S'pore firms face supply, trade woes as Mid-East war spreads

Mr Manoj Daryanani moved to the Middle East after his business expanded into Dubai in 2024.

- Annabelle Liang

The founder of Singapore-based furniture retailer Bless Brothers said of the impact of the US and Israel's Feb 28 military strikes on Iran: "There have been port disruptions, delays in logistics and flight cancellations."

His company makes furniture with fabric from Belgium, which is flown to its factories in China and Malaysia. The finished products are then transported to stores in Singapore and Dubai.

Mr Manoj said he is not too worried about his supply chain as he has several logistical workarounds, including alternative freight routes within the Gulf.

He is focused on supporting his family and 10 person-strong team in Dubai - keeping up with developments and staying in constant communication.

Mr Manoj happened to be in Singapore for a business trip when Iran was struck.

"My wife and children are in Dubai. With flights suspended, I am unable to fly back in, and they are unable to travel out for now," he said.

"On a personal level, it has been challenging."

The escalating Middle East conflict could also set back the expansion plans of Aureus Group, which launched two music schools in Dubai in 2026.

It was working towards opening a third school in the emirate on March 6, but this will likely be delayed, the company's chief technology officer Julius Holmefjord-Sarabi said.

Drawing on lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, the firm has erred on the side of caution by proactively cancelling lessons to protect staff and students.

Despite this, Mr Holmefjord-Sarabi said Aureus remains committed to the United Arab Emirates.

He said: "We see this as a short-term timing issue rather than a deeper concern. The underlying opportunity in the UAE is still very compelling.