Middle East war: 5 things UAE residents need to know today (Oct 19, 2026)
Etihad extends flight cancellations, oil prices dip, and diplomatic efforts continue amid regional tensions.
Quick Look
The Middle East conflict disrupts regional aviation as Etihad extends Saudi flight suspensions, oil prices fall following potential US waivers on Russia, and Strait of Hormuz reopening talks stall.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Middle East conflict has disrupted aviation and maritime trade, leading to flight suspensions and shipping route concerns.
The Middle East conflict continues to affect regional aviation, maritime trade and energy markets on Monday, despite renewed diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Etihad Airways has extended cancellations to three Saudi destinations, while Egypt is considering military support for Saudi Arabia as fighting intensifies in Yemen.
Here are five key developments UAE residents need to know:
Etihad Airways has extended cancellations between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah until Saturday, October 24, citing regional disruption.
According to the airline's latest advisory, all Abu Dhabi–Riyadh and Abu Dhabi–Dammam services are cancelled, along with four daily flight services between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah.
Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport reopened on Sunday following deadly Houthi attacks, but several international airlines continue to suspend operations.
For UAE residents travelling for Umrah, business or family visits, the airport's reopening does not guarantee flights will operate. Passengers should check their booking status directly with airlines before departure.
Iran reiterated its proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if Washington accepts Tehran's conditions, Reuters reported.
The disagreement leaves uncertainty over when normal commercial shipping could resume through a waterway that previously carried about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade.
Brent crude fell 2.08% to $107.57 a barrel during Monday morning trading, Reuters reported, after US President Donald Trump moved to waive sanctions and tariffs on Russia that could allow additional fuel supplies.
However, shipping risks remain substantial. Data from Kpler showed Gulf crude exports falling to approximately 8.5 million barrels a day last week, compared with more than 20 million the previous week.
For UAE residents, prolonged high energy and shipping costs could eventually affect transport and imported-goods prices, although domestic petrol prices do not change automatically with daily oil movements.
According to the Emirates News Agency, discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, regional security and efforts to achieve lasting peace.
Separately, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed condolences following the deaths of two Saudi officers in a helicopter crash near Najran.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Etihad flight cancellations to Saudi destinations will remain in effect until October 24.
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- When will the Strait of Hormuz reopen?
- Will Egypt provide military support to Saudi Arabia?
