Analysis Why UAE's upgrade to US 'major defense partner' will not deter China While the designation comes with many benefits for the UAE, placing it on par with India, it lacks the formal security guarantees provided to other nations, including South Korea and Japan. By Joyce Karam In Washington, DC, reporting on regional geopolitics, China in the Middle East
Uber, China's WeRide to launch self-driving robotaxis in UAE WeRide already operates the largest robotaxi fleet in the UAE, where residents can access its robotaxi services through the TXAI app. United Arab Emirates
US declares UAE 'major defense partner,' seeking to outbid China The move put the US-UAE military relationship on the same footing as that between the United States and India. United Arab Emirates
In White House visit, UAE leader seeks cooperation on Gaza and AI UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will meet with President Joe Biden in his first official visit to Washington since 2017. United Arab Emirates
Analysis UAE president to visit White House as frustrations mount over Gaza endgame By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Intel: Oman ambassador returns to Syria With much of Syria now under Syrian President Basher al-Assad's control, some Arab states are slowly considering the reopening of foreign missions in Damascus. Gulf
Israeli, Emirati diplomats meet in Germany The meeting was the countries' first since signing a normalization agreement last month. United Arab Emirates
Etihad Airways provides COVID-19 test with ticket The Abu Dhabi airline is including a COVID-19 test that can be taken before departure in the ticket price for travelers on outgoing flights. United Arab Emirates
UAE Mars probe's trajectory now viewable online The public can now track the Emirate probe Hope as it heads toward Mars, in the United Arab Emirates' first space mission. United Arab Emirates
Arab-Israeli soccer star joins Emirati league Following normalization of ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, the Emirati Al-Nasr soccer club has recruited Arab-Israeli star Dia Saba, who will be the first Israeli to join a Gulf league. United Arab Emirates
Emirates resumes flights to Muscat The Dubai-based airline is getting closer to resuming its pre-pandemic network, despite a new virus outbreak in the United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates
Why rejoining Iran nuclear deal isn’t so easy, even if Biden wins A new Iran deal should consider the “gold standard” energy pact by the UAE and include a regional dialogue on the peaceful use of nuclear power. United Arab Emirates
Will Suez Canal feel impact of UAE-Israel normalization? The potential economic agreements between the United Arab Emirates and Israel may reduce traffic through Egypt’s Suez Canal. United Arab Emirates
UAE records new high in COVID-19 cases The United Arab Emirates is trying to simultaneously fight the resurgence of the coronavirus and boost its tourism industry. United Arab Emirates
Esper, meeting with Gantz, reaffirms commitment to Israel's regional military edge Israel Defense Minister Benny Gantz and US Defense Secretary Mark Esper expressed confidence the US would maintain Israel's qualitative military edge United Arab Emirates
Team Emirates rider wins Tour de France as cycling gains legs in Middle East The region is warming to investments in sports such as cycling as governments in the region seek to expand their sports diplomacy and soft power. Gulf
Abu Dhabi scraps liquor license requirement for alcohol purchases People in the emirate now need only be of age and in a certified drinking area such as a bar to consume alcohol. United Arab Emirates