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UAE Says Peace Accord Is a Historic Step to Achieve Stability in Middle East

Bahrain FM Dr. Abdul Latif al-Zayani, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump, and UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed participate in the signing of the Abraham Accords. (AFP)
Bahrain FM Dr. Abdul Latif al-Zayani, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump, and UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed participate in the signing of the Abraham Accords. (AFP)
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UAE Says Peace Accord Is a Historic Step to Achieve Stability in Middle East

Bahrain FM Dr. Abdul Latif al-Zayani, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump, and UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed participate in the signing of the Abraham Accords. (AFP)
Bahrain FM Dr. Abdul Latif al-Zayani, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump, and UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed participate in the signing of the Abraham Accords. (AFP)

The UAE Federal National Council (FNC) said that the UAE- Israel Peace Accord is a historic step towards reviving the process of peace in the Middle East, and will guarantee security and stability in the region.

FNC Speaker Saqr Ghobash affirmed in a statement that the accord reflects the never-changing principles of Emirati policy, which is its historic legacy and openness towards all countries while achieving its higher strategic interests.

It also reflects UAE's coexistence with different cultures and religions, in line with the values of tolerance it cherishes without prejudice, and its support for national, Arab and Islamic rights, under the framework of international legitimacy and international law, he noted.

"We affirm that this accord represents a good opportunity to resume the regional, international and the UN efforts to achieve fair, comprehensive and permanent peace in the Middle East and guarantee the implementation of UN resolutions and conventions, especially those related to the establishment of a Palestinian state with its capital in East Jerusalem," Ghobash added.

He also expressed full support and deep trust in the wise approach of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to managing the nation’s affairs and preserving its successes and achievements."

Ghobash further lauded the leading role of the political leadership in combating all plans aimed at threatening the stability and security of the Arab region while praising its bold steps and strategic initiatives aimed at maintaining joint Arab security and defending legitimate Arab and Palestinian rights, to establish a new era of peace and development for the peoples of the region.

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Saudi Arabia, EU Discuss the Escalation in the Region

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia, EU Discuss the Escalation in the Region

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has received a phone call from the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.
During the call on Wednesday, the two officials discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and its surroundings, as well as the recent escalation in the region.

They emphasized the importance of joint coordination and efforts to de-escalate the situation.

Gulf

Saudi Ministers Hold Separate Meetings with Armenian FM

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan, at the headquarters of the Saudi foreign ministry in Riyadh. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan, at the headquarters of the Saudi foreign ministry in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Ministers Hold Separate Meetings with Armenian FM

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan, at the headquarters of the Saudi foreign ministry in Riyadh. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan, at the headquarters of the Saudi foreign ministry in Riyadh. (SPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held talks with his Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan, on Wednesday in Riyadh where discussion focused on the latest international and regional developments.
The two officials also discussed bilateral relations and ways to promote them on various levels.
Earlier, the Saudi Minister had received Mirzoyan and the accompanying delegation wishing them a pleasant stay in the Kingdom.
The meeting was held in the presence of Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati, and Adviser to the Foreign Minister Mohammed Al-Yahya.
Separately, the Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning, Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim, also met with Mirzoyan. They discussed the mutual relations and explored opportunities for strengthening cooperation between their respective countries in various sectors. They also reviewed issues of mutual concern.

Gulf

OIC Urges Intensified Efforts to Stop War Crimes against Palestinians in Israeli Prisons

Members of the Israel Border Police patrol the alleys of Jerusalem's old city ahead of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, in Jerusalem, 09 April 2024. (EPA)
Members of the Israel Border Police patrol the alleys of Jerusalem's old city ahead of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, in Jerusalem, 09 April 2024. (EPA)
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OIC Urges Intensified Efforts to Stop War Crimes against Palestinians in Israeli Prisons

Members of the Israel Border Police patrol the alleys of Jerusalem's old city ahead of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, in Jerusalem, 09 April 2024. (EPA)
Members of the Israel Border Police patrol the alleys of Jerusalem's old city ahead of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, in Jerusalem, 09 April 2024. (EPA)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed on Wednesday its concern over the intensification of arbitrary detention campaigns carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians.

On the occasion of Palestinian Prisoner’s Day, it said the number of prisoners held by Israel has increased to more than 9,500, including 80 female prisoners and more than 200 children.

More than 3,600 are administrative detainees without charge or trial, and about 600 prisoners are serving life sentences.

The OIC renewed its condemnation of the Israeli practices that have led to the death of 16 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons since October 7. Twenty-seven prisoners from Gaza have died from torture and medical negligence.

The OIC stressed that the plight of the Palestinian prisoners represents the loss of justice and stolen rights.

The prisoners have no one to bring them justice against “the most heinous, systematic inhuman practices committed against them,” it added, noting that they have been deprived of the most basic human rights and accusing Israeli authorities of practicing collective punishment, abuse, persecution, neglect, and isolation.

They have also been subjected to physical and psychological torture in flagrant violation of all standards and rules stipulated in international humanitarian law, the Charter of Human Rights, the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, and other relevant international treaties.

The OIC called on the international community and competent human rights institutions to assume their responsibilities and work to make the Israeli authorities to deal with Palestinian prisoners in accordance with the Geneva Conventions, international humanitarian law, and all provisions of relevant international conventions.

It also called for an investigation into all crimes committed by Israeli authorities against prisoners, reiterating its solidarity and support for the rights of Palestinian prisoners and commitment to work to convey their message and suffering to the international community so that they can be freed, and justice can be achieved.

Gulf

Saudi Leadership Congratulates Syrian President on Evacuation Day

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
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Saudi Leadership Congratulates Syrian President on Evacuation Day

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud sent on Wednesday a cable of congratulations to Syrian Bashar al-Assad on his country's Evacuation Day.

King Salman wished Assad continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Syria steady progress and prosperity.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent the Syrian leader a similar cable on the occasion.

Gulf

Qatar Says Gaza Ceasefire Talks at ‘Delicate Phase' 

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, April 17, 2024. (Reuters)
Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, April 17, 2024. (Reuters)
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Qatar Says Gaza Ceasefire Talks at ‘Delicate Phase' 

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, April 17, 2024. (Reuters)
Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, April 17, 2024. (Reuters)

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on Wednesday talks on a Gaza ceasefire and a release of hostages are at a "delicate phase".

"We are trying as much as possible to address this stumbling block," he added, without giving further details.

Qatar's premier condemned what he described as the policy of "collective punishment" still followed by Israel in its war against the enclave's ruling Palestinian group Hamas and the latest escalation in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

The ceasefire discussions, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, are continuing as a humanitarian crisis devastates Palestinians in Gaza with severe shortages of food, medicine and hospital care.

The war was triggered when Hamas burst into southern Israel from Gaza on Oct. 7, killed 1,200 people and took 253 hostages into the enclave, according to Israeli tallies. Israel has retaliated by pounding Gaza in an air and ground offensive which has killed almost 34,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.

Gulf

Storm Dumps Heaviest Rain Ever Recorded in UAE, Flooding Roads and Dubai Airport 

A taxi drives through a flooded street following heavy rains in Dubai early on April 17, 2024. (AFP)
A taxi drives through a flooded street following heavy rains in Dubai early on April 17, 2024. (AFP)
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Storm Dumps Heaviest Rain Ever Recorded in UAE, Flooding Roads and Dubai Airport 

A taxi drives through a flooded street following heavy rains in Dubai early on April 17, 2024. (AFP)
A taxi drives through a flooded street following heavy rains in Dubai early on April 17, 2024. (AFP)

Heavy thunderstorms lashed the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, dumping the heaviest rain ever recorded in the country in the span of hours as it flooded out portions of major highways and Dubai's international airport.

The state-run WAM news agency called the rain “a historic weather event” that surpassed “anything documented since the start of data collection in 1949.” That's before the discovery of crude oil in this energy-rich nation then part of a British protectorate known as the Trucial States.

The rains began late Monday, soaking the sands and roadways of Dubai with some 20 millimeters (0.79 inches) of rain, according to meteorological data collected at Dubai International Airport. The storms intensified around 9 a.m. local Tuesday and continued throughout the day, dumping more rain and hail onto the overwhelmed city.

By the end of Tuesday, more than 142 millimeters (5.59 inches) of rainfall had soaked Dubai over 24 hours. An average year sees 94.7 millimeters (3.73 inches) of rain at Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel and a hub for the long-haul carrier Emirates.

At the airport, standing water lapped on taxiways as aircraft landed. The airport ended up halting arrivals Tuesday night and passengers struggled to reach terminals through the floodwater covering surrounding roads.

Dubai International Airport acknowledged Wednesday morning that the flooding had left “limited transportation options” and affected flights as aircraft crews couldn't reach the airfield.

“Recovery will take some time,” the airport said on the social platform X. “We thank you for your patience and understanding while we work through these challenges.”

Police and emergency personnel drove slowly through the flooded streets of Dubai. Lightning flashed Tuesday across the sky, occasionally touching the tip of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. The city's driverless Metro saw disruptions and flooded stations as well.

Schools across the UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms, largely shut ahead of the storm and government employees were largely working remotely if able. Many workers stayed home as well, though some ventured out, with the unfortunate stalling out their vehicles in deeper-than-expected water covering some roads.

Authorities sent tanker trucks out into the streets and highways to pump away the water. Water poured into some homes, forcing people to bail out their houses.

In Ras al-Khaimah, the country's northernmost emirate, police said one 70-year-old man died when his vehicle was swept away by floodwater.

Fujairah, an emirate on the UAE's eastern coast, saw the heaviest rainfall Tuesday with 145 millimeters (5.7 inches) falling there.

Authorities cancelled school and the government instituted remote work again for Wednesday.

Rain is unusual in the UAE, an arid, Arabian Peninsula nation, but occurs periodically during the cooler winter months. Many roads and other areas lack drainage given the lack of regular rainfall, causing flooding.

Rain also fell in Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

In neighboring Oman at least 18 people had been killed in heavy rains in recent days, according to a statement Tuesday from the country's National Committee for Emergency Management. That includes some 10 schoolchildren swept away in a vehicle with an adult, which saw condolences come into the country from rulers across the region.

Gulf

Kuwait National Assembly ‘Opener’ Set for April 21

Kuwaiti MP Saleh Ashour invited lawmakers to attend the new National Assembly’s opener on Sunday, April 21
Kuwaiti MP Saleh Ashour invited lawmakers to attend the new National Assembly’s opener on Sunday, April 21
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Kuwait National Assembly ‘Opener’ Set for April 21

Kuwaiti MP Saleh Ashour invited lawmakers to attend the new National Assembly’s opener on Sunday, April 21
Kuwaiti MP Saleh Ashour invited lawmakers to attend the new National Assembly’s opener on Sunday, April 21

Kuwaiti MP Saleh Ashour, the second oldest lawmaker in the National Assembly who will chair the house’s opening session, invited lawmakers on Tuesday to attend the new parliament’s opener on Sunday, April 21.

Ashour said the Assembly’s secretariat contacted former speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun, who is the oldest member at 90 years old, to chair the opening session, but he apologized because he plans to run for the speaker’s post.

As a result, Ashour officially became the lawmaker to chair the opening session.

Ashour told the press at the National Assembly’s media center that the Assembly is meeting on April 21 as per constitutional deadlines for the 18th legislative term, as stated in Article 87.

Around 37 MPs confirmed they'll attend the opening session, following constitutional timelines.

Ashour clarified that due to Decree No. 67 of 2024, the session planned for April 17 is canceled, with the Assembly now convening on May 14 instead.

He emphasized that the April 21 session is in line with constitutional requirements, held after the two-week post-election period, ensuring transparency and dispelling any doubts.

Moreover, Kuwaiti lawmakers have urged Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the newly appointed Prime Minister, to focus more on citizens’ daily struggles.

His appointment comes after the previous caretaker Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, stepped down following the recent parliamentary elections.

Ashour stressed that the new premier must prioritize citizens’ welfare in his government’s plans.

Ashour stated that they hope Sheikh Ahmad’s cabinet will include qualified ministers committed to addressing citizens’ needs and improving their lives with a realistic action plan.

Lawmaker Fayez Al-Jumhour, on his part, stressed that the parliament and government should collaborate to improve citizens’ living standards.

MP Janan Boushahri also noted on “X” that the new prime minister has time to select competent ministers dedicated to the constitution.

Boushahri emphasized that cooperation is vital when it benefits the state and citizens.

She added that oversight is essential if the government deviates from the constitution or protects wrongdoers.

Gulf

21st Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Poland to Deliver Aid to Ukrainians

The shipment has 43 tons of relief aid, including electric appliances. SPA
The shipment has 43 tons of relief aid, including electric appliances. SPA
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21st Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Poland to Deliver Aid to Ukrainians

The shipment has 43 tons of relief aid, including electric appliances. SPA
The shipment has 43 tons of relief aid, including electric appliances. SPA

Saudi Arabia has delivered its 21st shipment of relief aid to Ukraine.

The plane, operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), landed on Tuesday in Poland near the Ukrainian border. The shipment has 43 tons of relief aid, including electric appliances.

The aid reflects the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to supporting needy people and those affected by crises and difficulties worldwide.

Gulf

Saudi Crown Prince Discusses Regional Developments with UAE, Qatari Leaders

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince Discusses Regional Developments with UAE, Qatari Leaders

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a telephone call on Tuesday from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The two sides discussed the repercussions of the military escalation in the region, the threat it may pose to its security and stability, and the need to act to prevent the situation from worsening.

The Crown Prince also received a phone call from Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

During the call, they discussed the developments in Gaza, the recent military escalation and its repercussions on the region’s stability, and the importance of making all efforts to spare the region the dangers of escalation.

Gulf

OIC Secretary General Offers Condolences to Oman over Flood Victims

Flooding is seen in Oman. (ONA)
Flooding is seen in Oman. (ONA)
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OIC Secretary General Offers Condolences to Oman over Flood Victims

Flooding is seen in Oman. (ONA)
Flooding is seen in Oman. (ONA)

Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Taha offered on Tuesday his condolences to the Sultanate of Oman for the tragic loss of life and injuries sustained by dozens of citizens due to the devastating floods that struck the state of Al-Mudhaibi.

Taha offered his sympathy to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

He emphasized the OIC's solidarity with the government and people of Oman.

Heavy rain has caused deadly floods and left dozens stranded in Oman.

A child's body was recovered on Tuesday, bringing the death toll to 18 with two people missing, emergency authorities told the official Oman News Agency.

Nine schoolchildren and three adults died when their vehicles were swept away in flash floods, the news agency reported on Sunday.