Gulf states' central global location has made it the perfect transit hub for global travel, but with flights cancelled due to war, the industry is scrambling to fill the void
European gas prices have jumped by 30% after some big GCC oil and gas producers cut supplies, and now a vital maritime trade route is being threatened. The stakes have seldom been higher.
A drop in the price of crude these days is nowhere near as painful as it used to be, because most of the Gulf Cooperation Council states have diversified away from hydrocarbons
Many of the big regional energy producers retain strong credit ratings as they boost their borrowing. How the money is spent will determine the wisdom of each approach.
Analysts say Europe-Asia trade could become faster and cheaper if cargo ships use the North-East Arctic Passage as an alternative to the Red Sea, but there are problems to overcome.
Any disruption in the Hormuz has cascading knock-on effects that extend far beyond energy markets, impacting international trade. Al Majalla explores all this and more.
The current conflict is unlikely to go global for now, but the speed at which it has spread regionally is alarming. A look at history shows the geopolitical factors that led to world wars.