Plus, Iranian airlines face global shutdown threat.

And it's not just Dubai looking to attract more international visitors.Ajman is using Arabian Travel Market to strengthen its presence in global tourism markets, showcasing its heritage, hospitality, leisure attractions and newer tourism experiences. Plus, GISEC Global 2026 opens today at Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City, bringing together cybersecurity leaders as the industry confronts a new generation of threats driven by artificial intelligence.This year's theme is “Cyber First: The New Digital Order”, with discussions expected to focus on AI-powered cyberattacks, digital threats and how organisations can strengthen their security as AI becomes more deeply integrated into business and government systems.

Plus, musician Pink faces online backlash after calling out rapper Macklemore's pro-Palestine performance during Ed Sheeran's tour.

As September 1st kicks off, the traditional four-month Christmas season officially begins across the Philippines and within overseas communities. In the UAE, the Filipino diaspora prepares for the festive "Ber" months with upcoming night markets and cultural celebrations. Meanwhile, back in the Philippines, severe monsoon (Habagat) flooding across Central Luzon leaves at least 33 dead, sparking intense public outcry as the Department of Justice recovers ₱841M tied to alleged flood-control kickbacks. Finally, political tensions rise as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte enters its ninth week, focussing on confidential fund management and disputed financial receipts.

EDUCATION: 1.27M students return as 1,180+ UAE schools reopen with homework cuts, device limits, and 253 police patrols for Accident-Free Day | CULTURE: Museum of the Future closes September 1 for a major interactive revamp ahead of its Q1 2027 reopening | COMMUNITY: Over 50,000 gather at Expo City Dubai for the inaugural Emirates Loves Palestine cultural festival

Following a missile alert and two ballistic missiles detected in Gulf waters, the UAE takes an unprecedented economic step—freezing all trade and financial ties with Iran until further notice.

The 60-day US deadline for Iran expires today with nuclear and maritime security issues unresolved. A recent attack on an ADNOC vessel in the Strait of Hormuz has drawn strong condemnation from the UAE, where Dr. Anwar Gargash reaffirmed the nation's stance on deterrence, diplomacy, and sovereignty. Alternative UAE logistics routes continue to ensure the uninterrupted flow of essential supplies across the country.In Gaza, the UAE delivered 683 tonnes of food and shelter supplies via 67 aid trucks under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3. Concurrently, the UAE joined seven Arab and Islamic nations in issuing a joint statement supporting the proposed Gaza peace roadmap and criticizing Israel's rejection of the plan. 

Tim Elliott and Mychal Feraren bring you today’s top regional developments.

Dubai Stock Market Trading Value Jumps 40%. Qatar Airways extends flight suspensions to Bahrain, Kuwait, and Erbil until August 7. NRIs to Avoid Repeated KYC Checks in India. 135,000 UAE Bank Customers Receive Loan Relief. UAE Petrol Prices to be Announced for August 2026. Dubai Brokerage Appoints CEO with AED250,000 Monthly Salary.

Oil prices surged at the start of Asian trading on Monday. Gains were more than 2 percent | U.S. President Donald Trump also pointed to divisions within Iran’s leadership. He said this could speed up any outcome.

Dubai is upgrading its road network using artificial intelligence and big data | The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026 has wrapped up successfully in Al Ain | Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held high-level talks in Muscat with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq