MENA brief Jun 15: Erdogan warns of ‘devastating war’, Gaza internet restored
Iran announced it will scale back cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressing deep dissatisfaction over what it...
Geostrategy
MENA Brief June 14: Iran-Israel War, Abu Dhabi Summit, Saudi Football Rise, & More
Tensions spiked as Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli air raids that killed senior Iranian military...
Geostrategy
Geostrategy
Transformative projects focus of new UAE cabinet
The government work 'will be led by major transformative projects and not just long-term strategic plans, says Sheikh Mohammed.
- The new strategy comes with the government's previous plan, UAE Vision 2021, through which the emirates has achieved all its goals in the past 10 years, Sheikh Mohammed said.
- Unlike previous 5-10 year cycles, the coming cycles of change will be flexible and six months to two years long, he added.
Business
Digital inclusion vital for economic growth: Experts at WEF discussion
DUBAI: An estimated 47 percent of people worldwide are offline, and the cost of available broadband exceeds affordability targets in...
- An estimated 47 percent of people worldwide are offline, and the cost of available broadband exceeds affordability targets in 50 percent of developed countries.
- The UAE’s information and communications technology spending is estimated to reach $23 billion by 2024.
Geostrategy
Iraqi Kurdistan conference pushes normalisation of Baghdad-Israel ties
The first initiative of its kind in Iraq, where Israel's sworn enemy Iran has a very strong influence, the conference...
- The CPC advocates for normalising relations between Israel and Arab countries, alongside establishing ties between civil society organisations
- Iraqi Kurdistan maintains cordial contacts with Israel, but the federal government in Baghdad does not have diplomatic ties with the Jewish state
Geostrategy
Abbas gives Israel ‘one year’ to quit Palestinian territory
Abbas called on Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to "convene an international peace conference."
- Abbas called on Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to "convene an international peace conference."
- Palestinians were ready "to work throughout the year" on solving the final status of the states of Israel and Palestine
Geostrategy
United States, European Union pull up Iran over nuclear deal delay
The US and EU have said at the UN that Iran’s new government has shown no indication it was ready...
- Iran’s new President, Ebrahim Raisi, has indicated he backed a return to compliance with the 2015 accord
- It could lift sweeping sanctions imposed by former US President Donald Trump when he withdrew the US from the deal
Geostrategy
Kuwait urges Iran to push for regional confidence-building
Iran’s moves could ultimately contribute to building regional relations based on mutual cooperation and respect.
- Kuwait said at the UNGA that Iran should Iran should work towards reducing tension in the Gulf region
- It urged Iran to also preserve safety, freedom, and security of maritime navigation
Economy
UN sees $400bn pledge for climate action
The United Nations has called for the world to redouble its renewable energy efforts to avert a climate emergency.
- Governments and the private sector pledged at a high-level summit to spend more than $400 billion on climate efforts
- The amount would also help bring electricity to more of the 760 million people around the world who currently lack it
Geostrategy
US approves $1bn for Iron Dome defense system
This came after the funding was controversially stripped from a separate bill following a revolt from the left flank of...
- The money had originally been included in legislation addressing a looming government shutdown and a potential October debt crisis
- But progressives in the House of Representatives said they would tank that unless the funding was removed from it
Geostrategy
Iran says ‘serious progress’ in talks with Saudi
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Khatibzadeh said the talks were "good"...
- Iran and Saudi Arabia have been engaged in talks since April with the aim of improving relations
- The discussions were launched under Iran's former moderate president Hassan Rouhani
Business
UAE, US strengthening business cooperation
Both countries signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation in areas of digital economy, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
- Minister of Economy Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri and Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi
- They met US Secretary of Commerce Gina M Raimondo, in the presence of officials from both countries
MENA brief Jun 15: Erdogan warns of ‘devastating war’, Gaza internet restored
Iran announced it will scale back cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressing deep dissatisfaction over what it...
Geostrategy
Company News
Afghan embassy in India suspends operations
Geostrategy
Latest News
Palestinians recount ‘torture’ in Israeli army custody
In recent weeks, the army has faced international criticism after viral footage of detainees stripped down to their underwear and...
Geostrategy
Moroccans protest against Gaza war, Israel ties
The protesters were called to the streets by a disparate group of organizations backing the Palestinian cause, including left-wingers and...
Geostrategy
Tunisia records low turnout in vote for new chamber
More than 260 prominent Tunisian figures had signed a petition against what they called a "useless" election, saying Saied's government...
Geostrategy

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Geostrategy
Saudi Arabia, UAE lead MENA’s smart city development
In 2023, the region advanced in smart city initiatives, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the transformation, with Frost...
- In 2023, the region advanced in smart city initiatives, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the transformation, with Frost & Sullivan projected $50bn investment by 2025.
- Saudi Arabia, leading with Riyadh, targets 17 cities for smart development, while the UAE's Masdar City, Oman's Sultan Haitham, and Qatar's Lusail City follow suit.
Geostrategy
FTA issues guide to determine natural persons subject to corporate tax
ABU DHABI, UAE - The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has issued a new guide outlining the criteria to determine natural...
- The guide provides a comprehensive and simplified explanation and instructions for natural persons earning in the UAE.
- The FTA emphasized the importance of understanding the comprehensive content and definitions outlined in the guide.
Geostrategy
Sheikh Hamdan approves $41m worth bonus for civilian employees of Dubai govt entities
DUBAI Â UAE - Â Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of...
- The bonuses will be granted to eligible civilian employees based on the criteria set by the DGHR.
- The Dubai Government remains committed to acknowledging excellence and holds in high regard those who make significant contributions

