Middle East Operational Status

Updated 03/08/2026 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 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 operational status in port has remained unchanged since the last report.

United Arab Emirates

• Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, and Dibba – All ports are currently operating at full capacity, with no navigational warnings or operational interruptions reported by local authorities.
• 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

• Presently, no stoppage of operations has been reported.
• Shuaiba and Shuwaikh Port ISPS Level: 2
• Coast Guard notice: Kindly note that entry permits for foreign vessels arriving from Iraqi ports are temporarily suspended until further notice. 
•  Airspace opened and working normally. Currently, Terminals 4 and 5 are operating, and Terminal 1 is closed. 

Oman

• 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 remains open.

Saudi Arabia

• There are presently no alerts or warnings issued by the local port authorities.
• All operational activities are functioning as normal.
• Airspace remains open.
• All ports are ISPS Level 1.

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.

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.
• 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:
https://www.iss-shipping.com/subscribe/

Contact Us: [email protected]

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.