The United Arab Emirates has expressed strong support for former U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative to classify the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, described the move as a 'strategic, bold, and historic decision' aimed at countering a major source of extremism. In an interview with CNN, Gargash argued that the Brotherhood uses Islam as a political tool and that the designation would limit its influence, particularly in controlling mosques and funding networks. He also alleged an 'organic link' between Sudan’s armed forces and the Muslim Brotherhood, claiming some factions sought to regain power during the country’s civil war. Addressing the Sudan conflict, Gargash reiterated the UAE’s stance in favor of an unconditional humanitarian ceasefire and a transition to civilian governance. He denied allegations that Abu Dhabi supports the Rapid Support Forces militarily or politically, emphasizing that the UAE’s goal is to preserve Sudan’s unity and stability.

US defense and intelligence officials suspect that members of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were stationed at a military facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after American personnel were denied access to part of the site. Two former senior US officials told Middle East Eye that the PLA may have been hosted at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Military City around 2020. The officials expressed concern that the facility could be used to gather intelligence on US forces stationed nearby at Al Dhafra Air Base. Reports suggest that the UAE may have provided financial or logistical support to host PLA members. The Wall Street Journal previously reported that China was building a military port near Abu Dhabi, which was later halted under US pressure, though leaked documents indicate work resumed a year later. The UAE and China have deepened military ties, including joint air force drills in Xinjiang in 2024. Neither the UAE, China, nor the US Department of Defense commented on the latest claims.

An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, killing the pilot. Videos circulating online showed the aircraft hitting the ground and exploding, sending thick black smoke into the sky. The Dubai Media Office confirmed the incident, stating that emergency response teams quickly arrived at the scene. The crash occurred shortly after 2 p.m. local time. The Indian Air Force expressed deep sorrow over the loss and announced the formation of a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the accident. Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft appeared to lose altitude rapidly before impact, leaving the pilot no time to eject. The Dubai Airshow, one of the world’s largest aviation events, was concluding on Friday, with around 150,000 visitors expected to attend over its duration. The tragic crash cast a shadow over the event’s final day.

Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed played a key role in Northern Warriors’ four-run victory over Saif Hassan’s Asprin Stallions in the Abu Dhabi T10 League. Batting first after losing the toss, Northern Warriors posted 114 for 1 in 10 overs, powered by Johnson Charles’ 55 off 34 balls and Colin Munro’s unbeaten 38 off 21. In reply, the Stallions fell short, finishing on 110 runs. Taskin Ahmed claimed two wickets for 21 runs in his two overs, while Shahnawaz Dahani took three wickets to seal the win. Saif Hassan, playing his first T10 League match, struggled both with bat and ball, conceding 17 runs in one over and scoring only 15 off 11 balls. The Warriors’ disciplined bowling attack ensured their narrow but crucial win in the day’s opening match.

The Emirates Astronomical Society has forecast that Eid al-Fitr in 2026 will likely be observed on March 20, following a 30-day Ramadan. According to the society’s chairman, Ibrahim Al Jarwan, the crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan 1447 Hijri is expected to appear on the evening of February 17, though it may be difficult to see with the naked eye. Based on astronomical calculations, Ramadan is expected to begin on February 19. If the month completes 30 days, the UAE’s public holiday schedule suggests a four-day Eid break from March 19 to March 22, with regular work resuming on March 23. The official date of Eid will be confirmed later by the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee, but current projections indicate March 20 as the most probable date for the first day of Shawwal.

Abu Dhabi-based company LOOD has launched 'Heli,' the UAE’s first hybrid autonomous cargo aircraft, marking a major milestone in the nation’s aviation and logistics innovation. Witnessed by Sheikh Zayed bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the maiden flight took place during Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week. Designed, developed, and manufactured entirely by Emirati engineers, Heli is built for medium-range heavy cargo operations with a 700-kilometre range and a 250-kilogram payload capacity. The aircraft uses a hybrid propulsion system that combines electric motors for vertical takeoff and an internal combustion engine for horizontal flight, optimizing efficiency and range. LOOD CEO Rashid Matar Al Mannaei described Heli as a step toward sustainable and autonomous air logistics, capable of connecting ports and industrial zones without traditional airports. The project underscores the UAE’s ambition to become a global leader in intelligent air mobility solutions.

The United Arab Emirates has taken a major step toward futuristic urban mobility as Dubai successfully tested a passenger air taxi capable of carrying four people. Built in collaboration with US-based Joby Aviation, the electric, noise-free aircraft flew from Margham to Dubai World Central (Al Maktoum Airport). It can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h and cover 160 km on a single charge. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) informed Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who praised the innovation. Authorities plan citywide trial flights before launching the service to the public next year. Skyports Infrastructure is already building the first vertiport near Dubai International Airport. The initiative is part of broader transport projects, including metro expansion, new roads, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to enhance urban mobility.

Qatar has formally requested Israel to apologize for airstrikes in Doha before restarting negotiations on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release. Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani raised the demand with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Discussions later involved Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. envoy Steve Whitcuff, and Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. Qatar may accept an apology limited to the death of a Qatari security official, compensation to his family, and assurances of respecting Qatar’s sovereignty.

In an emergency summit held in Doha, leaders from nearly 60 Arab and Muslim nations called for a reassessment of diplomatic and economic relations with Israel in light of its recent actions in Gaza.

The joint declaration urged all states to take "legal and effective measures" to stop Israeli aggression against Palestinians, including suspending ties and pursuing international legal action.

While the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Jordan, and Egypt—countries that recognize Israel—sent representatives, their top leaders were notably absent. The summit was attended by high-profile figures including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The declaration also called on UN member states to work toward suspending Israel’s membership. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to visit Qatar following his Israel trip.

Doha witnessed a solemn funeral on Thursday for the victims of an Israeli airstrike, with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in attendance.

Among the six victims, five were Palestinians, whose bodies were draped in Palestinian flags. The sixth was a member of Qatar’s armed forces, honored with the national flag. The deceased were laid to rest at the Mesaimeer cemetery.

The September 9 Israeli airstrike targeted senior Hamas leaders, all of whom survived. However, among the dead was the son of Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya. Reports suggest the strike was aimed at assassinating Khalil and his associates.

Hamas leaders narrowly survived a series of Israeli airstrikes in Doha on Tuesday. At least 12 air raids were carried out on a hotel complex where top Hamas officials were meeting to discuss potential conditions for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Although the leaders—including Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin—remained unharmed, the hotel sustained heavy damage. Netanyahu later confirmed he personally coordinated the operation.

Qatar, in response, has condemned Israel’s actions, describing the strikes as “terrorist acts” against a sovereign state.

The Israeli military has confirmed that, with intelligence support from Shin Bet, its air force carried out an assassination attempt targeting top Hamas leaders in Qatar’s capital.

According to Israel, the leaders in question have overseen Hamas operations for years. The military stated that such actions will continue as part of its pledge to “defeat Hamas.”

This strike comes days after IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi warned that Hamas leaders abroad would be targeted. Just hours later, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced Israel’s acceptance of a U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal.

Qatar condemned the attack as “a cowardly act.” The White House has yet to issue a statement.

The first round of indirect ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel in Qatar has ended without any breakthrough.

Hamas had proposed amendments to the draft agreement, but Israel rejected them outright. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza, killing at least 82 Palestinians on Sunday, including 39 in Gaza City alone.

U.S. President Donald Trump remains hopeful that a ceasefire deal could still be reached within the week. However, the lack of clear directives for the Israeli negotiators has stalled finalization of the agreement.

Kuwait and Bahrain have reopened their airspace after temporarily closing it following Iranian missile attacks on U.S. military installations in Qatar. Dubai authorities confirmed that airport operations have fully resumed. Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority also issued a statement noting that air traffic has returned to normal.

Reuters has reported, quoting a U.S. official, that Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani mediated between the U.S. and Iran to secure Tehran’s agreement to a ceasefire in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. The breakthrough reportedly came after direct telephone conversations between Qatari and Iranian officials. The report further states that U.S. President Biden had obtained Israel’s consent for the ceasefire and then sought Qatar’s assistance in convincing Iran to agree.