UAE Urges International Community to Pressure Yemen’s Houthi Militias

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Nahyan, Minister of State, called on the international community to take decisive steps against the Houthis. Photo: Wam
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Nahyan, Minister of State, called on the international community to take decisive steps against the Houthis. Photo: Wam
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UAE Urges International Community to Pressure Yemen’s Houthi Militias

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Nahyan, Minister of State, called on the international community to take decisive steps against the Houthis. Photo: Wam
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Nahyan, Minister of State, called on the international community to take decisive steps against the Houthis. Photo: Wam

UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhbut bin Nahyan Al Nahyan reiterated his country’s call on the international community to take decisive and serious steps to pressure the Houthi terrorist group.

Sheikh Shakhbut stressed that the international community must consider the reasons that led to the deteriorating situation in Yemen.

He cited several major reasons, including the group’s rejection of any political settlement, refusal to sit with the United Nations Special Envoy to Yemen and discarding negotiations as the only means to achieve peace.

The Minister lauded the UN Security Council’s terrorist designation of the Iran-backed Houthi militias, as well as the UN expert team’s documentation of many Houthi violations.

He made his remarks during a high-level pledging event on the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen, co-chaired by the Swedish and Swiss governments, as well as the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Ministers from a dozen countries and representatives of international organizations and NGOs took part in the event, which was held in a hybrid format in Geneva.

Sheikh Shakhbut underlined the impact of the group’s terrorist acts on Yemenis, especially children, who are being recruited to fight in battles, in addition to its hindering of aid delivery to the citizens and brutal attacks on civilians in Yemen and abroad.

“As a result of this blatant intransigence and blatant violation of the international law, the war has continued, adding to the suffering of the Yemeni people,” Sheikh Shakhbut stated.

The United Arab Emirates supports the UN efforts to provide basic needs for Yemenis, he affirmed, noting that it intends to work with relevant parties and international partners to accelerate the recovery and development in the war-torn country.

Since 2015, the UAE has provided Yemen with over $6.3 billion in foreign aid, focusing on the provision of food, health services and water, in addition to ensuring the continuity of providing public services, such as education and electricity, especially to the most vulnerable segments of society, particularly women and children.



Saudi Arabia Welcomes Temporary Truce between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Ambulances carrying the bodies of victims killed in a Pakistani airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center, make their way to the Badam Bagh Hilltop for a funeral and mass burial in Kabul on March 18, 2026. (AFP)
Ambulances carrying the bodies of victims killed in a Pakistani airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center, make their way to the Badam Bagh Hilltop for a funeral and mass burial in Kabul on March 18, 2026. (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes Temporary Truce between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Ambulances carrying the bodies of victims killed in a Pakistani airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center, make their way to the Badam Bagh Hilltop for a funeral and mass burial in Kabul on March 18, 2026. (AFP)
Ambulances carrying the bodies of victims killed in a Pakistani airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center, make their way to the Badam Bagh Hilltop for a funeral and mass burial in Kabul on March 18, 2026. (AFP)

Saudi Arabia welcomed on Wednesday the temporary truce agreement reached between Pakistan and Afghanistan on the advent of Eid Al-Fitr.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said: “The Kingdom appreciates the willingness of both parties to respond to the calls made by the Kingdom, Qatar, and Türkiye to implement this truce.”

“It emphasizes that prioritizing dialogue and peaceful solutions is the most effective means to resolve ongoing disputes,” it added.

“The Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to continuing tireless diplomatic efforts, in collaboration with brotherly and friendly nations, to achieve peace, security, and stability in the region,” it said.

Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday announced a halt in fighting during celebrations for the end of Ramadan, after the deadliest strike in their escalating conflict killed hundreds in Kabul earlier this week.

Pakistan's information minister, Attaullah Tarar, said the government agreed to a halt to its operations from Thursday to Monday "in good faith and in keeping with the Islamic norms".

Taliban government spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said defending Afghanistan was "a national and religious obligation" and they would respond to any aggression or threat.

Tarar said: "In case of any cross-border attack, drone attack or any terrorist incident inside Pakistan, (operations) shall immediately resume with renewed intensity."


Saudi Arabia Destroys Ballistic Missiles Fired at Riyadh, Eastern Region

Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)
Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Destroys Ballistic Missiles Fired at Riyadh, Eastern Region

Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)
Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)

Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki announced on Wednesday that the Kingdom’s defenses intercepted and destroyed four ballistic missiles fired at the capital Riyadh.

Scattered debris fell across various areas of the capital, with initial assessments indicating no casualties or damage.

Earlier, Al-Malki said defenses downed two ballistic missiles launched toward the Eastern Region.


Saudi Arabia, Gulf Countries Declare Friday as First Day of Eid al-Fitr

People observe the crescent of the month of Shawwal at the astronomical observatory at Hautat Sudair. (Majmaah University)
People observe the crescent of the month of Shawwal at the astronomical observatory at Hautat Sudair. (Majmaah University)
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Saudi Arabia, Gulf Countries Declare Friday as First Day of Eid al-Fitr

People observe the crescent of the month of Shawwal at the astronomical observatory at Hautat Sudair. (Majmaah University)
People observe the crescent of the month of Shawwal at the astronomical observatory at Hautat Sudair. (Majmaah University)

Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday that Friday was the first day of Eid al-Fitr that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

The Saudi Supreme Court made the decision after observers failed to sight the Shawwal crescent that signifies the end of Ramadan.

The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar also declared Friday the first day of Eid.