UAE announces groundbreaking mission to asteroid belt, seeking clues to life’s origins
May 29, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United Arab Emirates unveiled plans Monday to send a spaceship to explore the solar system's main asteroid belt, the latest space project by the oil-rich nation after it launched the successful Hope spacecraft to Mars in 2020.
UAE releases Lebanese detainees after death in custody raised allegations of mistreatment
May 27, 2023 GMTBEIRUT (AP) — A group of Lebanese citizens detained in the United Arab Emirates have been released, Lebanon’s foreign ministry said Saturday.
Lebanon’s ambassador to the UAE notified the ministry of the release of 10 Lebanese detainees who had been arrested there about two months ago, the ministry said in a statement.
Green carpet in United Arab Emirates welcomes India’s film elite for Bollywood awards ceremony
May 26, 2023 GMTABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Indian celebrities and Bollywood stars on Friday walked a green carpet for a second year in a row in the United Arab Emirates — the signature color of the International Indian Film Academy awards.
Emirati leaders invite Israel’s Netanyahu, Herzog, to join COP28 climate conference in Dubai
May 23, 2023 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — Emirati leaders extended a long-sought invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to attend the U.N climate conference, known as COP28, in November.
British financier ordered by UAE high court to repay $1.7 billion bilked in tax fraud
May 17, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United Arab Emirates' highest court Tuesday ordered a British hedge fund trader convicted of orchestrating a $1.7 billion tax fraud to pay that amount to Denmark's tax authority.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) — The Pakistan Cricket Board is still hopeful India agrees to its hybrid model of hosting majority of the Asia Cup games at a neutral venue in September.
The hybrid model is the brainchild of Najam Sethi, who is the head of the PCB management committee.
Lebanese man’s death in custody in the UAE raises questions about possible mistreatment
May 12, 2023 GMTBEIRUT (AP) — A Lebanese man who was detained in the United Arab Emirates on unknown charges has died in custody, rights observers and family members said on Friday, raising questions about his possible mistreatment by authorities.
Pretty Mischievous wins Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs
May 6, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — An equipment change helped Pretty Mischievous bounce back from a disappointing tuneup with a statement performance in the Kentucky Oaks.
Wearing blinkers for the first time, the Brendan Walsh-trained filly took charge in the stretch and survived a late push by Gambling Girl to win the $1.25 million Oaks by a neck on Friday at Churchill Downs.
Biden dispatching top aide to meet with Saudi crown prince
May 5, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is dispatching one his top advisers to Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto leader of the oil-rich kingdom, later this week.
Fossils or not? Nations split on how to meet climate goals
May 3, 2023 GMTBERLIN (AP) — Senior officials from dozens of nations meeting in Berlin remained divided Wednesday on how to meet international climate goals, with some pushing for a phaseout of fossil fuels and others insisting that oil and gas can continue to play a role in the future — provided their emissions are somehow contained.
Why Sudan’s conflict matters to the rest of the world
April 20, 2023 GMTFighting in Sudan between forces loyal to two top generals has put that nation at risk of collapse and could have consequences far beyond its borders.
Both sides have tens of thousands of fighters, foreign backers, mineral riches and other resources that could insulate them from sanctions.
Leaked US intel: Russia operatives claimed new ties with UAE
April 12, 2023 GMTUAE leader designates his eldest son as crown prince
March 29, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab Emirates, appointed his eldest son Khaled as crown prince of Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, placing him as next in line to take over as the leader of the federation.
Israeli FM: UAE pardons Israeli citizen after drug sentence
March 26, 2023 GMTTEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli officials said Sunday the United Arab Emirates has pardoned an Israeli woman after initially sentencing her to death for drug possession, a case that tested the nascent ties between the two countries.
Bolsonaro’s legal woes deepen with undeclared diamond gifts
March 25, 2023 GMTRIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Undeclared diamond jewelry brought into Brazil from Saudi Arabia has deepened the legal jeopardy of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. An investigation into two sets of jewels reportedly worth millions is only the latest scandal threatening the far-right politician.
Brazil’s Bolsonaro turns in undeclared jewels to authorities
March 24, 2023 GMTBRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — A representative of Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro on Friday handed a set of diamond jewelry he received during his presidency over to a state bank, as ordered by a government watchdog amid an investigation into the gifts.
Their world was the oyster: Oldest pearl town found in UAE
March 20, 2023 GMTSINIYAH ISLAND, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Archaeologists said Monday they have found the oldest pearling town in the Persian Gulf on an island off one of the northern sheikhdoms of the United Arab Emirates.
Syria’s Assad in UAE to mark ongoing thaw in relations
March 19, 2023 GMTBEIRUT (AP) — Syrian President Bashar Assad arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, his first visit to the wealthy Gulf country since the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria last month.
Senior Iranian official visits UAE on heels of Saudi deal
March 16, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A senior Iranian official visited the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, just days after Tehran agreed to restore diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia in a Chinese-brokered deal that raised hopes of a broader rapprochement across Middle East.
Saudi Arabia places order for up to 121 planes from Boeing
March 14, 2023 GMTTwo Saudi Arabian airlines said Tuesday they will order 78 jetliners from Boeing and take options to buy 43 more in a major boost for the American aircraft manufacturer.
The order for Boeing 787s will be divided between Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, Saudia, and a planned new airline called Riyadh Air, which Saudi officials introduced over the weekend.
Ukraine first lady Olena Zelenska in UAE amid Russia’s war
March 8, 2023 GMTABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Ukraine's first lady on Wednesday offered spirited support to her nation's people while visiting the United Arab Emirates, a country that still remains open to Russia despite Western sanctions.
Latest astronaut from UAE getting used to space
March 7, 2023 GMTCAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (AP) — The second astronaut from the United Arab Emirates is still adjusting to life off the planet, after rocketing to the International Space Station last week.
Oil CEO who will head 2023 climate talks calls for change
March 7, 2023 GMTA top oil company CEO who will lead international climate talks later this year told energy industry power players on Monday that the world must cut emissions 7% each year and eliminate all releases of the greenhouse gas methane — strong comments from an oil executive.
New crew from US, Russia and UAE arrives at space station
March 3, 2023 GMTCAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A new crew arrived at the International Space Station on Friday for a six-month mission, after overcoming trouble with one of the capsule’s docking hooks.
The SpaceX capsule and its four astronauts had to wait 65 feet (20 meters) from the orbiting lab, as flight controllers in California scrambled to come up with a software fix.
SpaceX launches US, Russia, UAE astronauts to space station
March 2, 2023 GMTCAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — SpaceX launched four astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA on Thursday, including the first person from the Arab world going up for an extended monthslong stay.
Last-minute problem keeps SpaceX rocket, astronauts grounded
February 27, 2023 GMTCAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Last-minute technical trouble forced SpaceX to call off Monday’s attempt to launch four astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA.
The countdown was halted with just two minutes remaining until liftoff from Kennedy Space Center.
Abrahamic House in UAE houses a church, synagogue and mosque
February 21, 2023 GMTABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — On the shores of the Persian Gulf, a new complex houses a Catholic church, a Jewish synagogue and an Islamic mosque in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
Traffic surges at Dubai airport but lags behind 2019 peak
February 21, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Traffic more than doubled last year at Dubai's airport, the world's busiest for international flights, but has yet to fully recover after the coronavirus pandemic, according to figures released Tuesday.
Russia sells weapons at Abu Dhabi arms fair amid Ukraine war
February 21, 2023 GMTABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Russia offered weapons for sale Monday at a biennial arms fair in the United Arab Emirates, ranging from Kalashnikov assault rifles to missile systems — despite facing sanctions from the West over its war on Ukraine.
UN Council OKs watered-down statement on Israel settlements
February 20, 2023 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council unanimously approved a watered-down statement strongly opposing Israel’s continued construction and expansion of settlements Monday. The vote came after high-stakes negotiations by the Biden administration succeeded in derailing a legally binding resolution that would have demanded a halt to Israeli settlement activity.
UAE’s COP28 leader: ‘Fight climate change, not each other’
February 14, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United Arab Emirates' pick to lead the upcoming COP28 climate talks in Dubai called on the world Tuesday to “fight climate change, not each other,” directly addressing the anger activists have felt over his selection.
Dubai again plans for flying taxi takeoff, this time by 2026
February 13, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Dubai again is planning for the takeoff of flying taxis in this futuristic city-state on the Arabian Peninsula, offering its firmest details yet Monday for a pledged launch by 2026.
Egypt’s president praises UAE, seeking to heal Gulf aid rift
February 13, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi offered effusive praise Monday for the United Arab Emirates, seeking to repair a rift between Cairo and the Gulf Arab states that have supplied billions of dollars in aid to his nation.
Dubai boom sees Russian cash, high rents and reborn projects
February 13, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Fourteen years after a financial crisis nearly brought Dubai to its knees, several major abandoned real estate projects are finally showing signs of life as part of a new economic boom in the city-state.
Officials: Plane carrying Musharraf’s body lands in Pakistan
February 6, 2023 GMTKARACHI, Pakistan (AP) — A special plane transporting the body of Pakistan's former president Pervez Musharraf from the United Arab Emirates arrived in Karachi on Monday amid tight security, immigration officials said.
India, France, UAE to work on climate change, biodiversity
February 4, 2023 GMTNEW DELHI (AP) — India, France and the United Arab Emirates on Saturday agreed on a trilateral initiative to undertake energy projects with a focus on solar and nuclear sources, fight climate change and protect biodiversity, particularly in the Indian Ocean region.
Law takes share of golf lead in UAE after strong finish
February 3, 2023 GMTRAS AL KHAIMAH, United Arab Emirates (AP) — David Law’s strong finish gave the Scot a share of the lead with Adrian Meronk and Rasmus Højgaard at the halfway point of the Ras Al Khaimah Championship on Friday.
Hisatsune leads by 2 shots in UAE after blistering start
February 3, 2023 GMTRAS AL KHAIMAH, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Ryo Hisatsune's fast start with birdies on his first six holes helped the Japanese golfer take a two-shot lead after the first round of the Ras Al Khaimah Championship on Thursday.
Carrier Emirates test flies Boeing 777 on sustainable fuel
January 31, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Long-haul carrier Emirates successfully flew a Boeing 777 on a test flight Monday with one of its two engines entirely powered by so-called sustainable aviation fuel.
French finance minister backs pension push, UAE’s COP28 pick
January 30, 2023 GMTABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Trying to sell France to Emirati investors Monday, France's finance minister highlighted what he described as the business-friendly overhaul of President Emmanuel Macron — while sidestepping ongoing protests back home over a planned pension overhaul.
Climate groups decry selection of oil chief to oversee COP28
January 26, 2023 GMTHundreds of climate and environmental groups from around the world released a letter Thursday that decried the nomination of an oil executive to oversee the United Nations climate negotiations at COP28 this year.
S. Korea, Iran summon each other’s envoys over Yoon comment
January 19, 2023 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea and Iran have summoned each other’s ambassadors in a diplomatic spat triggered by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s comments describing Iran as the “enemy” of the United Arab Emirates during a trip to that country this week.
African activists cast doubt over climate talks’ credibility
January 17, 2023 GMTMOMBASA, Kenya (AP) — Climate activists in Africa are expressing anger toward the United Nations climate agency, accusing it of allowing corporations and individuals with dubious climate credentials to greenwash their polluting activities by participating in its annual climate conference.
South Korea president, in UAE, backs return to nuclear power
January 17, 2023 GMTABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said Monday that his nation's efforts to be carbon neutral by 2050 would rely in part on returning to nuclear power, even though his predecessor had tried to move away from atomic power.
John Kerry tells AP he backs UAE oil chief overseeing COP28
January 17, 2023 GMTABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — U.S. climate envoy John Kerry backs the United Arab Emirates' decision to appoint the CEO of a state-run oil company to preside over the upcoming U.N. climate negotiations in Dubai, citing his work on renewable energy projects.
Where are the Gulf Arab tourists? Israel’s hopes fall short
January 15, 2023 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — When Israel struck an agreement with the United Arab Emirates to open diplomatic ties in 2020, it brought an electrifying sense of achievement to a country long ostracized in the Middle East.
South Korean president travels to UAE, seeks arms sales
January 15, 2023 GMTABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol received an honor guard welcome Sunday on a trip to the United Arab Emirates as he hopes to expand his country's military sales here.
Afghan rulers urged to reverse ban on women aid workers
January 13, 2023 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — A strong majority of the U.N. Security Council urged Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers Friday to immediately reverse all “oppressive” restrictions on girls and women including the latest ban on women working for aid organizations which is exacerbating the already critical humanitarian crisis in the country.
UAE names oil company chief to lead UN climate talks COP28
January 13, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United Arab Emirates on Thursday named the CEO of a state-run oil company who also oversees renewable energy projects to be the president of the upcoming United Nations climate negotiations in Dubai, drawing criticism from activists and highlighting the balancing act ahead for this crude-producing nation.
Pakistan premier says UAE extends $2B loan, offers $1B more
January 12, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Pakistan's prime minister said Thursday that the United Arab Emirates agreed to extend a $2 billion loan to his country and provide an additional $1 billion as his nation struggles to recover from devastating floods this summer and a dire economic crisis.
Loeb nibbles at lead after 3rd straight Dakar stage win
January 11, 2023 GMTSHAYBAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Sebastien Loeb won a third successive stage of the Dakar Rally and only nibbled at Nasser Al-Attiyah's overall lead in southeast Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
Al-Attiyah remained more than 1 hour, 20 minutes ahead of the dwindling field after cruising to fourth place on the 10th stage.
UAE to ban single-use plastic shopping bags starting in 2024
January 10, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday announced a ban on single-use plastic shopping bags to take effect next year, the latest initiative aimed at reducing pollution in the oil-rich nation.
United Arab Emirates says it will teach Holocaust in schools
January 9, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United Arab Emirates will begin teaching about the Holocaust in history classes in primary and secondary schools across the country, the country's embassy in the United States said.
Interpol says a top human trafficker arrested in Sudan
January 5, 2023 GMTCAIRO (AP) — An Eritrean national described as one of ‘’the world’s most wanted″ human traffickers has been arrested in Sudan after an international manhunt led by the United Arab Emirates, Interpol announced on Thursday.
UAE top diplomat back in Syria as relations continue to thaw
January 4, 2023 GMTBEIRUT (AP) — The United Arab Emirates' top diplomat met with Syrian President Bashar Assad on Wednesday, his second visit to Damascus as relations continue to thaw between the two countries.
According to a statement from Assad's office, he and UAE's Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed boosting economic ties between their nations.
Dubai ends 30% tax on alcohol sales, fee for liquor licenses
January 1, 2023 GMTROME (AP) — Dubai ended its 30% tax on alcohol sales in the sheikhdom Sunday and made its required liquor licenses free to obtain, ending a long-standing source of revenue for its ruling family to apparently further boost tourism to the emirate.
Dubai approves extradition of financier accused of tax fraud
December 29, 2022 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A court in Dubai on Thursday approved the extradition to Denmark of a British financier accused of orchestrating a $1.7 billion tax scheme.
Hedge fund trader Sanjay Shah is accused of masterminding a scheme that ran from 2012 to 2015 in which foreign businesses pretended to own shares in Danish companies and claimed tax refunds for which they were not eligible.