This comes after Iran, retaliating to attacks launched by the United States and Israel on Saturday, targeted the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain.
In a statement on Monday, President Ruto opined that the regionalisation of the conflict poses a grave threat to international peace and security, calling for engagements that will open talks for de-escalation.
“At this defining and perilous moment in global history, longstanding multilateral institutions remain indispensable frameworks for the resolution of the current crisis in the Middle East,” Ruto said.
The UAE said that two people were killed in Abu Dhabi, including a Pakistani civilian. The country’s defence ministry said that 137 missiles and 209 drones were fired at its territory on Saturday.
Witnesses in Dubai said they heard an explosion and saw missiles streak across the sky. Others reported they heard an explosion and saw smoke rising from the man-made island, The Palm. Four people were injured.
Qatar’s defence ministry said it had intercepted several missile attacks targeting the Gulf state.
Two people were killed in air strikes on an Iraqi military base housing the powerful pro-Iran group Kataeb Hezbollah, which threatened the US with a response.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also moved to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which much of the world’s oil and gas passes.
The United Nations Security Council also held an emergency meeting over the fighting, with Iran’s envoy accusing the US and Israel of committing a possible “war crime” by attacking civilians.
UN chief Antonio Guterres said military action in the Middle East “carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control”.
The attacks have also seen thousands of flights delayed or cancelled in the biggest disruption to global air transport since the Covid pandemic as airlines suspend services to the Middle East.
Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates all announced at least partial closures of their skies after Saturday’s strikes.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s national carrier, Kenya Airways, has suspended its flights to Dubai and Sharjah until further notice.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has also issued a travel and safety advisory to citizens living in or transiting through the Middle East
He urged Kenyan citizens in the Gulf to exercise extreme caution, avoid non-essential movement—especially near military facilities and crowded public spaces—and follow guidance from local security authorities.
