"It's time to leave": Wealthy people pay huge sums to leave Dubai amid the war
A number of Dubai's wealthiest individuals have begun leaving the business hub by any means possible, even if it means paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to escape a regional war they fear may not end soon.
The Emirati city has always welcomed the wealthy, who were attracted to it by its luxury, security, tax tolerance, and its government's support for the financial and business sector.
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But this reputation is now at stake, as Iran continues to launch missiles and drones, some are paying huge sums to secure an exit, amid the partial closure of airspace in the United Arab Emirates.
“When we saw the fire, we said, ‘Okay, it’s time to leave,’” says Evrim, a mother of two from Turkey, referring to a blaze that broke out after rocket shrapnel hit a luxury hotel near her home on Palm Jumeirah, an archipelago of artificial islands that is the epitome of the emirate’s extravagance.
She explains that she, her husband, and their two young children decided to pay $200,000 to fly from neighboring Oman to Geneva, where they plan to stay until the war ends. To reach Muscat, they had to travel for six hours by car across the desert.
“We were very worried… mainly because of the children, who were frightened when they heard the explosion,” Efrem told AFP, referring to the interception of missiles and drones in the air.
The woman felt that leaving would be difficult if the conflict continued, with the fear that Saudi Arabia might join the war.
Dubai has gained a reputation as a leisure destination for the rich and famous, with the city boasting the world's tallest building, a huge shopping mall with an ice skating rink, massive amusement parks, and luxury hotels.
But its status as a safe and stable center in a turbulent region is now under threat.
Since Saturday, the United Arab Emirates has been subjected to attacks by more than 800 drones and 200 missiles, resulting in the deaths of three people, making it the brunt of Iran's retaliatory campaign in the Gulf region. Targeted infrastructure includes airports and oil facilities.
"We intend to return."
Several countries, including Britain and Germany, are sending planes to Oman to evacuate their citizens, as the number of commercial flights departing from UAE airports declines.
But many wealthy people are managing to leave on their own.
Glenn Phillips, director of public relations and advertising at Air Charter Service, a private travel company, confirms that "demand is definitely increasing."
"We have already arranged a number of evacuation flights, and we have more flights today and tomorrow, mostly from Muscat in Oman for people who want to leave Dubai," he says.
He noted that prices are rising sharply due to the shortage of aircraft, as many are grounded at closed airports. Private jet operators are also hesitant to operate due to security concerns.
Phillips adds that the Oman route is the most popular, but congestion at the border with the UAE forces people to wait three or four hours to cross.
This expert explains to AFP that the available aircraft will become increasingly scarce the longer the war lasts.
Mike D'Souza, operations coordinator at Indus Chauffeur in Dubai, says that demand for private cars from the UAE has risen sharply among wealthy people from Western countries.
Many are heading out via Saudi Arabia, where airports are still operating, although obtaining entry visas to the kingdom is a challenge for some who wish to leave.
For those stranded among the middle class, the journey to safety is even more difficult.
One British expatriate, who declined to give his name, confirmed to AFP that securing seats on a commercial flight from Muscat was very difficult for him, his pregnant wife, and his three-year-old son.
"Prices are incredibly high and seats disappear quickly when you try to book," he says.
He adds, "Although my son doesn't understand what's happening, it's clear that it upset him, and my wife was worried too."
But he emphasizes, "Nevertheless, we love Dubai very much and consider it our home. We intend to return to it as soon as our child is born and things have settled down."
Azerbaijan Summons Iranian Envoy Following Drone Attacks
Two civilians wounded and airport damaged in strikes allegedly launched from Iranian territory
Azerbaijan on Thursday summoned the Iranian envoy following drone attacks on its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic that wounded two civilians and damaged an airport, the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
In a detailed statement issued Thursday, the ministry said the attacks occurred around midday on March 5, with one drone striking the terminal building of Nakhchivan airport and another falling near a school building in the village of Shakarabad.
“We strongly condemn these drone attacks launched from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which resulted in damage to the airport building and injuries to two civilians,” the statement read.
“This attack against the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan constitutes a violation of the norms and principles of international law and serves to increase tensions in the region.”
Azerbaijan demanded that Iran provide a clear explanation, conduct an investigation, and take urgent measures to prevent such attacks from recurring. The ministry added that it reserves the right to take appropriate response measures.
The statement also confirmed that Iran’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Azerbaijan, Mojtaba Demirchilou, was summoned to the Foreign Ministry, where a strong protest was delivered and a corresponding note of protest presented.
The attacks come amid the ongoing Iran–U.S.–Israel war, which has escalated sharply since late February 2026. Coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian military infrastructure prompted Tehran to launch retaliatory drone and missile attacks on U.S., Israeli, and allied positions across the Gulf, increasing regional tensions and raising concerns over civilian safety.
The hostilities have spread regionally, with incidents reported in several Middle Eastern countries and civilian and military casualties mounting as tensions continue to escalate.
Six teams... Australia deploys military capabilities in the Middle East
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Thursday the deployment of military capabilities to the Middle East as a precautionary measure in light of the rapidly escalating military situation in the region.
Albanese told the Australian Parliament that "the government has sent six teams to the region in response to security developments," stressing that "the move is part of emergency plans to protect Australian citizens."
He added, "We have already deployed military capabilities as part of our contingency plans earlier this week... and I thank the Australians who are heading into a dangerous situation to help their fellow citizens."
The Prime Minister did not disclose the nature of these military capabilities, but local network SBS News reported that they were "military aircraft sent to support potential emergency operations."
The Australian government estimates that there are about 115,000 Australian citizens in the Middle East, amid fears of the conflict widening after the US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
In the same context, New Zealand announced that it sent two military aircraft to the Middle East this morning, in anticipation of carrying out evacuation operations for its citizens in the event of a deterioration in the security situation.
Reuters: Drone attack on an oil field operated by a US company in Iraqi Kurdistan
Reuters reported, citing sources, that a drone attack targeted an oil field operated by an American company in Duhok, in Iraq's Kurdistan region, on Thursday, causing a fire.
Security sources said: "A drone attack targeting an oil field in Dohuk led to a fire."
Other sources explained that "the attack took place at the Jumanki oil field in Duhok using drones."
The United States and Israel continued their bombing of Iran on the sixth day of the war, while Tehran responded by targeting Israel, American interests, and economic facilities in the region.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced that it had begun launching Kheibar cluster missiles against targets in the heart of Tel Aviv , as part of the twenty-first wave of Operation "True Promise 4".
The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported early Friday that significant damage was inflicted on buildings in central Israel as a result of the recent Iranian missile strikes.
After the downing of an Iranian missile, NATO is monitoring the Middle East and is not currently considering entering the war.
Following NATO's first defensive intervention in the conflict, the alliance sends a message of deterrence and rules out expanding the war for the time being.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Thursday that the military alliance is closely monitoring events in the Middle East and the downing of a missile that was heading towards Turkish airspace on Wednesday, but that invoking Article 5 of the alliance's charter is not on the table at the moment.
Rutte added in a statement to Reuters, translated by 964 Network : “No one is talking about Article 5, the most important thing is that our adversaries saw yesterday how strong and vigilant NATO is.”
Article 5 of the NATO Charter states that an armed attack against any member of the alliance is considered an attack against all members, and obliges all members to provide assistance.
The Turkish Defense Ministry said yesterday that NATO defenses destroyed an Iranian ballistic missile that was heading towards Turkish airspace, in the alliance's first intervention in the Middle East conflict, raising the prospect of a major expansion involving NATO member states.
The war between the United States, Israel, and Iran: 12 countries seek to mediate a ceasefire.
A senior US official revealed that about 12 countries have contacted Washington in recent days in an attempt to mediate a ceasefire between the United States, Israel and Iran, which has entered its sixth day amid escalating tensions in the region.
The official said that several countries had expressed their willingness to help calm the crisis and open diplomatic channels to contain the escalation, noting that Washington had
contacted these parties to discuss the possibility of playing a mediating role.
Trump's conflicting statements
US President Donald Trump made conflicting statements about the possibility of negotiating with Iran, as he previously indicated his willingness to talk to “the new Iranian leaders,”
before writing later that Tehran had requested dialogue but he considered it “too late.”
Continuation of military operations
For its part, Israel confirmed the continuation of its military operations, with Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz vowing to target any figure who might assume leadership of Iran after Khamenei, in an indication of continued military escalation despite international efforts to stop the fighting.
Indirect messages from Tehran
According to media reports, indirect messages were conveyed from Tehran to the United States via a third country, indicating Iran's readiness to open communication channels to discuss ways to end the war.
Parliament session next Saturday
Parliament session next Saturday
The Speaker of Parliament confirmed that the agenda for next Saturday's session includes a discussion of the security challenges in Iraq and the region.
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The Central Bank of Iraq reveals a decrease in foreign currency reserves.
The Central Bank of Iraq revealed on Thursday that its foreign currency reserves will decrease by the end of 2025.
The bank said in an official statistic seen by Shafaq News Agency that its foreign currency reserves at the end of last year amounted to $97.433 billion, or the equivalent of 126.661 trillion dinars, down from 2024 when they amounted to $100.367 billion, or the equivalent of 130.347 trillion dinars.
He pointed out that the reserves for 2024 also decreased compared to 2023, reaching $111.736 billion, or the equivalent of 145.257 trillion dinars.
He indicated that the value of gold within these reserves amounted to 31.488 trillion dinars, while foreign investments amounted to 93.266 trillion, while the cash holdings in the Central Bank’s vaults amounted to 1 trillion and 907 billion dinars.
Al-Araji: The coming days will end the disputes over the presidency.
The head of the Reconstruction and Development bloc, Bahaa al-Araji, confirmed on Thursday that the next few days will witness the resolution of the positions of President of the Republic and Prime Minister, noting that this step will contribute to ending the state of stagnation that the political process has reached.
Al-Araji said that “disagreements between the two Kurdish parties are still hindering agreement on a candidate for the position of President of the Republic,” indicating that “achieving agreement between the Kurdish forces is a fundamental step before moving to the national arena to resolve this entitlement.”
He added that “the delay in deciding on the presidency has negatively affected the rest of the political and constitutional issues,” noting that “the next stage may witness a breakthrough in the political process after reaching an agreement on the candidates.”
Al-Araji pointed out that “the House of Representatives is waiting for the completion of these constitutional requirements to move on to other files related to the formation of the government,” stressing that “resolving these files is imminent and requires serious political will from all parties.”
Reuters: Foreign workers evacuated from Rumaila oil field due to two unidentified drones
Reuters reported on Thursday that foreign workers had been evacuated from the Rumaila oil field in Iraq.
The agency reported: “Foreign workers were evacuated from the Rumaila oil field in Iraq due to two unidentified drones.”
The war between Iran and Israel is boosting the private jet market as wealthy individuals leave the Middle East.
The ongoing war between Iran, Israel, and the United States has led to a surge in demand for private flights to leave the Middle East, with wealthy individuals paying up to 200,000 euros per flight due to the closure of airspace in several countries .
European media reports indicate that thousands of people stranded in the United Arab Emirates, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are trying to leave the region amid limited commercial flights .
JET-VIP, a company specializing in private jet charter services, confirmed that demand for these flights has increased significantly .
In contrast, European countries have begun organizing evacuation flights for their citizens via alternative airports such as Muscat, while parts of the airspace in countries in the region remain closed
Iraq tells US Envoy it seeks to stay out of regional war
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein told the US chargé d’affaires Joshua Harris on Thursday that Iraq is working to avoid being drawn into the widening regional war, according to Iraq’s Foreign Ministry.
He warned that the fighting threatens broader regional stability and said Baghdad is trying to keep the conflict from spilling into Iraq.
Hussein also outlined the war’s potential economic impact on the country and reiterated that Iraq will protect diplomatic missions operating on its territory.
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He added that Iraqi land will not be used to launch attacks against neighboring states.
The minister also referred to statements from Kurdistan Region authorities that the region will not allow its territory to be used for attacks against neighboring countries, including Iran.
The meeting comes as the United States and Israel continue strikes inside Iran, which Tehran has answered with attacks on Israeli targets and US interests across the region.
Kurdistan Finance Ministry announces February salaries have been deposited into its bank account
The Ministry of Finance and Economy of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) announced today, Thursday, that February salaries have been deposited into its bank account.
In a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the ministry said, "On Thursday afternoon (March 5, 2026), 274 billion and 962 million Iraqi dinars were disbursed in four installments as part of the funding for February salaries for retirees, social security beneficiaries, contract workers, and political prisoners, by the Erbil branch of the Central Bank of Iraq."
The statement added, "The full amount of salaries is expected to be deposited into our bank account upon the resumption of official work next Sunday," noting that "once the salary payments are complete, the payroll schedule for February will be announced so that salaries can be distributed."
Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq: We have a good opinion of Bafel Talabani, but he must reveal the content of Trump's call.
Hussein Al-Shehani, a member of the political bureau of the "Sadiqun" movement, said that the head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Bafel Talabani, should help us by revealing the call made by the US President, Donald Trump.
According to Al-Shihani’s statements, “The realities on the ground will determine whether the factions submit to the state’s decision or not,” claiming that there is “popular satisfaction in the Gulf states with the Iranian strikes against Western interests.”
A member of the “Sadiqun” movement, the political wing of “Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq,” ruled out “internal clashes between the government and the factions,” stressing that “the national forces are at a high level of wisdom in not participating in the war.”
He added: "We have a good opinion of our ally Talabani, but he must help us by revealing Trump's call."
CNN reported that the administration of US President Donald Trump is "holding intensive talks with Iranian opposition groups and Kurdish leaders in Iraq," indicating an "understanding" about what is happening in Iran.
The White House confirms that US President Donald Trump has been in contact with Kurdish leaders in the Kurdistan Region.
Al-Shihani believed that "the Shiite presence is the shield for the world and the Arab countries," and that "the Shiite presence is a thorn in the side of the ambitions of arrogance in the region."
He pointed out that "the military wing of Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq is part of the Popular Mobilization Forces and is linked to the government's decision," adding: "Iraqis find themselves in a space of forced self-defense."
Hussein Al-Shehani - Political Bureau
Asa'ib: Brother Pavel did not reveal Trump's words to us... and we do not want to anger the Sheikh.
Asaib Ahl al-Haq demands that Bafel Talabani reveal details of Trump's call to coordinate the decision with Baghdad.
A leader in the Asa'ib movement said he would not comment with a yes or no regarding the withdrawal or non-withdrawal of Nouri al-Maliki's candidacy, because Sheikh Qais al-Khazali refuses to issue a comment at the moment. He added that Bafel Talabani is a "trusted friend," but the movement is asking him to reveal the content of the call that took place between him and Donald Trump, "so that decisions can be made in a coordinated manner," according to Hussein al-Shihani, a member of the political bureau of the Sadiqun movement, in an interview with journalist Samer Jawad, which was followed by 964 Network .
Hussein Al-Shehani:
We have three brigades in the Popular Mobilization Forces that are linked to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and these are integrated under the government decision. Today, the Deputy Commander of Operations, Qais Khalaf, was clear in praising our units and how they went to inspect the security breach and the apprehension that occurred in the Najaf desert. He also referred to the Popular Mobilization Forces and all the branches.
As for the Sadiqun parliamentary bloc, it is integrated within the political system of the Iraqi state, and therefore it will support the decision in which we find the interest of the Iraqi state.
When a call takes place (between Trump and Kurdish leaders), it is said that only the person they contacted knows the content of the call. Today, there must be transparency regarding the content of the call. We have a good opinion of Bafel Talabani and tell him that we are “helping him,” but let us cooperate and let the central government (Baghdad) disclose the content of the call, so that we can cooperate in issuing the decision.
Presenter: Do you confirm or deny the withdrawal of Mr. Maliki's candidacy?
Al-Shihani: Anything regarding Mr. Al-Maliki, I will not answer, because if I speak negatively or positively, “Sheikh Al-Khazali will be upset,” and I never want to anger His Eminence Sheikh Al-Khazali.
Trump: We will not accept a new Iranian leader who continues the policies of the Supreme Leader.
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Thursday (March 5, 2026) his desire to directly intervene in the process of selecting the new leader in Iran.
Trump said in a press statement that his country "will not accept a leader who continues the policies of Khamenei" (the late Supreme Leader).
He pointed out that the Supreme Leader's son (Mojtaba Khamenei) is the most likely candidate to succeed the Supreme Leader, but this outcome is unacceptable to the United States, describing Khamenei's son as a "weak figure."
Trump added that “the continuation of current policies in Iran will force Washington to return to war within 5 years,” stressing that the Iranian side is wasting its time on this path, while the United States is looking for someone who will bring “peace and harmony” to Iran.
It is noted that, in a scene reflecting the state of maximum alert within the sovereign institution in Tehran, sources in the Iranian Leadership Experts Council revealed that the identity of the next Supreme Leader of the country is close to being decided.
She confirmed that the selection of a successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is "imminent," amid aspirations to choose a figure characterized by "wisdom and courage" to confront the critical circumstances that Iran is going through.
Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported on Tuesday that the Assembly of Experts held a remote meeting to choose a new leader for the country, following the assassination of Khamenei in an American-Israeli attack.
The tram arrives at Rashid Street and will be operational soon.
The tram arrives in Al-Rashid and is preparing to launch within days, powered by clean electricity and with a capacity of up to 30 passengers.
The Baghdad Municipality announced today, Thursday, the arrival of the tram to Al-Rashid Street, confirming that the tram will be operational within the next few days.
The spokesman for the Secretariat, Uday Al-Jundail, told the official agency, as reported by 964 Network , that “the tram arrived this evening at Al-Rashid Street in Baghdad to complete its activities within the development works in its first phase, and during the coming days it will be operated on this road,” explaining that “the tram operates on clean energy, i.e., by charging electricity, and can accommodate 24 passengers with 6 standing, making the number 30 passengers.”
He added, “The tram is more of a tourist attraction than a means of transportation, allowing visitors to enjoy the facades of the buildings that have been developed. This is in addition to the work done by the Baghdad Municipality in cooperation with the Association of Banks to fully complete the rehabilitation and development of Al-Rashid Street, which blends the past and present through the use of modern technologies in its development work. It is witnessing a wide and large turnout of citizens, making it a tourist destination for Iraq.”
Trump: Tehran is in contact with us about reaching an agreement.
US President Donald Trump said that Tehran is communicating with the United States about reaching an agreement in light of the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, adding that further measures to ease pressure on oil prices are imminent.
Trump added, at an event with the Inter Miami soccer team at the White House, "They call and say: How do we reach an agreement? I told them you're a little late."
Trump praised the US military operations in Iran, saying they were destroying Tehran's missile and drone capabilities, and that "their naval fleet was destroyed - 24 ships in three days," calling on Iranian diplomats to seek asylum and contribute to building a better country.
He added, "We also urge Iranian diplomats around the world to seek asylum and help us build a new and better Iran."
The Iranian mission to the United Nations in New York declined to comment.
While Trump said that oil prices had "largely stabilized," he stressed that further action to ease the pressure on them was imminent.
A senior White House official predicted earlier on Thursday that the U.S. Treasury Department would announce measures later in the day to counter rising energy prices, including possible steps related to the oil futures market.
Wall Street Journal: UAE considering freezing Iranian assets to punish Tehran for its attacks
The Wall Street Journal, citing informed sources, reported that the United Arab Emirates is considering freezing billions of dollars in Iranian assets held within the Gulf state, a move that would restrict Tehran's access to foreign currency and global trade amid its military conflict with the United States and Israel.
Reuters was unable to immediately verify the report. The UAE Foreign Ministry did not respond to Reuters' request for comment outside of business hours.
The report, citing informed officials, said that UAE authorities are considering measures ranging from freezing the assets of shell companies based in the UAE and used to conceal transactions, to launching a large-scale financial crackdown on local exchange bureaus used to transfer funds outside official banking channels.
The report added that if the UAE decides to take action against Iran’s informal financing empire, accounts linked to the Revolutionary Guard will be among the main targets.
The report quoted two officials familiar with the discussions as saying that UAE decision-makers are also considering taking direct maritime action such as seizing Iranian ships.
The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on Saturday, prompting Tehran to fire missiles toward Israel and several Gulf sites hosting U.S. military installations.
The report stated that Emirati officials had secretly warned Iran of potential actions their country might take against Tehran, adding that it was unclear when the government would act or if it would act at all.
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