UAE

Exiled to Moscow, Assad is making a quiet return to ophthalmology for the elite - report

“Putin has little patience for leaders who lose their grip on power, and Assad is no longer seen as a figure of influence,” a source said.

President Bashar al-Assad of Syria
 Logo of Israeli defence electronics firm Elbit Systems is seen at their offices in Haifa.

United Arab Emirates named as Elbit's mystery $2.3 billion customer - report

HOUTHI TERRORISTS carry weapons as they stand near the site of Israeli airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, in September.

Houthis begin mobilization for offensive in southern Yemen - report

HAPOEL TEL AVIV forward Dan Oturu rises for a dunk for two of his 18 points in the Reds’ 84-78 Euroleague home victory over Red Star Belgrade.

Hapoel Tel Aviv wins first Euroleague home game, Mac TA survives Dubai, Jerusalem prevails


Israel joins Pax Silica Initiative, US-led coalition aimed at fortifying global AI industry

The director of Israel’s National Economic Council, Avi Simhon, called Israel’s participation in Pax Silica “a badge of honor for the State of Israel and the Israeli high-tech industry.”

International representatives at the US-Led Pax Silica Summit.

UAE-backed forces seize South Yemen oil belt, reshaping war and Gulf power balance - analysis

The STC’s growing power in southern Yemen, while unlikely to mitigate Houthi terrorism, could gift Israel a key ally in the region, particularly if an independent south joins the Abraham Accords.

The South Yemen flag flies as soldiers from the Southern Transitional Council stand guard outside the compound of the Presidential Palace in Aden, Yemen, December 9, 2025.

Doha Forum draws world leaders, but Gaza war puts negative spotlight on Qatar - analysis

This year, the Forum featured several key speakers, including Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Shara’a, who has already stolen the show at other international forums, such as the UN.

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) presents the Doha Forum Award to Alex Thier (L) and Saad Mohseni, honouring their contributions to supporting children's education in Palestine and Afghanistan, in partnership with the Education Above All Foundation, December 7, 2025

UAE celebrates its 54th anniversary as it presses for ceasefire progress, Gaza plan - analysis

UEA's 54th anniversary celebration since the union's creation was focused on the nation's role in improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza and on demands for the ceasefire plan.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE National Security Adviser, arrive at Doha International Airport, in Doha, Qatar, September 10, 2025

Abrahamic programs promote coexistence, from US university campuses to the Middle East - analysis

The Abraham Accords have been tested over the past two years but remain intact, and there are signs they are growing.

US President Donald Trump’s meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia in the White House last month further reinforced the success of the Abraham Accords.

UAE rulers order release of thousands of inmates ahead of union day 

UAE leaders have ordered the release of thousands of inmates ahead of Union Day, with multiple emirates issuing coordinated pardons for prisoners who met conduct and time-served criteria.

A policeman enters Dubai's Al-Awir central prison in the United Arab Emirates, on May 21, 2020

UAE cargo plane lands at Ben-Gurion Airport carrying US military trucks - KAN

The plane with the trucks and military equipment later returned to the UAE after a short stopover in Georgia, the report added.

An Antonov 124-100 Ruslan with ramp down; note the forward-tilted fuselage and retracted front landing gear, facilitating cargo loading; illustrative.

Iran's IRGC smuggled over $1 billion to Hezbollah through Dubai since January, US says - WSJ

In addition to Dubai, the US is reportedly worried that funds are being smuggled to Hezbollah through Turkey and Iraq.

Mourners wave Hezbollah flags during the funeral of top Hezbollah chief Haytham Ali Tabatabai and other members killed in an Israeli strike in Beirut's southern suburbs on November 24, 2025.

Gulf States chase ‘sovereign AI’ while still plugged into American hardware

“AI is a state of sovereignty,” UAE Economy Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said. “You spend budgets on defense, on cyber, you have to spend on AI."

AI ilustrative image.

US presented plan to end Sudan war but warring parties have not accepted, Trump adviser says

The comments came from Massad Boulos, the US president's adviser for African and Arab Affairs, at a media briefing in Abu Dhabi.

US President Donald Trump's senior adviser for Africa and the Middle East, Massad Boulos, speaks to Reuters after the signing ceremony of a declaration of principles to end fighting in eastern Congo between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group, in Doha, Qatar, July 19, 2025.

US's Muslim Brotherhood ban could cripple global Islamist networks, says expert - interview

"If you ban the ideology, it's like suffocating, it's like cutting oxygen from all the factions that are aligning with this ideology or working within the ecosystem," said Dalia Ziada

Abdul Hamid Thunaibat of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan, speaks as he addresses people gathered to pay condolences after the killing of Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri, at the headquarters of Jordan's Islamic Action Front, in Amman, Jordan January 3, 2024