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Gulf

UAE Announces Cabinet Reshuffle

The UAE makes ministerial reshuffles in the federal government. (Reuters)
The UAE makes ministerial reshuffles in the federal government. (Reuters)
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UAE Announces Cabinet Reshuffle

The UAE makes ministerial reshuffles in the federal government. (Reuters)
The UAE makes ministerial reshuffles in the federal government. (Reuters)

The United Arab Emirates on Saturday announced a ministerial reshuffle, including the Minister of State for financial and economic affairs, the minister of state for defense affairs, the minister of state for the environment, as well as minister of state for youth affairs.
Posting on X, UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum wrote, “With the approval of my brother, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and following consultations with him, we are pleased to announce a series of ministerial reshuffles in the UAE government.”
He then announced that Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid was appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister for Financial and Economic Affairs, overseeing this sector in the Federal Government.
The PM added that Sheikh Maktoum’s proven leadership at the Ministry of Finance and his effective handling of various economic and commercial files have been instrumental in balancing the country’s financial policies both locally and federally.
“We have full confidence in his ability to lead our federal economic, commercial, and financial team towards new achievements, nurturing young economic leaders, and continuing our commitment to sound fiscal policies that bolster the nation's economic growth,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote.
Also, Mohammed bin Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei has been appointed as the Minister of State for Defense Affairs and a member of the Council of Ministers.

Al Mazrouei had previously worked as the Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court and Advisor at the Presidential Court.
In his post, Sheikh Mohammed also wrote that Mariam Harib Al Muhairi was appointed as the Head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court, following her impactful term in the Ministry of Environment.
He said Mariam has made substantial contributions to the UAE in the areas of environment and food security, both domestically and internationally.
Her efforts have been universally commended by peers and collaborators, both within the UAE and abroad, Sheikh Mohammed said, adding that she skillfully led the UAE's bid in COP28, showcasing her professionalism and expertise.
“We take great pride in her accomplishments and anticipate further success in her forthcoming national assignments,” he added.
In the cabinet reshuffle, Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi was appointed as the Minister of Environment and a member of the Council of Ministers.
“Amna, a prominent member of the federal workforce, has been under our observation for several years, during which she has successfully led a series of strategic projects for the federal government. She is entrusted with significant responsibilities in environmental management and the advancement of the agricultural sector,” Sheikh Mohammed stated.
In the youth file, the PM announced the appointment of Sultan Al Neyadi as the Minister of State for Youth in the UAE.
“Some time ago, we invited nominations for the position of Minister of Youth in the UAE. We were inundated with nominations, and one name consistently stood out among the Emirati youth. This exceptional individual has been appointed as the new Minister of Youth,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote.
He added that, “Sultan Al Neyadi, an accomplished astronaut with a PhD, has dedicatedly served his country in both the military and space sectors.”
The new Minister has made significant contributions to humanity in the field of science, notably being the first Arab to undertake a spacewalk and the first to embark on the longest Arab space mission, lasting six months.

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Gulf

Saudi Arabia Downs 60 Drones, Two Killed in Oman

The Callisto tanker sits anchored in Port Sultan Qaboos as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 12, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
The Callisto tanker sits anchored in Port Sultan Qaboos as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 12, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
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Saudi Arabia Downs 60 Drones, Two Killed in Oman

The Callisto tanker sits anchored in Port Sultan Qaboos as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 12, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
The Callisto tanker sits anchored in Port Sultan Qaboos as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 12, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

Gulf air defenses continued on Friday to intercept Iranian missiles and drones in attacks that have persisted for two weeks, striking residential areas, civilian facilities and critical infrastructure and causing casualties and material damage.

Gulf states said they remain fully prepared to confront any threats and will respond firmly to attempts to undermine their security, stressing their determination to safeguard sovereignty, stability and national interests.

Jasem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), warned the Iranian attacks could have negative repercussions for the global economy and the stability of international markets. He said the danger extends beyond Gulf security and threatens international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement issued Friday after separate ministerial meetings held by video conference with Jordan, Egypt, Morocco and Britain, Albudaiwi said targeting commercial vessels and key maritime routes poses a direct threat to freedom of navigation and exposes global trade and energy security to serious risks.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Defense Ministry Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki said air defenses intercepted and destroyed 62 drones from early Friday until 8:00 p.m. local time.

Twenty-eight drones were shot down after entering Saudi airspace, 20 in the Eastern Province, seven across the Eastern and Central regions, three in Al-Kharj governorate, three in Al-Kharj and the Empty Quarter, and one while attempting to approach the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh.

Oman

An Omani security source said two drones crashed in the Wilayat of Sohar. One fell in the Al-Awahi industrial area, killing two expatriates and injuring others, while the second landed in an open area without causing casualties.

The source, cited by the Oman News Agency, praised the cooperation of citizens and residents in avoiding the spread of images and rumors and relying on official sources, adding that all efforts are being mobilized to protect the Sultanate and those living in it.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE said its air defenses intercepted seven ballistic missiles and 27 drones launched from Iran on Friday, bringing the total since the start of the attacks to 285 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,567 drones.

The Defense Ministry said the attacks have left six people dead — including Emirati, Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi nationals — and 141 injured with minor to moderate wounds among people of multiple nationalities.

The ministry later said air defenses were continuing to intercept incoming missiles and drones from Iran, adding that sounds heard in parts of the country were caused by ballistic missile defense systems and fighter jets engaging drones and cruise missiles.

It said it remains fully prepared to confront any threats and will act firmly against any attempt to undermine the country’s security.

Dubai’s government media office said authorities dealt early Friday with a minor incident caused by debris from an intercepted aerial object that struck the facade of a building in central Dubai, with no injuries reported.

The UAE Civil Aviation Authority said flight operations were gradually resuming, urging travelers to check with airlines before heading to the airport.

It said 1.4 million passengers passed through the country’s airports between March 1 and March 12, with 7,839 flight movements recorded. National carriers have restored 44.6% of their previous operating levels.

Bahrain

Bahrain’s Defense Force said air defense systems continued to confront successive waves of Iranian attacks, adding that 115 missiles and 191 drones targeting the country have been intercepted and destroyed since the start of the assault.

The command described the use of ballistic missiles and drones against civilian sites and private property as a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter, warning the attacks pose a direct threat to regional peace and security.

Authorities urged the public to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary, avoid damaged areas and suspicious objects, refrain from photographing military operations or debris sites and rely only on official information.

Kuwait

Kuwait’s Defense Ministry Spokesperson, Colonel Saud Al-Atwan, said one hostile ballistic missile was detected over the past 24 hours outside the threat zone, posing no danger and causing no damage.

He said monitoring of potential aerial threats continues as part of defensive measures to protect the country’s airspace.

Interior Ministry Spokesperson Brigadier Nasser Bousleib said authorities detected individuals using drones for aerial filming in violation of previously announced instructions, warning that such actions hinder security and military efforts and that violators will face legal action.

Bomb disposal teams handled 16 reports in the past 24 hours linked to debris from intercepted projectiles, bringing the total number of reports since the start of the Iranian attacks to 372.

Health Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad said the country’s health situation remains stable, with hospitals and health centers operating at full capacity and medical teams ready to respond to any emergency.

He said two people were injured on Thursday when a residential building was struck and were transferred to Al-Adan Hospital. Authorities also launched a psychological support hotline (151) for citizens and residents.

The Commerce Ministry said the first Kuwait Airways flights carrying fresh food supplies had arrived in the country, in coordination with the private sector, to accelerate deliveries and support market supplies. The shipments included fresh meat, fruits, vegetables and other food items.

Qatar

Qatar’s Interior Ministry said the situation in the country remains stable and that services continue to operate normally across sectors, while authorities monitor developments.

The ministry said the national warning system is activated only when urgent preventive measures are required to protect public safety. It urged the public to follow official alerts, remain indoors away from windows and exposed areas, and avoid going out until the threat has passed.

It also warned against filming or publishing footage from incident sites or response operations and against sharing unverified material on social media.

Environmental monitoring indicators show air quality in the country at 100%, the ministry said, adding that no pollution has been detected in the air or marine environment as part of ongoing environmental monitoring.

Separately, Qatar Tourism said the temporary extension of hotel stays for visitors affected by travel disruptions will remain in effect until March 14.

The measure gives affected guests additional time to arrange their travel.

Visitors whose flights have been canceled or disrupted since Feb. 28 have been offered free hotel stays with three daily meals, coordinated with the hospitality sector.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia, France Stress Need for End to Threats to Regional, Int’l Security

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and French President Emmanuel Macron. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and French President Emmanuel Macron. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, France Stress Need for End to Threats to Regional, Int’l Security

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and French President Emmanuel Macron. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and French President Emmanuel Macron. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and French President Emmanuel Macron stressed on Friday the need for an end to all actions that threaten regional and international security.

During a telephone call, they discussed the military escalation in the region and its impact on security and stability.

Gulf

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives British Foreign Secretary

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, received the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Yvette Cooper. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, received the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Yvette Cooper. (SPA)
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Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives British Foreign Secretary

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, received the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Yvette Cooper. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, received the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Yvette Cooper. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Thursday the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Yvette Cooper, at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed the strategic relations between the two countries and areas of bilateral cooperation. They also discussed regional developments and joint efforts to address these issues.

At the meeting, the British official expressed her country's condemnation of the brutal attacks launched by Iran against Saudi Arabia and several other countries in the region, affirming the UK's solidarity with the affected countries and the necessity of concerted efforts to promote stability and peace in the region.