Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed to a near standstill, with 181 vessels recorded passing through the waterway between March 1 and March 30, 2026.

This is according to data provided to Gulf Business by Lloyd’s List, one of the world’s oldest maritime intelligence publications, founded in 1734.

This latest data indicates that, on average, fewer than 10 ships per day were recorded as passing through the strait — a dramatic drop from around 138 daily transits recorded on February 28, as per information from the Joint Maritime Information Centre.

Prior to the escalation, roughly 3,000 vessels would typically pass through the strait each month, according to the BBC.

Lloyd’s List data further shows that of the 181 vessels that transited the strait in March, 125 — nearly 70 per cent — had Iranian links, while just 56 did not. Of these, 130 vessels were eastbound and 51 westbound, reflecting a heavily restricted and uneven flow.

The figures relate to cargo-carrying vessels above 10,000 dwt (deadweight tonnage) and may be revised upwards if further “dark” or untracked transits emerge, Lloyd’s List experts told Gulf Business.

The sharp decline follows US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which triggered a deterioration in maritime security conditions.

In early March, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued warnings to vessels transiting the strait, particularly those linked to the US and its allies. While the strait was not physically sealed, shipping activity collapsed within days as operators withdrew due to heightened risk, creating a de facto shutdown.

Since then, traffic has remained severely constrained, with only a limited number of vessels, often linked to Iran or select trading partners, continuing to transit.

Global ripple effects and dual chokepoint risk

In a LinkedIn note on Monday, leading maritime expert Lars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci Maritime, said the situation remains fragile and could deteriorate further.

“The trickle of vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz since yesterday (Sunday 29 March, 2026) reduced further,” he said.

Jensen noted that, aside from some Iranian-flagged vessels, only the sanctioned tanker Tawanna transited the strait, while a bulk carrier identified as Mac Hope appeared to be preparing to enter, with maritime AIS (Automatic Identification System) data indicating Chinese ownership and crew.

The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with Brent crude rising above $100 per barrel and concerns mounting over fuel supply and pricing in parts of Asia and Africa.

The strait remains a critical artery for the global economy, handling around 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows.

In 2025, approximately 20 million barrels per day passed through the corridor, according to the US Energy Information Administration, linking Gulf producers including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE with global markets.

Speaking in Washington over the weekend, ADNOC managing director and group CEO Sultan Al Jaber warned of the wider implications of the disruption.

“Weaponising the Strait of Hormuz is not an act of aggression against one nation. It is economic terrorism against every nation, every consumer, every family that depends on affordable energy and food,” he said.

Read more: ‘UAE is no easy prey’: Sultan Al Jaber’s powerful Washington speech

The situation also risks compounding existing pressures on global shipping routes, particularly as disruptions in the Red Sea continue.

Yemen’s Houthi movement has signalled it could escalate its involvement in the conflict, including recent attacks on Israel, raising concerns over renewed instability along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait — a key gateway between the Red Sea and global trade routes.

The Houthis have previously carried out sustained attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea using missiles and drones, forcing vessels to reroute and triggering US-led military responses.

Jensen warned that the industry must prepare for a prolonged period of instability across key maritime chokepoints.

“It is time for supply chain stakeholders to prepare for a situation where both Hormuz and the Red Sea continue to be chokepoints for a considerable amount of time,” he said.

As he noted, March 30 marked “day 31 of the Hormuz crisis” alongside “day 862 of the Red Sea crisis”.

The UAE Ministry of Education has announced the continuation of distance learning for students, teachers, and administrative staff across all nurseries, kindergartens, and public and private schools nationwide until Friday, April 17, citing the need to ensure safety and wellbeing.

Officials confirmed that the situation will be reviewed on a weekly basis.

The announcement was made via the authority’s official X account.

Decision builds on earlier measures

The extension follows a prior directive issued on March 17, when authorities confirmed that distance learning would continue nationwide for two weeks after the end of the spring break.

That decision, introduced by the Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council, aimed to maintain continuity in the education system while safeguarding students and the wider academic community.

Earlier guidance had also stipulated that distance learning would remain in place at the start of the third academic term, beginning March 23, for an initial two-week period.

The latest extension reinforces those measures, ensuring that all students and staff across the country remain engaged in remote education as authorities continue to monitor developments.

Dubai has unveiled a Dhs1bn economic incentives package aimed at cushioning businesses and individuals, with measures set to take effect from April 1 for a period of three to six months.

The initiative, approved at a meeting chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum — Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai — is designed to “strengthen the economy’s resilience, readiness and agility”, he said in a post on X.

How the incentives will support the economy

The Dhs1bn stimulus focuses on targeted, short-term relief across key sectors:

• Fee deferrals: It includes the deferral of a range of government fees for three months including measures allowing hotels to postpone paying 100 per cent of the sales fees and Tourism Dirham for three months to enhance liquidity in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
• Customs flexibility: Payment grace periods will be extended from 30 to 90 days, with scope for further extensions
• Talent mobility: Residency permit processes will be streamlined to make it easier to live and work in Dubai

The measures are intended to “strengthen the economy’s resilience, readiness and agility,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

Confidence message to markets

Officials framed the package as part of a broader effort to sustain confidence during a period of regional uncertainty.

“Dubai has earned a reputation for credibility, transparency, and trust among businesses and investors worldwide, and stands ready to meet any challenge,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

The package was approved alongside a wider set of initiatives, including updates to GDP measurement, the Virtual Warehouses Initiative, the Dubai Empowerment Strategy, and a health and safety framework for workers’ accommodation.

The support measures come as Dubai continues to post strong economic performance. The emirate’s GDP rose 5.4 per cent in 2025 to exceed Dhs937bn.

Uber Technologies Inc said on Monday it has agreed to acquire Berlin-based global chauffeur service Blacklane, expanding its presence in the luxury and executive travel segment.

Founded in 2011, Blacklane connects travellers with independent local chauffeur services in more than 500 cities across 60 countries.

Corporate executives and discerning travellers widely use the service.

The acquisition, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Uber said the deal will accelerate its expansion into the chauffeur sector, complementing its recently launched Uber Elite service.

Uber is looking to grow premium travel offerings

“Premium travel is one of the most exciting growth areas of Uber’s business. We want to offer the widest selection of options to meet our riders where they are,” Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said.

Blacklane founder and CEO Dr Jens Wohltorf said, “This partnership marks a significant milestone in Blacklane’s next chapter and is a powerful step-change in introducing our service to new markets globally.”

Uber said combining Blacklane’s luxury service with its global scale and technology will create a platform for growth in executive and premium travel.

Read: Dubai launches Robotaxi service: Uber, WeRide debut autonomous rides in RTA-led rollout

Q Mobility has announced the activation of a paid parking system across several commercial sectors in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, under the supervision of the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, starting April 6.

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The rollout will initially cover commercial sectors ME10 and ME11, along with a key commercial strip located along the main street within villa zones Z17-01, Z19, Z20 and Z27. The move is aimed at regulating parking in areas experiencing high traffic volumes and increased commercial activity.

Read more-New parking fees hit Dubai neighbourhoods. Is yours included?

Officials said the initiative is part of broader efforts to improve traffic flow and ensure better utilisation of public parking spaces in high-demand zones.

Residential areas reserved for permit holders

In addition to commercial districts, surrounding villa areas will also see tighter parking controls. Spaces in these residential neighborhoods will be reserved exclusively for permit holders.

Authorities noted that this measure is designed to preserve residents’ privacy while organising parking usage and preventing overcrowding caused by spillover from nearby commercial zones.

The latest development follows a series of similar initiatives across the emirate. Earlier this year, Q Mobility also announced the activation of a paid parking system in the Musaffah area, covering sectors M1, M2, M3, M4 and M24, with further expansion planned.

That initiative was similarly introduced under the supervision of the Integrated Transport Centre and forms part of a long-term strategy to regulate public parking and enhance mobility across Abu Dhabi.

Officials emphasised that these measures are intended to improve road user experience, support commercial activity, and facilitate easier access for visitors and employees to industrial and business hubs.

Dubai introduces seamless e-wallet parking payments

Meanwhile, in a related development highlighting advancements in parking solutions, Dubai Airports and Salik had signed a 10-year agreement earlier this year to introduce seamless E-Wallet parking payments at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

The agreement, witnessed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and Mattar Al Tayer, will see Salik’s E-Wallet system integrated across 7,400 parking spaces spanning Terminals 1, 2, 3 and the Cargo Mega Terminal. Implementation began on January 22.

Under the agreement, visitors were able to pay parking fees directly through their Salik E-Wallet accounts, enabling a smoother and more efficient parking experience while improving overall traffic flow at one of the world’s busiest international airports.