On secret UAE visit, Netanyahu asked MBZ to deny pre-Oct. 7 warnings During his trip to Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked President Mohamed bin Zayed to deny reports that he had been warned ahead of the Oct. 7 attack that Hamas was preparing a major assault. Israel
Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai Christie’s brings first fine art auction to Abu Dhabi Also this week: Noren’s Japanese cooking, Sotheby’s new gallery and Dubai Film Festival’s comeback By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Newsletter: Gulf The Gulf's UN agenda The Gulf states are seeking security and diplomatic gains as the Iran war reshapes the region. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Newsletter: FutureVerse Gulf tech ambitions face Trump-Xi test Gulf tech powers have plenty at stake as Xi and Trump discuss US-China AI competition. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: Daily Briefing UAE's Gargash expects 'prolonged' war By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Dubai ranks first in luxury home sales in second quarter: report Dubai was one of only four markets to see growth in its overall sales volume of luxury homes between Q2 2022 and Q2 2023 at 79%, along with Sydney (46%), Paris (17%) and Geneva (7%). United Arab Emirates
Dubai's $1 billion Captagon bust ranks as one of world’s biggest Sales of the highly addictive stimulant continue to fund the Syrian government, despite regional efforts to break up smuggling rings. United Arab Emirates
China's VP meets UAE's Ghubash as BRI summit convenes in Hong Kong The UAE’s goal at the two-day summit in Hong Kong is to enhance joint trade and investment particularly in areas of new economy, technology, and entrepreneurship. United Arab Emirates
Dubai apartment prices soar, spooking expats The cost of the average apartment in Dubai rose 20% in one year through August. United Arab Emirates
Mubadala opens office in Beijing as UAE-China ties grow The United Arab Emirates' Mubadala Investment Company began operations in the Chinese capital this week. Legacy: Gulf
UAE places technology at top of COP28 agenda in Dubai The UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE Space Agency and COP28 signed an agreement in July to coordinate on technology-focused sustainable solutions ahead of the major climate change conference in Dubai later this year. United Arab Emirates
US presses UAE over dual-use goods fueling Russia's war US officials, along with their counterparts from the European Union and United Kingdom, are visiting the UAE this week to discuss the Gulf country's financial dealings with Russia. United Arab Emirates
Spain investigates Saudi Arabia’s 9.9% acquisition of Telefonica Saudi Arabia’s STC Group announced a 9.9% purchase in the $2.1 billion telecom company, but the Spanish government must approve the plan. Saudi Arabia
Western diplomats visit UAE to discuss Russia ties, Ukraine sanctions Western officials landed in the UAE on Monday, reportedly in a bid to keep computer chips, electronic parts and dual-use products away from Russia. United Arab Emirates
UAE trade offensive continues, this time with New Zealand deal The UAE is looking to secure its sixth trade agreement of the year as it increases its non-oil trade globally, with intentions to reach $1.09 billion by 2031. United Arab Emirates
Brazil set to capitalize on Saudi-UAE competition as investments take shape South America’s largest economy has been actively engaging with the UAE and Saudi Arabia under newly reelected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
UAE’s non-oil trade hits record $340B in first half of 2023 Trade is set to increase after the BRICS bloc of major developing economies announced last week that the United Arab Emirates was among the list of countries invited to join the group. United Arab Emirates