Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest hub for international passengers, remained completely closed Sunday with all flight operations suspended until further notice as the United Arab Emirates grappled with the fallout from Iranian retaliatory missile and drone strikes following joint U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Dubai Airports, the operator of DXB and the secondary Dubai World Central–Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), confirmed in an official statement that “all flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) are suspended until further notice.” Passengers were strongly advised not to travel to the airports and to contact their airlines directly for updates. The closure stemmed from UAE airspace restrictions imposed amid the rapidly escalating regional conflict.

The shutdown followed an overnight incident early Saturday that caused minor damage to a concourse at DXB, according to the Dubai Media Office. Four airport staff members sustained injuries, which were described as non-life-threatening, and received prompt medical attention. Emergency response teams quickly contained the situation, and most terminals had already been cleared of passengers under pre-existing contingency plans due to the heightened security environment.

Iranian attacks targeted multiple sites across the Gulf, including Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, where debris from intercepted missiles sparked a minor fire on the outer facade, and Palm Jumeirah island, where smoke plumes were visible. Similar incidents affected Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, where one person was killed and seven injured in a drone strike. Blasts were reported in Doha, Qatar, and other Gulf locations, contributing to widespread airspace closures across the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and beyond.

Major airlines bore the brunt of the disruptions. Emirates, the flagship carrier based at DXB and one of the world’s largest long-haul operators, extended its suspension of all flights to and from Dubai until 3 p.m. UAE time (11 a.m. GMT) on Monday, March 2. The airline urged affected passengers to check emirates.com for rebooking options or refunds, with flexibility offered for travel booked through March 5. Low-cost carrier flydubai similarly halted operations until the same deadline, while Etihad Airways suspended services to and from Abu Dhabi until early Monday.

Flight tracking data painted a stark picture of the chaos. FlightAware reported more than 19,000 global delays linked to the crisis, while Flightradar24 noted over 3,400 cancellations on Sunday alone across seven key Middle Eastern airports, including DXB, DWC, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Sharjah, Kuwait and Bahrain. The ripple effects stranded tens of thousands of travelers, with some reports estimating over 20,000 affected in Dubai alone. The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority activated support measures, including accelerated rescheduling, additional ground resources and welfare assistance such as hotel accommodations and meals for impacted passengers.

The crisis traces back to U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets late Friday and early Saturday, which eliminated Khamenei and several top officials, prompting Iran’s vow of revenge. Iranian missiles and drones targeted U.S. interests, Israeli sites and Gulf allies perceived as supporting the attacks. The UAE, a key U.S. partner with normalized ties to Israel, found itself in the crossfire despite efforts to maintain neutrality in public statements.

Travelers faced severe hardships. Indian badminton star PV Sindhu reported being stranded at DXB while en route to a tournament in England, highlighting the personal toll. Many passengers slept on terminal floors or sought shelter in nearby hotels as airlines scrambled to reroute or cancel services. European carriers like Lufthansa, KLM and others extended suspensions through the weekend and into the coming week, while global advisories warned against travel over the Middle East.

Dubai’s status as a premier global transit point—handling over 90 million passengers annually pre-crisis and connecting to more than 280 destinations—amplified the impact. The airport’s closure disrupted not just regional travel but long-haul routes between Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas that rely on DXB for connections.

As of Sunday evening local time, no reopening timeline had been announced. Dubai Airports emphasized close monitoring of the situation and promised updates through official channels. Authorities urged calm and cooperation, with security forces on high alert across the emirate. High-rise residents, including those in the Burj Khalifa, were moved to underground shelters during peak threat periods.

The aviation shutdown compounds broader economic concerns for the UAE, a tourism and trade powerhouse. With Jebel Ali Port also reporting minor incidents from debris, logistics chains faced additional strain. International reactions varied, with some nations condemning the escalation while others called for de-escalation to restore stability.

For now, DXB stands eerily quiet—a stark contrast to its usual bustle of millions of travelers. As the conflict shows no immediate signs of abating, the world’s aviation networks brace for prolonged disruptions, with Dubai at the epicenter of the storm.

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India’s benchmark indices — the Nifty and the BSE Sensex — ended sharply lower on Friday amid broad-based selling pressure. Auto, financials and FMCG stocks were among the biggest laggards, while the IT sector witnessed selective buying.

In a volatile trading session, the broader Nifty fell 317.90 points, or 1.25%, to close at 25,178.65. The 30-share Sensex tumbled 961.42 points, or 1.17%, to settle at 81,287.19.

Meanwhile, the volatility gauge India VIX ended at 13.70, up 4.89% from the last closing.

Here’s how analysts read the market pulse:

Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, said the index has declined sharply after remaining below its key short-term moving average for three consecutive sessions. It has also slipped beneath the 200-day moving average (DMA), signalling that the prevailing weakness could persist for some time.“The RSI indicator has turned sharply bearish. In the short term, the index may continue to face selling pressure, with rallies likely to be sold into. Immediate support is placed at 25,000 and 24,750, while resistance is seen at 25,370,” De said.

US markets

Frontline indices on Wall Street ended lower on Friday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 521.28 points, or 1%, to close at 48,977.90. The Nasdaq Composite declined 210 points, or 1%, to settle at 22,668.20. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 also finished in the red, though with a relatively milder loss of 0.43

European Markets

European markets also reflected a cautious tone. Spain’s IBEX 35 and France’s CAC 40 declined by as much as 0.73%. Germany’s DAX ended largely flat, while the pan-European Stoxx 600 rose 0.6% and the UK’s FTSE 100 added 0.1%.

Tech View

Nilesh Jain, Vice President and Head of Technical and Derivative Research at Centrum Finverse, said the Nifty has slipped below its crucial 200-day moving average (DMA) placed at 25,350, which is now expected to act as an immediate resistance zone. The index continues to form lower highs and lower lows on the daily chart, indicating a weakening trend, he noted.
“Momentum indicators remain cautious, with the MACD signalling a sell crossover and the RSI gradually trending lower. Meanwhile, India VIX has risen 5% to around 13.50, and any further spike in volatility could intensify downside risks. The key psychological support is now seen at the 25,000 level. The broader technical structure suggests continued weakness, with pullbacks likely to encounter selling pressure,” Jain added.

Most active stocks in terms of turnover

Tejas Networks (Rs 551 crore), Redington (Rs 275), Cholamandalam Financial Holdings (Rs 262 crore), Netweb Technologies (Rs 240 crore), HDFC Bank (Rs 214 crore), State Bank of India (Rs 213 crore) and Bharti Airtel (Rs 182 crore) were among the most active stocks on BSE in value terms. Higher activity in a counter in value terms can help identify the counters with highest trading turnovers in the day.

Most active stocks in volume terms

SpiceJet (Traded shares: 7.17 crore), Vishal Mega Mart (Traded shares: 1.34 crore), Tejas Networks (Traded shares: 1.32 crore), Redington (Traded shares: 99.63 lakh), Ola Electric (Traded shares: 63.35 lakh), Suzlon Energy (Traded shares: 62.71 lakh) and and Steel Authority of India (SAIL, Traded shares: 53.35 lakh) were among the most actively traded stocks in volume terms on BSE.

Stocks showing buying interest

Xtglobal Infotech, Tejas Networks, Shares of Sarda Energy & Minerals, VL E-Governance & IT Solutions, Avadh Sugar & Energy, Foseco India and Foseco India were among the stocks that witnessed strong buying interest from market participants.

52 Week high

On the market breadth front, 100 stocks touched their 52-week highs, while 340 stocks fell to their 52-week lows.

Among those scaling fresh 52-week highs were Aeroflex Industries, Bank of India, Bharat Forge, Cummins India, Data Patterns (India), Eicher Motors and Federal Bank.

Stocks are seeing selling pressure

Among the largecap names were Adani Enterprises, Maruti Suzuki and Bharti Airtel. Other stocks which witnessed significant selling pressure were Fusion Finance, Vishal Mega Mart, Home First Finance, Angel One, R M Drip and Sprinklers Systems, Mahalaxmi Fabric Mills and Apex Frozen Foods.

Sentiment meter favours bears

Heavyweights like ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Bharti Airtel dragged the markets with breadth, staying negative in the overall markets. Out of the 4,369 stocks that traded on the BSE on February 27, Friday, 1,574 stocks witnessed advances, 2,633 saw declines while 162 stocks remained unchanged.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of Economic Times)

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Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of BRK.B, ITOCY, MITSY either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

The fallout of the joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran led to the highest-ever activity on X, the platform’s owner Elon Musk confirmed on Sunday.

Musk made the statement in reply to Nikita Bier, the head of product at X. Bier stated on Saturday that the day had been “the biggest day on X in history.”

“Highest usage of X ever,” Musk replied.

The exchange came after the U.S. and Israel conducted airstrikes and drone attacks on multiple targets across Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatolla Ali Khamenei as well as several other top Iranian officials, including the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

AMERICA STRIKES IRAN AGAIN — HAS WASHINGTON PLANNED FOR WHAT COMES NEXT?

Footage of airstrikes both against Iran and Iran’s retaliatory strikes against neighboring countries spread across social media like wildfire throughout Saturday and into Sunday.

The strikes also quickly led to widespread arguments over whether the attacks benefited the U.S. and whether President Donald Trump had the authority to carry them out without approval from Congress.

Ben Rhodes, a top Obama-era official who helped negotiate the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, faced mass criticism after he tried to rebuke Trump for the attacks.

FROM HOSTAGE CRISIS TO ASSASSINATION PLOTS: IRAN’S NEAR HALF-CENTURY WAR ON AMERICANS

Rhodes argued on X that Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “seem to be totally unconcerned about the human beings — on all sides — who will suffer.”

“Trump’s second term has been the worst case scenario,” Rhodes added.

Rhodes was quickly ridiculed by many conservatives on social media who pointed to the Obama-era Iran deal as a catalyst for allowing the situation to escalate to this point, and placing blame on the Obama administration for not taking the threat from Iran seriously.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

“Yes we were much better off with a president who drew redlines and failed to enforce them,” American Enterprise Institute fellow and Fox News contributor Marc Thiessen posted on X. “Team Obama might want to sit this one out.”

“Oh look the guy who literally created this mess in the first place has chimed in,” Republican digital operative Alec Sears posted on X. 

Fox News’ Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report.

Pop superstar Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce have reportedly finalized plans for their long-awaited wedding on June 13, 2026, at the luxurious Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, according to multiple media reports circulating in late February.

The date, which falls on a Saturday and aligns with Swift’s well-known affinity for the number 13—her longtime lucky charm—has sparked widespread speculation among fans, or “Swifties,” who have long anticipated a meaningful milestone for the high-profile couple. Neither Swift nor Kelce has publicly confirmed the details, but the reports gained traction after British television host Graham Norton appeared to hint at progress in their planning.

On Feb. 27, the official X account for *The Graham Norton Show* posted: “So exciting that @taylorswift13 has a date for her wedding now! #TheGNShow.” The message, tied to a rebroadcast of Swift’s October 2025 appearance on Norton’s BBC program, sent social media into a frenzy. During that interview, Norton had asked Swift directly if 2026 would be “the wedding year.” She responded coyly, “You’ll know,” before adding with a laugh that she planned to invite him.

Swift, 36, and Kelce, also 36, announced their engagement on Aug. 26, 2025, via a joint Instagram post featuring romantic proposal photos captioned, “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married.” The engagement came after more than two years of dating, which began publicly in 2023 when Kelce appeared on Swift’s Eras Tour and the pair were spotted together at NFL games.

The rumored venue, Ocean House—a historic, oceanfront luxury resort known for its privacy and scenic beauty—sits near Swift’s longtime Rhode Island property in Watch Hill. Reports suggest the couple selected the location for its exclusivity and proximity to one of Swift’s personal residences, allowing for a relatively low-key yet elegant celebration away from intense paparazzi scrutiny. Some earlier speculation had pointed to other locations, including Montana venues for added seclusion, but Rhode Island has emerged as the leading contender in recent coverage.

The June 13 timing makes strategic sense on multiple fronts. It falls during the NFL offseason, after the Super Bowl in February and well before training camp typically begins in late July, accommodating Kelce’s professional schedule. If Kelce opts to return for another season with the Chiefs—his contract runs through March 2026—the date provides a clear window for personal milestones without conflicting with football commitments.

Swift’s connection to the number 13 runs deep. She has referenced it repeatedly in her career, from her birthday falling on Dec. 13 to incorporating it into album tracklists, tour dates and even her social media presence. Fans noted that June 13, 2026, is the only Saturday the 13th occurs that year, adding to the perceived symbolism. Online discussions exploded with excitement, with many pointing out how the date fits Swift’s pattern of embedding personal Easter eggs into major life events.

Sources close to the couple have described the wedding as a “big party” rather than an intimate affair. Swift has emphasized in interviews that she wants to avoid the stress of a small guest list with exclusions, opting instead for a celebratory gathering of friends, family and industry figures. Norton, who received a personal invitation during his chat with Swift, appears to be among the confirmed attendees based on his recent comments.

The couple has kept most details under wraps, consistent with their approach to privacy amid intense public interest. Swift, fresh off her latest album cycle and tour commitments, has spoken vaguely about post-tour priorities, telling one interviewer that wedding planning would follow major professional projects. Kelce has similarly deflected direct questions, including a lighthearted exchange with his brother Jason on ESPN where he laughed off specifics.

As planning advances, the wedding is poised to become one of 2026’s most talked-about celebrity events. Media outlets from NDTV and Hindustan Times to E! News and Cosmopolitan have amplified the June 13 reports, often citing anonymous industry sources or fan sleuthing. While unconfirmed officially, the consistency across publications has lent credibility to the timeline.

For now, Swift and Kelce continue to make occasional public appearances, including a recent low-key date night in New York City spotted at Chez Margaux on Feb. 24. Their relationship has captivated audiences since its inception, blending music royalty with NFL stardom in a modern love story that has inspired countless headlines, podcasts and fan theories.

Whether the June 13 date at Ocean House holds or evolves, the anticipation underscores the couple’s enduring appeal. As Swift once sang about turning blank spaces into fairytales, fans eagerly await the next chapter in what has become one of entertainment’s most cherished romances.

Apple Inc.’s stock closed at $264.18 on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, down $8.77 or 3.21% from the previous session’s close, as broader market concerns over escalating U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict and potential oil price spikes weighed on technology shares. Despite the pullback, AAPL remains near its recent highs, with analysts highlighting resilient demand for iPhones, record Services growth and anticipated AI-integrated product reveals as drivers for potential recovery and gains through the rest of 2026.

Trading volume reached 72.4 million shares on the Nasdaq, reflecting heightened investor activity amid global uncertainty. The decline followed a volatile week where shares traded in a range of $262.89 to $272.81. After-hours trading saw a further modest dip to $263.55.

The drop came against a backdrop of geopolitical risks, with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran prompting retaliatory actions and raising fears of disrupted supply chains and higher energy costs impacting consumer spending on premium devices. Apple’s heavy reliance on Asian manufacturing, particularly in regions sensitive to regional instability, added to caution among some traders.

Yet Apple’s fundamentals remain robust. The company reported record fiscal first-quarter results for the period ended Dec. 27, 2025, with revenue surging 16% year-over-year to $143.8 billion and diluted earnings per share climbing 19% to $2.84, both exceeding Wall Street expectations. iPhone revenue jumped 23%, driven by strong demand for the iPhone 17 series, while Services hit an all-time high with 14% growth to around $30 billion. Operating cash flow approached $54 billion, enabling nearly $32 billion in shareholder returns via buybacks and dividends.

CEO Tim Cook described the quarter as “remarkable,” noting an installed base exceeding 2.5 billion active devices and unprecedented iPhone performance across all geographic segments. The results underscored Apple’s ability to weather macroeconomic headwinds through premium pricing power, ecosystem loyalty and diversification beyond hardware.

Looking ahead, Apple is gearing up for a significant product event on March 4, 2026, with launches expected in New York, London and Shanghai. Reports point to new AI-enhanced wearables, a potential lower-priced iPhone model (possibly the iPhone 17e starting at $599), updated MacBooks and iPads. Bloomberg and other outlets suggest these could include advanced AI features, building on Apple’s push into generative AI companions and integrations.

Analysts view the March 4 event as pivotal for sustaining momentum. J.P. Morgan and others have highlighted AI companions as a potential game-changer, positioning Apple to capitalize on the AI boom despite lagging some peers in headline-grabbing announcements. Daniel Ives of Wedbush called 2026 potentially “monumental” for Apple’s AI execution, forecasting meaningful growth from monetizing the technology roadmap.

Market research from IDC forecasts a challenging year for smartphones, predicting a 12.9% drop in global shipments to 1.12 billion units due to rising memory chip prices—the largest-ever decline. However, Apple and Samsung are expected to gain market share, benefiting from brand strength and premium positioning. Apple’s minimal impact from memory costs in the December quarter positions it well, though a greater effect is anticipated in the current March quarter.

Institutional sentiment remains positive. Berkshire Hathaway’s Greg Abel emphasized Apple’s long-term compounding potential in the company’s annual letter, reinforcing confidence in its enduring value. Some hedge funds, including those linked to George Soros, have increased stakes, viewing AAPL as undervalued relative to its cash generation—nearly 28% free cash flow margins—and consistent returns to shareholders.

Wall Street consensus leans bullish. MarketBeat aggregates a Moderate Buy rating from 36 analysts, with an average 12-month price target around $291.70 to $293.41, implying roughly 10-11% upside from current levels. Other forecasts range higher, with some eyeing $300+ if AI and new products drive acceleration. Public.com cites a consensus Buy with targets near $287.95.

Challenges persist. Apple’s P/E ratio hovers around 33.4x, reflecting a premium valuation. Geopolitical risks, potential slowdowns in China (despite recent iPhone strength), and competition in AI from Microsoft, Google and others could pressure multiples. A stronger dollar or economic softening might also curb discretionary spending on high-end gadgets.

Despite Friday’s decline, Apple’s year-to-date performance in 2026 has been solid, with shares recovering from early-year dips and benefiting from the blowout holiday quarter. The 52-week range spans $169.21 to $288.62, with the all-time high closing price at $285.92 in December 2025.

As March begins, focus shifts to the March 4 event and upcoming fiscal second-quarter guidance. With strong cash flows supporting buybacks, a $0.26 quarterly dividend (yield ~0.4%) and ongoing innovation, Apple appears well-positioned to navigate uncertainty and deliver shareholder value in a turbulent 2026 landscape.

Investors will watch closely for signs of sustained demand and AI traction, which could propel shares toward consensus targets and beyond amid a market hungry for resilient tech leaders.