File photo of the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari during a press conference.
Doha, Qatar: UAE and Saudi Arabia defence systems today dealt with missile and drone attacks from Iran.
Earlier today, the Saudi Ministry of Defence said it had intercepted eight ballistic missiles launched towards Riyadh and the Eastern province.
Meanwhile, the average retail price of gasoline in the US has crossed $4 a gallon (3.78 litres) for the first time in more than three years, the Reuters news agency reported, citing data from price tracking services GasBuddy.
Stay tuned for more updates
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6:57pm Doha Time
Saudi Defense Ministry announces interception, destruction of two drones
The Saudi Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday that its air defense systems had intercepted and destroyed two drones over the past few hours. This came in a statement by the Ministry's Official spokesperson Major General Turki Al Maliki. Earlier in the day, the Ministry announced the interception and destruction of ten drones and four ballistic missiles. Read more
6:19pm Doha Time
Amir and UAE President discuss regional and international developments
The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has held talks with the President of the United Arab Emirates HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, focusing on recent regional and international updates and efforts to restore stability. During the meeting on Tuesday, the two leaders discussed the rapidly evolving developments in the region, including ongoing tensions linked to Iranian attacks and their wider security implications. They also examined the impact of recent events on global energy supplies and market stability. Read more
4:10pm Doha Time
Qatar hopes Pakistan's mediation efforts bring peace and stability to region: Al Ansari
Qatar is not involved in the ongoing mediation efforts, the country's Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed in a press conference, adding that it supports mediation efforts by Pakistan.
Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, was addressing the media in Doha today, March 31, 2026, when he said that the country's efforts are centred on defending the homeland.
“Our efforts are centred on defending our homeland. However, we have ongoing communications with all parties, including the mediators as well as other regional players. What we should emphasise here is that we fully support the endeavours made by Pakistan, and we hope it will bear fruit and bring about permanent peace and stability in the region," Al Ansari said. Read more
3:22pm Doha Time
Qatar Chamber discusses challenges facing travel companies amid regional developments
Qatar Chamber's Tourism Committee held a meeting on Tuesday, with representatives of various travel and tourism companies and agencies in the country.
In a statement, the chamber said that the meeting discussed the challenges facing travel agencies amid recent developments, including the impact on tourism activity caused by flight cancellations, increased financial obligations on companies, the mounting pressure on cash flow, alongside rising operating costs without a corresponding increase in revenues. Read more
1:25pm Doha Time
Press conference in Doha
Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari addressed a press conference in Doha today, March 31, 2026.
Here are some key statements said by Al Ansari from the press conference:
- We call for de-escalation, and this includes all movements in the region.
- Coordination is underway with international parties regarding de-escalation in Lebanon.
- We stand against Iranian aggression, targeting vital and civilian facilities, which threatens everyone in the region.
- We are taking the necessary measures to defend our sovereignty against any aggression.
- We call for de-escalation and welcome diplomatic initiatives that achieve this.
- The closer we get to the negotiating table, the better it will be for the region.
- The reality is that Iran is a neighboring country and a way must be found to coexist.
- Continued escalation will not be in anyone's interest and will mean further losses.
- We support Pakistan's mediation efforts and hope they will bring peace to the region.
- The issue of the Strait of Hormuz is regional and has repercussions for everyone in the world.
- The issue of the Strait of Hormuz requires regional consensus on the security of the strait and navigation through it.
- Iran's targeting of energy facilities crosses red lines and is a dangerous step.
- We hope all parties will respect international laws regarding the targeting of vital facilities.
- Gulf leaders are in constant contact to coordinate efforts that serve the interests of all in the region.
- The region must be part of any future solution and any agreement concerning its security.
- The State of Qatar has sent complaints to international organizations regarding Iranian attacks.
- We are working with international partners regarding the Strait of Hormuz and are committed to energy security and supply chains.
11:45am Doha Time
Four injured in Southern Dubai after debris incident
Authorities confirmed that they are responding to an incident caused by debris from a successful interception that fell on residential houses in southern Dubai, resulting in property damage and minor injuries to four Asian nationals, Dubai Media Office said.
11:30am Doha Time
UAE contains fire on Kuwaiti oil tanker at Dubai Port
Authorities confirmed that emergency teams successfully dealt with the incident involving a Kuwaiti oil tanker in Dubai.
Dubai's Government Media Office said in a statement posted on X that no oil spill or injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Office announced that a fire that broke out on the Kuwaiti oil tanker after it was targeted by an Iranian drone had been extinguished. It added that the relevant teams were continuing to assess the situation and take the necessary measures. Read more
10:39am Doha Time
US gas prices hit $4 a gallon, up 36 percent since war on Iran
The average retail price of gasoline in the US has crossed $4 a gallon (3.78 litres) for the first time in more than three years, the Reuters news agency reported, citing data from price tracking services GasBuddy.
Since the US-Israel war on Iran began on February 28, the national average retail gasoline prices in the US have climbed about $1.06 a gallon, or 36 percent, the agency said.
The $4 per gallon milestone was last reached in August 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
10:33am Doha Time
UAE says dealing with missile, drone threats from Iran
UAE says its defence systems are dealing with missile and drone threats from Iran.
9:30am Doha Time
Two Chinese vessels pass through Strait of Hormuz
Two container ships operated by COSCO Shipping have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and exited the Gulf, according to ship tracking data.
The CSCL Indian Ocean transited the strait at about 09:14 GMT on Monday, with the CSCL Arctic Ocean following 27 minutes later, data from MarineTraffic shows.
8:55am Doha Time
Gold inches higher, but still set for worst month in more than 17 years
Gold prices slightly rose today, as higher energy prices dimmed hopes for a US interest rate cut this year.
According to Bloomberg, shortly before 04:50 GMT, spot gold was up 1.16 percent at $4,563.30 per ounce (28.35g).
Still, for this month, the bullion has fallen more than 13 percent, putting it on track for its steepest decline since October 2008.
8:45am Doha Time
Saudi Arabia intercepts 10 drones
The Saudi Ministry of Defence says the drones were intercepted and destroyed over the past few hours.
It did not specify where the aircraft were shot down.
Earlier, the ministry said it had intercepted eight ballistic missiles launched towards Riyadh and the Eastern province.
