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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

Workers take a break with the city skyline of Dubai seen in the background on March 11. Photo: AFP

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

29 May 2026 - 3:13PM

India

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

26 May 2026 - 5:55PMvideocam

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

A billboard in Tehran depicting the Strait of Hormuz reads 'Forever in Iran's Hand'. Photo: AFP

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

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

According to data from analytics company Cirium, the aviation industry managed disruptions through capacity changes made months in advance rather than opting for last-minute cancellations. Photo: Elson Li

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

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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli President Isaac Herzog (right) attend a memorial service in Meitar, Israel, in January. Photo: Reuters

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

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

US President Donald in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. Photo: EPA

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

Artificial intelligence

Armed with Nvidia chips, UAE aims to build an AI bridge to the Global South

With its Opec era over, the Gulf state has big post-war ambitions for Africa and beyond, bolstered by elite Nvidia chip deliveries.

18 May 2026 - 3:40PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Drone strike sparks fire on edge of UAE nuclear power plant complex

UAE investigates the source of drone attack, as Trump warns the ‘clock is ticking’ for Iran.

18 May 2026 - 3:02PM

The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in 2020. Photo: AFP

Singapore

Singapore AI Zoom scam: how a victim lost US$3.8 million to a fake PM Wong

Police have obtained footage of the video conference linked to the sophisticated scam impersonating Wong, President Tharman and other officials.

17 May 2026 - 3:47PMvideocam

Brics

Opinion | Brics is less a structure than a sentiment

Despite lacking geopolitical alignment, Brics captures a prevailing mood among emerging economies that won’t fade away any time soon.

15 May 2026 - 7:36AM

India

Iran’s ‘anti-American’ rhetoric tests India’s balancing act at Brics meeting

Foreign Minister Araghchi seeks the bloc’s backing against US pressure in New Delhi, but India likely to prioritise de-escalation and trade.

14 May 2026 - 1:22PMvideocam

India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar (right) shakes hands with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi during the Brics meeting in New Delhi on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

UAE denies Israel’s Netanyahu made secret visit during Iran war

Netanyahu’s office claims a ‘historic breakthrough’, but Abu Dhabi dismisses reports of any clandestine meeting.

14 May 2026 - 10:39AM

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during an event in Jerusalem in April. Photo: Reuters

US-China relations

US and China in ‘unprecedented’ cooperation against scam centres in Dubai

Nine fraud centres dismantled and 276 suspects arrested in joint operation between FBI, Chinese Ministry of Public Security and Dubai Police.

13 May 2026 - 3:00PMvideocam

Gold in Hong Kong

Record gold ETF inflows lift Hong Kong’s global trading hub bid

As investors hedge against global risks, Hong Kong’s gold ETF inflows reinforce its emergence as a key trading centre.

12 May 2026 - 8:00PM

Indonesia

Police raids reveal Indonesia as new hub for scam, gambling syndicates

Hundreds of foreigners have been arrested in Indonesia recently following crackdowns against crime groups in Cambodia and Myanmar.

12 May 2026 - 8:11PMvideocam

Foreign nationals suspected of running an online gambling operation at an office building in Jakarta await transport after being arrested in the Indonesian capital on Sunday. Photo: Reuters

South Korea

South Korea cautious on blaming Iran for ship strike ahead of US-China summit

Seoul has footage of the May 4 attack on the HMM Namu but analysts say it is biding its time, hoping ‘the dust will settle’.

12 May 2026 - 2:15PM

Damage to the South Korean cargo ship HMM Namu is seen this undated handout photograph released on Sunday. Photo: South Korea’s Foreign Ministry/AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

US tells banks to flag suspected Iranian money-laundering networks

Banks are asked to look out for oil labelled ‘Malaysian blend’ to disguise its Iranian origin and missing or falsified shipping documents.

12 May 2026 - 11:04AM

Diplomacy

Opinion | Just because Brics isn’t a coherent bloc doesn’t mean it’s impotent

The grouping has a future, not as a binding structure demanding policy alignment but as a tool for members to enhance leverage and maximise options.

12 May 2026 - 7:43AMvideocam

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United Arab Emirates (UAE)

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}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

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

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.

Armed with Nvidia chips, UAE aims to build an AI bridge to the Global South

With its Opec era over, the Gulf state has big post-war ambitions for Africa and beyond, bolstered by elite Nvidia chip deliveries.

Drone strike sparks fire on edge of UAE nuclear power plant complex

UAE investigates the source of drone attack, as Trump warns the ‘clock is ticking’ for Iran.

Singapore AI Zoom scam: how a victim lost US$3.8 million to a fake PM Wong

Police have obtained footage of the video conference linked to the sophisticated scam impersonating Wong, President Tharman and other officials.

Opinion | Brics is less a structure than a sentiment

Despite lacking geopolitical alignment, Brics captures a prevailing mood among emerging economies that won’t fade away any time soon.

Iran’s ‘anti-American’ rhetoric tests India’s balancing act at Brics meeting

Foreign Minister Araghchi seeks the bloc’s backing against US pressure in New Delhi, but India likely to prioritise de-escalation and trade.

UAE denies Israel’s Netanyahu made secret visit during Iran war

Netanyahu’s office claims a ‘historic breakthrough’, but Abu Dhabi dismisses reports of any clandestine meeting.

US and China in ‘unprecedented’ cooperation against scam centres in Dubai

Nine fraud centres dismantled and 276 suspects arrested in joint operation between FBI, Chinese Ministry of Public Security and Dubai Police.

Record gold ETF inflows lift Hong Kong’s global trading hub bid

As investors hedge against global risks, Hong Kong’s gold ETF inflows reinforce its emergence as a key trading centre.

Police raids reveal Indonesia as new hub for scam, gambling syndicates

Hundreds of foreigners have been arrested in Indonesia recently following crackdowns against crime groups in Cambodia and Myanmar.

South Korea cautious on blaming Iran for ship strike ahead of US-China summit

Seoul has footage of the May 4 attack on the HMM Namu but analysts say it is biding its time, hoping ‘the dust will settle’.

US tells banks to flag suspected Iranian money-laundering networks

Banks are asked to look out for oil labelled ‘Malaysian blend’ to disguise its Iranian origin and missing or falsified shipping documents.

Opinion | Just because Brics isn’t a coherent bloc doesn’t mean it’s impotent

The grouping has a future, not as a binding structure demanding policy alignment but as a tool for members to enhance leverage and maximise options.

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

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