Gulf Summits: Strengthening Regional Cooperation over Four Decades 

A poster of Gulf leaders is seen ahead of the summit in Bahrain. (BNA)
A poster of Gulf leaders is seen ahead of the summit in Bahrain. (BNA)
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Gulf Summits: Strengthening Regional Cooperation over Four Decades 

A poster of Gulf leaders is seen ahead of the summit in Bahrain. (BNA)
A poster of Gulf leaders is seen ahead of the summit in Bahrain. (BNA)

Over four decades, Gulf Summits have evolved from periodic meetings of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders into key milestones that strengthen fraternal ties and promote joint action based on shared goals. This cooperation is rooted in a legacy of social, historical, and cultural cohesion that predates the council's establishment, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday.

The unity reflected in these summits is not merely a response to circumstances; it arises from political awareness and a shared belief that regional stability and prosperity can only be achieved through solidarity and integrated policies.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, is participating in the 46th Session of the GCC Supreme Council on Wednesday as part of the Kingdom's efforts to deepen joint Gulf action, aligned with the vision approved by GCC leaders in 2015.

The vision established a framework for integration, particularly in defense, security, and the economy, reorganizing cooperation tracks and improving coordination among member states.

As the 46th session convenes in Bahrain, GCC states draw on a strong record of achievements and experiences that showcase their resilience in adapting to challenges. This summit is an opportunity to consolidate past accomplishments and set priorities for the future, focusing on economic integration, regional security, energy, climate, and international partnerships to meet the aspirations of Gulf peoples for prosperity and stability.

The evolution of Gulf Summits reflects the steadfast political will of GCC leaders. Unity and forward thinking are pivotal to establishing a cohesive regional system capable of continual development and adaptation to global changes. Each summit renews this commitment, stressing that the Gulf Cooperation Council will endure as a vital model of unity in the Arab region and will continue to advocate for the security, development, and prosperity of Gulf peoples.



UAE Air Defenses ‘Actively Engaging’ Iran Missiles, Drones

 The United Arab Emirates flag flies in front of the Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai. (Reuters file photo)
The United Arab Emirates flag flies in front of the Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai. (Reuters file photo)
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UAE Air Defenses ‘Actively Engaging’ Iran Missiles, Drones

 The United Arab Emirates flag flies in front of the Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai. (Reuters file photo)
The United Arab Emirates flag flies in front of the Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai. (Reuters file photo)

The United Arab Emirates said Tuesday its air defenses were engaging missiles and drones coming from Iran for the second consecutive day, weeks into a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East war.

"UAE air defense systems are actively engaging with missiles and UAV threats," the defense ministry said in a statement on X, adding that they had "come from Iran".

On Monday, an Iranian drone attack caused a fire, injuring three people at an energy installation in Fujairah, close to the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, the vital waterway that is the focus of tensions between the US and Iran.

Fujairah is the UAE's main oil export terminal bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.

The oil-rich UAE has borne the brunt of Tehran's retaliation, having been targeted by more than 2,800 missiles and drones during the war.


GCC Denounces Iranian Attacks on UAE as Dangerous Regional Escalation

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
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GCC Denounces Iranian Attacks on UAE as Dangerous Regional Escalation

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi expressed the council's strongest condemnation of the flagrant Iranian attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates.

He emphasized that this act of aggression constitutes a blatant violation of the sovereignty of a GCC member state and represents a dangerous escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday.

He stressed that targeting the UAE is unacceptable and reprehensible behavior by all standards, reflecting an escalatory approach that disregards the rules of international law and the principles of good neighborliness.

Furthermore, he called upon the international community to assume its responsibilities to halt these repeated Iranian attacks and put an immediate end to irresponsible actions that undermine regional and international peace and security.

Albudaiwi underlined the GCC’s full and steadfast solidarity with the UAE, standing as a united front in support of all measures taken to protect its security, safeguard its sovereignty, and preserve the safety of its vital facilities.


MWL Condemns Iranian Aggression against the UAE

The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
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MWL Condemns Iranian Aggression against the UAE

The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
The Muslim World League (MWL) logo

The Muslim World League (MWL) condemned Iran’s targeting of civilian and economic facilities in the United Arab Emirates, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

In a statement issued by the MWL General Secretariat, Secretary-General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa condemned Iran's attacks, describing them as criminal acts that violate all religious principles as well as international humanitarian law.

He stressed the league’s full solidarity with the UAE in all measures it takes to safeguard its security, sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens and residents.

On Monday, the United Arab Emirates said it came under attack by Iran for the first time since a fragile ceasefire took hold in early April.