The UAE has condemned “in the strongest terms” the targeting of Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), state news agency WAM reported.

The UAE described the strike as a clear violation of the UN Charter and expressed its firm rejection of any act that jeopardises the security and safety of Qatar, a fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member.

Al Udeid Air Base, located southwest of Doha, hosts US and coalition forces and plays a central role in regional security operations.

UAE expresses solidarity with Qatar

According to the WAM report, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed “full solidarity with the State of Qatar” and affirmed its “unwavering support for all measures aimed at safeguarding the security and safety of its citizens and residents” in an official statement.

Calling for restraint, the UAE urged the adoption of diplomatic solutions grounded in the principles of good neighbourliness and non-interference.

According to the ministry, serious dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving the current crises and preserving the security, stability, and peace of the region and its peoples, WAM reported.

Read: Qatar strongly condemns Iranian strike on Al Udeid Air Base

GCC states, Egypt condemn Iranian strike on Qatari air base

Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi also condemned the missile strike and stated that the council stands united with Qatar.

He urged the international community and the UN Security Council to condemn the aggression and prioritise diplomacy to safeguard regional stability and the safety of its people.

Saudi Arabia has denounced the aggression launched by Iran against Qatar. In a statement published by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the kingdom expressed its full solidarity and unwavering support for Qatar.

Oman also condemned Iran’s missile strike, calling it an unacceptable violation of a fellow GCC state’s sovereignty. The Foreign Ministry warned the strike contradicts principles of good neighbourliness and risks escalating regional conflict, threatening security, stability, and the safety of its people.

Kuwait has criticised the missile strike on Al Udeid Air Base, calling it a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, international law, and the UN Charter, according to a report by the Qatar News Agency (QNA).

The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry expressed full support for Qatar’s right to respond and pledged to harness all resources to aid its Gulf neighbour. It reaffirmed that Qatar’s security is integral to Kuwait’s own, commended the interception by Qatari defences, and reiterated calls to halt regional escalation and resolve conflicts through diplomacy.

Bahrain strongly condemned the Iranian missile strike on Qatar. It expressed full solidarity with Qatar and urged restraint, de-escalation, and peaceful resolution of regional disputes.

In a statement of support, the Arab Parliament affirmed its full solidarity with Qatar as well as its full support for the measures it is taking to preserve its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, QNA reported.

The parliament reiterated its warning against the expansion of the conflict in the region and proceeding toward further escalation, which would undermine security and stability.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit affirmed the Arab League’s full solidarity with the State of Qatar in confronting this Iranian violation of international law.

Meanwhile, QNA also reported that Egypt has expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the Iranian strike on Qatar.

In a statement, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Egypt’s deep concern over the rapidly accelerating and dangerous escalation in the region, reiterating its complete rejection of all forms of military escalation or infringement on the sovereignty of states.

Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Libya and Morocco have similarly denounced the strike on the Qatari air base.

French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed solidarity with Qatar, following the strike, with a post on X.

Qatar strongly condemned a missile attack launched by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeting Al Udeid Air Base this evening, calling it a blatant violation of its sovereignty, airspace and international law, state news agency WAM reported.

In a statement published by the Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, Advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the strike represented a “flagrant breach” of the United Nations Charter and warned that Qatar reserves the right to respond.

The official added that Qatari air defence systems successfully intercepted and repelled the incoming missiles, preventing damage or casualties.

Al Udeid Air Base, located southwest of Doha, hosts US and allied military forces and is a key strategic asset for regional operations.

The Iranian strike comes amid heightened tensions in the region, following recent escalations involving Israel and Iran, and the US strike on Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities.

Qatar, along with other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, has been pushing for de-escalation and diplomatic mediation.

Earlier, the UAE and GCC Secretary-General condemned the attack, warning it could destabilise the region and urging international action to deter further escalation.

Qatar Airways suspends flights temporarily

In related news, Qatar Airways announced that its flights were temporary suspended as a result of the closure of air traffic movement in Qatar.

In a statement posted on X, Qatar Airways state it was collaborating with government stakeholders and authorities to help affected passengers and said it will resume operations when the airspace re-opens.

As part of the Points of Growth series, the Yango Ads podcast that explores the tools, trends, and real shifts shaping the AdTech landscape, Malika Kennedy, chief business development officer MEA, unpacks the state of AdTech in 2025 and what this means for brands navigating the tension between traditional and digital media.

How do you define the role of ad tech in today’s marketing landscape?

Adtech underpins every step of the advertising process, from purchasing and delivering ads to measuring their true impact. There are demand-side platforms (DSPs) used by advertisers to bid on and buy ad space across multiple publishers in real time, while publishers rely on supply-side platforms (SSPs) to make their inventory available in that same automated auction. In the backend, data-management platforms (DMPs) aggregate audience insights from websites, apps and customer databases to enable precise targeting. On mobile specifically, measurement partners (MMPs) attribute installs and in-app behaviors back to individual campaigns, so you can see exactly which ads drove real business results. At Yango Ads, we adapt these foundational technologies with AI-powered tools and machine-learning algorithms. For example, we now use AI to iterate on creative concepts rapidly, and machine learning helps optimize campaigns in real time toward business goals. Adtech is as broad in scope as it is exciting in its potential.

How is ad tech influencing the evolution of traditional advertising formats?

Ad tech is helping traditional formats become smarter, more targeted, and measurable. One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is the rise of retail media, ads placed directly within a shopper’s journey, like on e-commerce platforms or grocery apps. It’s a natural combination of traditional retail spaces and digital precision. Globally, the retail media platform market was valued at $16.2bn in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.4 per cent through 2030. That growth is driven by how effective it is: shoppers see relevant offers in real time, brands reach consumers at the point of purchase, and retailers unlock a new revenue stream. It’s a strong example of how traditional touchpoints are being reshaped by ad tech.

What signals do you look for when determining if a trend in ad tech is sustainable?

For me, it comes down to this: does it solve a fundamental problem? And is it being adopted by both startups and large platforms? If yes, it’s worth tracking. Things like agent learning, probabilistic measurement, and rapid iteration are becoming standard in marketing. So if it makes life easier and delivers better outcomes, then it’s likely here for the long term.

How do traditional and digital advertising complement each other today?

The most effective strategies now combine both. Traditional channels like TV, radio, and out-of-home still have massive reach, but when paired with digital, they become even more powerful. For example, a TV ad can spark interest, while digital picks up the journey, targeting the same audience with tailored messages, tracking conversions, or even retargeting based on exposure. Connected TVs, dynamic billboards, and QR-enabled packaging have made “traditional” more interactive and measurable. At Yango Ads, we often see the best results when brand awareness and performance tactics support each other. It’s no longer about choosing one over the other; it’s about integration.

How are you helping regional retailers unlock the potential of retail media?

It’s been a fascinating journey. We’re working with retailers, some of whom have been in the UAE for 50+ years, to help them unlock the value of their data and tap into new digital revenue streams. It’s not an easy shift. Many of them are used to traditional business models, and we’re guiding them through the mindset change needed to become part of the digital ecosystem. But when it works, it’s incredibly rewarding – they begin to see the true value of their first-party data and what it can unlock. These kinds of transitions are exactly what we dive into on Points of Growth as well, because they show how AdTech is evolving not just in theory, but in real business contexts.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a series of major infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving traffic flow, reducing congestion, and enhancing road safety across key areas in the emirate.

Read-Dubai to expand Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station; here’s what it involves

As part of its strategic plan to improve the road network’s efficiency and cater to the city’s growing population, RTA will implement temporary traffic diversions, construct new bridges and tunnels, and upgrade critical intersections.

Temporary traffic diversion on Al Qudra Road

Starting June 22, 2025, RTA will introduce a temporary traffic diversion at the Arabian Ranches junction on Al Qudra Road, which is expected to last for five months. The diversion is part of an ongoing bridge construction project designed to ease congestion and improve intersection efficiency.

Under this diversion plan, the traffic signal at the intersection of Al Qudra Road and the road connecting Arabian Ranches to Dubai Studio City will be removed. Traffic will be rerouted away from the intersection, creating a free-flowing corridor between Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street.

Additionally, two new signal-free U-turns will be constructed to facilitate smooth traffic movement and minimize delays.

The RTA is urging motorists to plan their trips ahead of time, depart early, and avoid peak hours whenever possible during the diversion period to ensure a smoother journey.

Major intersection upgrades in Jumeirah and Al Mina areas

In another infrastructure milestone, RTA has completed improvement works at the intersections of Jumeirah Street and Al Mina Street with Sheikh Rashid Street. This project is part of a broader initiative to ease traffic congestion in central areas and improve travel time across multiple directions.

The upgraded intersections feature a series of bridges and tunnels spanning more than 13 kilometres, designed to serve over one million residents in the area. The improvements are expected to increase the vehicle capacity from 6,400 to 24,000 cars per hour, a near fourfold boost.

The enhancements will also significantly reduce travel time in the corridor, from 32 minutes to just 12 minutes, improving connectivity and commuter experience in and around Dubai’s coastal districts.

Development of Al Jamayel Street

In line with its vision for a seamless, connected Dubai, the RTA has launched the development of Al Jamayel Street, formerly known as Garn Al Sabkha Street. The road stretches across seven kilometres, linking key residential and commercial hubs including Jumeirah Lakes Towers, The Gardens, and Al Furjan.

The project is designed to enhance road efficiency along the service routes parallel to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, one of Dubai’s busiest transport arteries. By improving surface intersections and expanding key roads, the RTA aims to enhance mobility for both residents and daily commuters.

As part of the upgrades, four new bridges spanning a total of 2,874 metres will be constructed. These bridges are expected to increase road capacity to 17,600 vehicles per hour, significantly easing congestion during peak times.

In terms of travel time, the project promises substantial reductions:

From Al Jamayel Street to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road: reduced from 20 to 12 minutes

From Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to Al Yalayis Street: reduced from 21 to 7 minutes

Israel’s strikes against Iran have prompted international airlines to halt flights to some Middle East destinations due to air space closures and safety concerns.

As the crisis entered a new phase following the US attack on Iranian nuclear sites, some airlines moved to cancel flights to hubs like Dubai and Qatar’s Doha.

Below are some of the airlines that have cancelled their flights to and from the region:

AIRBALTIC

Latvia’s airBaltic said that all flights to and from Tel Aviv until September 30 had been cancelled.

AEROFLOT

Russia’s Aeroflot said that it had cancelled flights between Moscow and Tehran, and made changes to other routes in the Middle East.

AIR EUROPA

The Spanish airline said that it has cancelled its flights to and from Tel Aviv until July 31.

AIR FRANCE-KLM

Air France said that it had suspended its flights to and from Tel Aviv until further notice.

Air France KLM cancelled flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh on June 22 and June 23.

KLM said that it had cancelled all its flights to and from Tel Aviv until at least July 1 and added that some flights to, from or via Beirut until June 29 may be disrupted.

Update: Air France will suspend flights to the Israeli city of Tel Aviv until July 14, a spokesperson said on Monday, adding the company has also suspended flights to and from Lebanon’s capital Beirut until June 25.

Air France is also cancelling flights to and from Dubai, in UAE, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, until June 24, the spokesperson said.

DELTA AIR LINES

The US carrier said that travel to, from, or through Tel Aviv may be impacted between June 12 and August 31.

EL AL ISRAEL AIRLINES

The carrier said that it had cancelled its regular flight schedule for EL AL and Sundor through June 23. Additionally, flights scheduled to depart through July 15 have been closed for new bookings until security situation becomes clearer.

ETIHAD AIRWAYS

It said that it had cancelled flights between Abu Dhabi and Amman until June 20 and between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv until June 30.

EMIRATES

Emirates said that it had temporarily suspended flights to and from Jordan (Amman) and Lebanon (Beirut) until and including June 22, and Iran (Teheran) and Iraq (Baghdad and Basra) until and including June 30.

FLYDUBAI

Flydubai said that it had temporarily suspended flights to and from Iran, Iraq, Israel and Syria until June 30.

IAG

IAG-owned British Airways said that its flights to Tel Aviv remain suspended until July 31 and flights to Amman and Bahrain are suspended up to and including June 30.

The British carrier was set to resume Dubai and Doha flights on June 23 after cancelling routes to and from those airports the day before.

IAG’s low-cost airline, Iberia Express, had previously said that it had cancelled its flights to Tel Aviv until June 30.

ISRAIR

The Israeli airline said that it had cancelled all its flights from and to Israel until June 30.

ITA AIRWAYS

The Italian Airline said that it would extend the suspension of Tel Aviv flights until July 31, including two flights scheduled on August 1.

LUFTHANSA GROUP

Lufthansa said that it had suspended all flights to and from Beirut until and including June 30 and to and from Tel Aviv and Tehran until and including July 31. Flights to and from Amman and Erbil are cancelled until and including July 11.

The German airline added that it would also refrain from using airspace of the countries concerned until further notice.

PEGASUS

The Turkish airline said that it had cancelled flights to Iran until June 30 and flights to Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan until June 23.

QATAR AIRWAYS

Qatar Airways said that it had temporarily cancelled flights to and from Iraq, Iran and Syria.

RYANAIR

Ryanair said that it had cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv until September 30.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES

The Asian carrier on June 22 cancelled flying from Singapore to Dubai following a security assessment. The flight was set to resume on June 23.

TAROM

Romania’s flag carrier said that it had suspended all commercial flights to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut and Amman until June 24.

TUS AIRWAYS

The Cypriot airline cancelled all its flights to and from Israel scheduled until June 24 (inclusive). Flights scheduled for departure between June 25 and June 30 are currently closed for sale, pending further developments, it said.

UNITED AIRLINES

The US carrier said that travel to and from Tel Aviv may be affected between June 13 and August 1. Flights to Dubai between June 18 and 25 may also be affected.

WIZZ AIR

Wizz Air said it had suspended its operations to and from Tel Aviv and Amman until September 15. The Hungarian airline will also avoid overflying Israeli, Iraqi, Irani and Syrian airspace until further notice.