Aluminium eased on Friday as rising oil prices remained a focus and continued to fuel inflation concerns, although the metal was headed for weekly gains amid supply risks linked to the ongoing Middle East war.

The most-active aluminium contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange was down 0.26 per cent at 25,250 yuan ($3,667.13) a metric tonne as of 0250 GMT, but was on course for a near 3 per cent weekly gain.

The benchmark three-month aluminium contract on the London Metal Exchange dipped 0.09 per cent to $3,513.50 a tonne and was set to end the week up by 2 per cent.

The Middle East war has disruptedshipment and delivery of aluminium and raw materials to and from the region that accounts for around 9 per cent of the world’s aluminium output.

Norsk Hydro said on Thursday that its Qatalum aluminium smelter in Qatar halted a curtailment announced last week and would keep production at around 60 per cent of its capacity, easing some supply worries.

However, the oil price surge has stoked fears of higher inflation, pressuring base metals including aluminium and capping gains driven by supply risks from the Middle East, traders said.

Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz shut, heightening worries about a prolonged conflict.

Brent futures are hovering around $100 a barrel, slightly easing from Thursday. Higher energy costs have prompted investors to scale back bets of US rate cuts this year.

Meanwhile, trading houses have stepped up activity amid expectations of an aluminium deficit that has recently been worsened by the Middle East war. Commodity trader IXM is weighing a restart of aluminium trading, Reuters reported on Thursday, and Mercuria cancelled nearly 100,000 tonnes of aluminium in LME-approved warehouses in Malaysia MALSTX-TOTAL on Monday.

Elsewhere on SHFE, copper dropped 0.31 per cent, zinc shed 0.41 per cent, lead declined 0.45 per cent, tin lost 1.29 per cent and nickel added 0.11 per cent.

Among other LME metals, copper CMCU3 eased 0.53 per cent, lead dropped 0.34 per cent, nickel lost 0.88 per cent, tin declined 0.58 per cent and zinc CMZN3 was little changed

Saudi Arabia has launched a sea-to-air logistics corridor linking its western seaports with airports to keep cargo moving to global markets amid disruptions affecting shipping routes and flight schedules.

The initiative is a collaboration between Saudia Cargo, Saudi Ports Authority and Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, according to a statement.

The corridor allows inbound maritime shipments arriving at Saudi ports to be transferred to air freight services, creating a faster alternative route for international cargo.

Initial operations have begun through Jeddah Islamic Port on the kingdom’s western coast. The route is designed to help redirect cargo flows when required and support business continuity.

Under the framework, cargo can move between seaports and airports under a single customs declaration, supported by pre-clearance procedures and smart inspection controls.

Authorities said the system enables containers to move from port terminals to aircraft within shorter timeframes.

Saudia Cargo said the corridor forms part of efforts to strengthen integration between Saudi Arabia’s maritime and air logistics infrastructure, allowing shipments to shift between transport modes as conditions evolve.

The company said the move is intended to ensure essential and commercial goods continue moving reliably while maintaining supply chain continuity.

Read: ‘Monitoring developments in Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz’, says DP World’s new GCC CEO and MD

Major attractions across the UAE are rolling out free entry days and resident-exclusive offers, as tourism and leisure operators increasingly look to boost domestic visitation and provide added value to residents during the current season.

One of the most prominent offers comes from Dubai Miracle Garden, which has announced complimentary entry for UAE residents for a limited period in March. According to the world-famous floral attraction’s announcement, residents will be able to access the garden without charge from March 15 to March 31 by presenting a valid Emirates ID at the ticket counter. The garden will operate daily between 9am and 9pm during the promotion.

The initiative is expected to attract families and local visitors to the site, which is known for its large-scale floral installations and themed exhibits created from millions of flowers.

Located in Arjan, Al Barsha South, Dubai Miracle Garden spans about 72,000 square metres and features more than 150 million flowers arranged in large-scale themed installations and sculptures.

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Alongside the free entry initiative at Miracle Garden, the other UAE attraction offering free entry is Atlantis Dubai.

It has introduced complimentary access to its flagship attractions — Aquaventure World waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium — during the UAE school holidays. The initiative runs from March 10 to March 22, with a limited number of free tickets released each day through the attraction’s website. Visitors can reserve up to four tickets per booking.

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Aquaventure, one of the region’s largest waterparks with more than 100 rides and attractions, regularly introduces special promotions targeted at residents, including seasonal discounts and promotional ticket bundles.

Apple is set to shake up the smartphone market again, with a staggered iPhone 18 launch spanning 2026 and 2027. Fans eager for the standard iPhone 18 and the budget-friendly 18e may need to wait until early 2027, while the premium Pro models are slated for a September 2026 debut.

The delay for the base models allows Apple to focus on refining its Pro lineup and introducing bold features like its first-ever foldable iPhone, all while keeping some of the most anticipated design changes on hold until future generations.

Standard iPhone 18 and 18e: 2027 launches, sleek design

The iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are expected to arrive in early 2027, giving Apple fans time to plan for a cleaner, more modern look.

According to a Financial Express report, these models could feature a punch-hole front camera, moving away from the notch or Dynamic Island, and may also introduce under-display Face ID.

Read more-3 high-end iPhones coming in 2026: Here’s what to expect

The devices are expected to run on Apple’s new A20 chipset, offering faster performance, better battery efficiency, and improved connectivity. Users can anticipate upgraded battery life and a refined experience for those who want Apple’s ecosystem at a lower price point.

“This phone looks like a solid upgrade for users who want Apple’s ecosystem at a slightly lower price,” Financial Express notes.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: 2026 launches and familiar looks

While the standard models are delayed until 2027, the high-end iPhone 18 Air, Pro, Pro Max, and the all-new iPhone 18 Fold will launch in September 2026. These devices are expected to feature incremental design tweaks rather than a full overhaul.

Contrary to earlier rumors suggesting major changes, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are likely to retain much of the iPhone 17 Pro line’s design. NDTV Profit reports that Apple plans to reuse manufacturing molds, meaning the Dynamic Island will stay largely the same.

“Some earlier reports had speculated that Apple might switch to a hole-punch camera design positioned in the top-left corner for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. This could have been paired with an under-display infrared Face ID sensor and the removal of the Dynamic Island. Still others mentioned an invisible infrared sensor in the upper left, along with a reduced-size Dynamic Island,” NDTV Profit reports. “The leaker writes that such changes have been pushed back to the iPhone 19 Pro generation.”

Full lineup and launch schedule

According to a MacRumors report from February 26, 2026, Apple’s full iPhone 18 lineup includes:

• iPhone 18
• iPhone 18e
• iPhone 18 Pro
• iPhone 18 Pro Max
• iPhone 18 Fold (name not yet confirmed)

The four premium models, the iPhone 18 Air, Pro, Pro Max, and Fold, will launch in fall 2026, while the standard and budget models will arrive in early 2027.

Financial Express confirms that after the iPhone 17e release, Apple is prioritising the Pro devices this year and reserving the standard iPhone 18 and 18e for the next financial year.

Dimensions and design details

Recent leaks clarify some minor design tweaks. Ice Universe reports that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will measure 8.8mm thick, slightly up from the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s 8.75mm. This increase accommodates a larger battery but is more modest than prior upgrades.

Digital Chat Station adds that reusing iPhone 17 Pro molds could delay the move of Face ID components under the display, keeping the Dynamic Island roughly the same size.

Expected design features initially included a 35 per cent smaller Dynamic Island, new colors, and a unified back look. However, recent leaks suggest these changes may be limited or postponed.

Performance, battery, and camera upgrades

Internal upgrades for the Pro models are substantial. Digital Chat Station highlights three confirmed improvements:

• A20 Pro chip on a 2nm process – faster and more power-efficient
• Larger battery – exceeding 5,000mAh
• Camera enhancements – including aperture changes for better low-light photography

Financial Express also reports that the iPhone 18 Pro will feature a 120Hz ProMotion LTPO OLED display for smoother visuals and a triple-camera setup with variable aperture, making it a strong option for photography enthusiasts.

Dynamic Island: No shrinking yet

Despite months of speculation, the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 Pro models is unlikely to shrink, and under-display Face ID may be delayed. GSMArena notes that the feature will remain as it was on the iPhone 17 Pro series.

“For a while now, Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max have been rumored to come with a smaller Dynamic Island thanks to the use of an under-display Face ID sensor. This has been rumored so much that we basically assumed it was a confirmed new feature, but apparently not,” GSMArena reports.

The iPhone 18 series promises incremental design tweaks for Pro models alongside major internal improvements. Fans of the base iPhone 18 and 18e will have to wait until early 2027 for their clean, streamlined options. Meanwhile, the 2026 Pro launches will highlight larger batteries, powerful chips, and camera enhancements. Apple’s first foldable iPhone adds an exciting twist to the lineup.

While some hoped-for design changes are postponed, the overall package of speed, performance, and new features makes this a strategic, multi-phase launch for Apple.

Residents currently outside the UAE whose residency permits have expired will be allowed to return to the country under a new temporary decision announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security.

According to a WAM report, the measure is aimed at helping residents who were unable to travel back due to widespread airspace closures and disruptions in global aviation.

The decision will remain in effect for one month starting February 28, 2026, giving eligible residents the opportunity to re-enter the country without having to apply for a new entry visa.

Relief for residents stuck overseas

The authority said the decision applies to residents who were outside the UAE and whose residency permits expired on or after February 28, 2026 while they were abroad.

Many of these residents were unable to return due to flight suspensions and airspace closures in several parts of the region, which disrupted travel plans and left them stranded outside the country.

Read-UAE introduces new visa categories in sweeping 2025 reforms

Officials confirmed that the grace period will remain valid until March 31, 2026. During this time, affected residents will be permitted to enter the UAE and regularise their legal status without facing financial penalties related to the expiration of their residency permits.

“The decision comes in response to the exceptional circumstances affecting residents abroad who were unable to return and renew their residency permits on time due to airspace closures and disruptions in global air travel,” the authority said.

Humanitarian approach and family reunification

Authorities emphasised that the measure reflects the UAE’s humanitarian approach to dealing with emergencies that affect residents and travellers.

By allowing stranded residents to return without additional visa procedures or penalties, officials say the initiative aims to ease the burden on individuals and families impacted by the disruptions.

“The decision reflects the UAE’s humanitarian approach to addressing emergencies, easing the burden on residents and enabling them to continue their lives, build their future, and contribute to the country’s sustainable development,” the authority said.

Officials also noted that the move aligns with the values of the national initiative known as the “Year of the Family.” It is designed to support family reunification by enabling household heads or family members whose residency expired while abroad to return and resume their lives with loved ones in the UAE.

The Authority reaffirmed that emergency response and business continuity plans remain active across operational locations and airports nationwide.

These measures are intended to ensure smooth procedures, assist travellers whose flights have been postponed or rescheduled, and provide support to residents affected by ongoing disruptions.

Residents were urged to follow official communication channels for updates and any additional regulatory measures related to the situation.