UAE
Coverage of UAE in the Nexus archive.
- Vessel is attacked in Hormuz, Israeli strike kills 7 in Lebanon, and other news from the Middle East
Recent conflicts across the Middle East include an attack on a tanker belonging to ADNOC in the Strait of Hormuz and an Israeli strike in Southern Lebanon that killed seven people. Separately, Iranian-backed Houthis attacked a Red Sea port under government control in Yemen, marking a continued escalation of regional instability.
- Trump’s foreign licensing business booms to $59.5 million as Gulf developers pay
Trump's foreign licensing business reported booming revenues of $59.5 million, with nearly two-thirds of the fees originating from two Gulf developers in the UAE and Qatar. These developments include one project seeking a U.S. expansion valued at $20 billion.
- How the UAE won over Washington
The Gulf state, identified as the UAE, has become one of America’s most important allies in the Middle East. It reportedly deployed a mixture of cash and charm to achieve this strategic position with Washington.
- Yemen attacks Houthis, Turkey’s Kurdish peace bill wins approval, and other Middle East news
The UAE reported that a state-owned ADNOC vessel was attacked by an Iranian missile while transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. Concurrently, Yemen's military struck Iran-backed Houthis, prompting United Nations envoy Hans Grundberg to warn of escalated fighting. Separately, a Turkish draft law aimed at advancing peace with Kurdish militants passed its first parliamentary hurdle.
- Senator Warren questions US AI chip policy after Trump crypto investment: Report
Senator Warren sent a letter to the Commerce Secretary demanding answers about the administration’s treatment of the UAE following investments in the Trump family’s crypto company.
- Gulf economies rebounded in July, as firms dig out from wartime lows
Non-oil business activity in Gulf economies rebounded in July as hostilities eased, with Kuwait and UAE showing growth and Saudi Arabia expanding for four months. Renewed Iranian and US strikes and slower Hormuz traffic threaten a sustained recovery, and all four economies remain below pre-war levels due to delays and costs.
- Nomura’s Laser Digital backs ZIGChain for onchain private credit push in UAE
Nomura’s Laser Digital is supporting ZIGChain’s initiative to expand onchain private credit in the UAE. The collaboration aims to advance blockchain-based financial solutions in the region.
- Warren is demanding Commerce explain UAE export controls after Trump crypto deal
Warren is demanding the Commerce Department provide its national-security analysis and disclose whether other agencies raised concerns about technology diversion related to UAE export controls following a Trump-era crypto deal.
- Iran War Exposes US Military Aluminum Risk Shown in Pentagon War Game
Iran's war has revealed a US military risk in ultra-refined aluminum supplies, as shown in a Pentagon war game. The shortage is due to drones damaging a UAE plant, causing tight supplies for fighter jets.
- [Philippines] Is WeStaffed.com legit as a recruitement agency to GCC countries?
A user on Reddit seeks validation about the legitimacy of WeStaffed.com, a UAE-based recruitment agency for GCC countries, after receiving a job offer for medical technologists. The user verified the recruiter's email and used ChatGPT to fact-check due to concerns about scams.
- Reports of blasts in Dubai
Multiple explosions were reported in the industrial area of Jebel Ali in Dubai, UAE. Footage shared online shows plumes of smoke rising over the area.
- Saudi Aramco reports bumper profits as it bypasses Strait of Hormuz
Saudi Aramco reported a 33% surge in profits for Q2 2026, driven by elevated energy prices due to the US-Israeli war on Iran and its ability to bypass the Strait of Hormuz via the East-West Pipeline. The pipeline enabled Saudi Arabia to maintain two-thirds of its pre-war oil exports while other Gulf states reduced shipments. The conflict has spurred regional efforts to develop alternative infrastructure to avoid Hormuz.
- KKR earmarks some of its $19.2 billion infrastructure fund for Gulf projects
KKR closed a $19.2 billion global infrastructure fund, with portions allocated for Gulf energy and digital infrastructure projects. The firm has committed $5 billion to Middle East data centers and recently signed a $16 billion lease on Kuwait’s national pipeline network with Blackstone. Despite recent Iranian drone attacks on AWS data centers in the UAE and Bahrain, KKR’s investments signal confidence in the region’s digital infrastructure growth.
- Riyadh forges a new regional alliance emerging from Israel concerns
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, and Türkiye are deepening security cooperation amid shared concerns over Israel’s military actions, forming a potential 'Regional Four' alliance. The group's cohesion faces challenges from differing threat perceptions, reliance on U.S. military support, and regional rivalries, including Saudi Arabia’s tensions with the UAE, which has its own alliance with Israel and India.
- Has the UAE's meteoric rise reached its limit?
The UAE has emerged as a major regional power through military interventions in Egypt, Yemen, Libya, and Sudan, strategic investments in infrastructure and defense, and alliances with global powers. However, shifting geopolitical dynamics, including U.S. disengagement and regional power vacuums, raise questions about the sustainability of its assertive strategy.
- UAE procured $100M in stolen gold from Sudan, investigation finds
The UAE received over $100 million in stolen gold bullion from Sudan’s central bank and state refinery, according to an investigation. Sudan’s civil war has driven a surge in gold trade, with the UAE reportedly facilitating over $1 billion in 2025, while militias use profits to acquire advanced military equipment.
- Israel pitched advanced drones to UAE, leaked emails reveal: Report
Leaked emails reveal Israel's Elbit Systems discussed selling advanced Hermes 900 drones and SkyEye sensors to the UAE following a 2022 Houthi attack on Abu Dhabi. The $225m deal, described as urgent, aimed to enhance UAE surveillance capabilities after a missile and drone strike targeting oil infrastructure and an airport. The UAE normalized relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords in 2020.
- Trump says Iran talks happening ‘right now’
Trump claims ongoing talks with Iran, calling it 'Tehran’s last chance' to sign a deal, backed by Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and others. Iran has contradicted the assertion that discussions are occurring.
- Oil prices drop following Trump announcement on Iran talks
Oil prices dropped over six percent after President Donald Trump announced imminent negotiations with Iran to end the war, though Iran denies such talks. The decline boosted US stocks, with the Dow Jones, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 rising. Trump cited Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE in calling off potential 'massive strikes.'
- Qatari group develops $3.3 billion agricultural project in Syria
Qatari group Baladna Food Industries is developing a $3.3 billion agricultural project in Syria to produce cotton, wheat, textiles, and other goods. The project is part of Gulf investors' efforts to rebuild Syria as a geopolitical buffer against Iranian influence. Baladna, linked to Syrian-born business moguls Moutaz and Ramez Al-Khayyat, will collaborate with UAE-based Al Dahra on farming techniques in Syria.
- Leaked Elbit documents reportedly show it was in talks to sell UAE advanced drones
Leaked documents suggest Elbit Systems was in discussions to sell advanced drones to the UAE. The Gulf state requested six strategic surveillance systems following a 2022 Houthi attack, but it remains unclear if the sales were finalized.
- Middle East holidays are back - and with UAE prices down 25%, there's never been a cheaper time to go. But which destinations are chic... and which scream 'new money'?
Middle East holidays are returning, and UAE prices have dropped by 25%, making it a cheaper time to visit. The article questions which destinations are considered chic and which are seen as 'new money'.
- Zelensky Seeks UAE Help to Secure Black Sea Routes
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss securing Ukrainian maritime routes and global food security. Zelensky highlighted Ukraine’s past support for Gulf partners against Iranian attacks, seeking reciprocal aid in the Black Sea amid heightened tensions with Iran over an alleged attack on a commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea.
- US Pauses Planned Strikes on Iran Amid Deal Talks
US President Donald Trump suspended a planned 10-to-14-day military campaign against Iran after requests from Tehran and regional states for rapid negotiations. The proposed deal requires Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt its nuclear program, with Israel supporting the pause. The de-escalation follows US warnings for citizens to leave the Middle East and Iranian threats to target energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Israel.
- Emiratesvisa.com are Scammers
A user warns that Emiratesvisa.com is a scam, claiming the site stole money and passport images while failing to deliver a UAE tourist e-visa. The user reports unresponsive customer service, repeated requests for passport images, and similar scam reviews on Trustpilot, suggesting the site may be exploiting outdated legitimacy for financial gain.
- UK, UAE discuss situation in the Middle East, Strait of Hormuz
UK Secretary of State Ed Miliband met with UAE Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah bin Zayed to discuss reducing tensions in the Middle East and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Both parties emphasized strengthening the UK-UAE partnership to promote growth and prosperity.
- Houthis consider imposing fees for Red Sea passage: Report
The Houthis are considering imposing fees on maritime traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb gateway, escalating tensions in the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia has used this route as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blocked for US-allied vessels. The Houthis also announced a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia, attacking a Saudi tanker and citing alliances with Iran.
- The UAE cautiously engages with Iran as strikes decline
The UAE and Iran are easing tensions, with a decline in Iranian strikes against the UAE since April 29 and resumed direct flights and commercial shipping. The UAE is pursuing economic and diplomatic engagement with Iran while strengthening defense ties with Israel and the US, prioritizing 'resilience' as a strategic goal.
- UAE Presses Ahead With Persian Gulf LNG Exports Despite Tensions
Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. is continuing liquefied natural gas exports from its Persian Gulf plant despite renewed hostilities in the region, which have led producers to reduce visible traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran war pushes borrowing in the Gulf to record highs
The Iran war is driving Gulf states like the UAE and Saudi Arabia to borrow record amounts to develop infrastructure and alternative trade routes away from the Strait of Hormuz. Regional bond sales have reached $112 billion this year, with Kuwait's $6 billion sale being notably oversubscribed despite higher borrowing costs.
- Abu Dhabi lab advances AI search for non-opioid painkillers
Insilico Medicine, a biotech firm, leverages Abu Dhabi's AI computing resources to develop a non-opioid painkiller candidate, its second from the UAE facility. The drug, nearing human trials, could revolutionize pain treatment and is part of Abu Dhabi's broader strategy to attract biotech innovation through investments and infrastructure.
- ‘The UAE has been a fantastic investor’: Jeff Zucker hails UAE partnership after Banijay merger
Jeff Zucker, CEO of RedBird IMI, praised the UAE's investment in media after the Banijay-All3Media merger, highlighting the UAE's patience and global risk-taking. The new entity, Banijay Entertainment, will be the world's largest independent production company, with plans to expand in the Gulf through live events, sports, and gaming.
- UAE: Dubai’s Financial Hub DIFC Tops 10,000 Firms Despite War Risks
Dubai’s financial hub, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), surpassed 10,000 active registered companies for the first time, demonstrating its ability to attract global firms despite heightened geopolitical tensions in the region.
- The UAE’s bold gambit on Iran
The UAE has rebuilt economic and diplomatic ties with Iran while deepening defense links with Israel and the United States.
- US confirms new round of talks between Israel and Lebanon will begin in Rome August 4
The US has confirmed new talks between Israel and Lebanon will begin in Rome on August 4. The UAE criticized Israel for failing to address settler violence, while Qatar accused Bennett of spreading disinformation for political gain.
- Saudi airlines are the Gulf's big Farnborough spenders
Saudi airlines, including Riyadh Air and Flynas, made significant aircraft orders at Farnborough, securing 34 Airbus and Boeing widebody jets and 25 Airbus planes respectively. In contrast, UAE and Qatar-based carriers placed no new orders, though the UAE's aircraft registry reached 1,000 planes. Regional carriers are prioritizing hub status amid foreign airline hesitancy.
- Pipelines to bypass the Strait of Hormuz
Efforts to bypass the Strait of Hormuz are accelerating due to security concerns and supply disruptions, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE developing new pipelines and ports. Goldman Sachs estimates seven new pipelines could divert 14 million barrels per day away from the strait by 2028, while Saudi Arabia plans to expand its East-West pipeline capacity and the UAE is building a 252-mile pipeline to double export capabilities.
- Qatari PM, UAE national security adviser discuss peace efforts
Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and UAE National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed bilateral relations and regional developments. They focused on diplomatic efforts to ease tensions, including implementing the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and promoting regional peace and stability.
- Kuwait and Bahrain launch air strikes on Iran: Report
Kuwait and Bahrain launched air strikes on Iran, targeting drone and missile-storage depots, with the UAE providing intelligence and defensive air cover. The strikes mark a broadening of the conflict as both Gulf states face intensified Iranian attacks.
- Jagtial woman seeks Pravasi Prajavani’s help to bring son back from UAE
A woman from Jagtial is seeking the assistance of Pravasi Prajavani to repatriate her son from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).