UAE

Middle East nations cautious as US military presence grows near Iran - analysis

US moves Air Force and naval assets to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran, while regional allies remain largely silent and take a cautious, wait-and-see approach.

The world's largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford seen in the North Sea during NATO Neptune Strike 2025 exercise on September 24, 2025 in the North Sea.
 A boat approaches the St Kitt's and Nevis-flagged container ship Marsa Victory while crusing in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Khasab in Oman's northern Musandam peninsula on June 25, 2025.

Iran temporarily closes Strait of Hormuz due to 'security precautions,' shipping safety

Sen. Lindsey Graham, Member of the US Senate, speaks to the people during the demonstration for human rights in Iran at Theresienwiese during the 62nd Munich Security Conference on February 14, 2026 in Munich, Germany.

'I'm tired of this c***': Lindsey Graham attacks Gulf leaders, compares Iran's Khamenei to Hitler

Residents wave Somali flags as they attend a rally denouncing Israel’s recognition of the breakaway Somaliland region, during a gathering calling for Somalia’s territorial unity, in Mogadishu, Dec. 30.

Egypt boosts commitment to Somalia’s stability with new military deployment - analysis


Yemen's Saudi-led coalition says it will deal with military moves in Hadramout

Yemen's Saudi-led coalition said any military moves by the main southern separatist group, STC, in the eastern province of Hadramout, contrary to de-escalation efforts, will be dealt with.

Yemenis members of the Sabahiha tribes of Lahj, who live along the strip between the south and north of the country and who support the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), hold an image of the STC leader Aidaros Alzubidi as they wave the old South Yemen flag

Saudi Arabia says Yemen group should withdraw its forces from seized provinces

In a foreign ministry statement, the kingdom described the military operations by Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC) as an "unjustified escalation."

PEOPLE HOLD a banner with images of the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia during a rally organised by Yemen's main separatist group, the Southern Transitional Council (STC), in Aden, Yeme

Exiled to Moscow, Assad is making a quiet return to ophthalmology for the elite - report

“Putin has little patience for leaders who lose their grip on power, and Assad is no longer seen as a figure of influence,” a source said.

President Bashar al-Assad of Syria

United Arab Emirates named as Elbit's mystery $2.3 billion customer - report

The latest deal is considered to be of historic scope, and joins a series of huge deals signed by Israeli defense companies in recent years.

 Logo of Israeli defence electronics firm Elbit Systems is seen at their offices in Haifa.

Houthis begin mobilization for offensive in southern Yemen - report

According to the UAE-based Al-Ain media, the Houthis may be preparing an offensive now that the STC has gained some ground in recent weeks.

HOUTHI TERRORISTS carry weapons as they stand near the site of Israeli airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, in September.

Hapoel Tel Aviv wins first Euroleague home game, Mac TA survives Dubai, Jerusalem prevails

Israeli basketball clubs deliver on all fronts and across the world, from Hapoel Tel Aviv's victory in Israel, to Maccabi Tel Aviv in Dubai, to Hapoel Jerusalem in Slovenia.

HAPOEL TEL AVIV forward Dan Oturu rises for a dunk for two of his 18 points in the Reds’ 84-78 Euroleague home victory over Red Star Belgrade.

Israel joins Pax Silica Initiative, US-led coalition aimed at fortifying global AI industry

The director of Israel’s National Economic Council, Avi Simhon, called Israel’s participation in Pax Silica “a badge of honor for the State of Israel and the Israeli high-tech industry.”

International representatives at the US-Led Pax Silica Summit.

UAE-backed forces seize South Yemen oil belt, reshaping war and Gulf power balance - analysis

The STC’s growing power in southern Yemen, while unlikely to mitigate Houthi terrorism, could gift Israel a key ally in the region, particularly if an independent south joins the Abraham Accords.

The South Yemen flag flies as soldiers from the Southern Transitional Council stand guard outside the compound of the Presidential Palace in Aden, Yemen, December 9, 2025.

Doha Forum draws world leaders, but Gaza war puts negative spotlight on Qatar - analysis

This year, the Forum featured several key speakers, including Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Shara’a, who has already stolen the show at other international forums, such as the UN.

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) presents the Doha Forum Award to Alex Thier (L) and Saad Mohseni, honouring their contributions to supporting children's education in Palestine and Afghanistan, in partnership with the Education Above All Foundation, December 7, 2025

UAE celebrates its 54th anniversary as it presses for ceasefire progress, Gaza plan - analysis

UEA's 54th anniversary celebration since the union's creation was focused on the nation's role in improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza and on demands for the ceasefire plan.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE National Security Adviser, arrive at Doha International Airport, in Doha, Qatar, September 10, 2025