Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi said the Strait of Hormuz was open following a ceasefire accord agreed in Lebanon, while US president Donald Trump said he believed a deal to end the Iran war would come “soon”, although the timing remains unclear.

Araqchi said in a post on X the Strait was open for all commercial vessels for the remainder of the US-brokered 10-day truce between Israeli forces and Iran agreed on Thursday between Israel and Lebanon.

He said the passage of ships would need to be along the route that Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation had announced.

The US-Israeli conflict with Iran, which started on February 28, has killed thousands of people. The conflict also effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas usually transits, threatening the worst oil shock in history.

Read more-Oil prices rise on doubts US-Iran peace talks will ease Hormuz disruption

Oil prices fell by about 9 per cent, extending earlier losses, following Araqchi’s post.

The International Monetary Fund this week lowered its forecasts for global growth and warned the global economy risked tipping into recession if the conflict was prolonged.

US blockade remains in place

Shortly after Araqchi’s statement, Trump posted on Truth Social: “IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR PASSAGE”.

However, Trump said the US military blockade of ships sailing through the Strait to Iranian ports – announced after talks with Iran last weekend in the Pakistani capital Islamabad ended without agreement – remained in place.

He said that blockade will remain in full force until “our transaction with Iran is 100 per cent complete”, which he said should happen very quickly given that most points were already negotiated.

Trump had said on Thursday that talks could happen as soon as this weekend, although that was looking increasingly unlikely by Friday afternoon given the logistics of assembling officials in Islamabad, where the talks are expected to take place.

Despite Trump’s optimism, Iranian sources told Reuters on Friday that some “gaps remained to be resolved” before reaching a preliminary deal and senior clerics leading Friday prayers struck a defiant tone.

In Islamabad, troops were seen along routes leading into the capital on Friday, but roads were still open and the government had not issued orders for businesses to shut down, as they did prior to the last meeting.

Backdoor diplomacy progress

A Pakistani source involved in mediating between the US and Iran said on Friday there was progress in backdoor diplomacy and that an upcoming meeting between the two sides could result in the signing of a memorandum of understanding, followed by a comprehensive deal within 60 days.

“Both sides are agreeing in principle. And technical bits come later,” the source said on condition of anonymity.

One of the key sticking points has been over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, with the US proposing at last weekend’s talks a 20-year suspension of all Iranian nuclear activity. Tehran suggested a halt of three to five years, according to people familiar with the proposals.

Iran has demanded international sanctions on it be lifted and Washington has pressed for any highly enriched uranium to be removed from Iran. Two Iranian sources have said there were signs of a compromise on the HEU stockpile, with Tehran considering shipping part of it out of the country.

Trump told reporters outside the White House on Thursday that Iran had agreed to “give us back the nuclear dust”, but Iran’s state media outlet Mizan disputed that claim on Friday, highlighting ongoing differences.

No negotiation regarding the “transfer of Iran’s highly enriched uranium to America had ever taken place, and naturally there is no agreement on this matter either”, it said, citing sources.

Lebanon ceasefire goes into effect

The US-backed ceasefire agreed between Israel and Lebanon to end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah appeared to be largely holding on Friday, despite some Lebanese Army reports of violations by Israel.

Mediator Pakistan said on Thursday that a parallel ceasefire in Lebanon was an essential component of any talks on a deal to end the conflict in Iran.

The conflict in Lebanon was reignited on March 2 when Hezbollah opened fire on northern Israel in support of Tehran, prompting an Israeli offensive that authorities say has killed 2,000 people.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military on the reported ceasefire violations on Friday.

Dubai has completed its first purpose-built air taxi station near Dubai International Airport, marking a significant milestone in the emirate’s push to lead the future of urban mobility.

The four-storey facility, designed to support electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, is set to become the main hub for air taxi operations in the city. The project is being delivered by Skyports Infrastructure in partnership with Joby Aviation and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, said the development marks a “strategic leap” in the emirate’s push to become a global hub for innovation and future-ready transport.

The station spans 3,100 square metres and includes two take-off and landing pads, dedicated charging infrastructure, and climate-controlled passenger facilities capable of handling up to 170,000 passengers annually.

Officials said the air taxi service will offer a significantly faster alternative to road travel. A journey from DXB to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take around 10 minutes, compared to roughly 45 minutes by car.

The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to integrate air mobility into Dubai’s existing transport network, alongside metro, buses and shared mobility options. Authorities aim to create a seamless, multi-modal system that enhances connectivity across key business districts and tourist hubs.

Mattar Al Tayer, director-general of the RTA, said the milestone reflects Dubai’s readiness to adopt next-generation mobility technologies and positions the city among the most future-prepared globally.

Commercial launch in sight

Dubai is targeting a commercial rollout of the air taxi service by the end of 2026, with additional stations planned in Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina.

Under an agreement with the RTA, Joby Aviation holds exclusive rights to operate the service in Dubai for six years, as it builds local operations and recruits pilots and staff in the UAE.

The aircraft itself is fully electric, producing zero operational emissions and significantly lower noise levels — up to 100 times quieter than a conventional helicopter, according to the company.

The milestone follows a series of test flights in 2025, including the UAE’s first piloted point-to-point air taxi journey between Margham and Al Maktoum International Airport.

Executives say the completion of the station signals that the infrastructure is now in place for the transition from testing to commercial passenger services.

Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports Infrastructure, described the development as “aviation history in the making”, while Joby’s UAE general manager Anthony El-Khoury said the company is now focused on delivering “fast, quiet, and sustainable air travel” for residents and visitors.

As global leaders convened for the World Economic Forum held earlier this year, Eywa by R.Evolution participated in Davos with a session that explored how cities had been designed, built and lived in.

Hosted at Climate Hub Davos, the event introduced Eywa as a living example of regenerative, longevity-focused real estate and went on to become one of the more notable real estate conversations during Davos week.

According to the company, Eywa reflected a shift in real estate priorities, moving beyond sustainability towards regeneration, human health and long-term well-being.

Conceived as one of the most health-conscious and longevity-focused residential buildings globally, Eywa challenged conventional ideas of luxury by placing human potential, environmental intelligence and future-fit living systems at the centre of its design.

Eywa: A blueprint for the next generation of cities

“This was not about a single building,” said Alex Zagrebelny, founder and CEO of R.Evolution. “Eywa was positioned as a blueprint for the next generation of cities, where architecture actively supported longevity, resilience and the regeneration of both people and planet.”

The experiential session, titled ‘Regenaissance: Transforming the Way We Live Life on Earth’, brought together a range of international speakers focused on regenerative development.

In the context of World Economic Forum 2026 week, the discussion positioned Eywa within a broader shift in how real estate was being understood, not simply as construction or investment, but as a force capable of shaping health, resilience and the future of urban life.

It formed part of a wider Davos dialogue that suggested some of the most significant changes in real estate would be driven by regeneration, longevity and the human impact of the built environment.

Alongside Zagrebelny, the panel featured:

Marc Buckley, UN regenerative futurist and ecological economist, whose book Homo Universalis: The Regenaissance launched in 2026

Paul Stamets, world-renowned mycologist, author, medical researcher, and founder of Fungi Perfecti and Host Defense Mushrooms

Dina Bänninger, founder and CEO of Charisma Nova and a leading systems-transformation strategist working at the intersection of economy, culture, and ecology

Media attending the session gained insight into how Eywa reframed the relationship between buildings, health and longevity, and how this philosophy was being realised as a living development in Dubai, UAE.

More broadly, the session underscored how regenerative real estate had begun moving closer to the centre of high-level global conversations taking place in Davos, positioning Eywa as one of the clearer signals to emerge from the week.

In addition to the Climate Hub session, Zagrebelny also participated in invitation-only discussions during Davos week, including House of Trust and Goals House, contributing to wider conversations around regeneration, systems thinking and the future of living.

From its presence in Davos to its development on the ground in Dubai, Eywa ultimately framed a narrative around rethinking urban living through regeneration, longevity and conscious design.

The Ministry of Education in the UAE has announced the postponement of school bus operations for all public and private nurseries, kindergartens and schools during the current phase of in-person learning resumption.

The move comes as part of broader operational arrangements aimed at ensuring transport systems meet the highest safety standards before resuming services.

Authorities said the temporary suspension will allow for the completion of operational readiness in coordination with transport authorities and municipalities. The decision applies nationwide and is intended to ensure that school transport services function smoothly and safely once reinstated.

Read more-UAE postpones school bus operations: What parents need to know

“This step comes as part of ongoing coordination to ensure the smooth operation of school transport services in line with safety requirements,” the ministry said.

In-person learning resumes with safety assurances

Despite the postponement of bus services, in-person learning has resumed across educational institutions, with officials stressing that schools are fully prepared to welcome students.

According to the ministry, institutions have completed comprehensive readiness measures, including facility preparation, staff training, and updated safety protocols.

“All educational institutions have completed the necessary readiness and preparation plans… ensuring a safe and reassuring learning environment for students and their families,” the Ministry stated.

However, officials clarified that transport systems require additional coordination beyond school campuses, necessitating the temporary delay.

Weekly review and updates promised

The ministry confirmed that the postponement will be reviewed on a weekly basis in coordination with relevant authorities. Updates regarding the resumption of school bus services will be communicated through official channels as soon as decisions are finalised.

This rolling review mechanism is intended to provide flexibility while maintaining safety as a top priority.

In response to growing concerns, the Ministry addressed key parent queries through its official Instagram platform, offering clarity on transport alternatives and support measures.

Recognising the challenges faced by families dependent on school buses, the ministry said schools would work closely with parents to find solutions.

“The ministry recognizes that some families may face transportation challenges,” the statement read, adding that school administrations would review special cases and provide “the highest possible degree of flexibility” to ensure continuity of learning.

Flexibility on attendance and punctuality

Schools across the UAE have also been instructed to adopt a flexible approach toward attendance and punctuality during this period.

Authorities acknowledged that transportation disruptions may impact students’ ability to arrive on time, and confirmed that such cases would be handled individually.

“Schools will address transportation-related attendance challenges with flexibility on a case-by-case basis,” the Ministry noted.

Clarity on transport fees

The ministry also addressed concerns regarding school transport fees during the suspension period.

It confirmed that no transport fees apply to public school students. For private schools, fee-related matters will be regulated by local education authorities in line with approved guidelines.

The postponement applies uniformly to all public and private nurseries, kindergartens, and schools across the UAE, with no exceptions.

As families adjust to temporary transport arrangements, authorities have emphasised that the measure is precautionary and aimed at ensuring that, when services resume, they meet the highest levels of safety and operational efficiency.

As cities across the GCC grapple with congestion, rapid urbanisation, and shifting sustainability priorities, the conversation around mobility is undergoing a fundamental reset. No longer centred solely on private car ownership, the focus is now turning toward more integrated, flexible systems that give residents real choice in how they move.

In this interview, Antoine Barthes, VP Al-Futtaim Automotive, speaks to Gulf Business about the region’s transition toward “choice-rich” cities, where private vehicles, public transport, and emerging mobility solutions operate as part of a connected ecosystem.

He outlines why car dependency persists, what global models reveal, and how the automotive industry is repositioning itself within a more balanced and future-ready mobility landscape.

Recent Al-Futtaim Automotive’s recent insights focus on a shift “From car centric to choice-rich cities in the GCC.” Could you elaborate on what exactly a “choice-rich city” entails and why this concept is crucial for the region’s future mobility outcomes?

Choice is what unlocks better mobility outcomes. Choice-rich cities succeed when private vehicles, public transport, shared mobility, and active travel work as one connected system, where smarter, cleaner, and more connected vehicles will remain essential, embedded within more efficient and people-centred urban systems.

The private car has historically played a central role in the GCC. What are the underlying reasons for this car dependency, and what challenges does it present to urban development and residents today?

For decades, the private car has played a central role in how people move across the GCC. This is not because people here inherently prefer driving, but because cities in the region have been designed to make it the easiest and most reliable option. Long distances, hot climates, and fragmented public transport networks have all bolstered car dependency.

Insights from our Blue Turns Green Mobility survey of more than 1,800 UAE residents, conducted as part of our white paper Rethinking Urbanisation & Mobility in the GCC, reinforces this reality, with two out of three identifying as infrequent users of public transport due to reasons including waiting times, limited availability and inconvenient schedules. Equally, frequent mass transit users face similar challenges. This reflects not resistance to alternatives, but a system that has made driving the most practical choice. At the same time, traffic congestion remains the single biggest urban challenge cited by residents.

Your perspective emphasises integration rather than elimination of cars. How do you envision cars fitting into this new, more balanced mobility ecosystem?

As the region increasingly explores new ways to build mobility systems, the idea is not to move away from cars altogether. The future lies in building choice-rich cities, where private vehicles, public transport, shared mobility, and active travel all coexist as part of a connected system. Choice is what unlocks better mobility outcomes.

In many cities, driving remains the default because alternatives are inconvenient or disconnected. Public transport may exist, but metro or bus stations are often far from homes and workplaces, while walking routes can lack shade or continuity, with first- and last-mile links often unreliable. In these conditions, the car is often the most practical option.

Looking at successful models globally, what examples demonstrate how cities can transition to more integrated, choice-rich mobility systems, and what is the underlying principle that drives their success?

Global experience shows that when cities are designed differently, behaviour evolves naturally. In Singapore, land use, housing, and transport planning are closely coordinated, where rail expansion, residential development, and last-mile connectivity are planned together. Private vehicles still play a role, but they are complemented by highly reliable public transport and shared mobility, giving residents genuine choice.

Copenhagen offers another perspective. The city integrates cycling, public transport, public space, and climate adaptation into one system. Cars have not disappeared, but they operate within a broader mobility ecosystem that prioritises efficiency, safety, and quality of life. The common thread is integration. Mobility works best when it is planned as a system, not as a collection of standalone modes.

The region is already laying strong foundations for future mobility. Could you highlight some of these efforts and discuss the unique advantages the GCC possesses in developing truly integrated, choice-rich cities?

Choice-rich mobility means designing cities where people can select the option that best suits each journey. A family commute, a logistics delivery, a late-night trip, or a weekend outing may all require different solutions. Private vehicles remain essential for many of these use cases, particularly for commercial fleets, longer distances, and flexible travel. What changes is not the presence of cars, but how they fit into a wider network.

The region is already laying strong foundations. Dubai is aligning mobility investments with digital infrastructure, autonomous mobility trials, and electric vehicle ecosystems as part of a broader urban strategy. Riyadh is developing metro lines, housing districts, green corridors, and economic hubs in parallel through Vision 2030. These efforts matter because convenience is the strongest driver of change. People adopt new mobility behaviours when journeys are smoother, more predictable, and better integrated into daily life. In fact, 25 per cent of our Blue Turns Green Mobility survey respondents highlight easy and convenient commute as an important factor contributing to a higher quality of life.

The white paper also points to a market in transition. More than half of respondents plan to replace their primary vehicle within the next two years, with one in four considering a hybrid or electric option, provided the supporting infrastructure keeps pace.

How does the automotive industry view this evolution?

From an automotive industry perspective, this evolution is not a threat. It is an expansion of opportunity. Vehicles become smarter, cleaner, and more connected to the urban system; fleets integrate with digital platforms; and charging infrastructure aligns with travel patterns. Cars remain a vital component of mobility, but within a more balanced and efficient ecosystem.

The GCC has a unique advantage. Many districts are still being developed or regenerated, aided by governments, developers, mobility providers, and energy players aligned on planning and investment from the outset rather than retrofitting fragmented systems later. Shaded walkways, climate-controlled interchanges, reliable digital information, and comfortable transfer points are critical to making alternative modes viable. Without these, choice remains theoretical.

What is the core message regarding the future of mobility in the GCC, and what role do Al-Futtaim Automotive and other stakeholders play in realising this vision?

Choice-rich cities do not ask people to give up the car. They give people better options alongside it. With a footprint across private vehicles, commercial fleets, and logistics, we see how mobility decisions ripple across entire cities. This perspective underscores a critical point: vehicles deliver the greatest value when they are integrated into coordinated transport, energy, and digital networks, and not treated as standalone solutions.

If the region designs its cities around integration, comfort, and real choice, mobility will evolve in a way that supports economic growth, quality of life, and long-term sustainability. Cars will continue to move people and goods. The difference is that they will do so as part of a system that works better for everyone.

Read: From BYD to Polestar: Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility’s MD offers key insights