gulfindependentnews

On the sidelines of the ongoing 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, held from October 13-17, 2024, the Emirati and Iraqi delegations discussed ways to enhance parliamentary cooperation. The meeting highlighted the strong, friendly ties between the two countries' parliaments and stressed the importance of coordination and consultation in regional and international parliamentary forums, especially on matters of mutual interest, according to media reports. The 149th IPU Assembly, centered on the theme of "Harnessing Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) for a More Peaceful and Sustainable Future," serves as a five-day platform for delegates to engage and promote collective action. During the meeting, Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC) of the UAE, emphasized the need to bolster the historic, strategic, and fraternal relations between the UAE and Iraq. Ghobash pointed to the importance of strengthening cooperation across vario

Forbes Middle East has unveiled its second annual list of the region's top sustainability leaders, recognizing individuals whose initiatives and innovations hold the promise of a better future. The list includes 107 leaders from 12 corporate sectors and 105 companies, with the UAE dominating the rankings with 54 entries. Saudi Arabia follows with 20 entries, while Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman come next with 10, 8, 5, and 3 entries, respectively. The Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders 2024 list underscores the increasing financial commitment to sustainability initiatives in the region, highlighting a growing focus on environmentally responsible business practices. The UAE hosted the COP28 Summit last year at Expo City Dubai, drawing thousands of participants. The event achieved a major milestone on its first day, as countries agreed to operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund to address climate-related consequences. Emirates NBD has been a trailblazer in this space, facili

  The capital of the Uae has claimed the top spot on the list of richest cities across the globe . Abu Dhabi is operating in a separate league that is much ahead of its competitors such as Oslo, Beijing and Riyadh. Besides the trillions in assets managed, the Royal Private Offices is also handling $344 billion. Oil occupies a good part of this stunning city's financial journey. It started in 1958 as Abu Dhabi made a landmark discovery of oil. Some years later, the city started turning into a global financial hub and is today, a prestigious holder of the tag 'richest city'. Oil is a significant part of Abu Dhabi's richness in today's scenario. But it is certainly not everything. These years, the emirate is far more diversified. There is the Uae's clean energy company Masdar and telecommunications giant e&, for example. Abu Dhabi is not one of those many cities that prefer to lump their resources into one big pot. Take Mubadala for instance. It started as a de

  During a media briefing at Dubai Humanitarian alongside international relief organizations, H.E. Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, reaffirmed the UAE's unwavering commitment to supporting the people of Lebanon and delivering vital aid. The "UAE Stands With Lebanon" campaign, launched on October 8 under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, is a clear demonstration of the Gulf state's enduring support for Lebanon. This initiative, running until October 21, involves the participation of the community, institutions, and both government and private entities. It highlights the UAE’s dedication to leveraging its resources to provide essential assistance to those in need in Lebanon. As part of the campaign, the UAE recently sent an aircraft carrying 37 tonnes of aid to Lebanon, marking the 9th relief flight dispatched amidst the ongoing Middle East crisis. Reem Al Hashimy emphasized that this support reflects the UAE leadership’s

  In 2008, the UAE and the US concluded negotiations on a proposed cooperation agreement for the peaceful use of nuclear energy, as reported by official media. This "123 Agreement" is hailed as a benchmark for nuclear cooperation deals. HE Yousef al-Otaiba, the UAE Ambassador to the US, expressed confidence that the agreement underscores the transparency of the UAE's civilian nuclear energy program. The deal ensures adherence to the highest safety standards. Under the UAE-US 123 Agreement, which took effect in December 2009, the UAE can access nuclear-related information, materials, and equipment from the US. To make the agreement successful, the UAE agreed to renounce domestic uranium enrichment and the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. Additionally, the UAE signed a key protocol instituting a more rigorous inspections regime for its nuclear activities. In May 2009, the Obama administration submitted the agreement to the US Congress, and by October, the UAE Cabinet app

HE Reem al-Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, met with HE Amir Hayek, Israel’s ambassador to the UAE, as he concluded his tenure in the country. During their meeting, they discussed various regional issues and developments. Her Excellency reaffirmed the UAE’s steadfast stance against violence and escalation, emphasizing the importance of resolving conflicts through diplomatic channels rather than confrontation and escalation, to avoid further instability. In a detailed post on X, HE Hayek reflected on his “three unforgettable years” in the UAE, filled with milestones, challenges, and hope. He described his time in the country as an honor, witnessing the beginning of a new chapter in relations. He also extended his deep gratitude to HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, President of the UAE, and HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Foreign Minister, among others.

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Supreme Space Council, recently attended the signing of an agreement for the launch of the 'Mohammed Bin Rashid Explorer' spacecraft aboard the H3 rocket in 2028. This mission is one of the UAE's largest space ventures. His Highness emphasized that the mission to explore the asteroid belt is a critical milestone in the UAE's ambition to become a key player in the global space race. Commenting on the event, Sheikh Hamdan stated that the agreement between the UAE Space Agency and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to launch the spacecraft is a strategic move to enhance the UAE's position in space science. He highlighted that investing in the space sector strengthens the UAE’s leadership in science and technology. The Emirates' mission to the asteroid belt is one of the nation's most significant projects, reflecting its vision for a brighter future. Scheduled for launch in e

"Rankings are not the be-all and end-all, but rather a tool that universities can use to help them become their best selves," states the Times Higher Education Report 2025. Times Higher Education recently unveiled its 2025 World University Rankings after evaluating 2,000 institutions across 115 countries and territories. In this year's ranking, universities from the Gulf nations received notable recognition. Abu Dhabi University and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Saudi Arabia emerged as the best-ranked institutions in the region. Notably, this is the first time a university from the UAE has broken into the top 200. Abu Dhabi University, which ranked among the top 350 in 2023 and between 201-250 in 2024, improved its standing to 191 in 2025. Oxford University, meanwhile, retained its position as the top-ranked university for the ninth consecutive year. The rankings are based on 18 performance indicators, covering aspects such as teaching, research, know

The Crown Prince of Dubai, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, has arrived in Kuwait today for an official visit aimed at enhancing relations between the UAE and Kuwait. The Dubai Media Office issued a press release announcing the visit and shared photos from the event. This visit was also confirmed by the official X handle of WAM English and various regional news outlets. His Highness was warmly received by Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Minister of Interior, along with other senior officials. In an official update on his X handle, Minister of Defence Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed stated, “I was delighted to meet today with His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait; Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Sabah; Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Sabah; and First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Minister of In

The United Arab Emirates has launched a significant humanitarian initiative, committing $30 million in emergency funds to assist Lebanese civilians displaced in Syria due to ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon. This immediate relief is part of a broader $100 million aid package pledged by the UAE to support Lebanon during this crisis. UAE President Mohammed Bin Zayed has authorized six additional flights to transport aid shipments into Lebanon. This response addresses urgent humanitarian needs following the attacks on southern Lebanon, eastern regions, and Beirut, which have resulted in over 1,000 fatalities and forced hundreds of thousands to flee to northern Lebanon or across the border into Syria. Recent statistics indicate that approximately 100,000 refugees have crossed from Lebanon into Syria, many of whom were Syrians that had previously sought asylum in Lebanon during their own civil war. Notably, many of the newly displaced individuals are finding refuge in areas of northern an

The  #UAE  and  #Serbia  have sealed a historical economic partnership agreement (Cepa) that aims to bring the value of trade in just five years to $500 million. The Cepa programme currently c overs several regions across the globe, placing the UAE as an international trading center and simultaneously supporting its diversification strategies. The UAE Serbia CEPA is an important gateay for the Balkans and South East Europe - regions are full of economic prospects. The deal focuses on the priority areas that entail energy, especially green energy, agriculture, food security, construction, and transport. It relies on Serbia’s production potential and rich mineral deposit base, alongside the UAE’s vision to raise its non-oil foreign trade to $1 trillion by 2031 and double its economy to more than $800 billion by 2030.

In line with the directives of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, President of the UAE, the Gulf nation has launched a national relief campaign to assist Lebanon and its people amid ongoing escalations, according to a statement from the foreign ministry. Following His Highness's order to provide an urgent humanitarian relief package of $100 million to Lebanon, the UAE dispatched an aid plane on Friday carrying 40 tonnes of essential medical supplies. This aircraft marks the first delivery as part of the campaign. The UAE has expressed deep concern over the escalating situation in Lebanon and its implications for regional stability. The country has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Lebanese people as they navigate these challenges. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member has taken a strong stance in favor of Lebanon's unity, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity, urging increased global efforts to halt the escalation, prevent bloodshed, and protect civilians. Th

For the 3rd consecutive year, #dubai has retained its position as the top destination for Greenfield FDI projects globally, according to Financial Times. The emirate outperformed other major financial hubs. In the first half of 2024, Dubai accounted for 6.2% of the global volume of Greenfield FDI projects and a total of 801 announced foreign investment projects amounting to over AED 21.85 billion. Dubai is steadily progressing in the direction of doubling the size of its economy and solidifying its place among the world's top three urban economies globally. The city continues to lead the attraction of Greenfield FDI in most sectors and fields such as tourism, real estate, artificial intelligence, corporate headquarters, logistics, and fintech. Dubai’s impressive performance in terms of FDI is fueled by its investors' success, and as the city progresses into the future, it unlocks better opportunities for all.

UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed arrived in Egypt on Thursday, where he was warmly welcomed by his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, in Cairo. This visit is significant for strengthening the long-standing ties between the two nations and exploring new avenues for collaboration. Sheikh Mohamed signed the VIP guestbook, expressing his delight in attending the ceremony with his Egyptian counterpart and his hopes for ongoing progress in Egypt. The two leaders also took part in a flag-raising ceremony. Later, they attended a graduation ceremony for students from the country’s military academy and colleges. The UAE and Egyptian leaders regularly meet to support their decades-long friendship. Recent engagements between the UAE and Egypt include a private visit where Sheikh Mohamed and El-Sisi explored prominent landmarks and development projects along the Mediterranean coast. In March, the leaders engaged in detailed discussions aimed at enhancing their economic, developmen

The UAE's ambitious $23 billion investment in next-generation energy solutions, particularly hydrogen and ammonia, marks a significant step in its energy transition strategy. By aiming to capture 5% of the global clean hydrogen market by 2030, the country is positioning itself as a key player in the emerging clean energy landscape. The dual approach of producing blue hydrogen, derived from fossil fuels, and green hydrogen, sourced from renewable energy, underscores the UAE's strategy to balance its existing fossil fuel operations with sustainable energy innovations. The plan to convert both types of hydrogen into ammonia for easier transport aligns well with global demand, particularly from countries like Japan and South Korea that are actively seeking ammonia imports for energy purposes. Additionally, the UAE's commitment to capturing and storing up to 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually by 2030, building on existing capacities, reflects a comprehensive approach

  HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, arrived in Qatar for an official visit, where he was warmly received by the Deputy Emir of Qatar at Doha International Airport. On Tuesday, Sheikh Khaled met with HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar, in Doha. The meeting underscored the strong brotherly ties between the UAE and Qatar, with both leaders engaging in detailed discussions aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation. Sheikh Khaled conveyed greetings from UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, and Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed.  The discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in key strategic sectors of mutual interest. Sheikh Khaled expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Emir of Qatar for the warm reception and hospitality, expressing hopes for Qatar's continued progress. He reaffirmed the UAE's leadership and pe