Visa-Free Schengen Travel for Saudis Draws Closer Ahead of EU-GCC Summit in Riyadh
The GCC's secretary-general says a decision to begin waiving Schengen visas for Saudi, Qatari, Omani, Bahraini and Kuwaiti citizens is "very close" and could be announced at the EU-GCC summit in Riyadh on Oct. 24. A free trade agreement is not expected to be settled at the same meeting. The UAE is currently the only Gulf state with visa-free short stays in the Schengen Area.
Iran Says Hormuz Will Stay "Closed" Until the US Meets Seven Conditions — What It Means for the UAE
Iran's parliament speaker says the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Washington meets seven conditions tied to a collapsed June agreement. Shipping data suggests traffic is still moving, but at reduced levels and under heavy risk, with consequences for UAE trade, fuel and travel.
US and Iran Hold Quiet Talks in New York as Hormuz Deadlock Persists
Washington and Tehran are quietly engaging in New York in an effort to end seven months of conflict, sources say, but no breakthrough has emerged. The Strait of Hormuz and Iran's enriched uranium stockpile remain the main obstacles.
UAE Condemns Houthi Attempt to Target Makkah with Drone, Reaffirms Solidarity with Saudi Arabia
The UAE has strongly condemned an attempted Houthi drone attack targeting Makkah al-Mukarramah in Saudi Arabia, calling it a flagrant violation of Saudi sovereignty and a threat to regional security. The statement, issued by the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, follows a separate wave of Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian areas earlier the same week and reflects deepening regional concern over esc
UAE Formally Joins Pacific Islands Forum as Strategic Partner, Opening New Trade and Climate Ties
The UAE has been formally recognised as a Strategic Partner of the Pacific Islands Forum, joining twelve other major global powers including the US, China and the EU. The status, confirmed at the Forum's Leaders' Meeting in Palau, is expected to open new opportunities for trade, investment and cooperation on climate resilience with Pacific Island nations.
UAE Aviation Holds Steady but Stays on Alert as US-Iran Tensions and Hormuz Tanker Strike Rattle the Region
Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports continued operating largely without major disruption on Tuesday even as the US-Iran conflict remained volatile, with renewed Iranian warnings and a reported strike on a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. UAE officials and airlines are urging residents to stay alert and rely on verified sources rather than social media as shipping through Hormuz remains far from normal.
UAE's Gargash Calls for "New Mindset" and Direct Arab-Iran Dialogue as UN Week Opens
Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, says Arab states should hold their own talks with Iran rather than leaving regional strategy to Tehran and Washington. His remarks come as Trump prepares to meet Gulf officials in New York and oil prices ease on hopes of diplomacy.
Dubai Declares 10 Days of Mourning After Death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Dubai has announced ten days of mourning after the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aged 76, the youngest brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. UAE leaders have paid tribute to a figure whose work spanned public service, football and horse racing.