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Policy updates, China–UAE developments, industry news and official Middle East travel alerts.
Iranian leadership warned Middle Eastern countries on September 25, 2026, regarding compliance with United States aviation restrictions. Senior adviser Mohammad Mokhber stated that regional air connectivity must remain available to everyone or nobody. Tehran signaled it may impose reciprocal airspace closures on regional carriers complying with the embargo.
Senior military officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have convened over mounting airspace security threats following continued Houthi missile and drone strikes. Meanwhile, Iraq joined regional neighbors in curtailing Iranian commercial flight routes under pressure from US aviation penalties, causing widespread flight 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.
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