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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

In the winter of 2025, Lilian Liu, at Middle East-focused tour operator UFOX Travel, hosted a group of more than 40 students from a private high school in Abu Dhabi. Photo: UFOX Travel

China-Middle East relations

Why China is attracting wealthy Gulf families in search of opportunity

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26 minutes agovideocam

Donald Trump

Trump to discuss Strait of Hormuz demining efforts at G7

14 Jun 2026 - 12:48AM

US, Israel war on Iran

India summons US diplomat again in rare display of anger over sailors’ killings

12 Jun 2026 - 10:58PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

In latest about-face, Trump calls off ‘very hard’ attack on Iran

After warning of imminent military action, US president says an agreement may be days away in a repeat of claims made in recent weeks.

12 Jun 2026 - 9:13AM

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly predicted a breakthrough with Tehran, even as fighting persisted and negotiations faltered. Photo: Reuters

Hong Kong economy

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9 Jun 2026 - 4:08AM

US, Israel war on Iran

How Iran war allows residents to indulge in opulence at Dubai’s luxury hotels

The lavish hotels, once exclusive to rich visitors, now attract locals with enticing staycation offers amid a tourism slump.

7 Jun 2026 - 11:49AMvideocam

China-Russia relations

Do China-Russia trade payment frictions show limits of de-dollarisation?

The threat of US sanctions is slowing cross-border payments as Chinese banks tighten compliance checks and route transactions through intermediaries.

5 Jun 2026 - 9:15PM

An employee counts Chinese 100 yuan banknotes at a branch of China Merchants Bank in Hefei, Anhui province. Photo: Reuters

Banking & finance

China sees revival of foreign investors through IPOs, convertibles: UBS

The trend is part of a broader recovery of interest in Chinese assets from investors overseas.

5 Jun 2026 - 6:00PMvideocam

Hong Kong courts

Editorial | New international commercial court will boost Hong Kong as a legal hub

Such tribunals are rapidly growing around the world. Hong Kong cannot afford to be left behind.

5 Jun 2026 - 7:15AM

Banking & finance

Macau taps into Project mBridge digital currency platform

Project mBridge is seen as part of Beijing’s push to establish alternatives to traditional, US-dollar-centric payment networks.

2 Jun 2026 - 6:08PM

A visitor arrives at the Beyond Expo technology exhibition in Macau on Friday. Photo: AFP

China trade

‘Unsustainable’: firms face huge spike in shipping costs amid Hormuz crisis

Shipping lines say they have no choice but to pass on steep cost rises, as the Iran war sparks a fuel crisis that could last well into next year.

1 Jun 2026 - 4:30PMvideocam

A container ship is moved into position at a port in China’s eastern Shandong province. Photo: AFP

India

India seals BrahMos missile deal with Vietnam, eyes Indonesia next

A senior Indian defence ministry official made the announcement at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore.

31 May 2026 - 10:51AM

Middle East

Outside In | How Trump’s war on Iran is jeopardising Asia’s remittance lifeline

In Gulf economies, lost migrant jobs and remittances risk plunging millions across Asia into crisis.

29 May 2026 - 4:30PM

Islamic State

Man jailed for 15 years over foiled Taylor Swift concert attack plot in Austria

Austrian court convicts 21-year-old over planned 2024 bombing that forced the cancellation of concerts.

29 May 2026 - 3:13PM

‘Beran A’ being escorted by security personnel for his trial. Photo: Reuters

India

As Marco Rubio visits New Delhi, what could it mean for US-India ties?

The US secretary of state’s trip aims to mend bilateral relationship, focusing on trade, defence and Quad unity.

26 May 2026 - 5:55PMvideocam

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (left) and India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar during their meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

US hits Iran with fresh strikes amid negotiations to end war

Marco Rubio insists a deal with Iran remains within reach after the US military claimed its attacks were in ‘self-defence’.

26 May 2026 - 9:34PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump now ties Iran deal to major expansion of Abraham Accords

US president suggests Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and other regional powers normalise ties with Israel to secure peace.

26 May 2026 - 8:42AM

Pakistan

UAE deports Pakistani Shiites: jobs lost and savings frozen amid Iran war

Over one hundred deported Pakistanis said they were unable to retrieve their luggage or savings before being placed ‌on deportation flights.

25 May 2026 - 4:39PM

A Pakistani Shi’ite Muslim man, who was working as a building security officer in the UAE, speaks with reporters in his village after being deported along with many others following the US-Israeli war against Iran, in Chakwal, Pakistan on May 5. Photo: Reuters

Hong Kong transport

Exclusive | Hong Kong airport set for volume shift after flights rejigged amid fuel crisis

Some airlines say they will operate all scheduled flights beyond June after initial consolidation efforts to offset higher jet fuel prices.

25 May 2026 - 1:41PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Israel thrusts a reluctant UAE into the open over defence ties

Disclosures about Iron Dome batteries and secret meetings have exposed ties analysts say the UAE would rather handle ‘more discreetly’.

23 May 2026 - 1:00PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

US voices hope for Iran deal as Pakistan mediator seeks breakthrough

With Trump warning of renewed strikes, Pakistan’s army chief is expected in Tehran for ‘talks and consultations’.

22 May 2026 - 2:54PMvideocam

Pedestrians in downtown Tehran walk past a mural depicting a US aircraft carrier under missile attack. Photo: AP

China-Middle East relations

China breaks ground on Gulf aviation megaproject in shadow of Iran war

A state-owned firm has launched work on a massive aviation complex, signalling continued confidence amid regional conflict.

21 May 2026 - 7:00PM

China Railway Construction Corporation chairman Dai Hegen (third from right) and Emirates Airline and Group chairman and chief executive Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum (fourth from right) attend the groundbreaking ceremony for a major aviation complex in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Monday. Photo: Xinhua

South Korea

What Lee’s Netanyahu ‘war criminal’ remark means for South Korea’s diplomacy

The president criticised Israel for ‘going too far’ in detaining two South Koreans who were at sea trying to send aid to Gaza.

21 May 2026 - 5:18PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Aluminium supply crunch threatens Asia’s clean energy push amid Iran war

Key Gulf plants have been hit by Iranian missiles, causing a drop in output of the metal used in making solar panels and wind turbines.

20 May 2026 - 8:00AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Vance says Iran talks making ‘good progress’, but US forces ‘locked and loaded’

Vice-President J.D. Vance said US and Iran are working together positively; however, military campaign will restart if negotiations collapse.

20 May 2026 - 7:28AMvideocam

US Vice-President J.D. Vance speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

United States

US imposes fresh sanctions on Iranian exchange house, 19 ships from shadow fleet

The Treasury’s move came after Iran ‌said its latest peace proposal to the US involved ending hostilities on all fronts.

19 May 2026 - 11:37PM

US Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent poses for a family photograph of G7 finance ministers and central bank governors ahead of a meeting on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump calls off new Iran attack at request of Gulf states

US president signals possible Iran breakthrough as ‘serious negotiations’ continue to end conflict.

19 May 2026 - 6:14AMvideocam

India

India links up with UAE, Europe on Modi’s grand tour

Seizing on the UAE’s Opec exit and a new EU trade pact, India’s PM looks to lock-in long-term energy supply and economic dividends.

18 May 2026 - 6:21PM

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United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Why China is attracting wealthy Gulf families in search of opportunity

Growing interest in China’s tech sector is reshaping Gulf travel to the world’s second-largest economy.

Trump to discuss Strait of Hormuz demining efforts at G7

India summons US diplomat again in rare display of anger over sailors’ killings

In latest about-face, Trump calls off ‘very hard’ attack on Iran

After warning of imminent military action, US president says an agreement may be days away in a repeat of claims made in recent weeks.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Why Hong Kong and Kazakhstan are drawing closer

As Kazakhstan seeks to diversify its financial partnerships and deepen engagement with China, Hong Kong’s offerings stand out.

How Iran war allows residents to indulge in opulence at Dubai’s luxury hotels

The lavish hotels, once exclusive to rich visitors, now attract locals with enticing staycation offers amid a tourism slump.

Do China-Russia trade payment frictions show limits of de-dollarisation?

The threat of US sanctions is slowing cross-border payments as Chinese banks tighten compliance checks and route transactions through intermediaries.

China sees revival of foreign investors through IPOs, convertibles: UBS

The trend is part of a broader recovery of interest in Chinese assets from investors overseas.

Editorial | New international commercial court will boost Hong Kong as a legal hub

Such tribunals are rapidly growing around the world. Hong Kong cannot afford to be left behind.

Macau taps into Project mBridge digital currency platform

Project mBridge is seen as part of Beijing’s push to establish alternatives to traditional, US-dollar-centric payment networks.

‘Unsustainable’: firms face huge spike in shipping costs amid Hormuz crisis

Shipping lines say they have no choice but to pass on steep cost rises, as the Iran war sparks a fuel crisis that could last well into next year.

India seals BrahMos missile deal with Vietnam, eyes Indonesia next

A senior Indian defence ministry official made the announcement at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore.

Outside In | How Trump’s war on Iran is jeopardising Asia’s remittance lifeline

In Gulf economies, lost migrant jobs and remittances risk plunging millions across Asia into crisis.

Man jailed for 15 years over foiled Taylor Swift concert attack plot in Austria

Austrian court convicts 21-year-old over planned 2024 bombing that forced the cancellation of concerts.

As Marco Rubio visits New Delhi, what could it mean for US-India ties?

The US secretary of state’s trip aims to mend bilateral relationship, focusing on trade, defence and Quad unity.

US hits Iran with fresh strikes amid negotiations to end war

Marco Rubio insists a deal with Iran remains within reach after the US military claimed its attacks were in ‘self-defence’.

Trump now ties Iran deal to major expansion of Abraham Accords

US president suggests Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and other regional powers normalise ties with Israel to secure peace.

UAE deports Pakistani Shiites: jobs lost and savings frozen amid Iran war

Over one hundred deported Pakistanis said they were unable to retrieve their luggage or savings before being placed ‌on deportation flights.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | Hong Kong airport set for volume shift after flights rejigged amid fuel crisis

Some airlines say they will operate all scheduled flights beyond June after initial consolidation efforts to offset higher jet fuel prices.

Israel thrusts a reluctant UAE into the open over defence ties

Disclosures about Iron Dome batteries and secret meetings have exposed ties analysts say the UAE would rather handle ‘more discreetly’.

US voices hope for Iran deal as Pakistan mediator seeks breakthrough

With Trump warning of renewed strikes, Pakistan’s army chief is expected in Tehran for ‘talks and consultations’.

China breaks ground on Gulf aviation megaproject in shadow of Iran war

A state-owned firm has launched work on a massive aviation complex, signalling continued confidence amid regional conflict.

What Lee’s Netanyahu ‘war criminal’ remark means for South Korea’s diplomacy

The president criticised Israel for ‘going too far’ in detaining two South Koreans who were at sea trying to send aid to Gaza.

Aluminium supply crunch threatens Asia’s clean energy push amid Iran war

Key Gulf plants have been hit by Iranian missiles, causing a drop in output of the metal used in making solar panels and wind turbines.

Vance says Iran talks making ‘good progress’, but US forces ‘locked and loaded’

Vice-President J.D. Vance said US and Iran are working together positively; however, military campaign will restart if negotiations collapse.

US imposes fresh sanctions on Iranian exchange house, 19 ships from shadow fleet

The Treasury’s move came after Iran ‌said its latest peace proposal to the US involved ending hostilities on all fronts.

Trump calls off new Iran attack at request of Gulf states

US president signals possible Iran breakthrough as ‘serious negotiations’ continue to end conflict.

India links up with UAE, Europe on Modi’s grand tour

Seizing on the UAE’s Opec exit and a new EU trade pact, India’s PM looks to lock-in long-term energy supply and economic dividends.

Opinion | Why Hong Kong and Kazakhstan are drawing closer

Exclusive | Hong Kong airport set for volume shift after flights rejigged amid fuel crisis