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
Biologists dive for secrets of coral reef that survives hot Gulf waters Coral reefs are sensitive ecosystems that rarely survive sea temperatures above 32 degrees Celsius, yet coral reef fauna thrives in the Persian Gulf, where scientists hope to find clues about climate change survival. United Arab Emirates
GCC faces possible setback with exodus of skilled professionals The coronavirus pandemic coupled with the oil crisis is pushing foreign workers to exit the Gulf states, perhaps shaping future labor policies. Saudi Arabia
UAE camel racing to resume following a five-month hiatus The United Arab Emirates announced the resumption of camel racing, coupled with precautionary guidelines, which is among the most popular sports in the Gulf with prizes sometimes reaching millions of dollars. United Arab Emirates
UAE condemns Turkish and Iranian military interventions in Iraq Turkey and Iran are conducting operations against Kurdish groups in the country. United Arab Emirates
Palestinians reject aid from UAE again The Palestinian Authority accuses the UAE of seeking to normalize ties with Israel after the UAE sends a medical aid flight to Israel. United Arab Emirates
Some Dubai expats face uncertain future in post-COVID-19 economy Expats residing in Dubai are facing the difficult decision of whether to stay or leave the United Arab Emirates as businesses cut back in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. United Arab Emirates
Senior UAE official warns Israeli public against annexation in op-ed In an unprecedented op-ed at the Israeli Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, UAE Ambassador to Washington and Minister Yousef Al-Otaiba calls upon Israel to retract from its annexation plan. United Arab Emirates
Intel: State Department official 'tried to bully' watchdog reviewing Saudi arms sale The independent watchdog ousted by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that a high-ranking State Department official “tried to bully” him in part because of his review of last year’s emergency arms sale for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia
Dubai-based airline Emirates cuts jobs again Emirates has resumed regular passenger flights, but the carrier had to reduce the size of its workforce concurrent with its reduced operations, a spokesperson said. United Arab Emirates
Palestinians say they were not informed of second virus aid flight from UAE to Israel The second-ever direct flight from the United Arab Emirates to Israel took place today, but Palestinians say they were not informed of the aid delivery. United Arab Emirates
Intel: Pompeo discusses Libya truce with Abu Dhabi's crown prince Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stressed the need for Libya’s warring parties to cease hostilities during a phone call with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, the deputy supreme commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, which backs Libyan warlord Khalifa Hifter. United Arab Emirates
COVID-19 crisis returns spotlight to Gulf migrant communities Contract migration schemes make citizenship acquisition nearly impossible for migrant workers in the Gulf, and recent economic and health crises make any imminent changes further unlikely. Gulf