November 2.
Qatar continues to mediate between Washington and Tehran in an effort to reduce the risk of further escalation.
Here are the latest developments:
UAE flights
As the UAE enters a busy November travel period, Dubai is preparing for the winter tourism season, with more international flights expected to resume.
New initiatives, including an invitation-only membership programme for repeat visitors and online tourist visa applications, are aimed at strengthening the emirate’s appeal to international travellers.
However, regional tensions continue to disrupt air travel, with delays and cancellations reported at airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Flights to Saudi Arabia remain particularly affected, with Etihad extending cancellations on selected routes until November 5. Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia have also announced schedule changes.
Key updates today
- Dubai has launched the invitation-only Dubai Access Club for repeat visitors.
- Tourists can now apply for visas online through Visit Dubai.
- Delays and cancellations have been reported at Dubai International (DXB), Al Maktoum International (DWC), Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Sharjah Airport.
- Flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah remain affected.
- British Airways is scheduled to resume services on November 3, while several other airlines have postponed their return.
- Regional tensions involving Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, Yemen and Gaza continue to affect the wider region.
Dubai’s departing seat capacity reached 7.2 million in October, up 23 per cent from June. British Airways is scheduled to resume flights on November 3, with up to 36 weekly services between Dubai and Europe expected from late October through December.
Some airlines have pushed back their return dates. Lufthansa has postponed its resumption until November 25, ITA Airways until November 30, and Singapore Airlines until February 28, 2027.
Passengers are advised to check directly with their airlines for the latest schedules and travel arrangements.
Other international carriers are also revising their operations.
IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express have suspended services to Saudi Arabia until November 14, while Lufthansa and ITA Airways have extended their suspensions into late November. British Airways is scheduled to resume limited services to Riyadh on November 3.
Checking flight status before setting off for the airport remains essential, as schedules can change at short notice.
Another tanker hit off Ras Al Khafji
Two projectiles reportedly struck an oil tanker off the coast of Saudi Arabia earlier on Monday.
The crude oil carrier was travelling southeast through the Arabian Gulf when it was hit by two “unidentified projectiles” about 72 nautical miles (133km) east of Ras Al Khafji, Saudi Arabia, according to a warning issued by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
The vessel’s master reported that the projectiles struck its port, or left-hand, side at 23:47 UTC on Sunday, November 1, equivalent to 3:47am UAE time on Monday, November 2. The vessel has not been identified.
Qatar-mediated talks: Iran proposes two-day Hormuz reopening plan
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Qatar-mediated discussions had produced a proposal for a two-day plan. Under the arrangement, the US would implement a set of measures on the first day, allowing Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore normal navigation on the second.
The proposal is a shortened version of an earlier seven-day plan, reduced to 48 hours following consultations with Qatari mediators.
Araghchi said discussions were continuing and were “moving toward implementation”, although no final agreement had been reached.
The proposed reopening remains conditional on US action. If implemented, it could ease pressure on one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes and reduce risks to oil markets and commercial shipping. However, the plan remains a proposal dependent on Washington meeting Tehran’s conditions.
Iran issues warning as US military presence grows
Iran’s army spokesman warned that any renewed conflict could spread beyond the Middle East and last considerably longer than the previous war.
Iranian negotiators were in Doha on November 1 for a third consecutive day of discussions with Qatari mediators aimed at ending the US-Israel war on Iran.
Meanwhile, reports have pointed to differences between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the next steps against Iran.
Axios reported that Netanyahu was pressing Trump to launch strikes against Iran immediately after Tuesday’s US midterm elections, while the US president wanted to allow negotiations to continue.
The reported differences highlight the uncertainty over whether diplomatic efforts will continue or give way to renewed military action.
Media reports, citing Sentinel-2 satellite imagery dated October 31, said at least 25 US Air Force refuelling aircraft were positioned at Ramon Airport in southern Israel. Neither US nor Israeli officials have confirmed the reported number.
The aircraft movements have been interpreted as part of wider regional military preparations amid tensions with Iran. Analysts have also pointed to the reported presence of dozens of KC-135 and KC-46 refuelling aircraft near Eilat, alongside around 10 heavy transport aircraft from the US.
Separately, reports indicate that a US naval force led by the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) is heading towards the Middle East to reinforce American military presence and operational readiness.
The reported deployment includes Carrier Air Wing 11, the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin and guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur, USS Paul Hamilton and USS Carl M. Levin.
The USS Makin Island amphibious ready group, carrying the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is also reportedly moving towards the region, potentially adding thousands of US personnel to the deployment.
How it affects you
The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital global energy shipping route, and its disruption has contributed to energy market volatility amid the US-Israel war on Iran.
For UAE residents, continued flight disruptions could affect holidays, business travel and family visits.
Travellers should check their flight status directly with airlines before leaving for the airport, particularly those flying to Saudi Arabia or using international services affected by schedule changes.
Uncertainty around oil supplies and shipping routes could also have wider implications for fuel prices, delivery schedules and regional travel costs.
