Sheikh Mohammed Arrives at Buckingham Palace to Offer Condolences on the Death of Queen Elizabeth II

KHALEEJ TIMES: Heads of state and leaders representing nearly 200 countries and territories will join Monday's state funeral

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has arrived at Buckingham Palace to offer his condolences on the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

A video posted by the Government of Dubai Media Office showed the UAE Vice-President entering the palace along with Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation.

The Dubai Ruler is among the many heads of state, world leaders and royals from across the world who have travelled to London to pay their respects to Britain's longest-reigning monarch, who died on September 8, aged 96.

The President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid had led tributes as the country mourned the passing of the Queen on September 8.

The UAE had declared a three-day mourning after the Queen passed as the country's leaders, top officials, diplomats and residents paid glowing tributes.

Till September 12, flags within the UAE and in the country's embassies abroad flew at half-mast.

UAE leaders, including some Rulers and Crown Princes, visited UK missions in the country to offer their respects. » | A Staff Reporter | Sunday, September 18, 2022

Wealthiest Cities in the World: Dubai Is Home to 67,900 Millionaires, 13 Billionaires, Ranks 23rd on the List

Dubai skyline and a view of the world tallest tower, Burj Khalifa. Photo: AP
KHALEEJ TIMES: Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Riyadh and Doha are among the fastest-growing on the list and performing especially well this year

Dubai is home to 13 billionaires, 202 centi-millionaires and around 68,000 millionaires, according to a new global study.

In a ranking of the cities worldwide with the most number of millionaires, Dubai ranked 23rd, while Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Riyadh and Doha were among the fastest-growing on the list, having performed especially well this year.

According to the latest Henley Global Citizens Report, the US dominates the world's Top 20 Cities with the most number of millionaires in 2022. While New York takes the crown with 345,600 millionaires, five other American cities – San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Dallas – secure places on the coveted world’s wealthiest cities ranking.

The latest report, which tracks private wealth and investment migration trends worldwide, mentions how the highly diversified economy of Dubai propelled its position globally.

Dubai's economy is robust in multiple key sectors, including basic materials, hotels, financial services, oil and gas, real estate, retail, and transport. The report also marks prime residential areas like Emirates Hills, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and the Palm Jumeirah as Dubai's affluent parts. » | Web Desk | Wednesday, September 14, 2022

UAE President, VP Congratulate UK's King Charles III on His Ascension to the Throne

KHALEEJ TIMES: He took over the throne after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of congratulations to King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, on his ascension to the throne after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

“Our best wishes to my dear friend His Majesty King Charles III on his accession to the throne of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. We look forward to further strengthening this exceptional friendship,” Sheikh Mohamed tweeted on Saturday.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has also dispatched a similar message of congratulations to King Charles. » | WAM | Saturday, September 10, 2022

United Arab Emirates I ARTE.tv Documentary

Dec 17, 2021 • The United Arab Emirates includes the sci-fi like cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai with their breath taking towers and impressive beach resorts. It is also a land of expats with residents from over two hundred different nations. | Available until the 23/06/2023

Blacklist Dubai over Failure to Crack Down on Russian Oligarchs, Say Campaigners

THE OBSERVER: UAE has become haven for superyachts, private jets and ‘dirty money’ since invasion of Ukraine, but has taken no action

The 387ft Motor Yacht A belonging to Russian oligarch Andrey Melnichenko anchored in the port of Ras al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. Photograph: Kamran Jebreili/AP
Campaigners and politicians are calling for the United Arab Emirates to be blacklisted over its failures to combat the flow of “dirty money” and to enforce sanctions imposed on Russian oligarchs.

The Gulf state has emerged as a key refuge for the Russian super-rich fleeing the impact of global sanctions, with private jets and superyachts linked to oligarchs heading to the UAE after the invasion of Ukraine.

Bill Browder, the financier and critic of Vladimir Putin’s regime, said: “Dubai has long been a safe place for dirty money. It should now be put on financial blacklists and its leaders shouldn’t be welcome here.”

He said secondary sanctions should be imposed on the UAE unless it provided assistance to countries pursuing the oligarchs’ assets. » | Jon Ungoed-Thomas | Saturday, June 11, 2022

Mohammed Ben Zayed, officiellement président des Emirats arabes unis

LE MONDE : Emmanuel Macron se rendra dimanche à Abou Dhabi pour rendre hommage au dernier président de la fédération monarchique, le cheikh Khalifa Ben Zayed Al Nahyane, mort vendredi 13 mai à l’âge de 73 ans.

Le prince héritier d’Abou Dhabi, Mohammed Ben Zayed, à Abou Dhabi, le 30 janvier 2022. RASHED AL-MANSOORI / AFP
Le prince héritier d’Abou Dhabi Mohammed Ben Zayed, déjà considéré comme le dirigeant de facto des Emirats arabes unis, a été élu samedi 14 mai président de la riche monarchie du Golfe, succédant à son demi-frère, Khalifa Ben Zayed Al Nahyane, mort vendredi à l’âge de 73 ans. Mohammed Ben Zayed, dit « MBZ », a été élu par le Conseil suprême de la fédération des Emirats, a fait savoir l’agence de presse officielle WAM.

Le président français, Emmanuel Macron, se rendra dimanche à Abou Dhabi pour rendre hommage au président des Emirats arabes unis, le cheikh Khalifa Ben Zayed Al Nahyane, a annoncé l’Elysée samedi. Conséquence : le premier ministre, Jean Castex, n’ira pas au Vatican comme prévu, les deux chefs de l’exécutif ne pouvant être hors du territoire en même temps, a précisé Matignon. » | Le Monde avec AFP | samedi 14 mai 2022

Muhammad bin Sajid neuer Emirate-Präsident: Die Oberhäupter der insgesamt sieben Emirate des Landes haben den bisherigen Kronprinz einstimmig zum Präsidenten gewählt. Er tritt die Nachfolge seines am Freitag gestorbenen Halbbruders Chalifa bin Sajid an. »

Liens connexes.

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Dies Aged 73

THE GUARDIAN: Ministry of presidential affairs announces 40-day mourning period for ruler who succeeded father in 2004

Sheikh Khalifa had long ceased having involvement in the day-to-day affairs of ruling the country. Photograph: Jamal Saidi/Reuters
The United Arab Emirates’ long-ailing ruler, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has died aged 73, the government’s state-run news agency has announced[.]

Khalifa, the president of the UAE, oversaw much of the country’s blistering economic growth and his name was immortalised on the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, after bailing out debt-crippled Dubai during its financial crisis more than a decade ago.

The UAE’s ministry of presidential affairs announced a 40-day period of mourning and a three-day suspension of work in all ministries and the private sector beginning on Friday, including flags to be flown at half-staff.

He had long ceased having involvement in the day-to-day affairs of ruling the country. Instead, his half-brother, Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, was seen as the de-facto ruler and the decision-maker of major foreign policy decisions, such as joining a Saudi-led war in Yemen and spearheading an embargo on neighbouring Qatar in recent years. » | Associated Press | Friday, May 13, 2022

Sheikh Khalifa, U.A.E. Ruler, Is Dead at 73: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was a key figure in his country’s history and one of the world’s richest monarchs. But he had a stroke in 2014 and had stepped back from many public duties. »

Saudi Arabia and UAE Refuse to Take Biden’s Calls on Oil

After declining to speak to Biden, Mohammed bin Salman took a call from President Putin SERGIO MORAES/REUTERS
THE TIMES: Joe Biden has been rebuffed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in his attempts to persuade them to produce more oil in the wake of a US ban on Russian imports.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the UAE’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan both declined requests to speak to the US president in recent weeks, officials told The Wall Street Journal, amid frosty relations with his administration.

After declining to speak to Biden, both rulers took calls from President Putin of Russia last week. They both also spoke to President Zelensky of Ukraine and a Saudi official said the US had requested that MBS, as the Saudi prince is known, mediate in the conflict. » | David Charter, Washington | Charles Bremner, Paris | Thursday, March 10, 2022

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Cambridge University Accused of Faustian Pact in Planned £400m Deal with UAE

THE GUARDIAN: Rights advocate says proposed partnership with emirates raises ‘profound concern’ and Cambridge documents note ‘values gap’

The University of Cambridge has been accused of entering “a Faustian pact” over plans for a £400m collaboration with the United Arab Emirates in what would be the biggest deal of its kind in the university’s history.

According to internal documents seen by the Guardian, the 10-year collaboration would help Cambridge, one of the wealthiest higher education institutions in the UK, “weather the challenges faced by universities as a result of Covid, Brexit and a constrained funding environment”.

The documents state that the UAE has pledged to commit £312m – the biggest single donation by far that the university has received – and £90m will be paid in kind through Cambridge staff time. » | Sally Weale | Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Who Can Secure Shipping Lines in the Gulf? | Inside Story

'Sabotaged and significantly damaged'. Saudi Arabia says two of its oil tankers have been attacked off the coast of the UAE. Riyadh has also called on the international community to protect maritime navigation.

The incidents happened off the coast of Fujairah. The Emirate denied reports of explosions at its port on Sunday. But the Emirati government later said four commercial ships flagged under several nationalities had been hit - although there were no injuries or deaths. The attack was condemned by several countries, including Iran.

What does it mean for global oil supplies?

Presenter: Sami Zeidan | Guests: Mahjoob Zweiri, Director of the Gulf Studies Center at Qatar University; Manouchehr Takin, Senior Analyst at the Centre for Global Energy Studies; Elias Farhat, retired military general and defence analyst

Saudi Oil Tankers Show 'Significant Damage' after Sabotage Attack, Says Riyadh

THE GUARDIAN: One vessel was bound for the US and comes after warnings that Iran or its proxies could target shipping in region

Two Saudi oil tankers have suffered “significant damage” in an apparent sabotage attack off the coast of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, the Saudi energy minister has said.

The reported incident – which could threaten the security of global oil supplies – came after the US warned ships that “Iran or its proxies” could be targeting maritime traffic in the region, prompting the US to send an aircraft carrier strike group and B-52 bombers to the Persian Gulf.

One of the two vessels was on its way to be loaded with Saudi crude oil bound for customers in the US, state news agency SPA reported. The attack did not lead to any casualties or an oil spill but caused significant damage to the structures of the two vessels, said Saudi energy minister Khalid al-Falih on Monday. » | Staff and agencies | Monday, May 13, 2019

Are Saudi Arabia and UAE Buying Influence in the White House? - Inside Story

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman is reported to have boasted that he has US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner in his pocket. And leaked documents allege a major fundraiser for the President was offered business deals from the Gulf to influence U.S. policy.

The potential role of foreign money in the Trump White House is attracting the scrutiny of Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Are these lobbying efforts reshaping the Middle East?

Presenter: Jane Dutton | Guests: Mahjoob Zweiri - Director of the Gulf Studies Center, Qatar University; Khalil Jahshan - Executive Director, Arab Center Washington DC; Afshin Shahi - Senior Lecturer of Middle East Politics, University of Bradford

Qatar Emir Says Country Will Thrive Despite Blockade

Qatar's Emir says the country’s neighbours have no desire to end the Gulf Crisis. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani made his speech at the opening session of the parliamentary advisory body, the Shura Council. Sheikh Tamim gave a message of steadfastness, saying Qatari society will persist regardless of the length of the blockade.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed ties with Qatar in June and imposed a land, sea and air blockade.

Al Jazeera's Hashem Ahelbarra reports from Doha.

Gulf Crisis Explained, 100 Days after Anti-Qatar Blockade

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain along with Egypt announced an embargo on Qatar on June 5, setting off the Gulf crisis. More than three month blockade has affected families, students and made it difficult for Qatari pilgrims to perform Hajj. So far, Kuwait's mediation efforts have not yielded any results with the blockading nations, who say they will not budge unless Qatar agrees to a list of 13 demands. The demands include cutting ties with Iran and shutting down the Al Jazeera media network.

Inside Story - What Can Russia Do to Help End the Gulf Crisis?

The Russian foreign Minister has been in Qatar as part of efforts to find a common ground in the Gulf crisis. Sergey Lavrov has already visited the UAE and Kuwait this week and arrived in Doha on Wednesday.

Lavrov is the highest ranking Russian official to come to the Gulf since the crisis began. He says Russia fully supports the Emir of Kuwait's efforts to bring an end to the blockade that began on June 5th. But what can Russia do to help end the blockade?

Presenter: Hashem Ahelbarra | Guests: Fahad bin Mohammed Al-Attiya - Qatar's Ambassador to Russia; Vyacheslav Matuzov - a former Russian diplomat, now Chairman of the Russian Friendship Society with Arab Countries; Abdullah Baabood - Professor of International Relations and Political Economy of the Gulf at Qatar University

UN Accuses Saudi, UAE of Funding Armed Groups in Yemen

A confidential report by the United Nations accuses Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates of financing armed groups in Yemen. It also accuses all parties of violating international humanitarian laws in a war that has killed thousands of people and devastated the country. Al Jazeera's Mohammed Jamjoom reports.

Qatar Rejects Renewed Calls to Fulfil Neighbours’ Demands

Qatar has rejected renewed calls by four Arab countries to concede to a list of demands to end the Saudi-led blockade and restore diplomatic relations. The US State department is also calling for Gulf nations to resolve their crisis.

The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt met on Sunday but offered no new plan to move forward. There were also reports that the countries loosened the air blockade on the country, but Qatar says that has not happened. Al Jazeera's David Chater reports from Doha.

Inside Story - Is Anti-Qatar Quartet Spreading Hate Speech in Mosques?

Clerics in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt are praising the isolation of Qatar.

State TV in Saudi Arabia broadcast prayers by cleric Abdelrahman Al-Sudais during the holy month of Ramadan, which included comments about "terrorist funders" and social media activists said he was alluding to Qatar.

Other videos and Twitter feeds of clerics in Saudi Arabia were circulated online in what appears to be a mobilisation campaign against Qatar. Some clerics in Egypt and the UAE have also been heard supporting the blockade on Qatar. What are the long term ramifications of using religion in a political conflict? | Presenter: Hashem Ahelbarra | Guests: Youcef Bouandel - professor of international affairs at Qatar University; James Dorsey - senior fellow at Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore; Shahid Qureshi - editor of online news website London Post

The Crisis in the Gulf: Qatar Responds

The foreign minister of Qatar outlined his country’s position and response to the accusations made and diplomatic measures taken against Doha by a number of countries including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Inside Story - Can Washington Push for a Dialogue on the Gulf Crisis?

There's a week to go for Qatar to meet a list of 13 demands imposed on it by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt. It includes shutting down the Al Jazeera network and aligning Qatar's foreign policy with that of the GCC among many other demands. Qatar has rejected the list, saying it violates its sovereignty.

Meanwhile, the US is calling on all sides to sit down and talk. A statement from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says while some of the measures will be very difficult for Qatar to meet, there are significant areas which provide a basis for ongoing dialogue leading to resolution. So, is dialogue even possible?

Presenter: Hazem Sika | Guests: Abdulaziz Al-Horr - CEO of the Qatar Finance and Business Academy; Ahmed Al Burai - Lecturer at Istanbul Aydin University; Hillary Mann Leverett - Former White House official.