Delegations from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States met in the United Arab Emirates to discuss ways to end the ongoing war. The meeting, held on Friday in Abu Dhabi, marked the first direct and public discussion between Moscow and Kyiv. The talks focused mainly on Russia’s demand for control over parts of Ukrainian territory. The U.S. delegation included three representatives, among them Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump. The specific agenda of the meeting was not officially disclosed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed he was in contact with his country’s representatives during the talks. Earlier, he expressed optimism that the meeting could be a step toward ending the conflict. Speaking in Davos, Zelensky said the core issue remained territorial division, emphasizing that both Ukraine and Russia must be ready for compromise. Russia has demanded that Ukraine cede about 25 percent of the Donetsk region still under Kyiv’s control, while Ukraine proposed creating an economic zone in Donbas and sought security guarantees in exchange for conditional troop withdrawal.

The United Arab Emirates has implemented a new Child Digital Safety (CDS) Law that makes it a legal obligation for parents to monitor and control their children's online activities. The law transforms digital safety from a matter of parental advice into a binding legal responsibility. It imposes strict regulations on harmful online content, excessive digital use, and the collection and use of children’s personal data, assigning clear duties to parents, digital platforms, and service providers.

According to the UAE Cybersecurity Council, 72 percent of children aged eight to twelve use smartphones daily, while only 43 percent of parents regularly monitor their children's online behavior. The CDS Law applies not only to UAE-based companies but also to foreign digital platforms that target Emirati child users. It mandates age verification systems, content filtering, parental control software, and restrictions on advertising aimed at minors.

Legal expert Marina El Hachem stated that parents are now legally required to oversee children’s digital activities, prevent inappropriate account access, protect privacy and security, and report harmful or obscene content to authorities. Neglecting a child’s online safety will be treated as a legal violation under the new law.

The United Arab Emirates has granted royal pardons to 440 Bangladeshi prisoners as part of celebrations marking its 54th National Day, known as Eid Al Ittihad. The announcement was made through a press release from the UAE Embassy in Dhaka, noting that the pardon was part of the 2025 Eid Al Ittihad festivities. During this period, the UAE leadership extended clemency to thousands of prisoners from various countries across the nation.

According to officials, the royal pardon program, implemented toward the end of 2025, allowed many inmates, including Bangladeshis, to rebuild their lives and reunite with their families. The initiative is described as a reflection of the UAE’s longstanding humanitarian values and commitment to compassion.

Eid Al Ittihad, observed annually on December 2, commemorates the 1971 unification of the emirates under one flag, symbolizing national unity and solidarity.

The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has pardoned 25 Bangladeshi nationals who had been convicted in the UAE. The pardon was confirmed in a statement issued by the Emirati Embassy in Dhaka on Sunday. According to the embassy, the decision followed a formal request from the Government of Bangladesh.

The individuals were arrested and tried for violating UAE laws after participating in activities linked to protests in Bangladesh during July 2024. Following the pardon, all 25 Bangladeshis have been released and repatriated to Bangladesh. The embassy described the move as a reflection of the UAE leadership’s compassion, tolerance, and commitment to justice, as well as a sign of the deep and brotherly relations between the two nations.

Previous instances of similar pardons were also noted, highlighting the UAE’s humanitarian approach and the generosity of President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has updated its visa policy, now requiring citizens from 107 countries, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, to obtain a visa prior to entering the country. This extensive list also covers nations from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, aiming to streamline travel procedures and enhance security monitoring. Notable countries on the list include Afghanistan, Nigeria, the Philippines, Kenya, Vietnam, and several Caribbean and Pacific nations. Additionally, UAE authorities have temporarily imposed a ban on tourist and work visas for citizens of nine countries—Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Cameroon, Liberia, Benin, Congo, and Burundi—citing administrative and policy-related reasons. Officials emphasized that this is a temporary measure and may change after policy review. Travelers are strongly advised to check visa requirements before planning trips to the UAE to avoid disruptions.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, arrived in Moscow on August 7 for an official visit. Welcomed with a military ceremony, he held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin focusing on enhancing bilateral ties in economy, trade, investment, and energy. The leaders also discussed regional and international issues. Sheikh Mohammed expressed hope for positive outcomes from the visit to strengthen UAE-Russia relations and cooperation in various sectors.

As part of its ongoing crackdown on dissent, the United Arab Emirates has designated 11 political dissidents and their relatives as “terrorists.” Human Rights Watch reports that none of the individuals received prior notice or an opportunity to defend themselves. Among them, at least nine are known government critics or closely related to dissidents. Only two of the eleven face charges or convictions related to terrorism. Since 2014, the UAE has declared 83 organizations as terrorist entities, leaving little room for political opposition or protest.

The Houthi Ansarullah movement has threatened missile strikes on the UAE, accusing it of espionage and military collaboration with the United States. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the group’s leader, Mohammad Al-Farah, warned that any Emirati individuals or entities providing intelligence or military aid to the U.S. against Yemen would be considered legitimate targets for Yemeni retaliation.

He emphasized that Yemen’s counterattacks will no longer be limited to Mocha and Shabwa but will extend to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. He condemned the UAE’s actions as reckless and an act of betrayal.

UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Egypt for discussions with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The two leaders exchanged Ramadan greetings and reaffirmed strong bilateral ties. The visit comes amid escalating Israeli attacks on Gaza, making the meeting particularly significant.

The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has firmly rejected any attempts to forcibly displace the Palestinian people from their homeland. During a meeting with visiting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he reiterated the UAE’s opposition to such proposals. The UAE emphasized the importance of rebuilding Gaza and advancing a two-state solution for regional stability. Previously, the U.S. had proposed relocating Gazans to two Arab nations as part of a plan to seize control of Gaza, a proposal that has been widely rejected across the Arab world.