UAE

Microsoft is expanding its AI partnership with the UAE to automate government tasks, with Copilot software already deployed to 35,000 Abu Dhabi government employees. Inception42, a subsidiary of G42, is developing AI agents to handle procurement and other administrative tasks, supported by Microsoft’s $15.2 billion investment commitment to the UAE by 2030 and a stake in G42.

Money transfers between Saudi Arabia and the UAE are being delayed or canceled, forcing businesses to route payments through third countries and individuals to carry cash. Strained relations stem from differing approaches to wars in Sudan and Yemen, relations with Israel, oil markets (UAE left OPEC in May), and competition for the region's primary business hub.

A Boeing 737 cargo plane operated by K2 Airways disappeared off the coast of Karachi, Pakistan, after reporting a navigational system issue and rapidly descending. The flight, traveling from Sharjah, UAE, to Pakistan, is suspected to have crashed into the sea with five crew members on board.

UAE-based Arada launched Arada Capital, a fund management arm aiming to raise $5 billion in four years, chaired by Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed. The fund will focus on Gulf real estate and later infrastructure, providing new capital amid cautious investor sentiment post-Iran war. Arada's project pipeline is valued at $35.4 billion across 11 projects in Australia, the UAE, and the UK.

Gulf states are enhancing operational resilience due to a surge in cyberattacks, physical strikes on cloud infrastructure, and AI-driven threats. The UAE experienced a rise in daily cyberattacks from 200,000 to 700,000, with AI enabling faster, more sophisticated attacks, while cybersecurity spending in the region is projected to reach $4.07 billion in 2026.

Adnoc, a UAE entity, has acquired Shell's South African fuels business for $1 billion, including 580 service stations and other assets. This marks Adnoc's latest overseas expansion.

Canada has informed the UAE that it is not yet prepared to accept a C$70 billion investment. The delay is attributed to a lack of shovel-ready projects, which is hindering Mark Carney’s initiative to double trade with non-US partners.

OPEC+ countries have agreed to increase oil output from August, but the cartel's stability is threatened by the UAE's recent departure. Meanwhile, a French company is utilizing the Seine to cool Paris buildings, and Sky has acquired ITV's broadcast channels and streaming service for £1.6bn.

The UAE’s non-oil economy hit its weakest level in seven years in June, with the private sector PMI at 50.8, driven by weak demand, supply chain disruptions, and rising costs linked to the Iran war. While improved trade through the Strait of Hormuz eased some pressures, Saudi Arabia’s non-oil PMI rose to 53.3, while Kuwait and Qatar’s indices remained below 50.

Israeli transportation minister Miri Regev confirmed the deployment of an Iron Dome battery to the UAE during the war with Iran, following earlier reports by Axios and confirmation by US ambassador Mike Huckabee. The UAE reported 550 Iranian missiles and 2,200 drone attacks during the conflict.

India’s Adani Group and UAE’s International Holding Company (IHC) have signed a $11.5 billion aluminum project in Odisha, forming a 50/50 joint venture to create a refinery, smelter, and power plant. The project aims to generate 53,500 jobs and boost India’s aluminum production to meet domestic demand.

Abu Dhabi’s International Holding Company and India’s Adani Group agreed to invest $11.5 billion to build an aluminum complex in Odisha, India, strengthening UAE-India commercial and diplomatic ties. The deal follows a 2022 free trade agreement and a recent defense pact between the two countries.

The UAE's oil exports reached a record 3.7 million barrels a day in June, driven by its exit from OPEC and measures to avoid Iranian threats in the Strait of Hormuz. Tankers used transponders turned off and a pipeline to Fujairah to bypass the chokepoint, though Gulf crude exports remain below prewar levels.

UAE's MGX raised a $49 billion AI fund, making it one of the largest. The company backs major AI firms like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Elon Musk's xAI, which is set to merge with SpaceX.

Turkiye and several Arab nations and organizations condemned Israel's recent military incursions into Syria's southern provinces, citing violations of Syria's sovereignty and international law. The statements highlighted concerns over regional instability and breaches of agreements like the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

Covestro's CEO warns the EU must protect specific sectors to avoid an exodus. The Abu Dhabi-owned German company announced investments of up to €4 billion in China and the UAE.

The UAE has lifted a war-related travel ban to Lebanon, effective June 29, 2026, citing the Middle East war and Iran's influence as reasons for the previous restriction. UAE nationals are required to register with the foreign ministry's consular services before traveling.

US-based nuclear energy startup Nano Nuclear aims to resume its partnership with the UAE to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) after delays caused by the Iran war. The company signed an agreement with EHC Investment, linked to UAE National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed, and is exploring potential investments and dual listings in Abu Dhabi. Discussions with Saudi Arabia about SMRs and plans for a first reactor in Illinois by 2030 are also mentioned.

The UAE is balancing its security ties with Israel, a key Abraham Accords ally, while maintaining cautious relations with Iran. Abu Dhabi prioritizes long-term management of Iran over public displays of warmth toward Israel.

Brooke George, 23, faces the death penalty in the UAE for her boyfriend's murder, claiming self-defense. She reportedly met the 26-year-old British expat online, who was living and working in Dubai.

The article suggests the UAE may have concealed the true impact of Iran's attacks, citing satellite images presented by Catherine Barnwell as evidence of a potential cover-up.

Gulf firms DP World and AD Ports are acquiring African ports from Dakar to the Congo River, establishing the UAE as a significant economic force in Africa. The article highlights the expansion of Gulf influence through port investments across the continent.

UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and Iran's Abbas Araqchi discussed protecting maritime corridors and ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The call, reported by state news agency WAM, is a rare public interaction between Abu Dhabi and Tehran amid tensions linked to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Abu Dhabi's efforts to establish the UAE as a global AI and digital infrastructure hub through the UAE AI Strategy 2031 are facing pressure due to the war with Iran. The UAE is recognized for its business resilience amid these challenges.

UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed the Strait of Hormuz and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Iran and the US. The UAE emphasized protecting maritime corridors and freedom of navigation, urging adherence to all parts of the MOU.

The Philippines, UAE, and Indonesia are set to begin accession talks for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The Port of Cebu in Cebu City, Philippines, is mentioned in the article.

A U.K. influencer in Dubai is facing possible execution for allegedly stabbing a man to death. She claims the man she met online repeatedly assaulted her in the UAE, as reported by an advocacy group.

Bahrain imposed restrictions on its Shiite community ahead of a major holiday, stripping 69 Shiites and their relatives of citizenship and attempting to deport them to Iran. Public mourning for Iran’s late supreme leader was also banned, with similar crackdowns reported in Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE against Iran-linked groups.

The Gulf states are divided over reconciling with Iran following the US-Iran war. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are pursuing reconciliation through a peace summit and shipping talks, while the UAE resists due to Iranian attacks. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Bahrain to support an interim truce.

Gulf states like the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain express skepticism about the US-Iran deal, fearing it preserves Iran's military capabilities and provides funds to strengthen its armed forces. Despite US assurances, Gulf allies remain uneasy, viewing the agreement as potentially worse than the pre-war situation, though they support the ceasefire as preferable to war.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described 'frank' and 'constructive' discussions with Gulf leaders in Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE regarding the US-Iran agreement and security in the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized alignment with regional allies and sought their input on key issues.

India and the UAE are reviewing their strategic defence partnership, with discussions focusing on the potential sale of BrahMos missiles. The UAE is evaluating options to enhance its air and missile defence capabilities following recent attacks on critical installations in West Asia.

The UAE will launch its passenger rail network next week, connecting Abu Dhabi to Fujairah for 55 dirham ($15) trips. The route is part of the stalled GCC Railway project, aiming to link Gulf countries by 2030, with economic projections highlighting potential $40 billion gains from a high-speed Abu Dhabi-Dubai line and a planned Doha-Riyadh airport connection by 2031.

The UAE is banning social media for children under 15, with 15- and 16-year-olds requiring parental controls. The policy also prohibits surveillance advertising targeting children and will take effect within a year. Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, and Malaysia have similar restrictions, with at least 24 other countries considering similar measures.

The EU aviation safety agency EASA advises airlines to avoid airspace over Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon, and remain cautious in the region until July 1 due to potential violations of the US-Iran ceasefire and the fragile Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire. Operators are urged to exercise caution in airspace covering Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

Senate Democrats are calling for an investigation into a $500 million cryptocurrency deal involving the Trump administration, World Liberty Financial, and Abu Dhabi royalty. The request includes holding Senate hearings to examine the financial dealings between these parties.

Dubai’s Majid Al Futtaim and Egypt’s MIDAR for Investment and Urban Development signed a $3.1 billion deal to develop 6,000 residential units, hotels, and commercial spaces in New Cairo. The project follows increased UAE investments in Egypt, including a $35 billion agreement to develop Ras El Hekma, and reciprocal support like Egypt sending fighter jets to the UAE during the Iran war.

Gulf markets rose due to US-Iran negotiations, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi indices hitting milestones since the war began, though gains have since slightly faded. Future direction depends on talks progress and Q2 results.

Nigeria's $5 billion swap deal with First Abu Dhabi Bank has drawn an IMF warning over hidden costs as Abuja seeks cheaper financing.

India is in early-stage talks to sell BrahMos missiles and Akash air defence systems to the UAE. The UAE's interest reflects a shift away from U.S. arms suppliers, with negotiations progressing quickly.