Gulf states begin gradual recovery as Iran-US truce holds

Life is beginning to return to normal in the Gulf following weeks of upheaval caused by the war in the Middle East, with a truce between the US and Iran still holding.

Schools, businesses and airlines across Gulf states have suffered weeks of disruptions after Iranian missiles and drones targeted cities, following the 28 February US-Israeli assault on Iran.

Since a 9 April truce came into effect, drone and rocket strikes across the MENA region have dropped sharply, allowing authorities to restart operations such as schools, which had been closed or shifted online due to the risk from falling debris.

The UAE is set to gradually reopen schools after nearly six weeks of disruption, as the fragile ceasefire enters its second week.

Authorities said on Tuesday that nurseries will begin reopening this week, followed by a phased return for schools and universities.

The UAE bore the brunt of Iran's attacks in the Gulf, facing the heaviest barrages of missiles and drones and sustaining the greatest infrastructure damage, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Students across the country have been studying remotely since early March.

The six-week conflict continues to take a heavy toll on the region, with disruption across the Gulf and a collapse in tourism fuelling economic uncertainty in energy-dependent economies.

Exports have been severely constrained by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran is seeking to retain control over as part of any future agreement.

Air travel also remains well below pre-war levels, with dozens of airlines worldwide suspending flights until later this year.