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Arab Strategy Forum Discusses Economic, Political Matters in Dubai

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the inuguration of Arab Strategy Forum (Arab Strategy Forum official site)
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the inuguration of Arab Strategy Forum (Arab Strategy Forum official site)
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Arab Strategy Forum Discusses Economic, Political Matters in Dubai

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the inuguration of Arab Strategy Forum (Arab Strategy Forum official site)
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the inuguration of Arab Strategy Forum (Arab Strategy Forum official site)

Prominent economic and political analysts and experts come together this year for the "Arab Strategy Forum" which will be held in Dubai on Tuesday under the patronage of the Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The 10th edition of the forum, which will be be held under the theme ‘The State of the World in 2018’, brings together prominent economic and political analysts in the region such as: former French President Francois Hollande, former US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, and economist and Nobel Laureate in Economics Joseph Stiglitz.

The forum aims to enable leaders in both private and public sectors to better anticipate future developments with the aim of fostering an analytical discussion of the state of the world in 2018.

The Arab Strategy Forum also seeks to create a platform for leaders to share their short-term forecasts, through leadership and insights, and aims to enable leaders in both private and public sectors to better anticipate future developments.

Chairman of the Arab Strategy Forum Mohammed al-Gergawi indicated that the world is rapidly changing and UAE believes that it is necessary to prepare for the future with all its changes.

"This is why we are creating platforms that will help the region and the world.The Arab Strategic Forum is an important platform and an accurate tool that hosts leading thinkers of politics and economy from around the world to create a forward-looking map that will help decision-makers face the challenges and seize opportunities," he added.

Gergawi stated that this year's forum takes place amidst highly influential political and economic events globally and regionally.

Speaking about the forum, Hollande said that the world needs such a forum to build a common perception about what is going on today and what can happen tomorrow in order to help decision makers adopt preventive policies.

"We must be well aware of the importance of agreeing on common visions and close cooperation for a better future," he added.

Also at the forum, Robert Gates, who also worked for the CIA for 26 years, declared that the world faces many issues affecting the political landscape, international relations and the global economy.

"The Arab Strategic Forum plays an important role in bringing together thinkers and influencers in international relations and economics to identify global trends, new developments and set a vision of the world situation in 2018" he added.

President of Eurasia Group, Ian Bremmer, will be speaking on "Mega Trends in 2018" at the forum. He described the forum as an opportunity to strengthen the principle of cooperation and build partnerships between institutions and decision makers.

"This is why our partnership at Euro-Asia Group with the Arab Strategic Forum is to provide a model about these partnerships, hoping that it will expand and become more effective," added Bremmer.

Nobel Prize laureate in economics Joseph Stiglitz said that Arab Strategic Forum is a tool for exploring the future of the global economy and determining its direction.

"We hope that it will contribute to the formulation of common policies that support sustainable development goals," indicated Stiglitz.

Former General Manager of al-Arabiya News Channel, Abdulrahman al-Rashid stated that the Arab region witnessed in the past few years serious events that have affected the overall political and economic situation.

"This is why I consider my participation in this year's Arab Strategic Forum as part of a collective vision in a way we hope it lead to the development of solutions that will alleviate the suffering of innocent people and reduce damage created by conflicts," concluded Rashid.

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Gulf

World Defense Show Opens in Riyadh with Expanded Int’l Participation

The exhibition includes a fully integrated airport with a 2,700-meter runway, four aircraft taxiways, and extensive display areas (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The exhibition includes a fully integrated airport with a 2,700-meter runway, four aircraft taxiways, and extensive display areas (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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World Defense Show Opens in Riyadh with Expanded Int’l Participation

The exhibition includes a fully integrated airport with a 2,700-meter runway, four aircraft taxiways, and extensive display areas (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The exhibition includes a fully integrated airport with a 2,700-meter runway, four aircraft taxiways, and extensive display areas (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The World Defense Show opened in Riyadh on Sunday, bringing together defense and military companies from around the globe to showcase advanced technologies, as Saudi Arabia accelerates efforts to localize its military industries and strengthen domestic supply chains.

The third edition of the exhibition is being held under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and organized by the General Authority for Military Industries from Feb. 8 to Feb. 12.

It features official delegations, government entities, and international firms operating in the defense and security sectors.

The event comes as part of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to build a comprehensive national defense industry and localize more than 50 percent of military spending, while boosting operational readiness and strategic autonomy.

Ahmad Al-Ohali, governor of the General Authority for Military Industries and chairman of the exhibition’s supervisory committee, said the show reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation, localization, and the development of an integrated defense ecosystem.

He said the exhibition includes live air and ground demonstrations, static displays, and newly introduced zones designed to enhance cooperation between government bodies and major national and international defense companies.

Andrew Pearcey, chief executive of the World Defense Show, said the event would feature a comprehensive program starting with an official delegations initiative linking senior officials with investors and industry leaders to support international industrial and technological cooperation.

Pearcey said the “Defense Industry Lab” would highlight emerging technologies and applied research, while dedicated zones would focus on naval systems and Saudi supply chains, connecting local manufacturers and small and medium-sized enterprises with global firms.

The program also includes meetings between Saudi government entities and industry representatives to discuss operational requirements and investment opportunities.

He added that the venue includes a fully integrated airport with a 2,700-meter runway, four aircraft taxiways, and large display areas, allowing the exhibition to host integrated air, land, and maritime demonstrations.

Participation in the 2026 edition is expected to exceed previous shows, reflecting growing international interest in Saudi Arabia’s defense market.

South Korea’s air force aerobatic team, the Black Eagles, will take part in the exhibition for the first time in the Middle East. The South Korean Air Force said it would deploy 9 T-50 fighter jets, including 1 reserve aircraft, 4 C-130 transport planes, and about 120 personnel.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Condemns RSF Attacks on Civilians and Aid Convoys in Sudan

An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Condemns RSF Attacks on Civilians and Aid Convoys in Sudan

An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned on Saturday the Rapid Support Forces’ attack against a humanitarian aid convoy in Sudan’s Kordofan.

A Foreign Ministry statement said the Kingdom expressed its strong condemnation of the attack against Al-Kuweik Military Hospital, a humanitarian aid convoy affiliated with the World Food Program, and a vehicle transporting displaced civilians.

“These acts are unjustifiable under any circumstances and are flagrant violations of all humanitarian norms and relevant international agreements,” it stressed.

“The Kingdom called on the RSF to immediately cease these violations and to fulfill their moral and humanitarian obligations by ensuring the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need, in accordance with international humanitarian law and the Jeddah Declaration signed on May 11, 2023,” it added.

The Kingdom reiterated its firm position in support of Sudan’s unity, security, and stability, the need to preserve its legitimate institutions.

It voiced its rejection of “foreign interference and the continued actions of certain parties in supplying illicit weapons, mercenaries, and foreign fighters, despite their stated support for a political solution,” saying such “conduct is a primary factor in prolonging the conflict and exacerbating the suffering of the Sudanese people.”

A drone attack by the RSF hit a vehicle carrying displaced families in central Sudan Saturday, killing at least 24 people, including eight children, a doctors’ group said, a day after a World Food Program aid convoy was targeted.

The attack occurred close to the city of Rahad in North Kordofan province, said the Sudan Doctors Network, which tracks the country’s ongoing war. The vehicle was transporting displaced people who fled fighting in the Dubeiker area, the group said in a statement. Among the dead children were two infants.

Gulf

OIC Condemns Terrorist Bombing of Mosque in Islamabad

A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
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OIC Condemns Terrorist Bombing of Mosque in Islamabad

A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) General Secretariat strongly condemned on Saturday the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in Islamabad.

The secretariat stressed its categorical rejection of terrorism in all its forms, especially those targeting places of worship.

It underlined its firm stance in condemning these criminal acts, which are contrary to human values and religious principles.

The OIC offered its sincere condolences to the government and people of Pakistan and to the families of the victims.

It also reiterated its full solidarity with Pakistan in its efforts to combat terrorism and boost its security and stability.

At least 30 people killed in a suicide bombing at a Muslim mosque during Friday prayers.