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World / Middle East

LIVE UPDATES: Qatar expands 24-hour retail outlets to 33 branches

Published: 28 Feb 2026 - 10:44 am | Last Updated: 28 Feb 2026 - 11:09 pm
Peninsula

Doha, Qatar: Multiple explosions were heard in Iran's capital and several locations across the country. 

Follow this report for more live updates:  

11pm Doha time:

Qatar renews national emergency alert, urging public to stay indoors

Several banks in Qatar announce temporary branch closures

9:30pm Doha time:

Qatar announces remote work for government employees on Sunday

Qatar halts public events until further notice: Qatar Tourism

Prime Minister receives phone calls from Foreign Ministers of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain

8:36pm Doha time:

Qatar National Library announces temporary closure

8:27pm Doha time:

12 injured, no fatalities reported following attacks: Kuwaiti Health Ministry

Several residential buildings targeted in Manama: Bahrain MoI 

7:53pm Doha Time
MoCI raises number of 24-hour hypermarket outlets to 33

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) announced that the number of sales outlets that will be operating for 24 hours has been increased from 22 to 33 branches.

The Ministry of Commerce announced that in coordination with retail outlets, it has been arranged for major branches to operate 24 hours a day.

In addition to several branches of Lulu Hypermarket and Al Meera, people in Qatar will be able to purchase goods from Carrefour and Monoprix. Click to read more

7:45pm Doha Time
National Cyber Security Agency urges public to rely on official sources, avoid spreading rumours

In line with its commitment to enhancing digital security and maintaining social stability, the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) has emphasized the importance of obtaining information solely from authorized official sources. 

In a social media post, the agency said that citizens and residents should rely on official channels to access information. It further urged the public to refrain from circulating rumors or resharing any unverified content across digital platforms.

7:30pm Doha Time
Hamad International Airport urges passengers not to travel to airport

As flight operations at Hamad International Airport continue to remain suspended, it strongly advised passengers to not to proceed to the airport. 

In a social media post, it said that passengers are advised not to head to the airport during this airport and to check with their airlines for the latest information until further notice.

Officials said further announcements will be made as soon as more information becomes available and travellers were urged to monitor official communication channels and airline notifications for timely updates.

7:09 Doha Time
Katara suspends Ramadan cultural activities 

Due to the current circumstances, the Organizing Committee for Katara events announced the postponement of the events until further notice. 
 

7:01pm Doha Time 
Explosion at Dubai landmark The Palm: witnesses

Dubai: Two witnesses told AFP they heard an explosion and saw a plume of smoke rising from Dubai's famous man-made island The Palm, as Iran carried out retaliatory strikes in the Gulf following US and Israeli attacks.

One of the witnesses said he saw thick black smoke rising from a hotel on the palm and heard ambulances rushing towards the scene.

Dubai residents and AFP correspondents in the city heard several loud bangs following that explosion.

6:55pm Doha Time
Ministry of Interior renews call for public to stay indoors

In light of the current situation and the latest developments regarding the Iranian targeting of state territories, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) has called on the general public to stay indoors.  

In its latest post, the MOI urged citizens, residents, and visitors to remain in their homes, refrain from approaching windows and open areas, and avoid going out except in cases of utmost necessity, until the danger has passed.

6:35pm Doha Time
Khamenei is alive, Iran interested in de-escalation: foreign minister

Iran's foreign minister said the country's supreme leader was alive, along with all high-ranking officials, after Israel and the United States launched strikes across the country on Saturday.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC News that supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was alive “as far as I know”, in an interview from Tehran with the US outlet, adding that “all high ranking officials are alive”. Click to read more

6:30pm Doha Time 
Drone targets Kuwait International Airport

A drone has targeted Kuwait International Airport, resulting in “minor injuries” to a number of employees, in addition to “limited material damage” to the passenger building, according to The General Authority of Civil Aviation in Kuwait.

Its official spokesperson, Abdullah al-Rajhi, stated that the authorities immediately initiated “approved emergency procedures, where the incident was handled, and the site was secured”.

6pm Doha Time
Foreign Ministry urges Qataris abroad to contact diplomatic missions when needed

In light of the current situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Qataris residing abroad, especially those stranded or in need of consular services, to contact the diplomatic missions of the State of Qatar in the countries where they are located. Click to read more

5:46pm Doha Time
Al Razji activities at Darb Al Saai suspended 'until further notice': MoC

The Ministry of Culture (MoC) stated that, in light of the current developments and in commitment to the directives of the security authorities in the country, the Al Razji event activities at Darb Al-Saai will be suspended until further notice.

5:45pm Doha Time
UAE offers condolences to family of Pakistani national killed in Iran attacks

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to the family of the Pakistani national who lost his life as a result of the Iranian missile attacks. Click to read more

5:45pm Doha Time
Ministry of Public Health confirms readiness of health sector to handle emergencies

The Ministry of Public Health affirmed the full readiness of the health sector in the State of Qatar, in cooperation with relevant state sectors, to deal with emergency situations and to take all necessary measures to preserve the safety and health of all residents of Qatar.

The Ministry explained that healthcare facilities operating in the country continue to provide their health services, and that emergency centers and departments are operating around the clock. Click to read more

5:05pm Doha Time
Schools, kindergartens in Qatar to switch to distance learning

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) has directed all private schools, kindergartens, educational service centres, and nurseries to shift to distance learning or suspend in-person operations as a precautionary measure, effective Sunday, March 1, 2026, until further notice.

In Circular No. (2) of 2026, addressed to owners, principals, licence holders, and directors, the Ministry emphasised its commitment to ensuring a safe learning environment for students, teachers, administrative staff, and support personnel amid ongoing monitoring of regional developments. Click to read more

4:30pm Doha Time
Hypermarket branches to operate 24/7 across Qatar

Major branches of hypermarkets in the country have announced that some of their branches will remain open 24/7 at various locations until further notice. 

The Ministry of Commerce announced that in coordination with retail outlets, it has been arranged for major branches to operate 24 hours a day. A total of 22 branches across all regions of the State are now open around the clock to ensure uninterrupted access to essential goods and services. Click to read more

4pm Doha Time
Qatar Airways to allow refund for next 7 days as flights remain suspended

Qatar Airways said that passengers can refund or change their flights for the next 7 days in an update. 

"The safety and well-being of our passengers and employees remain our highest priority. Passengers can refund or change their flights for the next 7 days. Qatar Airways will continue to share updates as more information becomes available." Click to read more

3:50pm Doha Time
Qatar Museums announces temporary closure

Qatar Museums announced temporary closure of all of its museums, exhibitions, heritage sites, and creative hubs from today, February 28 until further notice. In a social media post on X, all tickets purchased for today will be fully refunded to the original method of payment.

3:40pm Doha Time
All flight operations at Dubai International Airport suspended: Media office

The Dubai Media Office, on its social media, announced that all flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) are suspended until further notice. The passengers were advised not to travel to the airport at this time and to contact their respective airlines directly for the latest updates regarding their flights.

3:40pm Doha Time
Amir, Saudi Crown Prince discuss ongoing escalation in region

The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received a telephone call today from  His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Click to read more

3:30pm Doha Time
Bahrain Defense Forces announce interception of Iranian missile attack

The General Command of the Bahrain Defense Forces announced Saturday that air defense systems successfully intercepted a new missile attack launched by Iran. Click to read more

3:24pm Doha Time
Death toll in strike on southern Iran school reaches 40: state media

An Israeli strike on an elementary girls’ school in Minab, a city in the Hormozgan province of southern Iran, has killed atleast 40 people. Read more:

2:37PM Doha Time
Qatar Ministry of Commerce confirms availability of goods in large quantities

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has confirmed the availability of goods and products in large quantities across various retail outlets in the State, meeting consumer needs, ensuring market stability, and maintaining the normal flow of supplies. FULL NEWS

2:33pm Doha Time

UAE MoD confirms one civilian death in Iran attack

Authorities in the UAE further confirmed that fallen debris also resulted in one civilian death of an Asian nationality. Read more.

2:15pm Doha Time
Iran tells residents to leave Tehran: Al Jazeera

Iran’s National Security Council has advised residents to leave the capital Tehran. Click to read more

1:52pm Doha Time
Qatar announces temporary suspension of maritime traffic

Qatar’s Ministry of Transport on Saturday announced a temporary suspension of maritime traffic as a precautionary measure in response to recent regional developments. FULL NEWS

1:37pm Doha Time
Qatar strongly condemns targeting of its territory and sisterly states, affirms right to respond

The State of Qatar expressed its strong condemnation of the targeting of Qatari territory with Iranian ballistic missiles, considering it a flagrant violation of its national sovereignty, a direct threat to its security and territorial integrity, and an unacceptable escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region. FULL NEWS

1:19pm Doha Time
Air India suspends flights to Middle East destinations amid regional developments

Air India announced on Saturday the suspension of all its flights to destinations in the Middle East due to the developing situation in parts of the region. FULL NEWS

1:13pm Doha Time
Hamad International Airport confirms temporary suspension of air traffic

Hamad International Airport (HIA) has confirmed the temporary suspension of all aircraft movements following the closure of the Qatari airspace, the airport said in a statement shared on its official X account today. FULL NEWS

12:56pm Doha Time
Temporary suspension of Qatar Airways flights due to Qatar airspace closure

Qatar Airways Group has confirmed the temporary suspension of its flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
FULL NEWS

12:53pm Doha Time
Ministry of Interior announces no damage from Iran attack

The Ministry of Interior announced that, thanks to the successful interception of the attacks targeting the country’s territory, the attack did not result in any damage. FULL NEWS

12:48pm Doha Time
Ministry of Defence says attacks foiled, urges public to remain calm

The Ministry of Defense announced that, thanks to  its high level of preparedness, security vigilance, and joint coordination between the relevant authorities, it has successfully intercepted a number of attacks targeting the country's territory.

READ MORE

12:45pm Doha Time
Qatar Ministry of Defence intercepts missiles: Al Jazeera

Two loud explosions were heard in Doha as Defence Ministry intercepts missiles launched from Iran. 

Al Jazeera reported this quoting the Defence Ministry as it said, “it has successfully thwarted a number of attacks targeting the country’s territory”.

“The Ministry of Defense confirms that the threat was dealt with immediately upon detection, in accordance with the pre-approved security plan, and that all missiles were intercepted before reaching Qatari territory.” READ MORE

11:49am Doha Time
Iran says it has launched missiles and drones towards Israel

Al Jazeera quoted Iran’s IRGC as confirming that it has launched missiles and drones towards Israel following the attacks on its country.

“In response to the aggression of the hostile and criminal enemy against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the first wave of extensive missile and drone attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran towards the occupied territories has begun,” it added. 

11:42am Doha Time

UAE airlines cancel flights to Iran, Israel amid regional tensions

Flights from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to several destinations in Iran and Israel have been cancelled amid heightened regional tensions, according to local airport websites.

11:25am Doha Time
Qatar confirms no security concerns in country, calls on public to avoid rumours

In light of the attacks on the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Ministry of Interior affirms that the situation in the State of Qatar remains stable and secure, with no current indications of concern at the internal security level. Click to read more

11am Doha Time
Iran state TV confirms Israeli 'aggression' on Tehran

Tehran: Iranian state television on Saturday confirmed what it described as an “aerial aggression by the Zionist regime” on the country, following a series of explosions in Tehran. Click to read more 

10:45am Doha Time
Blasts heard in Iran's Isfahan, other cities: media

Several explosions were heard in a number of cities in Iran on Saturday, in the wake of blasts that hit the capital Tehran, the Fars news agency said. Read more

10:42am Doha Time 
Trump claims Iran attacks aim to 'defend the American people'

US President Donald Trump says the joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran aim at “eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime”.

“Short time ago, US military began major combat operation in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime,” he said.

10:30am Doha Time
Hospitals on alert, ambulances dispatched: Health Ministry spokesperson
Iran’s health ministry spokesperson says that hospitals are on alert following Israel’s attack, Tasnim news outlet reported.

According to the spokesperson, ambulances have been dispatched to central areas of the capital, and the probable number of injured and the exact locations will be announced once confirmed.

10:28am Doha Time
Iraq closes its airspace after strikes on Iran

Iraq closed its airspace on Saturday, state media said, after strikes were carried out against Iran. "The ministry of transport announces closing Iraqi airspace," the Iraq News Agency INA reported.

10:09am Doha Time
Loud blasts and columns of smoke in Tehran

Two loud blasts were heard in Tehran on Saturday morning by AFP journalists, and two plumes of thick smoke were seen over the centre and east of the Iranian capital. Click to read more