Investors are rushing into Chinese renewable stocks, betting the oil shock triggered by the Iran war will boost global demand for green energy, a sector China dominates.

Such a portfolio trend in Asia, spurred by heightened worries about energy security and growing distrust in the US’s reliability, contrasts with a shift in the United States back toward oil and gas.

“When you take a step back, the dust settles or the price of oil starts to come back down, whatever that may be … countries now need to focus on energy security,” Aaron Costello, head of Asia at Cambridge Associates, told a conference in Hong Kong on Monday.

“They need to further build out their renewables, build out their energy grids, maybe more nuclear power, more focus on defence. The US has become, if not unreliable, certainly more erratic.”

Since the US-Israeli war against Iran erupted on February 28, money has been moving into Chinese stocks in areas ranging from solar and wind energy to electric vehicles and batteries.

The CSI Green Electricity Index has climbed 6 per cent in March, while the CSI New Energy Index is up 2 per cent, despite the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index slumping 8% amid war-induced panic selling.

Industry leaders have outperformed, with solar energy giant GCL Energy Technology surging 48 per cent so far this month.

Battery king Contemporary Amperex Technology has jumped 15 per cent and China National Nuclear Power Co is up 8 per cent.

Yuan Yuwei, a hedge fund manager at Trinity Synergy Investments, said he’s made long bets on China’s renewables, judging they will benefit from state support and higher export demand.

Against the backdrop of the war and resulting oil shock, “China will definitely boost investment in energy”, said Yuan.

In addition, “after this war, people would have a second thought on gas-powered cars”, a trend that will benefit Chinese electric vehicle makers and battery producers, he said.

Lin Sheng, Shenzhen-based chief investment officer at Wish Fund Management Co, said that the current energy crisis will prod many countries to pay attention to energy security and their overall energy mix, which will increase Chinese renewables exports.

“Some of these sectors suffering from oversupply will turn quite profitable going forward,” he said, adding the stock market correction provides a very good opportunity to buy Chinese renewables.

More than 2,100 projectiles have been fired towards the UAE from Iran since the start of the war on February 28.

That is according to the latest figures released by the Ministry of Defence on March 23.

It is a number few of us in the Emirates would have imagined just weeks ago. Yet here we are, nearly a month into a conflict that has reshaped the regional landscape in real time.

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And still, the UAE, alongside its GCC neighbours, stands firm.

Across the Gulf, countries have had to contend with sustained attacks, testing not only defence systems, but the resilience of economies, infrastructure, and daily life. Despite this, the region has continued to function with notable stability.

That is no coincidence.

It reflects years of investment in preparedness, from advanced defence capabilities to robust infrastructure, supply chains, and business continuity planning. In many parts of the world, such sustained disruption would have triggered far greater instability.

In the GCC, the system is holding. That, in itself, is a powerful signal.

There are cautious signs of a slight pause. US President Donald Trump’s decision yesterday to delay further strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure by five days, following what he described as productive talks, may offer an opportunity for de-escalation.

Read more: Trump orders five-day pause on strikes targeting Iran energy sites

But the region has learned not to draw conclusions too quickly as this situation plays out.

Significant challenges remain. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy flows, is still effectively closed. Interceptions continue across neighbouring states, with knock-on effects ranging from infrastructure disruption to heightened security responses.

Oil markets are reflecting that uncertainty. Brent crude remains above $100 per barrel, reviving concerns around inflation, supply chains, and the path of interest rates, just as the global economy was beginning to regain its footing after Covid-19.

As Dr Sultan Al Jaber noted this week when he addressed CERAWeek in Houston: “When Hormuz is squeezed, the pressure is immediately felt around the world.”

Read more: Dr Sultan Al Jaber: No country should hold Hormuz, global economy hostage

The coming days will be critical, with diplomatic efforts to ease tensions closely watched.

But amid all the uncertainty, one constant has emerged: the GCC’s ability to absorb shock, adapt quickly, and keep moving forward.

• Gareth van Zyl is the group editor of Gulf Business.

Education systems across the Gulf are entering a critical transition phase as countries adopt varying strategies to balance safety and academic continuity following Eid Al-Fitr.

While Qatar is preparing for a full return to in-person learning, Oman and Kuwait are maintaining distance education measures, highlighting a region-wide effort to adapt to evolving conditions.

Authorities across the GCC have emphasised flexibility, safety, and continuity, with decisions shaped by weather disruptions, technical readiness, and broader precautionary measures. Officials say the coming weeks will be key in determining how smoothly students can transition back to classrooms, or remain online.

Qatar prepares for full classroom return

Qatar has announced a phased return to in-person learning, marking one of the most decisive steps toward normalcy in the region.

Read more-School performance plaques in Abu Dhabi: What you need to know

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education confirmed that the gradual resumption of in-person classes will begin on March 24, with full attendance in schools and kindergartens scheduled for Sunday, March 29.

According to a report, “Full in-person attendance for all students in schools and kindergartens will resume on Sunday, March 29, 2026.” The move signals confidence in the country’s preparedness to safely reopen educational institutions, the Peninsula reported.

In the lead-up to the full reopening, schools are operating under a hybrid structure. Students will continue distance learning from March 24 to March 26, while administrative and teaching staff return to campuses starting March 25 to prepare for students’ arrival.

During this temporary remote learning period, government schools are following a structured schedule. Classes for primary, preparatory, and secondary stages run from 9:00am to 12:35pm, featuring five 35-minute periods interspersed with breaks, including a breakfast break and a prayer break.

Kindergartens, meanwhile, are adopting asynchronous learning models, allowing for flexible, self-paced engagement.

Private schools have been given the flexibility to either follow government schedules or design their own timetables, provided they ensure full curriculum delivery. However, all institutions must begin their school day at 9:00am, with a maximum duration of five hours.

Higher education institutions and private training centers have already resumed in-person learning as of March 24, operating according to their approved schedules.

The Ministry underscored the importance of adhering to official updates and safety instructions, stating that cooperation from all stakeholders is essential “to ensure a safe and stable learning environment for all.”

Oman moves online amid weather disruptions

In contrast, Oman has temporarily shifted entirely to distance learning due to adverse weather conditions affecting several parts of the country.

The Ministry of Education announced that all public and private schools, universities, and colleges, except those in Dhofar and Al Wusta, will transition to online learning from March 24 to March 26.

The decision was taken as a precautionary measure in response to a low-pressure weather system impacting multiple regions. Authorities said the move aims to ensure student safety while maintaining continuity in education, the Times of Oman reported.

Officials noted that e-learning platforms have been fully activated to support the transition, minimizing disruption to academic schedules. The temporary closure reflects the country’s readiness to pivot quickly in response to environmental challenges.

Kuwait evaluates online learning continuation

Kuwait, meanwhile, is taking a more cautious and data-driven approach, with officials considering extending online learning beyond Eid if current conditions persist.

Minister of Education Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabai chaired a high-level meeting to assess the effectiveness of distance education and review students’ performance during the ongoing period of virtual classes.

According to reports, officials examined “virtual class conduct, interaction levels, attendance, and challenges faced in the educational field,” alongside academic achievement and assessment methods, an Arab Times report conveyed.

The discussions also focused on future plans, including flexible curriculum schedules, enhanced technical support for teachers, and expanded psychological and social support programs for students.

Minister Al Tabtabai emphasised the importance of maintaining educational quality, instructing authorities to closely monitor engagement and performance. He also called for improvements to the technical infrastructure supporting online learning, including addressing challenges on the Teams platform.

“Clear schedules” for all school types, public, private, special, and religious, are being developed, with a strong emphasis on adaptability.

Administrative operations are also being adjusted, with departments instructed to function at no more than 30 per cent capacity in line with government guidelines.

The minister stressed the need for continuous evaluation and coordination, noting that safeguarding student well-being remains a top priority alongside academic progress.

UAE extends distance learning with flexible return options

The UAE has similarly opted for a cautious approach, extending distance learning across the country at the start of the third academic term.

The Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council announced a two-week continuation of remote learning for all students, teachers, and administrative staff in nurseries, schools, and higher education institutions.

Officials said the measure is designed to ensure continuity while prioritising safety. The situation will be reviewed weekly, with updates communicated through official channels, a WAM report said.

Higher education institutions have also been granted flexibility to determine how and when to resume in-person operations, provided they maintain academic standards.

Private institutions may apply to return to classroom learning based on their operational needs, with requests subject to approval from relevant authorities.

A region in transition

The differing approaches across the Gulf highlight a broader regional strategy defined by flexibility and responsiveness. While Qatar is moving decisively toward reopening classrooms, Oman’s weather-driven closures and Kuwait and the UAE’s cautious extensions of online learning underscore the varied challenges facing education systems.

Experts say the hybrid models and contingency plans being implemented reflect lessons learned from previous disruptions, with governments prioritising both safety and academic continuity.

As students, parents, and educators adjust to shifting schedules and expectations, the coming weeks are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the remainder of the academic year.

For now, one thing remains clear: whether in classrooms or online, education across the Gulf continues to evolve in response to an ever-changing landscape.

Sharjah officials have announced that public parking across the emirate will be temporarily free of charge in response to unstable weather conditions.

Read: NCM forecasts rain, strong winds, rough seas on March 24, 25

In a post on the social media platform, X, Sharjah City Municipality said, “Due to unstable weather conditions, public parking across Sharjah is free until further notice. Please stay updated via official channels for when paid parking will resume.”

The exemption applies to all public parking spaces in Sharjah, including zones that are usually chargeable throughout the week and on public holidays, marked by blue signage.

However, smart parking yards are excluded from the exemption and will continue to operate under normal fees.

Authorities said the date for resuming paid parking will depend on how the weather situation evolves.

Remote working for public sector announced by Sharjah

Separately, Sharjah’s Department of Human Resources has authorised government entities in the emirate to implement remote working arrangements until Thursday, March 26, allowing heads of departments and institutions to activate work-from-home systems as needed to protect staff amid adverse conditions. Essential services that require on-site presence are excluded.

The moves come as the UAE continues to face unstable weather, marked by rainfall, wind, and shifting conditions, prompting safety advisories across the country.

Authorities have urged residents to monitor weather updates and follow guidance from official sources.

Dubai’s residential property market has remained stable in the weeks following the regional escalation that began in late February, with most landlords choosing not to sell and no signs of panic-driven listings, according to a new report by Smart Bricks.

Listing data showed the number of unique residential properties on major portals rose gradually from 105,300 on February 20 to 110,800 by March 16, an increase of just over 5 per cent, with no sharp spike immediately after the escalation on February 28, the report said.

In property markets, sudden increases in listings are typically seen as an early indicator of distressed selling. The absence of such a pattern suggests landlords are largely holding their positions despite heightened geopolitical uncertainty.

Read: How long can the Dubai real estate market hold?

A survey conducted by Smart Bricks of more than 600 Dubai-based landlords found that around 85 per cent are not currently considering selling their properties under present conditions.

About 10 per cent said they would reassess if conditions worsen, while only a small minority indicated a willingness to sell below pre-escalation expectations.

The findings point to a market absorbing external shocks rather than reacting abruptly, although activity varies across segments.

Residential transactions in Dubai

Between February 28 and March 16, the emirate recorded 6,048 residential transactions valued at Dhs20.2bn ($5.5bn), according to the report.

Around 63 per cent of transactions were in the off-plan segment, while activity in the ready market remained more selective, focused on rent-ready apartments and end-user purchases rather than speculative trades.

“What we are seeing is not a market in retreat, but one that is becoming more selective,” said Mohamed Mohamed, CEO at Smart Bricks. “Liquidity is still present, but it is flowing toward assets with stronger fundamentals.”

The report said geopolitical disruptions in the emirate’s property market tend to show first through slower transaction activity, longer selling timelines and shifts in tenant demand, rather than immediate price declines.

It outlined three potential scenarios for the market, rapid stabilisation, prolonged uncertainty and further escalation, noting that landlord outcomes would increasingly depend on asset-specific factors such as tenant profile, nearby supply, lease renewal timing and exposure to vacancy risk.

Smart Bricks said its platform tracks more than 1,000 data signals per property to help landlords assess liquidity, income stability and refinancing risk at a micro-market level.

The report provides a framework for landlords navigating uncertain conditions.

Earlier this year, Smart Bricks raised $5m in a pre-seed funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz, with participation from investors across the US, Europe and the Middle East.

The company is also part of Cohort 9 of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund Accelerator Programme.

Sample study details: The findings are based on listing data tracked across major UAE property portals between February 20 and March 16, 2026, and a survey of more than 600 Dubai-based landlords conducted by Smart Bricks during the same period.