Middle East Operational Status

Updated 03/07/2026 11:00 UAE LT

This advisory provides the latest operational status of ports, airspace, and shipping across the Middle East, including the Suez Canal. It is updated twice daily using verified local intelligence from our local teams across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Qatar, Oman and neighbouring countries. Access insights on which ports remain open, where airspace restrictions apply, and how current conditions may impact vessel movements, crew changes, and transit planning.

The situation remains fluid, and conditions may change at short notice in response to local authority guidance.

What’s changed since the last update

The port operational status has not changed since the last update.

United Arab Emirates

• Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, and Dibba – all port activities and business operations are functioning efficiently and without any disruptions. The Fujairah Oil Tanker Terminal (FOTT) is currently operational, as confirmed by the latest update from port authorities. In response to a significant increase in cargo calls resulting from the rerouting of vessels, Oil Tanker Berths No. 4 (Bulk Cargo) and No. 5 (Edible Oil) have been designated to enhance cargo handling operations and alleviate berthing congestion. The present estimated waiting period for berthing is a minimum of four weeks for breakbulk, bulk, general cargo, and roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels. Additionally, both Vopak Terminal and ADNOC SPM Terminal remain operational.
  The Khor Fakkan Container Terminal, in view of the notable increase in cargo calls, has all six berths fully operational and specifically allocated for container cargo. The estimated waiting period for berthing remains at least 4 weeks for breakbulk, bulk, general cargo, and Ro-Ro vessels. Discharge operations for general cargo and containers are proceeding as scheduled at both the Fujairah and Khor Fakkan Terminals without any disruption. Anchorage services continue to operate normally and without interruption.
• Jebel Ali, Hamriya, and Sharjah Port, all terminal port operations are normal.
• Khalifa Port Terminal’s port operations are normal.
• STS operations are resumed in Dubai waters anchorage with tug assistance as of now; each operation will be assessed separately. No underway STS is permitted till further notice.
• Ruwais and Abu Dhabi petroleum ports are operational. Ruwais PPA (ISPS level 2) & Abu Dhabi Ports (ISPS Level 1). Abu Dhabi Ports confirmed that all UAE ports managed and operated by AD ports remain fully open and are operating as usual.
• Ras Al Khaimah Ports remain open and are operating normally. RAK Ports Group will implement a Marine Risk Surcharge applicable to all vessels calling at RAK Ports’ ports, harbours, anchorages and approaches.
• Dubai Airport has resumed operations.

Kuwait

• All ports are fully operational. No stoppage of operations has been reported, and no official information from the port authorities.
• Coast Guard notice: Kindly note that entry permits for foreign vessels arriving from Iraqi ports are temporarily suspended until further notice.
• Shuaiba and Shuwaikh Port ISPS Level: 2
• Airspace is open. Currently, Terminals 4 and 5 are operating, and Terminal 1 is closed.

Oman

• The Sultanate of Oman has issued a Notice to Mariners that sets out a temporary, coordinated traffic management plan for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz due to heightened safety risks. At a high level, it establishes that Oman, working with the IMO and regional partners, is introducing controlled and phased vessel movements using temporary routing corridors, as the normal Traffic Separation Scheme is currently considered unsafe. Ships will be grouped, scheduled, and individually instructed on when and how to transit, with requirements to wait in designated holding areas, maintain communications, and follow strict navigation and safety protocols. The aim is to reduce collision risk, maintain safe flow of traffic, and ensure continued freedom of navigation during a period of elevated operational risk. Read the full Notice.

• Current Status: All ports are fully operational.
• Vessels calling at all Oman ports must submit an official letter stating that they are not carrying any dangerous Goods on board. If any dangerous Goods are found, the type of cargo must be specified in detail, and the vessel must await the Ministry’s approval before entering Omani territorial waters.
• The Following notification was received from the Mina Al Fahal terminal (Crude Oil) loading facility. All vessels scheduled to call at MAF are to ensure their Doppler log is fully operational. This precaution is necessary due to ongoing GPS interference in the area. Vessels without a functioning Doppler log cannot be berthed due to safety requirements.
• All ports are ISPS Level 1. 
• Airspace is open.

Saudi Arabia

• There are presently no alerts or warnings issued by the local port authorities. All operational activities are functioning at full capacity.
• Flights have resumed out of KSA. Emirates is not flying to Dammam. FlyDubai, Air Arabia, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways are operating from Dammam. FlyDubai is operating and connecting Emirates passengers from Dubai to onward connections.

Bahrain

• Vessel movements in Bahrain have resumed; however, operations remain limited. BAPCO operations remain suspended.
• APM Terminals operations have resumed from 06:00hrs to 18:00hrs.
• Bahrain’s airspace has officially reopened, and Bahrain International Airport (BAH) is currently operational with limited flight services. Crew changes are possible in Bahrain subject to flight availability.
• ISPS security level remains at Level 1.

Qatar

• Current Status: All ports are operational. 
• The MOT urges owners of vessels and sailors to make sure of the availability and functioning of all necessary safety and security equipment on board before and during sailing, to ensure the highest levels of safety and security for all trips.
• Qatar Airways has announced the return of passenger flights to Baghdad (BGW), Basra (BSR), and Erbil (EBL) in Iraq.

Egypt

• No alerts/notifications have been issued by the local authorities.
• All ports and the Suez Canal are operating without disruption.
• (Egyptair) commenced operating some flights to/from Gulf countries.

Jordan

• Jordan remains stable. Authorities continue to issue general public awareness guidelines purely as precautionary measures. There are no security incidents inside Jordan.
• All operations remain normal at Aqaba Port. Terminals, marine services, cargo handling, and gate operations are functioning without disruption. Maritime navigation and cargo operations are proceeding smoothly and without delay.
• Royal Jordanian and the Jordanian airspace remain open, flights to Qatar, UAE, Syria, Bahrain and Kuwait remain closed.

Pakistan

• All ports remain fully operational.
• ISPS level remains at Level 1.
• Airspace remains open, with no operational impact reported.

Iraq

• Iraqi High Maritime Authority has issued a circular requiring all vessels in its territorial waters to keep AIS active at all times, with unauthorised shutdown or tampering subject to legal action.

• UQR North & South ports, KHOR ZUBIR ports are operating but with fewer vessels.
• The movement of ships entering and departing in UQR North & South ports, KHOR ZUBIR ports, is constantly increasing.
• Basra Oil Terminal and SPM Somo Terminal have ceased export operations. BOT expected to resume crude oil within several days. SPM is working but not at full capacity
• No port restrictions or emergency measures in place.
• Fresh water supply available
• Food purchasing/provisioning available
• Crew change is available, but there is a delay in issuing the visa.
• Shore leave (for emergency medical treatment, etc.) available.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates as conditions evolve. Customers are advised to remain alert to further communications, as changes may occur with limited notice.

For port‑specific information or operational support, please contact your local Inchcape representative, or subscribe to receive daily updates:
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Disclaimer: While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of publication, the situation described is fluid and subject to change without notice. Information is based on inputs received from local sources and authorities and is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Inchcape Shipping Services, and their respective employees, directors, agents, contractors, and partners accept no liability for any loss, damage, cost, or expense arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, this information, even if advised of the possibility of such outcomes. Any use of the information is at the recipient’s sole risk. No representation or warranty, whether express or implied, is given as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or suitability of the information for any particular purpose. Recipients remain solely responsible for assessing the relevance and applicability of the information to their own operations. This communication is intended for recipients of Inchcape operational updates and may not be reproduced, distributed, or published without prior written consent. Parties wishing to receive these updates directly are encouraged to subscribe through official Inchcape channels. For information on how Inchcape collects, uses, and protects personal data, please refer to our Privacy Notice.