UAE Joins Regional Diplomacy Push as Iran Contacts Gulf Capitals
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed discussed de-escalation with Iran's Abbas Araghchi, as Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Egypt held their own contacts. No public agreement has emerged, and fighting and threats continue in parallel.
Sailor Killed in Gulf Tanker Blast as Trump Weighs Fresh Iran Strikes
A crew member died after a suspected missile hit the oil products tanker MT Velos Sapphire in the Arabian Gulf, its operator confirmed on Friday. The incident comes as Washington decides whether to expand military action against Iran, while shipping attacks near the Strait of Hormuz continue to mount.
ADNOC Gas and EtihadWE Sign Pact to Explore Gas Supply for Northern Emirates Power Plants
ADNOC Gas and Etihad Water and Electricity have signed an agreement to explore natural gas supply for new power generation capacity in the Northern Emirates. The deal, announced in Abu Dhabi on 4 November, opens a new domestic market for ADNOC Gas and supports the UAE's push for energy security.
Abu Dhabi to Host Russia-Ukraine-US Peace Talks on 10–11 November
The US says it will bring Russian and Ukrainian delegations to Abu Dhabi on 10–11 November to discuss ending the war, post-war security and humanitarian measures. The new round comes after earlier trilateral meetings in the UAE capital, though the two sides remain far apart.
Oil Prices Ease on Iran Talks Hope as the UAE Stays on Alert
Brent crude has slipped to around $103 a barrel as Qatar-mediated contacts raise hopes of a US-Iran deal, but no agreement exists and the UAE says it is braced for the worst. Shipping through Hormuz remains thin, some airlines are still suspending Gulf routes, and UAE fuel prices fell for November.
Oil Retreats on Hormuz Peace Hopes, Then Wobbles After Reported US Strike on Qeshm Island
Brent crude fell more than seven per cent as Qatar-mediated talks raised hopes of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, before edging higher on a report of a US strike on Iran's Qeshm Island. The UAE says it is backing diplomacy while staying prepared.
Saudi Arabia Intercepts Missiles as Hormuz Tanker Catches Fire and Brent Holds Near $115
Saudi air defences intercepted two Houthi ballistic missiles fired towards Riyadh, while Iran said an oil tanker caught fire after hitting mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude stood at $114.66 a barrel as regional diplomacy continued and Israel recorded its highest election turnout at that point of the day since 1973.
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.