Author: Gulf News Week

Meeting reportedly set up with US envoy, but Moscow says no Russian representatives will attend.Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he hopes to revive talks over ending the war caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion two years ago during a trip to Turkiye on Wednesday.On a short tour of European allies to discuss support early this week, Zelenskyy wrote on social media on Tuesday that Ukraine is “preparing to reinvigorate negotiations” and has developed solutions that he will “propose to partners”.While Zelenskyy did not disclose details of his trip, news agencies reported that he would meet United States special envoy Steve…

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European powerhouses secure 2026 qualification in style as Germany avenges earlier defeat with 6-0 rout while Netherlands complete flawless campaign LEIPZIG/AMSTERDAM: European football giants Germany and Netherlands cemented their places in the 2026 World Cup with commanding performances that underscored their qualifying dominance on Monday. Germany delivered a spectacular response to their early qualifying struggles, overwhelming Slovakia 6-0 in a display that erased memories of their shocking 2-0 loss to the same opponents earlier in the campaign. The comprehensive victory at a packed Leipzig stadium showcased Julian Nagelsmann’s team at their devastating best, with goals spread across six different scorers.…

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As Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prepares for a pivotal US visit, the Chamber of Commerce signals a transformed partnership, moving beyond traditional sectors to anchor a new era of cooperation in technology, AI, and advanced manufacturing. RIYADH: The United States and Saudi Arabia are building a “future-built” economic alliance, with bilateral relations at a peak of strength and poised for a new chapter of innovation-driven growth, a senior US business leader has announced. Steve Lutes, Vice President for Middle East Affairs at the US Chamber of Commerce, stated that the upcoming visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will serve…

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The Dubai-based carrier is finalizing a massive order expected to include over 100 A321neos, a strategic departure from its all-Boeing operations as it plans for major growth. DUBAI: flydubai is on the verge of a pivotal fleet decision, with negotiations pointing toward a historic initial order from Airbus as part of its largest-ever aircraft acquisition, industry sources revealed. The anticipated deal, being finalized for the Dubai Airshow, would see the budget airline purchase approximately 100 A321neo aircraft from Airbus. A smaller, supplementary order for dozens of Boeing 737 MAX jets is also under discussion, signaling a new strategy of fleet diversification…

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With a spot in the final qualifying round on the line, the UAE national team prepares for a high-pressure clash in a packed Basra, aiming to conquer one of Asian football’s most daunting venues. DUBAI: The UAE’s quest to end a 35-year World Cup drought culminates in a fiery cauldron in Basra on Tuesday, as the national team squares off against Iraq in a winner-takes-all playoff second leg. Following a tense 1-1 draw in the first leg in Abu Dhabi, the equation is simple: victory at a sold-out Basra International Stadium books a ticket to the intercontinental playoffs, while defeat spells…

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Khalfan Belhoul unveils a radical new progress metric—’National Cognitive Potential’—arguing that a country’s ability to cultivate deep thinking and human connection is its key asset against AI disruption. DUBAI – The CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, Khalfan Belhoul, has launched a compelling challenge to traditional economic models, proposing that a nation’s future success should be measured not by its financial capital, but by its “cognitive potential.” Opening the prestigious Dubai Future Summit, Belhoul set the stage for a profound discussion on the future of societies, stating, “What if a nation’s most valuable asset is the focused and interconnected minds of…

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Measure mandates transitional administration for Gaza and floats ‘credible pathway’ for Palestinian statehood.The United Nations Security Council has approved a resolution mandating a transitional administration and an International Stabilization Force in Gaza that envisions a “credible pathway” to Palestinian statehood.The resolution, drafted by the United States as part of President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, passed in a 13-0 vote on Monday, paving the way for the crucial next steps for the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Russia and China abstained from the vote.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Israel’s Ben-Gvir urges killing PA officials if UN backs…

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US president signals major arms deal before Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the White House.United States President Donald Trump says he will greenlight the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, signalling a departure in how Washington handles sophisticated weapons transfers to Arab countries.Trump made the announcement on Monday at the White House, just one day before Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is due to visit. “We’ll be selling F-35s,” the president told reporters, lauding Washington’s ties with Riyadh.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3US Supreme Court to weigh ‘metering’ of asylum claims…

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New attacks near Bethlehem and Hebron underscore intensifying Israeli violence in occupied Palestinian territory.Israeli settlers have launched two major arson attacks on Palestinian villages near Bethlehem and Hebron amid a wave of rising violence by Israel in the occupied West Bank.Dozens of settlers rampaged through the village of al-Jaba, located 10km (six miles) southwest of Bethlehem, on Monday, torching three Palestinian homes, one shack and three vehicles, according to Dhyab Masha‘la, the head of the local council.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Israel’s Ben-Gvir urges killing PA officials if UN backs Palestinian statelist 2 of 3Israel pushes US…

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Syria’s Asaad al-Shaibani meets with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi as Damascus pushes to bolster international ties.Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani has pledged to deepen collaboration on “counterterrorism” with China on his first visit to Beijing since the toppling of former President Bashar al-Assad last year.Al-Shaibani and Chinese counterpart Wang Yi agreed on Monday that they would work together on combating “terrorism” and on security matters, with the top Syrian diplomat promising that Damascus would not allow its territory to be used for any actions against Chinese interests, according to Syrian state news agency SANA.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1…

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