United Arab Emirates News in English

January 12, 2021

What next if the US labels Yemen rebels ‘terrorists’?

Washington plans to designate Yemen’s Iran-aligned Huthi rebels as “terrorists”, but experts warn outgoing President Donald Trump’s move could backfire — with Yemeni civilians bearing the consequences. The Huthis, who have held the capital Sanaa and much of the north…

January 11, 2021

Yemen’s grinding six-year war

Impoverished Yemen is mired in a devastating conflict between Iran-backed Huthi rebels and government forces backed by Saudi Arabia that has left tens of thousands dead. With outgoing US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo controversially saying Washington will designate the…

January 8, 2021

UAE to reopen borders to Qatar from Saturday

The UAE will reopen its borders to Qatar from Saturday, its official news agency said, making it the first of several boycotting countries to do so after a more than three-year blockade. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and…

January 7, 2021

Gulf states to restore links with Qatar within a week: UAE

The Gulf states will restore travel, trade and transport links with Qatar within a week, the UAE said Thursday, after a landmark deal to normalise ties ended a damaging rift. Saudi Arabia and its allies the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain…

January 5, 2021

World Bank tips fragile recovery for MENA in 2021

The World Bank on Tuesday predicted a moderate economic recovery for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in 2021, while highlighting the many challenges still posed by the coronavirus pandemic. The Washington-based institution said the pandemic had seen the…

January 5, 2021

Saudi crown prince embraces Qatar at summit to heal Gulf rift

Gulf leaders signed a “solidarity and stability” deal Tuesday after the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Qatar publicly embraced, bringing Doha back into the regional fold after a three-year rift. Saudi Arabia had led a coalition of countries in the…

December 31, 2020

Yemen’s new government: divisions and common ground

The newly-formed Yemeni government, which was targeted in a deadly attack just two weeks after its formation, faces towering political, security and economic challenges. Not least is Yemen’s ongoing conflict, which was once again highlighted Wednesday as explosions killed at…

December 30, 2020

Yemen’s grinding five-year war

Impoverished Yemen is mired in a devastating conflict between Iran-backed rebels and government forces that intensified after Saudi Arabia spearheaded a military intervention five years ago. Here is an overview, after a deadly explosion at Aden airport killed more than…

December 27, 2020

Dubai cuts 2021 budget as pandemic impacts economy

Dubai said Sunday it expects to cut its budget to $15.5 billion in 2021 after its economy was impacted by a plunge in tourism and other sectors amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. The emirate, one of the seven that make…