Gulf States

Politics

Diplomatic activity was centered on two major international tracks. Delegations from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States held talks in Abu Dhabi, which were described as substantive and reportedly made progress including an agreement on a prisoner swap. Concurrently, officials from Iran and the United States held indirect nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman, which both sides described as a good start. Regionally, the leaders of Egypt and Turkey made separate visits to Saudi Arabia for meetings with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Economy

Saudi Arabia signed a series of investment agreements with Syria worth $5.3 billion. Dubai's economy grew by 4.7% in the first nine months of 2025, supported by a surge in ultra-luxury property sales and the advancement of major infrastructure projects. Separately, DP World, the Dubai-based ports giant, replaced its chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, after he was named in court documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.

Security

Iran launched missile attacks targeting US forces and bases in several Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Explosions and drone debris caused fires in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with flight operations suspended at Dubai International Airport and casualties reported. In response, the US and UK advised their citizens in Qatar to shelter in place, and reports indicated hundreds of US troops were evacuated from bases in Qatar and Bahrain.

Information

The United Arab Emirates hosted the World Governments Summit in Dubai, attended by the UAE President and the Ruler of Dubai, with discussions on digital trust and cybersecurity. Dubai also launched AI-enabled smart clinics and announced various entertainment and cultural initiatives. Separately, Russian authorities opened a criminal case against Telegram founder Pavel Durov, and the app responded by blocking over 235,000 channels and groups in Russia.

Humanitarian

The United Arab Emirates drafted a plan to build a residential compound for displaced Palestinians in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. Separately, Ukraine and Russia agreed to a prisoner swap, exchanging 314 prisoners of war, a deal that was reached during talks in Abu Dhabi. Domestically, Dubai launched a new road-rail ambulance service and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj announced its readiness for the upcoming pilgrimage season.

Energy

International oil markets experienced significant volatility, with prices reaching seven-month highs driven by fears of a potential U.S.-Iran military conflict before declining after the International Energy Agency revised its demand forecast downward. In response, Saudi Arabia moved to boost its oil output. The OPEC+ group agreed to maintain its current production levels but is leaning toward restarting a planned output increase beginning in April.