The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, November 2, 2026, strongly condemned the attack on Al Mayeda, a liquefied natural gas carrier owned by Qatar’s Nakilat, describing it as a serious threat to maritime security and global energy supplies. The vessel was struck by unidentified objects on the evening of Friday, October 30, while sailing through Gulf waters. The owner said no crew members were injured and no environmental pollution was caused. Bloomberg also reported that Iran had approved the vessel’s passage through the Strait of Hormuz just hours before the attack.

According to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, the ministry said the attack on Al Mayeda posed a serious threat to maritime safety and global energy supplies and could have severe environmental consequences. It described such attacks as a dangerous escalation aimed at undermining the security and stability of vital waterways.

Expressing solidarity with Qatar, the UAE stressed the need to respect international law, ensure the safety of commercial and energy-carrying vessels, and protect the lives of their crews. It also called for measures to prevent threats to maritime security and global energy supplies.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported on Sunday, November 1, citing informed sources, that Iranian authorities had approved Al Mayeda’s passage through the Strait of Hormuz only hours before the attack. The vessel was carrying a cargo of Qatari liquefied natural gas to Pakistan but was forced to change course following the incident.

According to Bloomberg, Pakistan had held talks with Iranian officials before the vessel’s departure to secure its safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and had received Tehran’s approval. Sources familiar with the negotiations, who asked not to be identified, said the transit authorisation was issued only hours before the attack. However, details of how the approval was granted and any conditions attached to it have not been disclosed.

According to vessel-tracking data cited by Bloomberg, Al Mayeda changed course after the attack and returned to waters inside the Gulf. It remains unclear when the vessel will be able to deliver its gas cargo to Pakistan. Iranian and Pakistani officials have not formally confirmed the transit permit mentioned in Bloomberg’s report.

Qatar-based shipping company Nakilat confirmed in an official statement that Al Mayeda was struck by unidentified objects while sailing in the Gulf on the evening of Friday, October 30. The company said no crew members were injured and the incident caused no environmental damage.

Nakilat also said the vessel remained safe and operational, while an assessment of the incident’s potential impact was continuing. The company said it was in direct contact with regional maritime security authorities to protect the crew and monitor the vessel’s condition.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack on Sunday, November 1, saying the relevant authorities had launched an investigation to establish the circumstances of the incident and identify those responsible. Doha also said it reserved the right to take all necessary measures under international law and the United Nations Charter to protect its assets, vessels and crews.

Qatar also warned that attacks on energy-carrying vessels could threaten regional security and stability, the global economy, the marine environment and the security of water resources in countries across the region.

The attack comes amid a rise in security incidents involving commercial and energy-carrying vessels in regional waters and the Strait of Hormuz, heightening concerns over the safety of maritime routes and energy transportation.