A file photo of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation building in Kuwait.
Doha, Qatar: Gulf countries are observing Eid Al Fitr on Friday, March 20, 2026, under heightened security measures as regional tensions continue to escalate. Authorities have restricted outdoor prayers and public celebrations in several countries as a precaution.
In Kuwait, officials announced the shutdown of the Al Ahmadi refinery following a drone attack earlier today. No injuries have been reported.
Meanwhile, QatarEnergy expects the damage to its Ras Laffan Industrial City caused by missile strikes, which occurred on Wednesday (March 18, 2026), and in the early hours of yesterday (March 19, 2026) to cost about $20bn a year in lost revenue and to take up to five years to repair, impacting supply to markets in Europe and Asia.
Stay tuned for more live updates.
7:10pm Doha Time
Ballistic missile, 25 hostile drones detected in past 24 hours: Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense announced Friday that its armed forces detected one ballistic missile in the past 24 hours, which was intercepted and destroyed, in addition to 25 hostile drones within Kuwaiti airspace. Read more
6:48pm Doha Time
Qatar submits official letter to ICAO on current airspace situation amid Iranian attacks
Qatar submitted an official letter to the International Civil Aviation Organization, addressing the current status of air traffic and flight routes in light of the ongoing developments in the region. Read more
6:38pm Doha Time
Poland withdraws its troops from Iraq due to Middle East escalating tensions
Poland announced Friday the withdrawal of its troops from Iraq due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Read more
6:05pm Doha Time
Siren alert issued in Bahrain urging public to seek safety
The Ministry of Interior Bahrain announced on X that a siren has been sounded, calling on citizens and residents to remain calm and proceed to the nearest safe place.
5:40pm Doha Time
NATO mission evacuated from Iraq due to regional situation
Iraqi security sources announced today the commencement of the evacuation of the NATO mission from its base and its withdrawal from Iraq. Read more
5:10pm Doha Time
World could face most severe energy crisis in history: IEA
The International Energy Agency (IEA) confirmed that oil and gas flows could take up to six months to return to normal levels, particularly from the Gulf region, indicating that the world is facing what could be the most severe energy crisis in history. Read more
3:47pm Doha Time
Indian dies in Saudi after March 18 attack: Embassy
The Embassy of India in Saudi Arabia said that an Indian national was killed during the attacks in the country on March 18, 2026 amid the ongoing hostilities in the region.
In a statement on X, the embassy said: "The Embassy is in touch with the family and local authorities. We remain committed to extending all possible assistance in this matter."
The Embassy of India expresses its deepest condolences on the tragic demise of an Indian national in Riyadh due to recent events on March 18th.
— India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) March 20, 2026
The Embassy is in touch with the family and local authorities. We remain committed to extending all possible assistance in this…
3:42pm Doha Time
UAE air defences engage 4 ballistic missiles, 26 UAVs
The UAE air defence systems on March 20, 2026 engaged 4 ballistic missiles and 26 UAVs launched from Iran, announced the country's Defense Ministry. Since the onset of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 338 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,740 UAVs.
3:10pm Doha Time
Ministry of Interior reminds the public to follow safety guidelines during Eid Al Fitr
Your safety during the Eid is our utmost priority. Stay safe and follow the guidelines of the relevant authorities. #MOIQatar pic.twitter.com/qALCPRfPz8
— Ministry of Interior - Qatar (@MOI_QatarEn) March 20, 2026
2:40pm Doha Time
Qatar Museums announces reopening of museums and indoor cultural venues to public
Qatar Museums announces the reopening of its museums and galleries to the public, welcoming visitors back to its indoor cultural venues across Doha from March 21, the second day of Eid. The safety and well-being of visitors and staff remain Qatar Museums’ highest priority. Appropriate measures are in place across all sites to support a safe and comfortable visit, with staff on hand to guide and assist visitors throughout their experience. Read more
1:31pm Doha Time
Kuwait air defenses intercept missile, drone attacks
Kuwait's Ministry of Defense said its air defense systems were intercepting hostile missile and drone attacks. The ministry's official spokesperson Col. Saud Al Atwan stated that any explosion sounds are the result of interception operations, urging the public to follow safety instructions issued by authorities.
12:47pm Doha Time
Bahrain says it intercepted 141 missiles, 242 drones since start of Iranian attacks
Bahrain's Defense Force said its air defense systems have intercepted and destroyed 141 missiles and 242 drones since Iran began targeting the kingdom. In a statement, authorities described the attacks on civilian sites and private property as a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the UN Charter, warning they pose a direct threat to regional peace and security.
12:34pm Doha Time
Qatar's Ministry of Interior cautions public on AI-generated videos
The Ministry of Interior urged the public to verify information and avoid the circulation or publishing of any false AI-generated videos, or news from unreliable sources via social media platforms using artificial intelligence techniques, or unreliable news via social media. The Ministry, in a statement on X, said that the spread of false rumors or misleading content constitutes a legal violation that warrants accountability.
12:01pm Doha Time
This war must stop immediately: Prime Minister
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the region, warning that continued aggression risks plunging the Middle East into a broader and more dangerous conflict.
He called on Iran to comply with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, which clearly require an end to such attacks and to the policy of escalating regional tensions.
Full report here
10:07am Doha Time
KPC says Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery came under drone attack
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) said today that Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery came under drone attacks early Friday. The attacks resulted in a fire in several units within the refinery but caused no injuries, according to preliminary assessments, the company said in a statement. It added that emergency response and firefighting teams were immediately deployed to the site to contain the fire. Some refinery units were shut down as a precautionary measure.
9:30am Doha Time
EU decries Iranian attacks on energy facilities in Qatar
The European Union has condemned Iranian attacks on energy facilities in Qatar, warning that such actions risk plunging the region into further chaos. Speaking on the sidelines of a European Council meeting in Brussels on Wednesday, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said the attacks exacerbate ongoing military conflicts in the region. Read more
