UAE Prepares to Host COP28 with Effective Solutions to Climate Change

FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed during a virtual conference for the Higher Committee overseeing preparations to host COP28 on September 13, 2022. (WAM)
FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed during a virtual conference for the Higher Committee overseeing preparations to host COP28 on September 13, 2022. (WAM)
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UAE Prepares to Host COP28 with Effective Solutions to Climate Change

FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed during a virtual conference for the Higher Committee overseeing preparations to host COP28 on September 13, 2022. (WAM)
FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed during a virtual conference for the Higher Committee overseeing preparations to host COP28 on September 13, 2022. (WAM)

United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed on Tuesday that his country would lead an ambitious, inclusive and solutions-oriented approach in the 2023 global climate summit.

Sheikh Abdullah, who is also the Chairman of the Higher Committee overseeing preparations to host the 28th session of the conference of the parties (COP28), said the UAE will cooperate closely with Egypt to support momentum for greater climate progress.

Egypt will host the COP27 United Nations Climate Change Conference in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh in November.

Sheikh Abdullah made the remarks during the Committee’s fourth meeting, which tackled all strategic, technical and administrative elements related to the summit.

COP 28 UAE will be particularly significant, as it will include the first Global Stocktake since the 2015 Paris Agreement, a comprehensive report card assessing progress against key global climate goals.

“The United Arab Emirates will apply its experience as a trusted global convener to ensure COP 28 UAE reflects the voices of all relevant stakeholders to achieve global consensus for practical climate progress,” said the FM.

The UAE will also leverage its track record as a clean tech innovator to deliver solutions for truly sustainable development that maximizes social and economic benefits for all, Sheikh Abdullah added.

Topics to dominate the agenda in Egypt include efforts to mitigate climate change, adapt to climate impacts, and the need for increased climate finance and clarity on loss and damage, the UAE official news agency WAM reported.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed al-Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, and Vice Chairman of the COP28 UAE Higher Committee, said the UAE’s leadership has directed the country’s delegation to COP27 to support the Egyptian presidency and build on their efforts for accelerated implementation.

The UAE has always maintained that progressive climate action has the potential to create new industries, new skills and long lasting, sustainable economic growth, he remarked.

He stressed that serving as the bridge between the global north and south, the UAE will also continue to support and emphasize the need to protect vulnerable countries and fragile communities.

In line with the UAE’s commitment to inclusive representation and engagement, the Committee also emphasized that the UAE delegation at COP27 and its entire approach to COP28 would include participants from the public and private sectors, as well as women, youth, and underrepresented communities.



GCC Military Chiefs Discuss Stronger Defense Cooperation, Iranian Attacks

Officials are seen at Tuesday's meeting in Manama. (BNA)
Officials are seen at Tuesday's meeting in Manama. (BNA)
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GCC Military Chiefs Discuss Stronger Defense Cooperation, Iranian Attacks

Officials are seen at Tuesday's meeting in Manama. (BNA)
Officials are seen at Tuesday's meeting in Manama. (BNA)

The chiefs of staff of the armed forces of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states met during a session of the Supreme Military Committee in Manama on Tuesday to discuss ways to strengthen joint military cooperation.

According to the Bahrain News Agency, the meeting was chaired by Bahrain’s Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Dhiab Al Nuaimi, and attended by the chiefs of staff of the GCC armed forces, Assistant Secretary-General for Military Affairs at the GCC Secretariat Maj. Gen. Isa Al Muhannadi, and Commander of the GCC Unified Military Command Maj. Gen. Abdulaziz Al Balawi.

In his opening remarks, Al Nuaimi said the GCC countries were facing “systematic and painful Iranian aggression” targeting their states.

He accused Iran of deliberately attacking civilians and jeopardizing maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, saying the actions had harmed the interests of GCC countries and the wider region while endangering innocent lives in violation of international treaties, conventions, and law.

The developments required stronger Gulf solidarity and a united response to confront the hostile attacks, he urged.

Al Nuaimi also called for establishing a comprehensive practical framework for joint military cooperation, built on the Gulf states’ shared ties, common objectives, and existing agreements.

He hoped that the meeting would serve as a launching point for stronger collective action, including coordinated measures, faster response mechanisms, and greater cooperation to safeguard the security and stability of GCC countries and the region.

Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition

Separately, the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), led by its Secretary-General, Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, participated in the Fourth United Nations High-Level Conference on Counter-Terrorism, which opened at UN headquarters in New York under the theme: “A Future Free from Terrorism: Consolidating the Global Commitment to Multi-Stakeholder Approaches to Counter Terrorism, notably through Member States’ Leadership and Action.”

The conference brought together senior officials, policymakers, and representatives of governments, international and regional organizations, and counterterrorism experts.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the coalition’s participation reflects its ongoing efforts to strengthen international cooperation, unify global counterterrorism initiatives, and deepen strategic partnerships with member states and international organizations.

These efforts aim to advance effective policies and practices for combating terrorism and extremism while enhancing regional and international security.

The opening session featured remarks by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and other senior international officials, focusing on strengthening global commitment to counterterrorism through a comprehensive, multilateral approach involving governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector.

Al-Moghedi said the coalition’s participation underscores its role as an active international partner in global counterterrorism efforts.

Evolving international security challenges require closer coordination among countries and regional and international organizations, stronger mechanisms for joint action, and greater efforts to prevent the spread of terrorism while addressing its root causes, he stressed.


Saudi Arabia Reiterates Solidarity with Kuwait, Bahrain after Latest Iranian Attacks

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reiterates Solidarity with Kuwait, Bahrain after Latest Iranian Attacks

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday the Kingdom’s condemnation of the continued hostile Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain, as well as those targeting maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Cabinet said the attacks are a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. It reaffirmed the Kingdom’s solidarity with Kuwait and Bahrain and its full support for all measures they take to safeguard their sovereignty and security.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet meeting that was held in Jeddah.

At the outset of the session, the Cabinet was briefed on the telephone call Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received from French President Emmanuel Macron. They reviewed areas of mutual cooperation between their countries, regional and international developments, and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during the Cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)

The Cabinet reviewed Saudi Arabia's participation in regional and international meetings, as part of its commitment to strengthening cooperation with brotherly and friendly countries, advancing multilateral action toward further progress across various fields, and enhancing collective response to current challenges in the region and the world.

The Cabinet expressed its support for the outcomes of the ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the United States, including the affirmation of the strategic partnership between the two sides and continued coordination and consultation on international issues of mutual interest that will help in supporting regional security and stability and protecting common interests.

On the domestic level, the Cabinet reviewed infrastructure development plans across the Kingdom aimed at supporting continued growth.

It noted the launch of a new phase of the Developed Districts Program in Makkah and the commencement of the fourth package of projects under the Riyadh Main and Ring Road Axes Development Program. The initiatives are expected to keep pace with urban expansion, boost the urban landscape, improve quality of life, and strengthen transportation services.

Ministers are seen during the Cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)

The Cabinet commended the launch of the inaugural Saudi Water Week as a national, regional, and international platform for advancing global dialogue on water issues, highlighting Arab priorities, and reinforcing the Kingdom's pivotal role in the water sector.

The Cabinet highlighted the Kingdom's continued efforts to develop practical solutions and forge strategic partnerships that contribute to achieving water security, promoting the efficient use of natural resources, and accelerating collaborative efforts toward a more sustainable water future.

It further commended the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority's winning of the 2026 UN Public Service Award, noting that the recognition adds to the Kingdom's growing record of achievements in leveraging data and advanced technologies to support development and build a sustainable, knowledge-based digital economy.

The Cabinet praised the efforts of the Ministry of Interior and the effectiveness of its proactive security plans in combating drug trafficking and apprehending smugglers and dealers. It also hailed the ministry's achievements in confronting this scourge and mitigating its dangers.


Saudi Defense Minister Discusses Cooperation with Counterpart from Maldives

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and his counterpart from the Maldives Hassan Rasheed meet in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and his counterpart from the Maldives Hassan Rasheed meet in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Defense Minister Discusses Cooperation with Counterpart from Maldives

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and his counterpart from the Maldives Hassan Rasheed meet in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and his counterpart from the Maldives Hassan Rasheed meet in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz held talks in Jeddah on Tuesday with his counterpart from the Maldives Hassan Rasheed.

They reviewed relations and defense cooperation between their countries.

They discussed the latest regional and international developments and efforts to boost security and stability in the region. The ministers also tackled issues of common interest.