The United States has urged its citizens across the Middle East to exercise heightened vigilance due to the threat of armed attacks. The advisory covers multiple countries including the UAE and warns of potential flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and travel disruptions.
Philippine Airlines announced it will resume nonstop passenger services between Manila and Dubai on October 2, 2026. The route had been suspended for months due to military strikes and regional airspace hazards. Flights will initially run four times per week.
The Saudi Central Bank confirmed on September 22, 2026, that it has ended its formal participation in the mBridge cross-border digital currency platform. The initiative continues to operate with central banks from mainland China, Hong Kong, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and Macau. Analysts cited by the South China Morning Post noted that the exit removes the Gulf's largest economy from direct membership.
Chinese direct investment across the MENA region doubled to $4.8 billion in 2025, driven largely by capital inflows into the UAE. Net direct investment in the UAE grew 237.7% to $2.6 billion, raising China's total investment stock in the country to $12.47 billion. The UAE now holds more than 40% of China's investment stock in the MENA region and receives over 50% of its new capital flows.
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