UAE, Oman Discuss Boosting Relations

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq in Muscat. (WAM)
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq in Muscat. (WAM)
TT

UAE, Oman Discuss Boosting Relations

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq in Muscat. (WAM)
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq in Muscat. (WAM)

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the longstanding ties between UAE and Oman are characterized by a shared social and cultural fabric based on deep bonds of brotherly relations between the two nations.

Shiekh Mohammed arrived in Muscat Tuesday, marking the start of a two-day state visit to the Sultanate at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, who welcomed the President upon his arrival at the Royal Private Airport in Muscat.

Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE and Oman benefit from diverse trade relations, which both leaders seek to expand through collaboration and investment.

He expressed his aspiration to work with Sultan Haitham to strengthen relations between the UAE and Oman in various fields and build solid foundations for the common future of their countries.

The President stressed that his country seeks to strengthen Gulf and Arab joint action and is keen to work with its brothers, starting with Oman.

He expressed his aspiration for more joint work with Sultanate during the coming period to strengthen peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

Sheikh Mohammed was welcomed with official and cultural celebration upon his arrival at the al-Alam Palace in Muscat, accompanied by Sultan Haitham.

The talks between the leaders addressed the bilateral relations between their countries and ways to develop them to broader horizons of cooperation, coordination, and joint action in all fields to achieve their interests and promote development and prosperity for their peoples.

They addressed opportunities for building upon the growing economic ties between the UAE and Oman and areas where they can increase collaboration, including the investment, financial, industrial, and cultural sectors.

They also discussed the overall Gulf, Arab and international developments and issues of common concern.

After the official talks, Sheikh Mohamed and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq held closed-door talks.



New KSrelief Aid Convoy Crosses Rafah to Deliver Food Baskets to Gaza

The latest KSrelief convoy was carrying food baskets for the people of Gaza. (SPA)
The latest KSrelief convoy was carrying food baskets for the people of Gaza. (SPA)
TT

New KSrelief Aid Convoy Crosses Rafah to Deliver Food Baskets to Gaza

The latest KSrelief convoy was carrying food baskets for the people of Gaza. (SPA)
The latest KSrelief convoy was carrying food baskets for the people of Gaza. (SPA)

A new humanitarian aid convoy from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) crossed the Rafah border into Gaza on Friday with essential food baskets for Palestinians affected by the ongoing crisis, as part of the Saudi fundraising campaign to aid the Palestinian people.

The Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage, KSrelief’s implementing partner, has established several new camps in Al-Qarara area of southern Gaza and Al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis in preparation for winter.

Through these efforts, KSrelief aims to alleviate the severe suffering caused by the dire living conditions in Gaza, ensuring that vital food and shelter reach those in the most vulnerable areas.


Joint Military 'Gulf Shield Exercise 2026' Concludes in Saudi Arabia

Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)
Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)
TT

Joint Military 'Gulf Shield Exercise 2026' Concludes in Saudi Arabia

Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)
Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at an event (AFP)

The joint military "Gulf Shield Exercise 2026" concluded in Saudi Arabia on Friday, with the participation of the air forces and air-defense forces of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, alongside the GCC Unified Military Command, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The exercise was conducted as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional defense cooperation and enhance combat readiness.

Its maneuvers included advanced operational scenarios featuring simulations of multidimensional air and missile threats, joint air maneuvers, and integrated field exercises, with a focus on improving operational integration, strengthening command-and-control systems, and enhancing operational efficiency within a joint operational environment.
The exercise seeks to develop qualitative military capabilities, bolster combat readiness to confront current, emerging, and future threats, and entrench the concepts of collective defense and flexible deterrence, thereby contributing to the region's security and stability.

Gulf Shield Exercise 2026 is regarded as one of the key pillars of military cooperation among GCC countries, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance defense integration and strengthen the capacity to respond to regional and international challenges.

At the conclusion of the exercise, the participating forces carried out a joint aerial display that demonstrated a high level of harmony and operational integration, as well as their ability to plan and execute in accordance with unified operational concepts and advanced professional standards.


Saudi Arabia Expresses Deep Regret over Damage to Qatari Embassy in Kyiv

 Smoke rises in the city after Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 9, 2026. (Reuters)
Smoke rises in the city after Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 9, 2026. (Reuters)
TT

Saudi Arabia Expresses Deep Regret over Damage to Qatari Embassy in Kyiv

 Smoke rises in the city after Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 9, 2026. (Reuters)
Smoke rises in the city after Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 9, 2026. (Reuters)

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed on Saturday the Kingdom’s deep regret over the damage sustained by the Qatari Embassy in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, as a result of recent shelling.

The ministry stressed the need to protect diplomatic missions and their personnel in line with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The ministry reiterated the Kingdom's support for all diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Russian-Ukrainian crisis through peaceful means.