Mohammed Bin Zayed

Dubai's economy contracted by 2.3% in the first half of 2026 amid regional tensions and the Hormuz blockade, prompting strategic shifts toward Fujairah and closer ties with Saudi Arabia.

The Tel Aviv District Planning and Building Committee has approved the construction of a permanent 15-story UAE embassy complex in Herzliya Pituach, six years after the normalization of ties.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the UAE for talks with President Mohammed bin Zayed amid reports that he received pre-October 7 warnings.

A New York Times investigation confirms that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of a major Hamas attack prior to October 7, an alert Netanyahu reportedly did not share with defense chiefs.

Haaretz journalist Shlomi Eldar faces inquiries from Channel 14 following his report alleging a UAE warning to PM Netanyahu before October 7. Netanyahu denies the claim and orders a defamation lawsuit.

The UAE has successfully normalized its investments across the United States, with a significant portion now directed toward the family of US President Donald Trump.

After facing numerous attacks, Abu Dhabi is working to gradually renew ties with Tehran, assessing that the Iranian regime will emerge from the war weakened but not defeated. Simultaneously, the UAE is deepening security cooperation with Israel and the US in preparation for potential future escalation.

The UAE has a significant advantage over other Gulf states — a port located outside the Strait of Hormuz. Now the Emiratis are planning to expand the port's infrastructure, without mentioning the Iranian threat.