The UK has expanded the use of digital visas since February 25, in a move designed to simplify applications and reduce the need for travellers to surrender passports during processing, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) said.

Under the changes, e-visas will replace physical visa vignette stickers for most applicants, allowing them to retain their passports while a decision is pending. This also means applicants can apply for visas to other countries at the same time, a step expected to ease travel planning.

More than 10 million people already use e-visas, which are replacing physical immigration documents such as biometric residence permits and passport stickers, UKVI said, adding the system is entering its final implementation phase and will become the default proof of immigration status across most routes.

E-visa processing: One visit is mandatory to confirm identity and provide biometric details

Applicants will still need to attend a visa application centre once to confirm identity and submit biometric data, after which they can leave with their passport and await a decision.

Srinarayan Sankaran, COO for Global Operations at VFS Global, said the shift would give travellers greater flexibility by allowing parallel visa applications and removing reliance on courier delivery of documents.

Successful applicants will receive instructions by email on how to access their e-visa.

UKVI said travellers must create an online account and verify their visa details before travelling to the UK.

Air travel across the UAE was brought to a temporary standstill on Sunday after multiple regional airspace closures prompted major carriers to suspend operations, affecting thousands of passengers and triggering a sweeping aviation directive from regulators.

The suspensions impact operations at the country’s primary hubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with airlines including Emirates, flydubai, Air Arabia, Etihad Airways and Air India announcing temporary halts to flights. Authorities say the measures are precautionary and prioritise passenger and crew safety amid what officials describe as a “dynamic and developing situation.”

Operations are currently suspended until Monday afternoon, March 2, with airlines advising customers to monitor updates closely and avoid travelling to airports without confirming flight status.

Emirates halts Dubai operations

Dubai-based Emirates confirmed it has suspended all operations to and from Dubai until 1500hrs UAE time on Tuesday, March 3, citing multiple regional airspace closures.

In a customer advisory, the airline said passengers booked to travel before or on March 5, have several options.

“Rebook on an alternate flight,” the airline advised, allowing customers to travel to their intended destination on or before March 20. Travellers who booked through travel agents must contact their agents directly, while those who booked with the airline can reach out through official customer support channels.

Passengers may also request a refund by completing the designated refund form if they booked directly.

The airline urged customers to check flight status before heading to the airport and reminded affected travellers that updated contact details are essential to receive timely notifications.

flydubai suspends flights amid developing situation

Low-cost carrier flydubai also suspended all flights to and from Dubai until 15:00 (UAE time) on Monday, March 2, 2026.

In a statement, the airline described the circumstances as evolving.

“This is a developing situation, and we are monitoring it closely while working with the relevant authorities to adjust our flight schedule accordingly,” the airline said.

flydubai confirmed its teams are implementing “comprehensive welfare” measures for affected customers and reiterated that safety remains its “highest priority.”

Customers travelling within the next 72 hours have been advised to log in to Manage Your Booking, rebook free of charge up to 20 days from their original travel date, and ensure their contact details are current. The airline also warned of a high volume of calls at its contact centre and requested patience from travellers.

Passengers seeking assistance may contact the flydubai Contact Centre in Dubai at (+971) 600 54 44 45, visit a travel shop, or reach out to their travel agent.

Air Arabia extends suspensions to regional destinations

Air Arabia announced that flights to and from the UAE are temporarily suspended until 15:00 (UAE time) on Monday, March 2.

The airline added that flights to Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Iraq are suspended until 03 March, extending disruptions for passengers travelling to key regional destinations.

“Our teams continue to actively monitor the evolving situation, and operations will resume once the airspace reopens,” the airline said.

Passengers who booked through direct channels and are due to travel within 24 hours are encouraged to use online options for alternatives, while those who booked via travel agents should contact them directly.

Air Arabia urged customers to update their contact information through the Manage Booking page and check flight status before heading to the airport.

Etihad suspends Abu Dhabi flights

Etihad Airways confirmed that all flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 14:00 UAE time on Monday, March 2.

“Regional airspace closures continue to impact Etihad Airways’ operations,” the airline said in an operational update.

Passengers holding tickets issued on or before February 28, 2026, with original travel dates up to March 7, 2026, may rebook free of charge on Etihad-operated flights up to March 18, 2026.

Guests travelling until March 3, may also request a full refund through the airline’s website or via their travel agent.

Etihad acknowledged high call volumes and encouraged passengers to use online tools where possible. “The situation remains dynamic and schedules may change at short notice,” the airline said, adding that normal operations will resume “as soon as conditions permit.”

Indigo extends Middle East flight suspensions

In response to ongoing regional developments and their potential impact on aviation safety, Indigo has announced an extension of the temporary suspension of select international flights operating through parts of Middle Eastern airspace.

The airline confirmed that it has been closely monitoring the situation and carefully evaluating operational inputs before taking the decision. According to the advisory, the extension reflects what the airline considers the most responsible course of action at this time, with passenger and crew safety remaining the top priority.

As part of its continued precautionary approach, Indigo has extended the suspension of certain international services that transit through affected areas of the Middle East. In addition, some other international flights may experience disruptions as the airline aligns its operations with the evolving conditions in the region.

Passengers are encouraged to regularly check their flight status for the most up-to-date information.

Acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the current situation, the airline emphasized its commitment not only to operational preparedness but also to customer support. Travelers whose bookings are impacted will receive timely notifications through their registered contact details. Dedicated support teams will reach out directly to assist with rebooking or alternative arrangements.

Flexible travel options and waivers

To ease inconvenience, Indigo has announced full flexibility and travel waivers for flights to and from the Middle East, as well as other affected international sectors. The policy applies to bookings made on or before February 28, 2026, for travel up to March 7, 2026.

Affected customers may reschedule their travel at no additional cost or opt for a full refund.

The airline concluded its advisory by thanking customers for their patience and understanding, reiterating that safety remains its foremost priority as it continues to monitor the situation closely.

Passengers are advised to stay informed through official airline communication channels for further updates.

Aviation regulator grounds drones and recreational aircraft

In a separate but related development, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) issued a directive suspending all flight permits for gliders, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), and recreational aircraft for one week, effective immediately.

The decision was taken “in light of the prevailing circumstances and in the interest of ensuring public safety and the protection of national airspace,” according to a WAM report.

During the suspension period, the operation, launch or flight of such aircraft is strictly prohibited.

The Authority stated it will review the situation at the end of the specified period to determine whether to resume operations or extend the suspension.

The GCAA emphasised that full compliance is mandatory and warned that violations will be subject to legal measures.

Emergency and embassy helplines activated

Authorities have also reminded residents and visitors of emergency contact numbers available across the UAE.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emergency line is reachable at 00971-80024 for general support.

In case of emergency within the country:

999 – Police
998 – Ambulance
997 – Fire Department (Civil Defence)
996 – Coastguard
995 – Find and Rescue
991 – Electricity failure

Several embassies have issued hotline numbers for nationals requiring urgent assistance:

India Embassy: 800 46342
Consulate General of India, Dubai: +971 4 397 1222 / +971 4 397 1333
Pakistan Embassy: +971 2 444 7800
Philippine Embassy: +971 50 813 7836
Nepal Embassy: +971 50 394 9304
Bangladesh Embassy: +971 2 446 5100
US Embassy: +971 2 414 2200
UK Embassy: +971 4 309 4444

China’s Huawei will sell batteries to British business Aggreko for a renewable energy project in Brazil’s Amazon region, in what is expected to become the country’s largest-ever energy storage system, the two companies told Reuters.

Huawei’s batteries will run alongside solar plants set up in microgrids across Brazil’s Amazonas state, in order to diversify Aggreko’s power supply in the region away from polluting thermal plants.

Aggreko’s project will cost about 850 million reais ($165.55m) and take up to three years for full implementation, with the first plants coming online between 2027 and 2028, said Cristiano Lopes Saito, Aggreko’s director for sales to the utilities sector in Brazil.

“It’s an extremely disruptive project, the largest microgrid project currently in the Americas,” Barbara Pizzolato, off-grid director at Huawei in Brazil told Reuters.

While the thermal plants will remain operational to guarantee supply, the project should allow for lower carbon emissions, the companies said.

They forecast that the microgrids will supply energy to communities in 24 locations in Amazonas state, including in large cities such as Tefe, home to about 75,000 people.

The project is a boost to Huawei, as the Chinese manufacturer seeks to expand operations in Brazil amid expectations of an upcoming first-ever government auction for batteries.

Brazil is just starting to adopt battery energy storage systems and has only one large-scale project of this type, by the transmission company ISA Energia on the coast of Sao Paulo state.

Gold prices rose on Monday after the US and Israel launched major strikes on Iran, escalating geopolitical tensions and deepening global economic uncertainty.

Spot gold was up 1.88 per cent at $5,376.44 an ounce, as of 0632 GMT, after hitting its highest point in more than four weeks. Earlier in the session, bullion prices had climbed as much as 2 per cent.

US gold futures rose 2.7 per cent to $5,389.20 per ounce.

Israel launched a new wave of strikes on Tehran on Sunday and Iran responded with more missile barrages, a day after the killing of Khamenei pitched the Middle East and the global economy into deepening uncertainty.

“Unlike previous escalations in this conflict, there is fairly strong incentive here for both sides to continue to escalate potentially – and that runs the risk of leading to a pretty chaotic, uncertain and, therefore, volatile environment for more than just a few days … the dynamic for gold is pretty positive,” said Kyle Rodda, senior financial market analyst at Capital.com.

However, the US dollar index rose 0.27 per cent, making gold more expensive for overseas buyers and capping the metal’s gains.

Bullion, a traditional safe-haven asset, has hit successive record highs this year due to heightened global political and economic uncertainty.

The latest rally builds on a 64 per cent surge in 2025, driven by strong central bank buying, robust inflows into exchange-traded funds and expectations of US monetary policy easing.

“Gold is perhaps the finest barometer to reflect global uncertainty and, to mix metaphors, the mercury is rising. We should expect gold to be repriced higher to fresh records as we enter a whole new era of geopolitical uncertainty,” said independent analyst Ross Norman.

Meanwhile, data on Friday showed that US producer prices rose more than expected in January, suggesting inflation could pick up in coming months.

Investors will also watch a series of US labour market readings this week, including the ADP employment report, weekly jobless claims and the non-farm payrolls report.

Spot silver added 1.3 per cent to $95 per ounce, after registering a monthly gain in February.

Spot platinum was up 0.8 per cent at $2,383.50 per ounce, while palladium advanced 2.3 per cent to $1,826.59.

Over the past 48 hours, the United Arab Emirates has faced one of its most consequential periods in recent history, as regional geopolitical tensions have directly influenced economic, operational and social policy environments. From precautionary closures of financial markets to nationwide remote working advisories and education shifts, UAE authorities have taken an array of measures to safeguard public safety and preserve business continuity. What follows are the major official developments that business leaders, investors and corporate risk teams need to know.

1. UAE stock markets closed for two days

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and the Dubai Financial Market have temporarily halted trading on March 2 and March 3, 2026, as a precautionary measure following regional security escalations and attacks on UAE territory. This decision was issued by the UAE Capital Markets Authority to allow time for assessment and maintain market stability amid uncertainty.

Additionally, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the independent banking, financial services, and markets regulator of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has announced the temporary closure of Nasdaq Dubai, effective Monday, 2 March 2026 and Tuesday, 3 March 2026.

Nasdaq Dubai is the international financial exchange based in the DIFC, providing a platform for regional and global investors to trade equities, derivatives, sukuk, and conventional bonds.

2. Major defensive action: hundreds of missiles and drones intercepted

The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed air defence systems detected and intercepted large waves of Iranian-launched ballistic missiles and drones. Most threats were neutralised, highlighting the operational readiness of defence systems, though debris from interceptions caused some local damage.

3. Remote learning mandated for students as CBSE postpones board exams

All public and private schools and universities will switch to distance learning from Monday, March 2 to Wednesday, March 4. The move — announced by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education & Scientific Research — seeks to safeguard students and staff while maintaining continuity of instruction. In a related development, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced the postponement of Class X and Class XII board examinations in several Middle Eastern countries.

Read more: UAE schools go remote as CBSE postpones board exams across Middle East

4. Private sector urged to adopt remote working

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has officially advised private sector employers to implement remote work arrangements through March 3, except for roles essential to physical operations. Authorities also recommended that workers avoid open areas due to safety concerns from intercepted projectiles.

5. Civil aviation and recreational flight permits suspended

The General Civil Aviation Authority has suspended permits for unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), gliders, and recreational aircraft for one week as a safety precaution. This is aimed at reducing airspace risks while broader airspace management continues under heightened security.

6. Partial airspace closure as a precautionary step

Official UAE statements confirmed a temporary and partial closure of the national airspace as an extra precaution to secure passenger flights and aircrew, with updates pending based on security assessments.

7. Temporary airspace restrictions affecting commercial flights

In addition to general airspace measures, major carriers including Emirates Airline announced temporary suspension of flights to and from Dubai, reflecting aviation disruptions tied to security and airspace control decisions.

8. Government reinforces safety communications and official channels

Authorities have emphasised reliance on official sources for updates and guidance, warning against misinformation circulation. This includes directives on where to obtain real-time safety and operational information as the situation evolves.

9. Public safety and community measures remain top priority

Across official statements, the UAE federal government — including Ministries of Defence, Interior, and Education — has reiterated its commitment to civilian safety, continued monitoring of developments, and the implementation of precautionary policies in education, workplaces, and transportation.

Read: UAE authorities on high alert as NCEMA confirms situation stable

10. UAE directs hotels to extend stays for stranded guests

Several local media reported that Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism issued directives to hotel operators across both emirates instructing them to extend accommodation for guests unable to depart due to travel disruptions; Abu Dhabi confirmed its authority will cover the costs of the extended stays.