Hamas names Sinwar new chief as region braces for Iran retaliation against Israel
Iran blames Haniyeh's death on Israel and has vowed to avenge him, while Hamas's Lebanese ally Hizbollah has also pledged...Geostrategy
Jordan FM meets Iran president as Middle East tensions soar
The political head of Palestinian group Hamas was killed early on Wednesday in Tehran, where he had attended the inauguration...Geostrategy
GCC must heed IMF take on emerging economies
The IMF's warning that developing nations are about to face what it called “economic turbulence” is bad news for the...GCC countries are depending on emerging nations to diversify their own economies
With those economies now under a cloud, the GCC nations should choose their next steps carefully
UAE-Israel free trade deal likely by March: Envoy
The two countries are on track to finish negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement by March or April, Israel's first...The success of relations with the UAE is pivotal to attract other countries to normalize ties with Israel, says Amir Hayek, Israel's first ambassador to the UAE
Trade between the two countries increased nearly tenfold during the first 11 months of 2021
UAE warns public against flouting Covid-19 measures, spreading rumors
The Federal Agency said that irresponsible behavior which derails UAE's anti-COVID steps will be punishable by law.The Federal Emergency Crisis and Disasters Prosecution says such actions are punishable under law.
The prosecution urged community members and social media users to act responsibly when sharing or circulating COVID-19-related news.
Dubai provides more safeguards for people with special needs or disabilities
Dubai has issued a law that seeks to include the people with special needs or disabilities---known as the people of...Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed issues new law that sets forth the rights of people with disabilities and the services that relevant entities should provide them.
The law also outlines the tasks and responsibilities of government entities in implementing the law.
European Union says last seven years warmest on record globally
The last seven years have been the hottest on record globally "by a clear margin", the European Union's climate monitoring...In its latest annual assessment, the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) confirmed that 2021 had joined the unbroken warm streak since 2015.
The annual average temperature was 1.1 to 1.2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, measured between 1850 and 1900, C3S said.
Iraq’s new parliament holds first session amid chaos
Sunday saw the swearing-in of 329 members of the unicameral parliament and the re-election of influential Sunni MP Mohammed al-Halbussi...Sadr who once led an anti-US militia is expected to have the key say in who will serve as the next prime minister
Iraq's post-election period has been marred by high tensions, violence, and allegations of vote fraud
Iran minister says nuclear talks nearing ‘good agreement’
"The initiatives of the Iranian side and the negotiations that have taken place have put us on the right track,"..."The initiatives of the Iranian side and the negotiations that have taken place have put us on the right track," Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said
Negotiations to restore the nuclear deal resumed in late November after they were suspended in June as Iran elected a new, ultraconservative government
Gulf ministers visit China amid energy fears
The officials from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, as well as secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)...The officials from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, as well as secretary general of the GCC Nayef bin Falah al-Hajrah, will be in China until Friday
Recent unrest in oil and gas-rich Kazakhstan has raised concerns in China, which has long invested heavily in its central Asian neighbour's energy industry
23 acts from Sydney Festival withdrawn over Israeli funding
A letter titled with 'Do Better on Palestine' called out the Sydney festival organizers to undo its partnership with the...At least 23 performers confirmed to have withdrawn from Sydney Festival over Israeli sponsorship of the event
Israel embassy in Australia made a $20,000 donation to support an Israeli choreographer
UAE, Norway discuss cooperation, eye better relations
The UAE and Norway have discussed cooperation in relations between the two countries, said local media reports. The UAE Minister...The two sides reviewed a number of issues related to the work program of the UN Security Council, which is chaired by the Kingdom of Norway this month.
The UAE Foreign Minister and the Norwegian counterpart also discussed the developments of the COVID-19 pandemic and the efforts to contain the virus.
