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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

Demonstrators raise their hands as Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, delivers a speech in Munich, Germany, on Saturday. Photo: Reuters

Middle East

US-Iran talks to be held in Geneva next week, hosted by Oman

Trump has said a change of government in Iran would be the ‘best thing’, as he sends a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East.

3 hours ago

Middle East

UAE-Saudi rift over security threats push Arab mediators to act

14 Feb 2026 - 9:22PM

Middle East

‘Surpassing Hong Kong’: UAE challenges Singapore for the global trade crown

14 Feb 2026 - 2:00PM

Crime in Hong Kong

Hong Kong police arrest 2 over HK$300,000 watch theft on inbound flight

Suspects remain in custody after passenger reports watch missing from his backpack on flight from Abu Dhabi.

13 Feb 2026 - 2:26PM

The male passenger discovered a watch missing from his backpack in the overhead compartment on an inbound flight from Abu Dhabi. Photo: Getty Images

France

9 arrested over Louvre ticket fraud scheme involving Chinese tourists

The world-famous museum says it lost nearly US$12 million over the past decade as the result of tickets being reused for different visitors.

13 Feb 2026 - 12:37PM

Ukraine war

Russia launches missile, drone barrage at Ukraine as peace talks stall

Massive air assault targets energy systems and hits buildings in the capital and elsewhere, according to Ukrainian officials.

12 Feb 2026 - 8:29PM

Made in China 2025

Chinese healthcare firms expand overseas to support growing expat community

Privately owned Distinct Healthcare plans to open a clinic in Dubai, while TCM group Gushengtang eyes 50 centres in Southeast Asia.

11 Feb 2026 - 5:08PM

Distinct Healthcare raised HK$284.53 million from its initial public offering in Hong Kong last week. Photo: Handout

Yuan

China keen to realise ambitions for digital currency amid slow uptake

Despite record transactions last year, most users prefer alternatives – while Beijing likely to maintain gradual expansion, analysts say.

10 Feb 2026 - 4:08PM

Banking & finance

Will Hong Kong, Singapore capture Asia’s capital inflows? DBS CEO weighs in

The two financial hubs are best choices for global investors seeking to diversify their portfolios amid geopolitical risks, Tan Su Shan says.

9 Feb 2026 - 7:11AM

My Take

My Take | TikTok deal good for Chinese owners but terrible for users in the United States

The social media platform, now majority owned by Americans, will herald a new era of state control and corporate manipulation of US citizens.

8 Feb 2026 - 10:15PM

Russia

Russia says suspect in shooting of top general detained in Dubai

Moscow says Russian Lyubomir Korba was held in Dubai for a shooting, with two accomplices identified – one in Moscow, while one fled to Ukraine.

8 Feb 2026 - 6:31PM

Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev was hospitalised after being shot several times on Friday. Photo: Russian Defense Ministry Press Service/AP

India

Indian activist wins US$1 million prize for transforming slum schools through art

Rouble Nagi wins the 2026 Global Teacher Prize for opening 800 slum centres and using art to provide free education across India.

5 Feb 2026 - 6:50PM

Hong Kong property

Hong Kong property back as a top choice for foreign investors, study says

Commercial sector rebounds after missing top 10 a year ago, CBRE says, as Knight Frank research shows recovery in luxury residential deals.

5 Feb 2026 - 11:26AM

IPO

Morgan Stanley sees another record year for Hong Kong IPOs as pipeline hits 450

Mainland China’s issuers will still dominate city’s IPO market, executive says, but US and Southeast Asian companies are also joining in.

5 Feb 2026 - 7:35AM

Mainland China’s issuers will still dominate city’s IPO market, Morgan Stanley executive says. Photo: Reuters

Ukraine war

Ukraine and Russia wrap ‘productive’ first day of US-backed peace talks

The negotiations in Abu Dhabi focused on Moscow’s territorial demands and the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

5 Feb 2026 - 4:18AM

Flames are seen at an apartment building following a Russian air attack in Kyiv early on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

Iran

US-Iran nuclear talks set for Oman amid rising Middle East tensions

Planned talks moving from Turkey after a US jet downs an Iranian drone, though the role of regional Arab allies remains in limbo.

4 Feb 2026 - 10:11PM

Ukraine war

Ukraine left freezing as Russia bombs energy grid before peace talks

Largest barrage of the year hits Kyiv and Kharkiv, damaging power plants. Zelensky says Moscow chose terror over diplomacy as talks loom.

3 Feb 2026 - 6:02PM

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

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

China-Africa relations

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

Decision to repay loans and import costs directly to China in Chinese currency is practical rather than political, experts say.

1 Feb 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

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

Delegation promotes resort development – the UAE’s first casino project – to be operated under the brand of Hong Kong-listed Wynn Resorts.

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

Japanese women in Okinawa show off vegetables freshly picked from their garden. Photo: Getty Images

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

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

Yemeni separatists wave South Yemen and UAE flags during a protest against Saudi Arabia in Aden on December 30. Photo: EPA

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

A Ukrainian serviceman stands next to a truck equipped with a machine gun during an air raid alert in Kyiv on Saturday. Photo: AFP

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

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

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United Arab Emirates (UAE)

US-Iran talks to be held in Geneva next week, hosted by Oman

Trump has said a change of government in Iran would be the ‘best thing’, as he sends a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East.

UAE-Saudi rift over security threats push Arab mediators to act

‘Surpassing Hong Kong’: UAE challenges Singapore for the global trade crown

Hong Kong police arrest 2 over HK$300,000 watch theft on inbound flight

Suspects remain in custody after passenger reports watch missing from his backpack on flight from Abu Dhabi.

9 arrested over Louvre ticket fraud scheme involving Chinese tourists

The world-famous museum says it lost nearly US$12 million over the past decade as the result of tickets being reused for different visitors.

Russia launches missile, drone barrage at Ukraine as peace talks stall

Massive air assault targets energy systems and hits buildings in the capital and elsewhere, according to Ukrainian officials.

Chinese healthcare firms expand overseas to support growing expat community

Privately owned Distinct Healthcare plans to open a clinic in Dubai, while TCM group Gushengtang eyes 50 centres in Southeast Asia.

China keen to realise ambitions for digital currency amid slow uptake

Despite record transactions last year, most users prefer alternatives – while Beijing likely to maintain gradual expansion, analysts say.

Will Hong Kong, Singapore capture Asia’s capital inflows? DBS CEO weighs in

The two financial hubs are best choices for global investors seeking to diversify their portfolios amid geopolitical risks, Tan Su Shan says.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}My Take | TikTok deal good for Chinese owners but terrible for users in the United States

The social media platform, now majority owned by Americans, will herald a new era of state control and corporate manipulation of US citizens.

Russia says suspect in shooting of top general detained in Dubai

Moscow says Russian Lyubomir Korba was held in Dubai for a shooting, with two accomplices identified – one in Moscow, while one fled to Ukraine.

Indian activist wins US$1 million prize for transforming slum schools through art

Rouble Nagi wins the 2026 Global Teacher Prize for opening 800 slum centres and using art to provide free education across India.

Hong Kong property back as a top choice for foreign investors, study says

Commercial sector rebounds after missing top 10 a year ago, CBRE says, as Knight Frank research shows recovery in luxury residential deals.

Morgan Stanley sees another record year for Hong Kong IPOs as pipeline hits 450

Mainland China’s issuers will still dominate city’s IPO market, executive says, but US and Southeast Asian companies are also joining in.

Ukraine and Russia wrap ‘productive’ first day of US-backed peace talks

The negotiations in Abu Dhabi focused on Moscow’s territorial demands and the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

US-Iran nuclear talks set for Oman amid rising Middle East tensions

Planned talks moving from Turkey after a US jet downs an Iranian drone, though the role of regional Arab allies remains in limbo.

Ukraine left freezing as Russia bombs energy grid before peace talks

Largest barrage of the year hits Kyiv and Kharkiv, damaging power plants. Zelensky says Moscow chose terror over diplomacy as talks loom.

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

Decision to repay loans and import costs directly to China in Chinese currency is practical rather than political, experts say.

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

Delegation promotes resort development – the UAE’s first casino project – to be operated under the brand of Hong Kong-listed Wynn Resorts.

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’.

My Take | TikTok deal good for Chinese owners but terrible for users in the United States