Oman’s Sultan in UAE to Strengthen Bilateral Relations, Cooperation

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan receives Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi (Reuters)
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan receives Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi (Reuters)
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Oman’s Sultan in UAE to Strengthen Bilateral Relations, Cooperation

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan receives Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi (Reuters)
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan receives Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi (Reuters)

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan discussed on Monday strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation to serve mutual interests and meet the aspirations of their peoples for development and prosperity.
The Sultan of Oman has arrived in the UAE on a state visit. He was received by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi.
The two leaders then headed to Qasr Al Watan, where they reviewed regional and international issues of common interest.
The two sides tackled relations between the two countries, mainly economic investments and trade areas, which have witnessed significant advancement in recent years.
They also addressed joint Gulf action in light of the challenges the region is witnessing and highlighted its importance in achieving the mutual interests of Gulf Cooperation Council countries and their peoples while bolstering regional security and stability.
At the meeting, the two leaders then discussed several regional and international issues of common interest, most notably the developments in the Middle East and the efforts to contain tensions and prevent escalation.
They addressed the need for self-restraint to spare the region from new crises that affect all and hinder cooperation and development for the benefit of its peoples.
“Relations between the UAE and Oman are historical and characterized by a unique social and cultural fabric distinguished by close family ties, good neighborliness, and effective cooperation and integration,” Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said.
“I ask God Almighty to have mercy on the late Sheikh Zayed and the late Sultan Qaboos, who established an original approach in building strong fraternal relations fortified by goodwill and wisdom,” the Emirati President said.
He underscored his confidence that social cohesion between the UAE and Oman represents a firm foundation upon which the two countries can continue to build exemplary relations.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed noted that economic relations are an important and supportive path for bilateral cooperation and have witnessed continuous development over the years, culminating in various economic and strategic partnerships in many fields.
“The UAE and Oman maintain ambitions to continue exploring and developing economic opportunities for the benefit of the two countries and peoples,” he added.
The President then stressed that joint Gulf action will remain an impenetrable fortress in the face of regional and global developments and challenges.
He said the UAE believes in the principle of collective action and solidarity in a way that preserves the interests of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, enhances its regional and international role, meets the aspirations of its peoples for continued progress and prosperity, and supports regional and global peace and stability.
For his part, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq expressed his satisfaction with the constructive strategic partnership between Oman and the UAE, which represents a new and promising chapter for strategic investment projects and close cooperation in various fields.
He praised the role of both countries’ officials in achieving a shared vision of cooperation on the ground by beginning to implement joint projects in strategic sectors, especially in the field of renewable energy, and launching a railway project to connect the Sultanate of Oman to the UAE train network, in addition to strengthening electrical interconnectivity, among other initiatives.
During their meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of several memorandums of understanding and agreements which span a wide range of sectors, including investment, renewable energy, sustainability, railways, technology, and education.

 

 



Gulf Defenses Destroy 12 Ballistic Missiles, 50 Drones as 3 Soldiers Wounded in Kuwait

Smoke rises above Dubai on March 13, 2026. (AFP)
Smoke rises above Dubai on March 13, 2026. (AFP)
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Gulf Defenses Destroy 12 Ballistic Missiles, 50 Drones as 3 Soldiers Wounded in Kuwait

Smoke rises above Dubai on March 13, 2026. (AFP)
Smoke rises above Dubai on March 13, 2026. (AFP)

Defenses in the Gulf downed on Saturday 12 ballistic missiles and 50 drones fired at civilian locations and vital facilities in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait as the US-Israeli war on Iran entered its third week.

Meanwhile, two drone attacks on the Ahmed Al-Jaber Base in Kuwait wounded three members of the armed forces and left material damage.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi defense destroyed 12 drones in the Eastern Region and one in each of the Empty Quarter and al-Jawf, said official Defense Ministry spokesman Turki Al-Malki.

UAE

The United Arab Emirates reported a new missile attack Sunday morning, a day after Iran called for the evacuation of three major UAE ports, threatening for the first time a neighboring country’s non-US assets.

Tehran accused the United States of using “ports, docks and hideouts” in the UAE to launch strikes on Kharg Island, home to the main terminal handling Iran’s oil exports, without providing evidence, as the war showed no signs of ending.

Earlier, UAE defenses intercepted nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones fired from Iran.

The attacks have left six people dead, including Emiratis and nationals from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. A total of 141 injuries have been reported among citizens and residents.

The Defense Ministry stressed that the armed forces were on the highest alert level to handle any threats and firmly confront anything that may harm the country’s security, in order to protect its sovereignty, stability and national interests.

The UAE strongly condemned the unprovoked terrorist drone attack that targeted the UAE Consulate General in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq for the second time in a week.

The attack resulted in injuries to two security personnel and damage to the consulate building.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that targeting diplomatic missions and premises constitutes a flagrant violation of international norms and laws, particularly the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which guarantees the inviolability of diplomatic premises and the protection of diplomatic personnel. Such acts represent a dangerous escalation and a threat to regional security and stability.

The UAE has called on the Iraqi government and the government of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to investigate the circumstances surrounding this attack, identify those responsible, and take all necessary measures to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.

The Ministry reiterated the UAE’s firm rejection of terrorist attacks aimed at undermining security and stability, emphasizing the need to protect diplomatic premises, missions, and their personnel in accordance with international laws and norms.

UAE Attorney-General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi ordered the arrest of 25 individuals of various nationalities for publishing misleading content on digital platforms that harms national defense measures and glorifies acts of military aggression against the State.

They have been referred for an expedited trial.

The move follows rigorous monitoring of digital platforms to combat the spread of fabricated information and artificial content intended to incite public disorder and undermine general stability.

Al Shamsi said that exploiting cyberspace to circulate misleading content and footage that harms public security or compromises the state’s defensive capabilities is a criminal offense. This is particularly critical given the military aggression currently faced by the state, and such behavior will be met with firm legal action.

Kuwait

Drones hit Kuwait’s international airport. The drone attack Saturday night hit the airport’s radar system, Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement.

Flights there have been halted since the start of the war.

Three members of the Kuwaiti army sustained minor injuries when two drones damaged the Ahmed Al-Jaber air base on Saturday, a spokesperson for the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Kuwait’s air defense system intercepted another three drones, and two drones fell outside what the ministry called “the threat area” and posed no danger.

Early in the war, three American fighter jets were mistakenly downed by friendly Kuwaiti fire during an Iranian attack. Kuwait is also where six US soldiers were killed in a drone strike on a command center.

Bahrain

Bahrain announced that it has intercepted 124 missiles and 203 drones since the start of the conflict.

Three rockets and 10 drones were downed on Saturday.

Authorities urged people to stay at home and that they should leave only when necessary. They must steer clear of damaged location or any suspicious objects. They are also prohibited from filming or photographing military operations or locations where debris and shrapnel have landed.

Qatar

Qatari’s Interior Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani underscored the stability and stability of the country.

The safety of anyone residing in the country is a “red line” and a “priority in every step we take,” he added during a televised interview on Friday.


Bahrain Arrests 6 for Sympathizing with Iran Attacks

Legal procedures have been taken and the detainees have been referred to the Public Prosecution. (BNA)
Legal procedures have been taken and the detainees have been referred to the Public Prosecution. (BNA)
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Bahrain Arrests 6 for Sympathizing with Iran Attacks

Legal procedures have been taken and the detainees have been referred to the Public Prosecution. (BNA)
Legal procedures have been taken and the detainees have been referred to the Public Prosecution. (BNA)

Bahrain announced on Saturday the arrest of six people for posting videos related to the effects of the Iranian attacks, expressing sympathy with it and glorifying its hostile acts, as well as spreading false news and inciting the targeting of sites in the kingdom.

The videos were circulated through their social media accounts, which could mislead public opinion, spread fear among citizens and residents, and harm security and public order, said the Ministry of Interior’s Anti-Cybercrime Directorate at the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption, Economic and Electronic Security

Legal procedures have been taken and the detainees have been referred to the Public Prosecution.

The ministry urged everyone to obtain information from official sources and not to circulate or repost unverified videos or news, to avoid legal accountability and preserve the nation’s security and safety.


Crown Prince Offers Condolences to Sultan of Oman on Death of Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (SPA)
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Crown Prince Offers Condolences to Sultan of Oman on Death of Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, held a phone call on Saturday with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman, during which he conveyed his condolences and sympathy on the passing of Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said.

The Crown Prince prayed that Allah Almighty grant the deceased His mercy and forgiveness.

Sultan Haitham expressed his appreciation to the Crown Prince for his heartfelt fraternal sentiments and the solidarity conveyed in this message of condolence.