What US companies are telling their Middle East-based employees during the war in Iran
Business Insider
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has led major US companies operating in the Middle East to prioritize employee safety. Following retaliatory Iranian missile strikes on Gulf nations, including Dubai, several global corporations have instructed their employees in the region to work from home. Companies like JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and Citigroup have implemented these measures while maintaining business continuity for their clients. The situation has also impacted infrastructure, with Amazon Web Services reporting connectivity issues due to missile fallout.
Goldman Sachs and Citigroup have emphasized employee safety as a top priority, urging staff across the Middle East to follow local guidelines and remain vigilant. JPMorgan has similarly advised remote work in affected areas, while FedEx has focused on minimizing disruption to its logistics operations. The company’s central hub in Dubai World Central Airport remains operational, but it is closely monitoring the situation.
Airbnb, with a smaller presence in the region, has ensured the safety of its few employees and extended flexibility to hosts and guests in conflict zones through its major disruptive events policy. BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, has also prioritized client and employee safety, aligning with its long-standing presence in the Middle East since 2009.
These actions highlight the importance of contingency planning for global businesses operating in volatile regions. The Middle East’s growing status as a business hub attracts professionals drawn to its lifestyle, tax benefits, and opportunities. However, the recent escalation underscores the challenges companies face in balancing growth with risk management during geopolitical tensions.
For readers interested in business, this situation demonstrates how global corporations adapt to sudden crises, emphasizing safety, resilience, and continuity. The Middle East’s strategic importance as a hub for finance, logistics, and tech remains significant, but companies must remain agile to navigate
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Originally published on Business Insider on 3/2/2026