Gulf States: Situation & Travel Update

On 28 February, Iran initiated ballistic missile and attack drone strikes targeting Israel and US military facilities and sites known to host US military personnel across the Middle East, in response to joint US and Israeli airstrikes inside Iran. The targeting pattern of Iranian strikes has evolved to increasingly include civilian-profile targets such as hotels, international airports, and critical national infrastructure. Iranian strikes have continued into 12 March.

On 11 March, a spokesman for the Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters (KACHQ, the unified command HQ of the Iranian Armed Forces) declared that US and/or Israel-linked “economic centres and banks” will now be targeted, warning that “people of the region should not be within a one-kilometre radius of banks”. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)-affiliated media released a list of offices and infrastructure linked to the US and Israel, which included companies such as Google, Microsoft, Palantir, IBM, Nvidia, and Oracle.

As of 12 March, there is a total closure of airspace in Kuwait and Bahrain. The UAE’s airspace has restricted access by way of Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT) zones. Qatar has suspended flights and closed its airspace to most commercial traffic, with only heavily limited repatriation flights permitted. Saudi Arabia’s airspace has a partial closure affecting the area bordering Iraq and the Persian Gulf. Oman’s airspace remains open, with Muscat becoming the preferred airport among airlines in the region wishing to perform relief flights. Jordan’s airspace remains open, but aircraft are advised to carry extra fuel in case of delays.

Overnight 11-12 March, Saudi Arabia reported interceptions of three ballistic missiles targeting Prince Sultan Air Base near Al-Kharj. Saudi air defences subsequently intercepted 18 attack drones over the country’s eastern region. Another drone was subsequently intercepted as it headed for the Shaybah oil field in the Empty Quarter; three more were intercepted in the eastern region; another was intercepted heading towards the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh; and two more were intercepted heading towards the Shaybah oil field. Iranian media have reported that the country targeted the US embassy in Riyadh.

There have been at least two deaths and 12 injuries in Saudi Arabia as of 12:30 UTC on 12 March.

As of 12 March, Saudi Arabia’s airspace has a partial closure affecting the area bordering Iraq and the Persian Gulf; however, this does not affect commercial flights departing major Saudi airports.

Overnight 11-12 March, Kuwait activated air defences against another wave of Iranian attacks, later stating air defences intercepted an unspecified number of ballistic missiles and attack drones. According to Iranian state media, IRGC strikes targeted Ali al-Salem Air Base. Interceptions continued on the morning of 12 March, with one attack drone strike injuring at least two people after impacting a residential building in Mangaf, southern Kuwait. The building was subsequently evacuated, and the fire was extinguished. Drone debris damaged six overhead power transmission lines, causing a temporary power outage in parts of the country. Kuwait’s civil defence agency says it has prepared public shelters with essential supplies and services for long-term use if necessary.

At least six people have been killed, and dozens have been injured in Kuwait, as of 12:30 UTC on 12 March.

As of 12 March, the airspace remains closed in Kuwait.

Air raid alerts were activated overnight 11-12 March, with explosions subsequently heard. Several Iranian attack drones were reportedly intercepted over the country’s airspace. Iranian strikes reportedly targeted fuel tanks in Muharraq Governorate, starting a large fire. According to Bahrain’s Interior Ministry, the strikes led to the closure of Rayya Road next to Bahrain International Airport (BAH / OBBI), with authorities urging residents in Al Hidd, Arad, Galali and Samaheej in the Muharraq region to remain in their homes and to close windows and ventilation openings. The fire has subsequently been brought under control. Bahraini authorities have reportedly brought in security forces from Jordan to quell pro-Iranian protests; the first time since the Arab Spring that Bahrain has called in foreign forces to deal with unrest.

Bahrain reports arrests of six more people for allegedly posting videos showing the aftermath of Iranian strikes. Another four nationals were arrested after they allegedly sent information to Iran.

At least two people have been killed, and dozens have been injured in Bahrain, as of 12:30 UTC on 12 March.

As of 12 March, the airspace remains closed in Bahrain.

On 12 March, Qatar’s government issued a shelter-in-place order, before its armed forces intercepted a ballistic missile attack. On 11 March, following the threats issued by Iran against US and Israeli-linked banks and other economic centres, HSBC stated that it would close its Qatar branches until further notice.

At least 16 people have been injured in Qatar, as of 12:30 UTC on 12 March.

As of 12 March, the airspace remains heavily restricted in Qatar. On 6 March, the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announced flights would operate through “designated navigational contingency routes with limited operational capacity” in coordination with the Qatari armed forces. Qatar Airways stated that it will operate heavily limited repatriation flights from Doha Airport (DOH).

The UAE came under particularly heavy attack overnight 11-12 March, with authorities stating that explosions heard were caused by interceptions. In Dubai, attack drone impacts were recorded in the Al Bada’a area and onto the façade of a building on Sheikh Zayed Road, causing no injuries. An attack drone also hit the Address Creek Harbour hotel, sparking a fire that was brought under control and causing no injuries.

Following the threats issued by Iran against US and Israeli-linked banks and other economic centres, Citibank has said it would close its UAE branches and financial centres through 14 March as a precaution. Moreover, major firms including Citi, Deloitte, PwC and Standard Chartered have reportedly evacuated or shut their Dubai offices.

At least six people have been killed and 131 injured in the UAE, as of 12:30 UTC on 12 March.

On 12 March, the Australian government announced an order for the departure of non-essential Australian officials posted to the UAE due to the deteriorating security situation.   

As of 12 March, the UAE’s airspace has restricted access by way of Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT) zones.

On 11 March, Iranian drone strikes hit fuel tanks in Salalah, setting off a large blaze. Omani authorities said there were no injuries, but firefighting teams, the military and private companies were still working to contain the fire hours later. Authorities have advised people near the site to wear masks and close windows, but have said that the air quality across the rest of Salalah remains within safe limits. The transportation minister said operations at Salalah seaport were expected to return to normal within two or three days. Oman has reportedly evacuated all vessels from the Mina Al Fahal oil export terminal in Muscat as a precaution.

At least one person has been killed and five injured in Oman, as of 12:30 UTC on 12 March.

Oman is currently assessed to have a lower conflict-related risk profile compared to the neighbouring United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the Omani airspace remains open. As a result, Oman is being used by airlines and international governments as a base for repatriation flights. There is considerably elevated demand for flights running from Oman.

As of 12 March, the airspace remains open in Oman.