Saudi Arabia to Host Unified GCC Military Headquarters

The Saudi FM and GCC chief sign an agreement for Saudi Arabia to host the Unified GCC Military Headquarters. (SPA)
The Saudi FM and GCC chief sign an agreement for Saudi Arabia to host the Unified GCC Military Headquarters. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia to Host Unified GCC Military Headquarters

The Saudi FM and GCC chief sign an agreement for Saudi Arabia to host the Unified GCC Military Headquarters. (SPA)
The Saudi FM and GCC chief sign an agreement for Saudi Arabia to host the Unified GCC Military Headquarters. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia will host the Unified Military Command Headquarters of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

An agreement to set up the base was signed on Sunday between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani.

The minister said the agreement reflects Saudi Arabia’s support for joint Gulf work.

The agreement seeks to reach cooperation and coordination in the fields of security and defense, to maintain stability in the GCC states and achieve self-defense based on the principle of collective security.

Zayani said the support provided by the Saudi government and Foreign Ministry had a major impact on the work of the GCC General Secretariat and allowed it to complete its duties and responsibilities in boosting joint Gulf work.

The signing ceremony was attended by Commander of the GCC Unified Military Command Eid bin Awadh Al-Shalawi and GCC Assistant Secretary General for Military Affairs Ahmed Ali Hamid Al Ali.

The decision to set up the command was first reached during a GCC summit held in Kuwait in 2013.



Saudi Arabia Downs Drones Fired at Eastern Region, al-Kharj

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 Downs Drones Fired at Eastern Region, al-Kharj

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 said on Monday that 15 drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Eastern Region.

Thirteen drones were downed in the al‑Kharj governorate, he added.


Saudi FM Discusses Regional Developments with Counterparts from Bahrain, Japan, Pakistan

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)
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Saudi FM Discusses Regional Developments with Counterparts from Bahrain, Japan, Pakistan

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held separate telephone talks on Monday with his counterpart from Bahrain, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani; Japan, Toshimitsu Motegi; and Pakistan Ishaq Dar. 

They discussed the latest developments in the region and the efforts being made towards them. 


Dubai Airport Gradually Resumes Flights after Drone Fire

A smoke plume rises from a fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
A smoke plume rises from a fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
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Dubai Airport Gradually Resumes Flights after Drone Fire

A smoke plume rises from a fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
A smoke plume rises from a fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. (Photo by AFP)

Officials said Monday that Dubai International Airport has gradually resumed some flights after a "drone-related incident" sparked a fuel tank fire, forcing a temporary suspension.

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announced flights are operating to selected destinations, according to the Dubai Media Office.

Emirates airline said it expected to operate a "limited schedule" after 10:00 am Dubai time (0600 GMT) and that some flights had been cancelled.

It had earlier told passengers not to come to the airport and said it was working with authorities "to assess the situation and support the safe resumption of operations when possible.”

In Abu Dhabi, a Palestinian civilian was killed on the outskirts of the Emirati capital when a missile hit their car on Monday, authorities said.

"Authorities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi responded to an incident in the Al Bahia area involving a missile strike on a civilian vehicle, which resulted in the death of one Palestinian national," the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a statement.