Airports and civil aviation authorities across the Gulf region have begun resuming operations following temporary disruptions caused by recent regional tensions. While most airspace restrictions have now been lifted, airlines and airports continue to issue advisories, with some flights still delayed or cancelled due to residual operational impacts.

Dubai Airports resume operations following temporary pause

Dubai Airports announced the full resumption of operations across its facilities after a temporary precautionary halt. Officials emphasized that the safety and wellbeing of travellers and aviation staff remains the top priority.

Although services are back online, Dubai Airports noted that some flight disruptions may continue. Travellers are advised to check directly with their airlines for the most recent flight information, according to an update shared by the Dubai Media Office on its official X account:

Sharjah Airport also urges passenger vigilance

Sharjah International Airport echoed similar sentiments, urging all passengers to confirm flight statuses due to continuing delays and cancellations, particularly those related to earlier airspace closures in the region.

“We strongly encourage passengers to contact their airlines directly to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport,” stated a message on Sharjah Airport’s official X account.

Qatar reopens airspace, declares aviation safety ensured

In a coordinated effort with relevant authorities, the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) announced the full reopening of Qatari airspace and the resumption of air traffic, a WAM report said.

According to the QCAA, the safe return to normalcy was made possible through strong interagency cooperation. The authority expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved in ensuring the safety and security of operations in the region, as reported by the Qatar News Agency.

Qatar’s Ministry of Interior: Security situation stable

The Qatari Ministry of Interior assured the public that the internal security situation remains stable and there is no cause for concern.

In a statement released through the Qatar News Agency, the ministry cautioned the public against circulating unverified information or rumours. Citizens and residents were encouraged to rely solely on official sources and to maintain social responsibility in how they share information online.

Airlines across the region issue travel advisories

Emirates Airlines: No diversions, but delays expected

Dubai-based Emirates confirmed that although no flights were diverted, some were rerouted on June 23, 2025, as a precautionary measure.

The airline stated that flights are operating using paths well away from conflict zones. Minor delays are expected due to longer routing and congestion. Passengers are advised to check flight status updates and make use of customer support for rebooking and refunds if necessary.

“Safety and security of our passengers and crew are our absolute priority,” Emirates said in a customer advisory.

Etihad Airways cancels select flights

Etihad Airways reported service disruptions on several regional routes, with specific flight cancellations listed for June 23 and 24. Cancelled routes included destinations such as Doha, Kuwait, Muscat, Riyadh, Bahrain, and Dammam.

The airline also announced a temporary suspension of its flights to Tel Aviv until July 15, 2025. Affected travellers are being offered rebooking and refund options. The airline reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and is working closely with authorities.

Travelers are encouraged to check their flight status using the airline’s online tools or by calling the Etihad Contact Centre.

flydubai suspends flights to multiple destinations

Low-cost carrier flydubai announced it has suspended flights to and from several countries, including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, and St. Petersburg, through at least June 30. Passengers en route to these destinations via Dubai will not be accepted for travel at their origin airports.

Affected travellers are advised to use the airline’s “Manage Booking” portal or contact customer service for rebooking or alternative arrangements.

Oman Air suspends GCC and Cairo flights

Oman Air has temporarily suspended flights to regional cities including Manama, Dubai, Doha, and Kuwait. Additional suspensions are in effect for services to Jeddah, Medina, Riyadh, and Cairo for flights scheduled to depart before 06:00 (UTC) on June 24, 2025.

The airline urged passengers to check flight status updates on its website. Oman Air continues to monitor the situation and will announce any further changes, an Oman Observer report said.

Wizz Air warns of ongoing regional disruptions

Budget airline Wizz Air has issued a statement regarding potential delays and disruptions due to regional tensions and airspace closures. The carrier reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety and noted that affected customers would be contacted directly.

Customers who booked through third-party agents are advised to reach out to them directly for updated information.

Air Arabia monitoring closely, advises caution

Air Arabia confirmed that while some flights may proceed as scheduled, delays are possible due to the dynamic situation in regional airspace. The airline is notifying affected passengers directly via SMS and email.

The airline urged all travellers to monitor their flight status through its official website and stated that safety remains the top priority.

Regional authorities reopen airspace

Bahrain resumes full air traffic operations

The Civil Aviation Affairs department of Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications announced the complete reopening of the Kingdom’s airspace. The move comes after temporary suspensions due to security concerns in the region, a Bahrain News Agency report said.

Kuwait reopens skyways after temporary closure

Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) declared the reopening of the country’s airspace, confirming that air traffic at Kuwait International Airport has resumed.

The reopening was coordinated with both national agencies and regional aviation bodies to ensure safety.

Passengers advised to stay informed and flexible

As the Gulf region’s aviation sector stabilizes, authorities across airports and airlines continue to stress vigilance. Travellers are urged to:

• Check their flight status regularly through official channels.
• Confirm bookings before heading to the airport.
• Update contact information to receive timely notifications.
• Avoid sharing unverified information on social media.

While the situation appears to be moving toward normalcy, authorities warn that operational adjustments may continue in the short term as the region navigates evolving conditions.

As UAE real estate continues its momentum into 2025, new data from UAE-based real estate platform Skyloov reveals the top neighbourhoods capturing attention — and the very different priorities of renters and buyers.

The platform, analysed over 44 million search queries and 540 million property views in Q2 2025, offering one of the clearest windows yet into what’s driving real estate decisions across the UAE.

Here are the key takeaways from the data:

1. Renters are choosing affordability over flash

With rising living costs, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, affordability has become a top concern for renters.

Convenience and access to amenities are also critical — with professionals, couples, and families searching for communities that balance value with location.

Most searched rental communities:

In Dubai

• International City

• Deira

• Bur Dubai

• Dubai Marina

• Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)

In Abu Dhabi

• Al Reem Island

• Hamdan Street

• Khalifa City

• Electra Street

• Mohammed Bin Zayed City

These areas offer relatively lower rents while remaining close to schools, retail, transit, and business hubs — making them attractive for cost-conscious residents.

2. Buyers are eyeing investment corridors and future-ready zones

While renters lean toward current convenience, buyers are looking ahead. The most popular search areas for buyers are less saturated, more affordable, and near planned infrastructure — positioning them for capital appreciation and high rental yields.

Most searched buyer communities:

In Dubai

• Dubai Investment Park (DIP)

• Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT)

• Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)

In Abu Dhabi

• Khalifa City

• Mohammed Bin Zayed City

In the Northern Emirates:

• Al Nahda (Sharjah)

• Select communities in Ras Al Khaimah

These areas are appealing to investors and end-users seeking long-term value rather than instant convenience.

3. There’s a clear renter–buyer divide in decision-making

Skyloov’s data underscores a growing behavioural divergence: “Renters are prioritising access and affordability, while buyers are strategically looking for growth potential,” said Dr Abdulaziz Albwardi, chairman of the Board at Skyloov.

He added that data-driven platforms are now essential to understanding and responding to this shift: “In a market as dynamic as the UAE, data is no longer a supporting tool — it’s a strategic advantage.”

4. Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah are emerging hotspots

Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah’s Al Nahda are rising in buyer interest, signalling broader investor confidence outside traditional centres. The appeal includes lower entry points, infrastructure development, and new lifestyle offerings in these emirates.

5. Data is redefining how people search and decide

With over half a billion property views in one quarter, Skyloov’s platform illustrates just how digital and data-led the UAE real estate market has become.

As renters and buyers alike make sharper, value-conscious decisions, platforms that offer behavioural insights will shape where and how the next wave of real estate growth happens.

Read: Real estate trends in 2025: Dubai developers share insights

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has recently announced a new law concerning the Sharjah Department of Human Resources.

Read-Sharjah approves new employee leave policy

This law will apply to all employees working in government agencies—even those that currently operate under their own human resources regulations—until new rules are established. These agencies must now share essential employee information, including salary data, with the Department of Human Resources through approved electronic systems.

The goal of the law is to align with evolving HR practices and enhance the overall work environment, ultimately benefiting society. It will serve as the foundation for managing human resources in Sharjah, with more detailed regulations to be introduced in the future.

Creation of a Supreme Human Resources Committee

As part of this initiative, a permanent entity called the “Supreme Committee for Human Resources” will be established within the Sharjah Executive Council.

The Council will determine the committee’s structure, membership, and operations based on recommendations from the Department of Human Resources.

According to the Decree-Law, the responsibilities of the Supreme Committee for Human Resources include:

a. Studying and contributing to the interpretation of HR-related legislation referred by the Council or Department, and presenting findings to the Council.
b. Providing opinions on matters referred by the Ruler, the Council, or the Department.
c. Reviewing and ruling on employee grievances and complaints, and submitting appropriate recommendations to the Council after fulfilling the requirements outlined in the bylaws.
d. Carrying out any other duties assigned by the Council.

Comprehensive employment regulations introduced

The Decree-Law also introduces amendments and legal provisions regarding the organisational structure, job classification system, and eligibility criteria for appointments. Emirati citizens and children of female citizens will be given priority in hiring, while non-citizens may be appointed on a contractual basis in accordance with executive regulations.

It also covers employment systems, training and qualification programs, and performance evaluation.

Additional areas addressed include the formation of specialized committees, bonuses, promotions, employment status adjustments, working hours, leave entitlements, transfers, secondment, loans, and overtime.

Finally, the Decree-Law outlines rules on job discipline and conduct, accountability for administrative violations, procedures for investigations, administrative penalties, grievance mechanisms, end-of-service benefits, delegation of authority, and the enforcement and publication of the law.

Oman will introduce a personal income tax on high earners starting in 2028, following the issuance of Royal Decree No 56/2025, according to the state-run Oman News Agency (ONA).

The new law comprises 76 articles across 16 chapters and will impose a 5 per cent tax on taxable income for individuals whose gross annual income exceeds OMR42,000, derived from specific income types outlined in the legislation.

The Tax Authority stated that the law aims to enhance the country’s fiscal sustainability by diversifying revenue sources beyond hydrocarbons, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.

Personal income tax to increase non-oil revenues

The target is to increase non-oil revenues to 15 per cent of GDP by 2030 and 18 per cent by 2040. Additionally, the law is intended to support wealth redistribution, social protection systems, and overall social justice, according to ONA.

The authority emphasised that the tax follows an extensive economic and social impact study, based on income data from various government entities.

This assessment ensured the establishment of a high exemption threshold, with the findings indicating that approximately 99 per cent of the Omani population will not be subject to the new tax.

The 5 per cent levy will apply only to individuals earning above the OMR42,000 threshold and includes provisions for deductions and exemptions to reflect social priorities in Oman.

These considerations include allowances for education, healthcare, inheritance, zakat, charitable donations, and expenses related to primary housing.

Preparations in place

Karima Mubarak Al Saadi, director of the Personal Income Tax Project, said that all necessary preparations for the tax’s implementation have been completed.

Executive regulations will be issued within a year of the law’s publication in the Official Gazette.

Al Saadi added that a new electronic tax system has been developed to facilitate voluntary compliance and ensure accurate income assessments. It will be integrated with relevant government departments for verification purposes.

The tax authority has also expanded its human resources capacity through specialized training programmes and will release guidance manuals for both individuals and legal entities in line with a scheduled rollout plan.

US President Donald Trump announced on Monday a complete ceasefire between Israel and Iran, potentially ending the 12-day war that saw millions flee Tehran and prompted fears of further escalation in the war-torn region.

But there was no confirmation from Israel and the Israeli military said two volleys of missiles were launched from Iran towards Israel in the early hours of Tuesday.

Read-UAE evacuates citizens and residents from Iran amid rising tensions

Witnesses later heard explosions near Tel Aviv and Beersheba in central Israel, where Israeli media reported a building had been struck.

Israel, joined by the United States on the weekend, has carried out attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, after alleging Tehran was getting close to obtaining a nuclear weapon.

“On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end, what should be called, ‘THE 12 DAY WAR’,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social site.

Conditions: Halt to cessation of hostilities

While an Iranian official earlier confirmed that Tehran had agreed to a ceasefire, the country’s foreign minister said there would be no cessation of hostilities unless Israel stopped its attacks.

Abbas Araqchi said early on Tuesday that if Israel stopped its “illegal aggression” against the Iranian people no later than 4:00am. Tehran time (0030 GMT) on Tuesday, Iran had no intention of continuing its response afterwards.

There have been no reported Israeli attacks on Iran since that time.

“The final decision on the cessation of our military operations will be made later,” Araqchi added in a post on X.

A senior White House official said Trump had brokered the deal in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel had agreed so long as Iran did not launch further attacks.

Trump appeared to suggest that Israel and Iran would have some time to complete any missions that are underway, at which point the ceasefire would begin in a staged process.

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani secured Tehran’s agreement during a call with Iranian officials, an official briefed on the negotiations told Reuters on Tuesday.

US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US special envoy Steve Witkoff were in direct and indirect contact with the Iranians, a White House official said.

Neither Iran’s UN mission nor the Israeli embassy in Washington responded to separate requests for comment from Reuters.

Hours earlier, three Israeli officials had signaled Israel was looking to wrap up its campaign in Iran soon and had passed the message on to the United States.

Netanyahu had told government ministers whose discussions ended early on Tuesday not to speak publicly, Israel’s Channel 12 television reported.

Markets reacted favorably to the news.

S&P 500 futures rose 0.4 per cent late on Monday, suggesting traders expect the US stock market to open with gains on Tuesday.

US crude futures fell in early Asian trading hours on Tuesday to their lowest level in more than a week after Trump said a ceasefire had been agreed, relieving worries of supply disruption in the region.

Is it the end to the fighting?

There did not appear to be calm yet in the region.

The Israeli military issued two evacuation warnings in less than two hours to residents of areas in the Iranian capital Tehran, one late on Monday and one early on Tuesday.

Israeli Army radio reported early on Tuesday that alarms were activated in the southern Golan Heights area due to fears of hostile aircraft intrusion.

Earlier on Monday, Trump said he would encourage Israel to proceed towards peace after dismissing Iran’s attack on an American air base that caused no injuries and thanking Tehran for the early notice of the strikes.

He said Iran fired 14 missiles at the U.S. air base, calling it “a very weak response, which we expected, and have very effectively countered.”

Iran’s handling of the attack recalled earlier clashes with the United States and Israel, with Tehran seeking a balance between saving face with a military response but without provoking a cycle of escalation it can’t afford.

Tehran appears to have achieved that goal.

Iran’s attack came after US bombers dropped 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs on Iranian underground nuclear facilities at the weekend, joining Israel’s air war.

Much of Tehran’s population of 10 million has fled after days of bombing.