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United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The latest news, analysis and opinion on United Arab Emirates (UAE). In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Abu Dhabi

Head of State

President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Head of Government

Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

A bus that was hit by a Russian drone in Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine. Photo: Ukrainian Prosecutor’s Office via AP

Ukraine war

Russian drone strike on bus in Ukraine kills 12 miners as more peace talks loom

Ukraine’s first deputy PM condemns ‘targeted’ attack on energy workers as Zelensky says next trilateral peace talks to be February 4-5.

2 Feb 2026 - 9:53AM

China-Africa relations

How China’s plan to internationalise yuan has quietly taken a step forward

1 Feb 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

Ras Al Khaimah turns to Hong Kong to promote landmark UAE resort

30 Jan 2026 - 8:04PM

International Property

Ras Al Khaimah eyes Chinese, Hong Kong investors as UAE-China ties deepen

The emirate aims to more than double tourist arrivals by 2030 and is pitching opportunities in property, green and digital projects.

28 Jan 2026 - 6:06PM

Marjan CEO Abdulla Al Abdouli, RAK Properties CEO Sameh Muhtadi and Ras Al Khaimah ruler’s advisor Alma Au Yeung pose for pictures during a delegation visit in Hong Kong. Photo: Reuters

SCMP Highlights

Okinawa loses longevity crown, Malaysian athlete threatened: 7 Asia highlights

From longevity in Japan’s Okinawa to proxy wars in Middle East, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

27 Jan 2026 - 3:27PM

US-Iran tensions

US aircraft carrier arrives in the Middle East amid Iran tensions

US President Donald Trump has not ruled out a military intervention as the US ‘armada’ reaches the region.

27 Jan 2026 - 12:24PM

India

Why India’s focus on Middle East is on trade despite defence ties with UAE

A potential defence partnership agreement between India and the UAE has fuelled speculation of more rival blocs emerging in the region.

26 Jan 2026 - 8:28PMvideocam

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) welcoming Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, at New Delhi airport on January 19. Photo: EPA

Saudi Arabia

‘Anything can happen’: Saudi-UAE rift risks tearing Middle East apart

The Gulf neighbours have turned from friends to foes, fighting proxy wars across the region and forcing global powers to pick a side.

25 Jan 2026 - 4:00PM

Ukraine war

US-brokered Ukraine peace talks end with no deal, as Russian strikes continue

More talks are expected, however, with a US official saying ‘I don’t think we’re so far away’ from a Putin-Zelensky meeting.

25 Jan 2026 - 4:31AM

China's military weapons

Why Thailand, a US treaty ally, is stocking up on Chinese weapons

Bangkok’s recent purchases of Chinese military hardware include tanks, missiles and ships, while a submarine deal is back on track.

24 Jan 2026 - 6:00PM

The Royal Thai Army is expected to add around 20 new Chinese-made VN-1 armoured vehicles to its existing fleet of more than 100. Photo: X

Ukraine war

‘Cynical’: Russia hits Ukraine in huge strike as negotiators try to end war

Ukraine’s foreign minister says Putin’s missiles ‘hit not only our people, but also the negotiation table’.

24 Jan 2026 - 8:14PMvideocam

An illuminated street is seen during an air attack in central Kyiv on Saturday. Photo: AFP

US-China relations

Who are the owners of the new TikTok US entity?

Private equity firms, tech giants and existing ByteDance backers make up the investor group behind the newly created US venture.

24 Jan 2026 - 7:09AMvideocam

Ukraine war

Russia and Ukraine sit for tense talks on thorny territorial issue

The Abu Dhabi negotiations are the first trilateral meetings involving Ukrainian and Russian envoys and US mediators since the war began.

24 Jan 2026 - 6:02AM

Hong Kong transport

Air travellers are being urged to ditch power banks. Here’s why

Hong Kong tour operator says it has asked its clients to bring charging cables instead.

23 Jan 2026 - 8:43PM

Passengers will no longer be allowed to charge their electronic devices using portable batteries while flying with Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul. Photo: Yonhap News

Ukraine war

Putin meets US envoys for midnight talks as Ukraine hinges on key issue

US, Ukrainian and Russian negotiators to meet in UAE for security talks as territory remains a sticking point.

23 Jan 2026 - 8:08PM

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin with Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and Josh Gruenbaum. Photo: Sputnik via Reuters

South Korea

Dubai chewy cookie: K-pop post sparks viral South Korean snack frenzy

South Korea’s highly interconnected culture has fuelled a series of viral food crazes, the latest being a chocolate-loaded cookie known locally as ‘dujjonku’.

23 Jan 2026 - 2:59PMvideocam

Ukraine war

Trump sends message to Putin ‘war has to end’ after ‘good’ meeting with Zelensky

Trump’s comments come after crucial Davos talks with Ukraine’s leader, as peace efforts intensify amid fresh strikes and high-stakes diplomacy.

22 Jan 2026 - 11:03PM

Middle East

Yemen’s leaders meet in Saudi Arabia after defeat of UAE-backed group

Saudi Arabia accused the UAE of smuggling an opposing leader to Abu Dhabi through Somalia, after the Saudi-backed government charged him with treason.

18 Jan 2026 - 11:53PM

Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council member Abdulrahman al-Mahrami along with other members from Yemen stand for Yemen’s national anthem during the Southern Consultative Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday. Photo: Reuters

Israel-Gaza war

Israel objects to composition of Trump-led Gaza ‘board of peace’

PM Netanyahu says the unveiling of the board was not coordinated with Israel and contradicted his government’s policy.

18 Jan 2026 - 2:05AM

Brics

Testing the waters: is Brics evolving into a security alliance?

The first naval exercises under the ‘Brics plus’ banner saw Brazil, Egypt, China, Russia and South Africa take part. India did not.

17 Jan 2026 - 12:00PM

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong passport ranks 15th globally, rising 3 places in visa-free access index

Hongkongers improve in travel mobility, with visa-free access to 171 destinations, but still trail leader Singapore, as well as Japan and South Korea.

17 Jan 2026 - 1:31AM

Hongkongers hold the world’s 15th most powerful passport, according to this year’s Henley Passport Index, which measures visa-free access. Photo: Fung Chang

Pakistan

Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia plan defence deal to counter chaos in Middle East

Iran’s neighbours are worried that the US’ increasingly erratic behaviour may pose a risk to regional power balance and trade, analysts say.

16 Jan 2026 - 5:54PMvideocam

A protester waves the Iranian flag outside UN headquarters in New York during a Security Council meeting on Iran on Thursday. Photo: AFP

China trade

Opinion | From tea to TikTok: the middleman’s return is reshaping China trade

The old Canton system is re-emerging in a new guise as the likes of TikTok and Starbucks look to middlemen to navigate a divided global economy.

16 Jan 2026 - 9:30AMvideocam

Pakistan

Pakistan’s arms deals cleared for take-off as orders soar for JF-17 jets

The jets, co-produced with China, proved their worth during the India-Pakistan tensions, when they destroyed an S-400 air defence system.

16 Jan 2026 - 11:12AMvideocam

Banking & finance

Growth in sovereign investors’ China exposure slows amid political tensions

Inflows fall 58 per cent as sovereign wealth funds grow cautious, yet outlook signals selective opportunities ahead, experts say.

14 Jan 2026 - 7:30PM

Sovereign investment activity has become increasingly politicised, forcing some Western state-owned investors to avoid major deals in China, according to a data platform. Photo: EPA

Middle East

Trump urges on protesters in Iran as crackdown death toll surges

As Tehran accuses the US of inciting violence, Trump warns of ‘very strong action’ if Iran hangs protesters.

14 Jan 2026 - 3:12PMvideocam

Iranians attend an anti-government protest in Tehran, Iran on January. 9. Photo: AP

Hong Kong economy

Hundreds flock to Fortnum & Mason’s Hong Kong branch closing sale

Hongkongers rush to British department store’s Tsim Sha Tsui outlet in search of bargains, discounted luxury goods ahead of January 26 closure.

10 Jan 2026 - 6:33PM

Hong Kong economy

Fortnum & Mason’s Hong Kong branch to close on January 25, holds clearance sale

‘We would like to express our deepest thanks to you, our customers, for your custom over the years,’ Hong Kong branch says.

9 Jan 2026 - 5:53PM

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United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Russian drone strike on bus in Ukraine kills 12 miners as more peace talks loom

Ukraine’s first deputy PM condemns ‘targeted’ attack on energy workers as Zelensky says next trilateral peace talks to be February 4-5.

How China’s plan to internationalise yuan has quietly taken a step forward

Ras Al Khaimah turns to Hong Kong to promote landmark UAE resort

Ras Al Khaimah eyes Chinese, Hong Kong investors as UAE-China ties deepen

The emirate aims to more than double tourist arrivals by 2030 and is pitching opportunities in property, green and digital projects.

Okinawa loses longevity crown, Malaysian athlete threatened: 7 Asia highlights

From longevity in Japan’s Okinawa to proxy wars in Middle East, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

US aircraft carrier arrives in the Middle East amid Iran tensions

US President Donald Trump has not ruled out a military intervention as the US ‘armada’ reaches the region.

Why India’s focus on Middle East is on trade despite defence ties with UAE

A potential defence partnership agreement between India and the UAE has fuelled speculation of more rival blocs emerging in the region.

‘Anything can happen’: Saudi-UAE rift risks tearing Middle East apart

The Gulf neighbours have turned from friends to foes, fighting proxy wars across the region and forcing global powers to pick a side.

US-brokered Ukraine peace talks end with no deal, as Russian strikes continue

More talks are expected, however, with a US official saying ‘I don’t think we’re so far away’ from a Putin-Zelensky meeting.

Why Thailand, a US treaty ally, is stocking up on Chinese weapons

Bangkok’s recent purchases of Chinese military hardware include tanks, missiles and ships, while a submarine deal is back on track.

‘Cynical’: Russia hits Ukraine in huge strike as negotiators try to end war

Ukraine’s foreign minister says Putin’s missiles ‘hit not only our people, but also the negotiation table’.

Who are the owners of the new TikTok US entity?

Private equity firms, tech giants and existing ByteDance backers make up the investor group behind the newly created US venture.

Russia and Ukraine sit for tense talks on thorny territorial issue

The Abu Dhabi negotiations are the first trilateral meetings involving Ukrainian and Russian envoys and US mediators since the war began.

Air travellers are being urged to ditch power banks. Here’s why

Hong Kong tour operator says it has asked its clients to bring charging cables instead.

Putin meets US envoys for midnight talks as Ukraine hinges on key issue

US, Ukrainian and Russian negotiators to meet in UAE for security talks as territory remains a sticking point.

Dubai chewy cookie: K-pop post sparks viral South Korean snack frenzy

South Korea’s highly interconnected culture has fuelled a series of viral food crazes, the latest being a chocolate-loaded cookie known locally as ‘dujjonku’.

Trump sends message to Putin ‘war has to end’ after ‘good’ meeting with Zelensky

Trump’s comments come after crucial Davos talks with Ukraine’s leader, as peace efforts intensify amid fresh strikes and high-stakes diplomacy.

Yemen’s leaders meet in Saudi Arabia after defeat of UAE-backed group

Saudi Arabia accused the UAE of smuggling an opposing leader to Abu Dhabi through Somalia, after the Saudi-backed government charged him with treason.

Israel objects to composition of Trump-led Gaza ‘board of peace’

PM Netanyahu says the unveiling of the board was not coordinated with Israel and contradicted his government’s policy.

Testing the waters: is Brics evolving into a security alliance?

The first naval exercises under the ‘Brics plus’ banner saw Brazil, Egypt, China, Russia and South Africa take part. India did not.

Hong Kong passport ranks 15th globally, rising 3 places in visa-free access index

Hongkongers improve in travel mobility, with visa-free access to 171 destinations, but still trail leader Singapore, as well as Japan and South Korea.

Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia plan defence deal to counter chaos in Middle East

Iran’s neighbours are worried that the US’ increasingly erratic behaviour may pose a risk to regional power balance and trade, analysts say.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | From tea to TikTok: the middleman’s return is reshaping China trade

The old Canton system is re-emerging in a new guise as the likes of TikTok and Starbucks look to middlemen to navigate a divided global economy.

Pakistan’s arms deals cleared for take-off as orders soar for JF-17 jets

The jets, co-produced with China, proved their worth during the India-Pakistan tensions, when they destroyed an S-400 air defence system.

Growth in sovereign investors’ China exposure slows amid political tensions

Inflows fall 58 per cent as sovereign wealth funds grow cautious, yet outlook signals selective opportunities ahead, experts say.

Trump urges on protesters in Iran as crackdown death toll surges

As Tehran accuses the US of inciting violence, Trump warns of ‘very strong action’ if Iran hangs protesters.

Hundreds flock to Fortnum & Mason’s Hong Kong branch closing sale

Hongkongers rush to British department store’s Tsim Sha Tsui outlet in search of bargains, discounted luxury goods ahead of January 26 closure.

Fortnum & Mason’s Hong Kong branch to close on January 25, holds clearance sale

‘We would like to express our deepest thanks to you, our customers, for your custom over the years,’ Hong Kong branch says.

Opinion | From tea to TikTok: the middleman’s return is reshaping China trade